๐ŸŒฟ Winter 2026/27 โ€” Costa Rica & Dominican Republic cohorts depart December 26.  Learn More โ†’
Stories ยท Costa Rica

Real Stories from Costa Rica

The voices of the volunteers whose service shaped communities across Costa Rica โ€” and an invitation to carry their work forward.

"These testimonials honor the vision of our founders and the volunteers who brought that vision to life. For future volunteers, these stories represent both a heritage and an invitation."

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

"Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. I have fallen in love with everything about the country and feel like I have been given an amazing opportunity that many people never get to experience in their lifetime."

Monica L.
UC Santa Barbara
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

"My summer in Costa Rica was the best experience of my life. I feel like I am a new person. I am educated and aware and finally feel passionate about something. Thank you so much for this opportunity."

Robin W.
CSU Long Beach
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

"As a researcher in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, I witnessed a behind-the-scenes view of a truly wonderful place. When I saw a quetzal on my left and spider monkeys on my right, I knew the next two weeks would be unbelievable."

Tamara F.
Boston University
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

"The personal lessons I learned remain the most valuable. I have learned to be more grateful, more open and welcoming, more respectful of nature. I not only feel like I have come back as a changed woman, but as an overall better person."

Jackie L.
UC Irvine
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

"My trip to Costa Rica changed my life. I discovered my ability to make a difference. The rewards of the hard work were priceless. I am a different person, a stronger person, a more understanding and open person because of HELP2SERVE.CARE."

Nicole C.
UC Santa Barbara
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

"Spending one month in Costa Rica was the greatest experience I have ever taken on. Working on the conservation project as well as absorbing the cultural experience really changed my perspective of life."

Rachel A.
Indiana University
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

"You gain an experience in living that you couldn't possibly learn about from any book. The experience changes who you are and who you want to be."

Shanez S.
University of Melbourne
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

"I find myself at a loss for words when trying to describe an experience that truly left a visible impact on me. In four weeks, I feel I have accomplished more than some can say they have in a lifetime."

Illana H.
University of Michigan
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

"I would not have traded this experience for anything. I grew not only as a person, but I contributed to those in need โ€” and that is truly what life is all about."

Allyson N.
University of Georgia
Apply for Costa Rica 2028 โ†’
Cookie preferences