Testimonies Costa Rica
Working at Atenas Preschool
I liked that the volunteer program offered many different options for types of volunteer work and that the whole experience is customizable for each individual. I had a wonderful time working at Atenas Preschool. The
staff was so gracious and incredible with the kids. They made me feel very welcome from the beginning. The children were such a joy and I couldn't have asked for a better experience.
My host family was amazing and truly treated me like a member of the family. They all were encouraging and helpful with my learning of Spanish and my host mom was extremely patient with my progress and very accommodating of my vegetarian diet.
I learned a lot and really enjoyed the Spanish classes. The teacher's humor and patience made every class enjoyable. Two hours per day was perfect.
Louisa
Our Experience in Costa Rica
 We arrived in Costa Rica Jan. 1, 2007 to, luckily for us, start the new year by doing volunteer work. Our host city was Atenas in Costa Rica and our host family could not have been nicer. We had our own room and a large family to nurture and take care of us. Our limited Spanish was augmented with daily Spanish lessons from a native of Atenas who enlightened us as to the history of the area. Our volunteer work took place in a municipal forest which was a 20 minute bus ride up into the hills above Atenas. The setting was gorgeous. We were surrounded by green hills and mountains, cattle grazing, coffee plantations and the Pacific sparkling to the West. We maintained trails by reinforcing steps built into the hillside, building water bars, using machetes to clear the underbrush and making signs to place along the trail sides.
 Highlights of our trip included: Living in a beautiful climate and city, riding the bus to and from our work, learning Spanish from funny, patient Yadira, enjoying the food our host family served us, sitting in the park under the Palm Trees, successfully finishing our work in the forest, visiting the ocean and volcanos over the weekends and most importantly, getting to know and enjoy our host family. We spent many evenings in the cool of their porch speaking about our days and our lives. And in the course of these conversations, learning and understanding Spanish and for our host family, English.
Thank you Tina and Nolan for having us, placing us with the Arguedas.Marin family and providing us with a truly wonderful experience.
Priscilla and Don Maddocks
Essex Junction, Vermont
My time in Costa Rica was a wonderful opportunity I just got back to my home in Minnesota safe and sound. My overall experience in Costa Rica was wonderful! I truly loved being in Atenas. Learning to speak with the people of the town was great for me. I thought I'd be volunteering more than what I did, but in the end it was okay. At the volunteer site, I felt that help really wasn't needed. I tried asking for things to do, but then I felt like a burden. The women there were great sports though, and always helpful. My time in Costa Rica was a wonderful opportunity!
Caitlin Joyce
My Time in Costa Rica
I think that IFRE gives people a great opportunity to learn about the communities in Costa Rica and have a great vacation. Su Espacio is an ideal location for people who want to learn more and indulge themselves into the rich culture of Costa Rica .
One of the greatest things about Costa Rica isn't the mountains, or the volcanoes, or the forest, and not even the beaches. But, it's the wonderful people that you will meet when you stay in this beautiful country. The citizens will take you in with a warm smile and treat you as if you are one of their own, and if what interests you is learning more about the country, then Atenas , Costa Rica is the place to do it.
Dominique Sloan
My trip to Costa Rica
My trip to Costa Rica has been even better than I had hoped. From my smooth arrival at the airport, to my spanish classes and volunteer program, everything has been very well planned, and organized. During the week I am able to take advantage of the wonderful, peaceful
town of Atenas, and on weekends I have the freedom to travel around this beautiful country to get a full perspective of the culture.
The children, and workers at the orphanage are very greatful, and I felt welcomed there from the first day. I also feel like I am making a true contribution and that I have been able to really help out down here.
Jill Magnani |
