Penny Volunteers in Costa Rica

Penny, an American who works in Africa for Habitat For Humanity in Africa, volunteered in our turtle program in Costa Rica in the spring of 2003. Here are some of her thoughts on the experience:

I loved being in Costa Rica! I loved it soo much I am considering going back this summer for another few days. Seeing the beautiful majestic animals is an experience you soon won’t forget. The Turtle Project is a diamond in the rough, very grassroots, community people helping themselves. Turning what could be a tragic thing (turtle poaching and killing) into something positive. Walking the beaches at night was very centering and peaceful. The time just flew!

I do not speak Spanish and most of the time it wasn’t a problem. Jason, the young man who started the project, has an American mother. She has lived in the community for over 25 years (she’s a former Peace Corp volunteer). She was a great conduit to between American (westerner) culture and Costa Rican.

The community is very small (450 people). There are no cars. The only way to reach there is by boat. I know, hard to imagine, but worth experiencing for yourself. The family I stayed with I recommend you stay with them as well.

I did not speak Spanish and it worked out really nice. Their names are Oscar and Ida with their 5 year old daughter. Every day Ida showed me something new. We went horseback riding for 2 hours, walks through the rain forest, meeting her family in another community. Worth it!

The transfer to the site was seamless. Eta was very informative and attentive. She spoke decent English.

I would Highly recommend that you go and enjoy Costa Rica. It was my first trip to that part of the world and it was amazing. I am pretty well travelled and work outside the US. Basically, it takes a great deal to get me excited but travelling to Costa Rica did that.

Things you should bring with you that are not mentioned in the list. Pack dark clothes to wear on the beach. Light clothes can cause the turtles not to lay their eggs. Also, long pants to wear while walking. The sea fleas bite so the more covered you are the better.

It is not advisable to walk barefoot on the beach. There is some debris, so nice comfortable walking beach shoes are a must. Oh, something I didn’t bring, that I wish I had, items from home: pictures, magazines, items from your home town, etc.

The community is very out going and friendly. The community will visit you, this is a good conversation piece.

Oh, if you are staying a long time, more than 2 weeks, you may consider doing some other activities outside the community and to see more of Costa Rica.

One last thing, Scott Burke [from Cosmic Volunteers] is very responsive to your needs. I did feel there was a safety net while I was in Costa Rica.

Good luck…