Review Volunteer Jade Harris Costa Rica San Jose PreMed Program
Volunteer in Costa Rica
1- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country?
Very good, showed up at the airport on time and drop off was accordingly. Always in contact.
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced? Name 2
Program: How socialized medicine works, almost everyone gets health care and insurance, unlike the U.S. Gave me a good comparison to U.S. Health Care.
Host Family: Food from day to day is very similar, rice and beans for every meal, every day. It’s good thought. Also, 20 year olds still live in the house, showed a very complex family dynamic.
Country: The amount of wildlife/forest/mountains, was very surprising but delightful.
3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?
Program: The quantity of people who come in for treatment every day, usually 5 – 7 patients an hour.
Host Family: Language barriers, but being forced to speak Spanish leads to quick learning/comprehension.
Country: How everybody is so friendly compared to the U.S. I had to get used to talking to tons of people every day. Not necessarily bad but surprising.
4- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)
1. Bring a wide variety of clothing as weather changes quickly. Also look at the weather before your travel.
2. Donations. Personal is better than generic.
3. Weather: Rain to shine in 5 minutes, dress accordingly.
5.1-Other things volunteers should know before coming here:
(thats not in the orientation guide)
a. Bus routes are complicated but the host family can help immensely.
b. Go out and explore, even if alone, Costa Rica is typically a very safe country during the day.
c. Watch your bags in public transportation.
d. Be prepared to eat rice and beans, if you don’t like something, say you are allergic, it is polite.
6- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):
Best said in my video, but the ABV program was extremely fascinating for me as it provided insight into a health care system that I had never seen. Also the host family I was parred with was inviting and warming which added to the overall experience. I would advise this program to anyone looking to travel and compare health care systems to the United States.
7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security, friendliness, quality others:
My accommodations were very good, meals were three times a day (and delicious) and security was never an issue. I had a room to myself, shared watching soccer games with the family and fit in well.
8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:
Program: Going into low-income, poor, housing establishments to give vaccines. Not that it was glamorous, but provided great experience.
Country: Going into ZooAve and seeing the diverse range of animal/species that are present in Costa Rica, as well as conservation efforts across the continent.
9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
2 times a week, email.
Facebook chat with Marco (coordinator) frequently.
9.1- How did you find Abroaderview website (keywords, search engine, word mouth to mouth, recommended by .., other)
“Volunteer Projects in Costa Rica.”
10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes, by phone call, leave a message if I don’t answer.