IVHQ Childcare Program in San Jose, Costa Rica

This was a great experience for me! I grew so much and I felt empowered! The program only requires you to volunteer for 5 hours a day so prepare for downtime! You will have plenty of time to explore the city/country and try lots of food before and after your volunteering. If you are going by yourself, there are a lot of others there also by themselves who would love company! I made some amazing friends! It is scary when you first get there before your orientation, but be brave! If you feel scared or have questions, ask the Local Team, they are very helpful and they want you to have a good experience. At my volunteer placement, there were frequently people from the Local Team in and out making sure I was doing okay. Expect the unexpected! The trip wasn't exactly what I pictured in my head, but it never is! Be ready to be flexible! Overall, it was great and I learned so much!

IVHQ Met &/ Exceeded my Expectations? For my 1st volunteer trip abroad, flying solo, I was pleasantly surprised how everyone remotely and locally took my safety and comfort into consideration. The orientation was thorough prior to arriving. Additionally very welcoming when I got there. I was impressed with the IVHQ staff who not only came on the bus with me the first day but CAME to visit me MORE THAN ONCE while onsite to ensure I was OK. The accommodations hostess went out of her way to ensure all of my crazy dietary needs were met. Everything was comfortable and clean. Thank you IVHQ team. I am a grateful Canadian that hopes to share more enjoyable care experiences. ??

I did not think that I would be able to make an impact in one week. However, when I arrived at the childcare center, they had an autistic child in the classroom that they did not know what to do with. Having had a background in special education for seven years, I was able to provide them with much-needed advice, support, and skills. I feel as though I was able to provide a different life trajectory for this one child and her teachers. Getting to experience another culture and way of life with my teenage daughter was my favorite and most memorable moment of the volunteer experience. For anyone thinking about volunteering abroad, I can say, do it! IVHQ is a safe, friendly, accommodating, and wonderful organization.