What is it like Gap Year volunteering in Costa Rica?

I came to Costa Rica at an interesting time because just a week after I arrived, a protest/strike began against a new tax plan. The protest is very large and has created problems for schools because almost all teachers refuse to work, and often times traffic is bad due to protesters on the streets. Another issue, similar to in the US, is that Nicaraguans are coming to Costa Rica in large numbers due to political unrest in their country, and some Costa Ricans are upset by the mass immigration. This situation is similar to the US and Mexico, but on a smaller scale.

In Costa Rica, I work at a Biological reserve called “FUDEBIOL”, dedicated to protecting the Quebradas River Basin (which is the main water source for the city of San Isidro). I live with a very kind host family consisting of a mom, a sister and two brothers in a small sub-village of San Isidro called Quebradas. Everyday I have a scenic walk to work (about an hour walk) up a mountain to the reserve. I have grown to like the walk as it helps me stay in shape! At work I paint signs, plant trees, help maintain trails, clean buildings, and interact with the visitors that come to enjoy the park. 

The culture here is very different from the United States, but it has caused me to grow as a person and has opened my mind in certain ways. “Tico Time” and “Pura Vida” are two commonly used phrases that help describe the culture well– one meaning that Costa Ricans or “Ticos” don’t stress about time commitments or follow a particular schedule. The the other meaning is simple/pure life and the importance of staying happy and relaxed. It has been nice to experience this because in my home state, New York, being late can cost you a lot and people tend to be fueled by stress.

The food in Costa Rica is one of my favorite parts. My host mom and sister are great cooks and they even own a catering business. Everyday I try new dishes and I have only tried a couple things I haven’t loved! My favorite place that I’ve visited so far is Manuel Antonio beach, and the Irazu Volcano National Park. I plan to go on a whale watching tour this weekend, and the place I want to visit most is Limon on the Caribbean side of the country.

I have experienced many challenges on my trip but I do believe I am becoming a stronger person because of them. I knew coming into this experience as a volunteer, emerging myself into a new culture, that I would have to be more flexible and open minded towards the people around me. However, while volunteering I have learned that your own core values and morals need to remain in tact, and when it is necessary, I must stand up for what I believe in, while still respecting the culture around me.