Volunteer in Costa Rica! Community Construction Programs

Working at the dog shelter was such a rewarding experience. Being able to help with construction and renovation projects while also spending time around the dogs made the experience even more special. I really enjoyed being hands-on, learning new things, and seeing the difference our work made for the shelter and the animals.

Oscar was a great guy and I had a lot of fun with everyone in my group. The host family was very nice and all the staff were super helpful. I would definitely want to do this again. I felt very appreciated when people would thank us for painting the school.

Excellent construction company! The team was professional, reliable, and paid close attention to every detail. They completed the project on time with high-quality workmanship and great communication throughout the process. I would definitely recommend them to anyone building or renovating in Costa Rica.

Everyone I was able to talk to was such a delight, from my project manager Oscar to the lovely desk lady at Maximo. And they all had such love for the region. There’s nothing better than working with folks like that.

I participated in a beach and dog shelter beautification project. These service opportunities were well constructed, so I learned how to serve with an humble heart as well as the mission behind the place I was serving. Thank you!! Totally recommend!!

Had an amazing time working closely with local builders who were very happy to teach and answer any questions that I had, the home stay family were also very kind and helped me to figure out anything that I was confused by. Met so many lovely people and made so many memories, definitely would recommend for inexperienced travellers as everything is pretty much taken care of.

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I volunteered for 3 weeks at Maximo Nivel in San Jose, Costa Rica. We were working on the construction of a new building within a very impactful educational project for kids and young mothers. We were always busy with different tasks from painting to plastering and cement making and had an excellent interaction and communication with the local project staff. I feel that we definitely had a positive impact for the project. In the afternoons I was taking Spanish classes with a very engaged teacher. The combination of "classroom" learning and everyday practice at our project and with the host family definitely improved my Spanish. Maximo Nivel support has been excellent both before and during the project. Having a "homebase" in the city at Maximo's definitely helps to meet other volunteers and create a local social circle. I highly recommend this experience.

I had a really great time volunteering and my experience in general. All of the people I met were amazing, everyone at Maximo was helpful and everyone at the construction site I was at were kind, gracious, and great people to be around. I would definitely do this program again!

Good time. Very good work. Settled in very well with the host family. Very good food and accommodation there. Getting to the project and the information with it was easily accessible and everything was shown clearly. Good free activities also. Definitely enjoyed the work done and the people met at the projects.

I felt very welcome, staff are very friendly. Courses provided to customer are very helpful, this allows you to integrate into the culture. Communication with staff is excellent would recommend this company to future customers.

The whole experience was amazing here in Costa Rica. The staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the programs and make you feel right at home. Oscar was our program Forman and we had the best 2 weeks with him. Working hard and laughing a lot. I recommend everyone to come and give volunteering here a go. I met so many cool people and made some great memories

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I had a great time in San Jose for two weeks doing construction. I learned how to do many things I never knew about hard labor. I already had been in Manuel Antonio for three weeks and the amazing hospitality I received there continued in San Jose.

My time here was so wonderful, I had an experience of a lifetime. The work I did was so rewarding and it was amazing to see all the work that had been done over the course of my four weeks of doing construction.

This was our first time volunteering with Maximo Nivel and IVHQ. It was a great experience and I would highly recommend it. The pre-trip planning and coordination, onsite support, and volunteer opportunities are fantastic. We did the construction project and enjoyed it. Would have not minded slightly longer volunteer hours.

I did the construction volunteering with Maximo Nivel and loved it!! Everyone is so friendly and helpful when you ask. We helped with a project that supports single mothers - providing them homes, childcare, and schooling. Amazing! Also we only volunteered for half days so we had the afternoons to explore.

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Love the goals of the project and I think it is important for every one to contribute and give whatever they can. It’s a volunteer program and you will have to be self motivated to offer helps at the site! Wish I know Spanish and get to communicate without google translation!

I came with my High School aged son to expose him to international volunteer work and to spend quality time together. Maximo made to trip easy and smooth from prearrival to departure. Staff was all excellent and the locals we worked at the construction site were all very helpful and nice. We met a lot of other travelers and hope to come back again next year with more friends!

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I thought it was really fun!! The work was interesting and I learned how much work it takes to even start building a building. The people are so nice and the staff are too! They made it easier to come to a new place as a young person. I will miss this place and already miss the people. #lovecostarica

This what my first trip ever abroad by myself and I am so glad I did this. I feel so honored to be able to work on a project like this that has an impact on the community. My trip was for 1-week, and let me tell you, it was not enough time. I wish I stayed longer! I will absolutely be doing this again. This experience has been incredibly rewarding and I am forever grateful for this experience.

The workers on the construction site are very open and funny people and the days go by incredibly fast. You definitely get the feeling that you are making an impact and help the people. The staff from Maximo come and visit the project regularly and are very nice. You do lots of different tasks and have a lot of variety so it does not get boring.