International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Indelible experience! I've had the time of my life learning lifelong lessons. It has truly been an amazing experience. I've embraced the culture and fell inlove with it.

I remember the day before I left to Costa Rica to volunteer abroad I felt very nervous and unsure of what to expect when I landed in the beautiful tropical country. The moment I set foot off the plane, I met other volunteers who just arrived as well and it was comforting to know that we were all in the same position feeling the same wave of emotions. We drove to our volunteer organization, Maximo Nivel, where we had an orientation and got introduced to tons of more volunteers. That first day I met life long friends and we spent everyday together after we volunteered at our specific locations. I helped out at an elderly nuns convent and assisted with simple tasks such as eating and walking. Although I couldn't speak a word of Spanish other than, muchas gracias, being able to put a smile on these women's faces was the most rewarding experience ever. They had so much appreciation for young people coming to help them and above all sit and just listen to them. Being able to hold each others hands portrayed so much emotion and love which I will take with me for the rest of my life. Costa Rica took me away from a life of materialistic things and really had me embrace how simple things such as laughing with a stranger can make a permanent impact on your life rather than just purchasing a brand new pair of shoes. I feel like I have grown more mature from my short time in Costa Rica and would volunteer abroad again in a heart beat.

This journey has changed my life forever. My dream has been accomplished as I always had the passion of volunteering abroad and working with the less fortunate people. It allowed me to gain an insight on the different culture and lifestyles people live. The experience allowed me to meet wonderful people from across the world all under one roof with the same goal. I enjoyed working with the children and completing charity work on the side of my work. I feel proud of what I have accomplished and would do it all over again. Thank you IVHQ and I would recommend others to also volunteer with IVHQ.