Name: Stefie

Hometown: Rustington

Destination: Costa Rica

Project type: Caring for injured wildlife, Teaching, Work on an Organic and Dairy Farm

Organisation: The Leap

What were your impressions of your destination?

Stunningly beautiful, but becoming increasingly flawed with North American construction and business projects. This is mainly happening along the Pacific Coast which is famous for excellent surfing and epic, wide beaches. Off the beaten track but still accessible by bus are some beautifully unspoilt beaches like Matapalo, which are still fronted with rainforest rather than hotels, and stretch as far as the eye can see. The Tico people are bold, open and will go to great lengths to make you feel at home. They taught me so much about nature, and it is evident that they all care very much for their environment and are proud of their country's biodiversity, which is the strongest in the world.

Was the work interesting and challenging?

Extremely. I was able to work in many different environments, such as the local school, an animal sanctuary, dairy farm, organic farm and on the rainforest trails. I had the opportunity to teach, build and construct, tend flowers and plants, milk cows, pick papayas and watermelons, paint signs, and so much more. Everyday was challenging and different to the previous day.

What was your accommodation like? Did you feel comfortable and welcome at all times?

I lived with a Tico family in a very small village called El Silencio, nestled into the pacific rainforest. They were a very large and social family that made me feel instantly at home by greeting me with a huge plate of their typical food and a tour of their small, but cosy home. I was given my own room and the family respected my privacy, however, I found myself wanting to be in their company all the time as they have a great sense of humour and a happy spirit. The house had a bathroom with cold-water shower (a welcome at the end of a hot, sticky day in the forest), a kitchen and lounge area and a large porch, which like most homes in Costa Rica is the hub of social activity.

Were you happy with the organisation and the staff that were responsible for you during your stay?

Yes, there was always some work for us and we were never bored. Help was available if we needed it, and we were greeted on the first day and given a tour of the village.

Do you feel that you got value for money on the project?

I do feel that it was worth the money for the variation of work and as a first gap year experience, and being so young, it is worth paying the extra to be guided before and during your trip by a company that knows what it's talking about. However other European volunteers in the village were getting a similar experience as me for less than half the money, but with no stable company behind the scenes, and now that I am happy and confident about travelling I would probably use this option if I were to decide to go again. But for peace of mind and organisation I think it is definitely worth it.

Would you recommend the project to others?

Yes