Costa Rica Volunteer Programs | Most Affordable & Trusted

IVHQ is an excellent program for groups, would highly recommend. We took a group of 14 students on this trip. Booking the trip was simple, easy, and low stress. All employees that we worked with were very helpful and provided all of the information we needed to complete the trip safely. Upon arrival, we were offered an educational session on how the week was going to be organized. They then provided transportation to our housing where our groups would stay for the week. I would highly recommend this company to colleges.

This program was particularly memorable for me as I was able to embrace and be immersed in a new culture, lifestyle, language and environment. I was able to work with locals and be educated in their practices on the farm. I have a new appreciation for the work that goes behind a cup of coffee and other produces. Staying with a host family was also special as I was able to bond and make friendships with my “host siblings” and “parents”. I was made to feel at home even from across the world, which was a feeling to be grateful for. This is my second trip with IVHQ, and will definitely not be my last.

I can't recommend this program enough. If I'm being honest, I was hesitant to embark on this because I wouldn't know anyone and I was going to a completely different country. All the unknowns can seem scary but this is also what makes it such a rewarding and impactful experience for me. I became so much more confident in myself and my abilities, while also helping other people through volunteering. IVHQ was so supportive and flexible which helped me feel safe and that all my needs and desires were served. This allowed me to embrace the experience as a whole without worrying about all the little details that were organized for me by IVHQ, such as housing, meals, excursions, friends who were my roommates, and transportation.

IVHQ provides everything you need for a good experience and prepares you well for it. The IVHQ staff and the Maximo Nivel staff are extremely supportive.

In order to make the most of your experience, I highly recommend speaking with the locals and getting their recommendations on what to do, eat and see. Also, attend as many events
as possible (e.g. salsa classes, cooking classes, spanish classes, etc.).

By the way, the water is safe to drink in Costa Rica. Pura Vida!

I definitely recommend!

For me it was my first volunteering experience and I am satisfied with the program choice made (animal care in San Josè - Costa Rica). What I found was an environment where you have to work hard, even with menial jobs, but which perfectly reflected the idea I had of what I was going to do. I love animals and for the first time I found the satisfaction of concrete help for animals in shelters, help that goes far beyond simple caresses and cuddles. In my opinion it's a perfect start for someone who wants to work with animals.

My experience in Costa Rica was amazing and this was possible thanks to IVHQ too. Since the beginning, I felt supported by my project manager who promptly answered to my questions and responded to my needs.
The program guide available on the easy access IVHQ website is a fundamental tool to not get caught unprepared before departure, in fact, this along with the orientation day made me feel ready and safe.
My host family was very accommodating and I will carry everyone in my heart. They made me live like a real Tico!
The local team verified about twice a week that everything was ok on the field while volunteering. On one of these occasions, I was filmed while proposing conscious breathing and mindful eating activities to the children. I did it in accord to the reference teacher. I suggest you release your creativity without fear.
I turned to local team travel agency to organize trips of one or more days. I highly recommend doing the excursions on your free time in order to not miss beauties of this wonderful country.
I really enjoyed the salsa and cooking lessons offered by the local team, another good way to know others people from all over the world!
Pura vida!
Silvia

The growth I experienced at 57 years old was significant! Further, I was as fortunate to spend 4 weeks with my daughter which brought us even closer. The friends and connections we made are invaluable. We made friends with the people of Costa Rica and the people we volunteered with. I joyously expect our friendships to last a lifetime.
The staff of IVHQ as well as the in country organization of Maximo Novel were extremely helpful and understanding.
This adventure was a leap of faith that did not disappoint!

This was a wonderful, unique and blessed experience. You get to meet many people from different parts of the world. The way you meet a learn aboit the xpintry is " hands on". You learn how they live and how they can affort moving from.point a to b. Tje personnel made this experience very easy and they have many activities for volunteers to meet and hace an active social life after volunteering which was what made this a unique experience.If tou want to learn from a country you definetly need to volunteer at IVHQ. The BEST!!