Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica - Adventure with Purpose

Doing Raleigh was one of the best things I have ever ever done. If you’re thinking of doing it my divide is to just go for it! The environment phase felt like I was making a difference and supporting the local community's and helping the environment. The hike was amazing too. If you’re feeling nervous or unsure about it, again don’t! It’s such an amazing experience where you get to push yourself mentally and physically! Thank you Raleigh for a life changing experience

I loved every minute of raliegh especially the community phase as we were completely immersed in a new culture and had the opportunity to impact the lives of those who we were helping. Trek is also incredible

The amount of flexibility Raleigh gives you to explore parts of yourself you didn't know existed is phenomenal. This is multiplied by the relaxed friendly atmosphere of the volunteer managers and other volunteers, this allowed people to communicate problems formed during and before the program which we could easily help with and support them in any way possible. I have made friends for life who have a similarly driven, outdoor, and kind array of abilities that has led to a strong circle of individuals that I can trust and hopefully work with in the business world later in life

Overall I had an excellent time on my volunteer placement with Raleigh International in Costa Rica. The fieldbase is in a great rural location surrounded by stunning scenery and close to the town of Turrialba, which has everything you need. The accommodation, whilst quite basic, is comfortable and for the fieldbase team a bit more privacy is afforded. The day to day life at fieldbase can range from very busy to very quiet, depending on the stage of the project. My role as Logistics Officer was varied and challenging at times, especially when approaching deployment time for the projects. We also had alot of opportunities to visit project sites and see the planning of the project come together. Whilst the majority of the projects were well planned, there was alot of last minute planning, some of which was due to circumstances but some of which could of been planned more in advance. This sometimes led to confusion amongst the team and to frustration for us and the volunteers. I was also surprised by the amount of food waste and rubbish created during the expedition. Routinely food ordered for meals at fieldbase was way too much and whilst we tried to eat this for other meals where possible, a huge amount went to waste. The food provided for the expedition phases, especially for the trek phase, seemed to me to create a lot of waste and unnecessary weight for the groups to carry. Also on projects in community and at the fieldbase itself, the facility to recycle waste was very limited and for an organisation that promotes itself as being environmental conscious this was not a great look. Also alot of the equipment, especially for communications (which can be vital, especially in an emergency) was old and not working to anywhere near the level required. Despite these issues, I do believe the impact of a Raleigh International expedition is a positive one, on local communities, the environment and the volunteers themselves. You only had to listen to some of the volunteers in the days prior to them returning home to know this will be an experience they will never forget. I would recommend Raleigh International, however going into the expedition with your eyes open and with a willingness to try and help change some of the processes they currently employ.

Going in I felt anxious on what to expect as I have never traveled on my own, however that was quickly taken away by the support and encouragement from all involved, I have never met kinder and more likeminded individuals! The time I shared will forever be cherished and I would gladly put myself forward to do it all over again.

When I applied to Raleigh I was quite daunted by my initial idea of what Raleigh was. Knowing I would be sleeping on a mat on the floor for ten weeks and it was sort of inspired by the army definitely put me a little on edge. Not something I was used to back home in England. When I was on my flight I noticed some people who looked my age in walking boots carrying their Osprey bags and immediately knew they were Raleigh people. I started to chat to one of them and she became one of my best friends on the expedition. She put me at ease with her mutual nervous trepidation. The adjustment at the beginning was quite hard, I was running on excitement. But soon I was making the best friends ever and felt like I really belonged. It was really the people and the landscaped that made Raleigh so brilliant. I had the best time of my life. That it was not something I would naturally do made it even better for me. Some experiences, like getting to the beach after trek and painting a mural on a classroom for indigenous kids, changed me for life and I would say it’s one of the best decisions I ever made to embark on Raleigh. These people are amazing.

I was not expecting to meet and find friendship with such a diverse set of people. Ages, backgrounds and cultures. The expedition was an incredibly positive experience and that atmosphere was set right from the start.

I joined the raleigh Costa Rica spring 2022 10 week expedition. I was the only American in the expedition which lead to me leading a lot of new people from completely different cultures whether it be England, Germany, Costa Rica, etc. During my 3 phases of community resilience, nrm and trek I believe I was able to improve my social and leadership skills. I felt I had projects that made lasting change and bettered communities. Although there was a lot of hard work we all felt very accomplished at the end. I suggest this program wholeheartedly because of involvement in environmental education, social and leadership skills, and creating a lasting impact.

Raleigh is amazing, the people especially make it. On my ten week programme they were all fun-loving and amazing people to be around. While I was excited about the environmental phase the most, building school buildings and getting to know local communities was by far the most inspirational and rewarding phase out of the 3. Trek was also incredible, taking us all over the country across loads of different communities. Overall it is not what you expect, sometimes frustrating, definitely difficult and super stressful, however with all that included, it was still one of the best and most rewarding experiences of my life

My time with Raleigh international was absolutely fantastic. Living with a host family was a great way to immerse yourself into the local culture and develop strong relationships with the community. I would highly recommend this experience regardless of your background, skills or experience, everyone can benefit from it.

This is Everything I wanted to do and more. I wanted to volunteering making a difference and I can here. I loved the country itself and the project was something I wanted. Using my business studies knowledge contributes to the livelihood project. I wanted to go abroad and was able to. I get to experience the culture and their hospitality. The weather and living conditions was what I expected. A bonus here is the community, and environment. There's animals, and I love zoos in England so this is way better. There is good health and safety put in place to avoid becoming ill. Once in a lifetime opportunity. So one word... Amazing :)

I joined the 5 week programme to cost Rica and it was honestly the best decision of my life. I met amazing people, did amazing things and had an absolute blast while doing it! Would recommend to anyone with the guts and commitment to do it!

I can not put into words how much this experience meant to me. It was life changing in so many ways. You learn so much about the importance of team work, respect, becoming humble. The whole structure of Raleigh is brilliantly planned and executed. Even though we were really living off the beaten track I always felt safe. This to me is a real experience as often traveling I find can be very artificial in the experiences you have. With Raleigh we lived with a tribe who had little contract with westerners and the experience I feel for all of us was very beneficial. Tanzania is a very special place, its warmth and culture made an everlasting impression on me. From teaching in the school, working alongside villagers to bring a fresh water supply to the community, helping local people to preserve the lives of elephants, climbing mountains (the list could go on!) This is an experience I will carry in my heart forever. I couldn't recommend it more highly, what an adventure, what a challenge, what an opportunity to come together and unify on something that changes lives both of local Tanzanians and volunteers!

A 7 week expedition in Costa Rica, which was made up of an environmental phase and a trekking phase. Working as part of a Conservation team during the environmental phase, in Guayabo National Park, Turrialba. The work involved reforestation, monitoring of the park and identification of species. Trek phase involved walking for 250 km over 15 days through the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. The whole experience developed my communication skills, ability to work in tough environments, working with locals and langue skills, it was a fantastic experience and I couldn't not recommended it more!!

In 2015 I volunteered as a venturer on one of Raleigh International's 5 week expeditions in Costa Rica; it was undoubtedly one of the greatest things that I've ever done and to this date not a week goes by that I don't think of the time that I spent out there. From the 5 day trek to the 11 day projects on St Lucas and Carara National Park every moment of that 5 week expedition was truly incredible, so much so that one year later I signed up to do it all over again in Tanzania!

Where do I start? Gaining valuable life and leadership skills, travelling to two of the most beautiful countries in the world (Costa Rica especially) and creating countless memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Whether you are a student on a gap year or a young adult looking to go travelling, this couldn't be more perfect for you. I fell in love with Costs Rica's outstanding scenery and their laid back way of life. Perfectly summarised by their locals motto 'Pura Vida' which translates to pure life. Along with meeting the locals, there are many other volunteers on the expedition from all across the globe, creating new friends along the way. If it wasn't for Raleigh, I would have never thought of travelling to this part of the world and am forever grateful for the opportunity they have given me. Please do not hesitate to do this!

Before departing to Tanzania I was more than apprehensive about what the experience would be like: would I make friends, would the community work be really helpful, would I be homesick the entire time?! But after the first two days I was already having the time of my life! There wasn't a spare second to be homesick because we were doing so much training and preparation for the community phase. The few times that I did feel sad, my group leaders were so kind and understanding that I always felt better quickly! The highlight for me was all the people I met, both the Tanzanian volunteers, leaders and other international volunteers, as well as the children and teachers at the school. We worked hard every day and had so much fun cooking and singing and chatting in the evenings. It was great to chat to the Tanzanian volunteers and hear about their plans for the future and their experiences, but also just to play football and netball together, sing and dance and play games with the school children. There was never a dull moment. The hardest part was definitely saying goodbye! You will never want to leave after you've been on a Raleigh Tanzania expedition!

I spent 13 weeks as a volunteer manager in Costa Rica & Nicaragua and was one of the most enjoyable things I've done! My role was about supporting a team of volunteers - trying to motivate a team of people to trek across the country when I wasn't sure I could get there myself was definitely challenging but totally rewarding. I was probably the least likely person to lead a trek but am proof that anyone can do it. Costa Rica is a beautiful and the people are so friendly and the time spent working in the national parks and on community projects in Nicaragua was amazing. The biggest reward was definitely seeing the volunteers develop.

Leading a team of young international volunteers on a summer-long expedition to one of the most vibrant and awe inspiring places on earth is without doubt the most worthwhile experience of my life to date. Without putting too fine a point in it, it was probably my only experience of living outside of the bubble we call home and now not a day goes by without me feeling immensely grateful for my place in the world and energised to actively participate in it's improvement. Whatever your background or motivation, if you're looking for inspiration, challenge, camaraderie, and unique experiences with lifelong friends then this is for you.

My team and I trekked into the local indigenous community of Tsiruri in the Costa Rican jungle. Whilst there for five weeks we built three classrooms and a bedroom for students and teachers who travelled large distances to go to school each day. The community were very appreciative of the work we did and welcomed us into their community, playing music, showing us around the area, playing football matches with the volunteers and cooking us great food everyday. Some of us took part in teaching English and Mathematics lessons as well which gave a great opportunity to get to know the students and teachers more. The experience was extremely exciting and motivated me to go and work as a volunteer after the expedition had finished and it was our time to leave. I stay in contact with some of the people from the community and plan to return myself this year to see how they are all getting on two years after we went there.

I will always remember these 3 months in our little village of Tanzania. Not only I met amazing people and friends, but I also learnt so much about myself, my own boundaries, strengths and dreams. I feel like we made a difference in our host community and that the project has help so many people fulfill their potential. We brought and gained hope that we can make this world a better one, by sharing and learning together.

When I stumbled upon the Raleigh International Expedition page on the internet I knew that this would be the perfect volunteering opportunity for myself. After having spent 10 weeks in Costa Rica and Nicaragua with Raleigh it has by far been the best experience of my life. I was personally pushed and challenged and was inspired by the kindness of the Costa Ricans and fellow volunteers. Over a year after I volunteered with Raleigh I still value the experience, noticeably see how it changed me as a person and speak of it often. I'm planning on going back on Expedition with Raleigh soon, and I could not recommend doing a Raleigh Expedition enough- I do now know anybody who regretted it, and I certainly could not have loved the experience more!

My expedition in Tanzania really opened my eyes. It opened my eyes to what I can achieve as an individual. On an expedition, you're surrounded by like minded people who all share the same vision. It's a powerful, inspiring environment to be in. It also opened my eyes to international development. As a volunteer, you are at the heart of sustainable development projects. You could work on projects to provide clean water to a community, or to conserve the environment through reforestation. Raleigh truly believe that young people can make a difference. Because of this, you are actively encouraged to achieve more than you think you can. It pushes you out of your comfort zone. Since returning to the UK, Tanzania is a country that continues to draw me back. There is something special about it that I can't quite put my finger on. It's a country filled with people who truly care about others; there is a real sense of community. The landscapes are aesthetically beautiful. And there is always a pleasant surprise around the corner. My top tip for anyone thinking about going to Tanzania would be to leave your perceptions on poverty behind. Yes there is poverty, yes you will see it, but it is not the even a piece of the whole puzzle. Even though many have so little, it's a place filled with joy and happiness. It makes you appreciate the small things. Only those who have been can truly appreciate how special a country Tanzania truly is. It can't be put into words. It was a pleasure to work with an organisation that encouraged me to become the best version of myself. Whilst helping me gain the skills, knowledge and ethic to have a greater impact on the lives of others during the process. If you want to create impact, be surrounded by like minded below (who will become your closest friends), whilst being in a safe, secure environment, I couldn't recommend Raleigh International enough.