Some insight into my first time volunteering abroad!

I scheduled my trip through IVHQ (International Volunteer Headquarters), which was super easy, efficient, and felt (and was) safe. The local organization in Costa Rica that IVHQ works with, and who actually carried out the details of my program, is called Maximo Nivel. All of their staff was incredibly helpful, professional, and they made my experience an unforgettable one.

I botched the cost details in the video so here is what that actually looks like!

Registration Fee: $345.45
** This secures your place in the program once you've applied and have been accepted. I believe this is the same cost across all programs unless you want to pay more to have a flexible registration in case you change your mind about what trip you're going to go on.

Use my code W2N4H9 to get 10% off this fee if you book!

Program fee: $1,632.75
** This included lodging with my host families, 2 meals per day, getting picked up from the airport upon my arrival, bus travel to and from different destinations within the program, placement in my volunteer experience, and all excursions/adventure days that I had bundled into my trip. This cost will vary greatly depending on what program you decide to go on. During my second week when I was on the coast, I white water rafted, went zip lining, went on 3 different guided tours, and went on a sunset catamaran ride, many of which also included meals. This was all included in my program fee.

Flights, going out expenses, buying meals not provided by your host families, Ubers, etc. are all additional, but if you're disciplined and use what the program provides, you can live pretty cheaply. Keep in mind, my program fee is inflated greatly because of all my excursions. If you are solely volunteering, it's going to be much less.

Well I can't recommend IVHQ/Maximo Nivel enough! This was such an incredible experience and I can't wait to do something like this again. Combining volunteering with travel is an amazing way to feel integrated within the culture that you're visiting. I hope that this video was helpful, insightful, and might even inspire you to go on one of these trips soon. You surely will not regret it! Feel free to ask any questions in the comments!

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