Review Volunteer Thanh Sy in costa rica san jose child care program
Volunteer in Costa Rica
How was the local abv coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country (airport, orientation day, follow up, communication, emergencies)?
I was picked up promptly at the airport by a friendly driver named francisco when i arrived in san jose and was taken to my homestay. The local ABV staff was met me at my homestay and gave me information regarding living in the country and where I would be volunteering. I was always able to contact the local staff and they were excellent in answering any questions I had.
2- what was the most positive surprising thing you experienced ?
A.- Program: how similar the children are to children in the United States. Kids are kids everywhere in this world.
B.- Host family: my homestay had five very cute dogs living in the house.
C.- Country: there are more chinese restaurants in costa rica than there are in the united states.
3- what was the most challenging thing you experienced?
A.- Program: i had no prior experience with children so getting adjusted to how kids think and act was a real challenge for me.
B.- Host family: none really.
C.- Country: the poor conditions of the sidewalks and the lack of formal addresses.
4- any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, gift for the host family)
1. Bug spray
2. Local items from your home to give to your host family
3. Long sleeve shirts and long pants
5.1-other things volunteers should know before coming here:
A. Costa rican people are very friendly
B. The internet is usually slow
6- personal paragraph about the entire experience (abv program testimonial) give as much detail as you can:
This was a great experience for me and the program lived up to its name. I do feel like i have gained a broader view of this world. Working with the children at the orphanage really put my life into perspective for me. I know there is more i can do after this experience and i will continue to try to make a difference in lives around the world.
7- how would you describe: your accommodation, what meal did you enjoy the most, security in the house/neighborhood, friendliness, quality others:
I felt totally safe in my homestay and the neighborhood where i lived. My accommodations were great. I had hot water, internet, laundry, and the meals prepared by my host mom were delicious. My host parents were also eager to answer any questions i had and eager to help me get adjusted to living in costa rica.
8- what was your favorite memory of this trip?:
A.-Program: the day a previous resident of the orphanage came back to visit with his daughter.
B.-Host family: my host mom’s hospitality and my host dad’s humor
C.-Country: the friendliness of the people and the pura vida lifestyle
9- how was the abv usa support prior traveling?
the usa support from abv was fantastic. I always got a prompt response via email and all my concerns were addressed.
9.1- what do you think about the reservation system online?
The reservation system was straight forward and easy to navigate.
9.2- who did you find abroaderview website
A friend recommended abv to me after she did the program herself in peru during the summer of 2015
10 – are you willing to speak to other potential abv volunteers?
Yes, certainly.