Greenheart Travel

Category: Volunteer Abroad – Costa Rica

3 Ways to Spend Summer Break in Costa Rica
A note from Greenheart Travel: Since November 2020, Costa Rica has allowed residents of all 50 U.S. states to enter the country. We will be still continue to monitor the health and wellness and entry requirements for Costa Rica, but we have successfully ran all programs in Costa Rica since then. Please refer to our COVID-19 blog for the most up-to-date information on current programming.

If you’re a teen looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend your summer, you need to get yourself to Costa Rica. Greenheart Travel offers three incredible programs ranging in focus, length, and cost.

No matter if you want to live like a Costa Rican teen or and simply snorkel some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, there is an option for you.

Teen Language & Culture Camp

Alternating between weeks in the capital San Jose and beachy Manuel Antonio, our teen summer language camp is a combination of Spanish courses and daily activities like cooking classes, surfing, walking tours and even karaoke. Spend evenings and weekends with your host family as you experience the tico way of life. This is a great way to pack in a ton of Costa Rican activities in a short period of time while practicing your language skills.
- Length: Choose between 1-4 weeks
- Accommodation: Host families
- Cost: ~ $2,500 – $7,000
Ideal for:
- Spanish learners
- Meeting friends from around the world
- Getting to experience beach + city
- Short time frames
Leadership & Adventure Spanish Camp in Costa Rica

This program is designed for teens who want the rigor of language courses while also partaking in workshops, talks and informational sessions about social change, leadership, and sustainability. Located in both Heredia and Samaria, you’ll experience both an urban and beach setting. You’ll take back skills, global awareness, and tools when you join a small but diverse group of teens in this transformative program.
- Length: 2 weeks
- Accommodation: Host Family
- Cost: ~$3,500
Ideal for:
- Spanish learners
- Gaining global leadership skills
- Harnessing tools for social change
- Learning from Costa Rican experts
Summer High School Study Abroad

If you love the idea of being an exchange student but can’t miss part of your school year, don’t miss this opportunity. On our Costa Rica summer study abroad, you’ll live with a host family and be enrolled in a local high school in areas like San Ramon, Palmares, or Zarcero. You’ll leave speaking like a local and make lasting bonds with classmates and your host family. You’re also guaranteed to have a host sibling your age!
- Length: 1 month or two months, dates will be released by December 2020
- Accommodation: Host family
- Cost: ~$6,000-7,000
Ideal for:
- Full language and cultural immersion
- Experiencing a different education system
- Those unable to study abroad during the school year
March 20, 2021
Spanish Phrases to Know, a Packing List, and other Tips for Volunteering in Costa Rica
A few tips I have for future travelers volunteering in Costa Rica would be to keep an open mind and to try new things. When working at the project, you will have different jobs every day. This could mean you will have to do something you might not want to do.

In my case it was building new cages for the animals. I didn’t know if I was doing it right, or if I was going too slow. Never did I imagine that trying to build cages for the first time would be such a hard task, but it became almost impossible to do because I didn’t keep an open mind to try new things.

Along with having an open mind while volunteering abroad, here are a few other helpful pieces of advice to prepare you for your volunteer program in Costa Rica.

Packing for Your Volunteer Project
1. Something you should definitely pack for your time as a volunteer are pants you are willing to get dirty, because you will get paint on them, mud on them and you definitely don’t want mosquito bites to cover your legs.
  The project can get muddy so bring some work clothes for volunteering.
2. You should bring a good amount of t-shirts, it all depends on the duration in Costa Rica.
3. Depending on what you want to do during the weekend try to bring some of your nicer clothing. Your host family might want to take you to a party or you might want to have dinner with your friend in La Fortuna. For example my host family invited me to a baby shower, where I wore my nicer clothes and not pants that smelled like Perla.
4. Proyecto Asis has boots for volunteers to wear when you clean cages or just to use since it’s raining season right now. But regardless bring closed shoes to get dirty and have a pair of open-toe shoes to wear while in your house.
5. For sleepwear I would bring something super light since it can get pretty humid and hot in your bedroom.
6. Try to pack a garbage bag as well so you can put your dirty shoes and clothes in it when you pack to come back, just to make it easier for your mom.
Spanish Phrases to Know Before You Go

A few phrases you should know while working at the volunteer project are:

“Que hare el dia de hoy?” What will I be doing today?

Knowing this phrase will help you make sure you know what you will be doing for that day so you don’t get confused, plus you get to interact with the workers.

“Suena delicioso!” That sounds delicious!

Your host mom will cook your lunch every day and they will most likely tell you what they made for you before you put it in your bag. Saying things like “Suena delicioso” (That sound delicious), or “No puedo esperar hasta provarlo” (I can’t wait to taste it), let’s them know you appreciate their effort and hard work.

“Puedo ver la tele con ustedes?” Can I watch TV with you guys?

To really involve yourself with your host family, if you see them watching TV just ask “Puedo ver la tele con ustedes?” Can I watch the TV with you guys?

Mentally Prepare for Helping Sick Animals

Something you need to prepare for when working in Proyecto Asis is coping with the fact that you will see sick animals. Really prepare yourself mentally. During my two weeks there we got two baby monkeys and a really sick parrot.

My favorite experience while volunteering in Costa Rica was when I was able to feed the parrot, but it was very heartbreaking too. It was being fed human food which messed up the parrots ability to eat regularly. It was a chance for me to work really closely with the animals as well as a teaching moment.

These are just a few tips to help you have a life-changing and successful volunteer program in Costa Rica. If you have any additional pieces of advice, share them in the comments below!

About the Author:

Citlalli Gonzalez, is 16-years old and our 2017 Greenheart Travel Global Explorer scholarship winner from Chicago, Illinois. Citlalli is traveling abroad as a volunteer in Costa Rica and is most excited about being able to stand in one of the greenest place on earth, being able to get out of her comfort zone, and experience a new culture. Follow her adventures here!
July 24, 2017
A Typical Day Living with a Host Family and Volunteering at the Animal Rescue Center in Costa Rica
I am finally here in the greenest place in the world, Costa Rica! I’m a week into my volunteer program at the Animal Rescue Center and I have already gained many things.

I have gained knowledge of the animals I have worked with and their stories of why they are at the Animal Rescue project. What foods are appropriate for the different animals and why.

Costa Rica’s beautiful environment.

I have also gained weight, because there is no way you can say no to the delicious Costa Rican food. But you need to remember if you don’t like the food, or you think eating rice and bread is too much, you have to tell your host family. Trust me when I say that it will be easier for you and your host mom when you are honest from the start on the foods you eat and don’t eat, also on the amount you eat. Portions are very different in Costa Rica, and if you eat more or less than the amount they give you, make sure to let them know how much you eat.

My host mom is Vita and my host dad is Walter, both work in Proyecto Asis. They have a son Alex who is currently on winter break which took me a while to understand since our summer is their winter.

What to Expect in a Typical Day as a Volunteer in Costa Rica

My typical day as a volunteer involves waking up at 7:30 a.m., eating breakfast and changing to my work clothes. Between 8:05 – 8:15 a.m. I wait until the van to pick me up from Vita’s house. Once everyone is picked up they take us to the volunteer project where you will be given a job.

A few of the jobs I have done so far:
- Cleaned cages for rehabilitation areas
- Painted fences that will become new cages
- Fed the animals
- Made new toys for the animals which can involve cutting down a tree to make something
- Paint tires for the monkeys
- Use power tools to drill holes
We then have a coffee break at 11 a.m., eat lunch at 12 p.m., and the work day will end at 3:45 p.m. You will then be able to hang out with your friends at the park or nap.

Advice for Getting to Know Your Host Family

The first few days I napped because working in Proyecto Asis is a bit tiring, but when you’re tired and want to nap just let your host mom know “me voy a dormir un rato” (I’m going to sleep for a bit). Try to engage with your host family too, when you’re eating make some small conversation just like you would with your real family.

My host family home in Costa Rica.

Don’t stay in your room all day on your phone, ask your host family if they could take you on a walk, see the trees and animals all around you. But if you want to stay in your room, which is okay after a hard day at Proyecto Asis just let your host mom know you need some time alone and give her the reason why.

Make sure to spend some time outside of your bedroom during your volunteer project.

Now, if you leave to hang out with your friends always let your host mom know where you’re going and what time you’ll be coming back. Just in case of any emergency, exchange numbers to make it easier to contact each other.

Remember to smile too! Give small compliments about their house or their food, really engage yourself with their family.

For my first weekend I wanted to do some shopping and went to La Fortuna with a friend (always have someone with you) and bought some stuff for my family and friends. I saw an entirely different culture and it was amazing.

To see Costa Rica’s city life was amazing and overwhelming. Be prepared to see a beautiful corner of the world!

About the Author:

Citlalli Gonzalez, is 16-years old and our 2017 Greenheart Travel Global Explorer scholarship winner from Chicago, Illinois. Citlalli is traveling abroad as a volunteer in Costa Rica and is most excited about being able to stand in one of the greenest place on earth, being able to get out of her comfort zone, and experience a new culture. Follow her adventures here!
July 6, 2017
Volunteer Spotlight on Citlalli Gonzalez: Greenheart’s Global Explorer Scholarship Winner in Costa Rica

Greenheart Travel is excited to send a group of amazing travelers to study and volunteer abroad as part of our 2017 Travel Correspondent and Global Explorer Scholarship awards. To help introduce our inspiring writers, we are doing a series of spotlight interviews to help you get to know a little more about who they are, where they will be headed and what inspired them to travel abroad.

Read on to meet 16-year-old, Citlalli Gonzalez, our Greenheart Travel Global Explorer from Chicago, Ill., who’ll be traveling abroad as a volunteer in Costa Rica!

Favorite thing to do in your free time?

My favorite thing to do during my free time is watch Netflix and read. I’ll start many TV shows, and read many romantic novels.

Have you traveled abroad before?

I have gone to Mexico before to visit family, but this is the first time I’ll really be going away away.

What got you interested in volunteering and traveling abroad?

I go to GCE Lab School, a school where they really value community work and building. Which meant I’ve done a lot of volunteer work and the satisfaction I got afterwards was very rewarding, which is why I wished to continue volunteering wherever I can. Being able to volunteer while traveling abroad is just a huge bonus!

What are you most excited about experiencing or seeing during your volunteer program?

I’m most excited about the forest! To see all different kinds of plants everywhere, and trees that are thousands years old is what I’m most looking forward to.

Why do you feel it’s important to travel to a new place and volunteer with the local community?

I think that going to a new place and volunteering with a local community is very important because it allows you to grow as a person and change other people’s lives as well.

What are you nervous about?

I’m most nervous about being so far away from home. Illinois to Costa Rica is about 2,210 miles away (yes, I googled that) and that’s a bit scary to me.

How well do you speak a second language at this point?

Both my parents’ native language is Spanish, which works to my benefit. I am able to speak, read and write in Spanish. Being so close to departing for this trip, I’ve asked both my parents to only speak in Spanish with me and to correct me whenever I am wrong.

How do you think you will change the most during your time abroad?

I think my views toward the world will change immensely. Living in Chicago, a VERY urban area, it’s very easy to forget to recycle/reuse, or remember that there isn’t an infinite amount of water I can use. I think that the time in Costa Rica will help me be aware of that and help me respect the world and remind me that, yes, there is a limit in the amount of water I use.

About the Author:

Citlalli Gonzalez, is 16-years old and our 2017 Greenheart Travel Global Explorer scholarship winner from Chicago, Illinois. Citlalli is traveling abroad as a volunteer in Costa Rica and is most excited about being able to stand in one of the greenest place on earth, being able to get out of her comfort zone, and experience a new culture. Follow her adventures here!

June 16, 2017
Meet 7 Students Embarking on Life-Changing Travels to Volunteer, Learn a Language and Study Abroad

Seven high school and university students are about to embark on life changing travel experiences as this year’s Global Explorer and Travel Correspondent scholarship recipients. To help inspire you to go after your own overseas adventure, you’ll be able to follow along on their travels as they post articles, photos and videos throughout their Greenheart Travel programs. Read on to learn more about our newest scholarship recipients and team of travel writers!

Meet our 2017 Greenheart Travel Scholarship Winners:

Angelique Ayoade, Teen Summer Language Camp in France

“I am excited to travel to France, not only because I will have the opportunity to see beautiful and famous aspects of France (like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame in the flesh) but because I believe interacting with people of a different culture and learning is a step towards raising up unity, empathy and love for people globally.”

A goal I have for my time abroad is to be able to have a fairly complex conversation in French with a native speaker.

Bethany Carideo, High School Abroad in Italy

“There are so many reasons why I am excited to go to Italy. For one, it feels like my second home; I have been before. I am also Italian, so the thought of living there is exciting! Another reason is the language. It may be a challenge at first, but I think I’ll have fun with it. And last but not least, my host family! Living with siblings! Being an only child, I’m not used to so many people in one house. I can’t wait to be apart of a big family. In all, I am stoked for the personal growth that comes along with it all. Thank you, Greenheart, for this opportunity!”

One goal I have during my time abroad is to become proficient in Italian. When I know the language, I will be able to connect with the people even more.

Emily Evans, Volunteer at Thailand’s Stray Dog Rescue Center

“Thailand is different than any country I have traveled to before and I am excited to experience their culture through the food and the Buddhist temples. Walking the rescue dogs on the beach is going to be exciting too!”

One goal I have is to make a short documentary about Rescue Paws and its location in Khao Tao. My major in college is Communication Arts, with a focus in video production, so my professors are very eager to see my experiences when I come back in the fall!

Citlalli Gonzalez, Volunteer at Costa Rica’s Animal Rescue Center

“What I am most excited about going to Costa Rica is being able to stand in the greenest place on earth, being able to get out my comfort zone, and experience a new culture.”

One of my goals is to learn how to take care of the animals at the project, when it comes to feeding them or just cleaning after them. Another goal of mine is to learn about the culture of Costa Rica, their family values, their food and their daily activities.

Emmy Scott, Teen Summer Language Camp in Spain

“I am over the moon excited to travel to Spain because I know it will have lifelong effects on how I look at the big world around me. It’s so awesome to see everything I’ve been learning about come to life right in front of me.”

One goal I have during my time traveling to Spain is to venture outside of my sometimes introverted tendencies and create relationships and memories that last me a long while.

Rachel Shen, Teen Summer Language Camp in Canada

“I am excited to travel to Quebec City, because I have never been to a French area before. Growing up in the United States in Houston, Texas, there is a large number of Spanish speakers and Chinese speakers in my community but lacks a great number of French speakers. I have always been interested in the French language and culture, and I am so excited to be able to experience this language and practice my French in a real life setting. Quebec City is an amazing, beautiful city that is vastly different from any that I have visited. It holds so much culture and history behind its citizens and architecture. I can’t wait to see what the city has to offer and the new things that I will take in from it.”

One goal that I have during my time abroad is to connect with new people and build new relationships even in a new language and culture. I want to improve my French and to feel more comfortable practicing it. I want to really immerse myself and to teach a bit about my life to the people that I meet and learn as much as I can.

Martin Tomlinson, High School Abroad in Spain

I am very excited about traveling to Spain, a country with a culture I love. The people are kind, the culture rich, the art beautiful and the food delicious. With Greenheart Travel I will be able to deepen my understanding and appreciation of this great culture in the way only an extended stay in a country can.

A goal during my trip is to make life-long Spanish friends. I want to be much more culturally sensitive person with a more educated global worldview.

We are excited to have a chance to live vicariously through this year’s scholarship winners! Follow along this summer and fall as they embark on their adventures abroad.

Do you have any travel advice to share? Comment below!

June 12, 2017
48 Hours in Palmares, Costa Rica: Here’s What To Do and See

Although my home abroad, Palmares, may not be topping the lists of places to visit in Costa Rica, do not let its ‘sleepy coffee town’ reputation deceive you. Its central location and array of local gems makes it the ideal setting of a theoretical 48 hour trip “off the beaten path”.

A 30 minute walk from my front door leads to a variety of hiking paths and waterfalls, while a 15 minute bus ride can bring you to street markets and restaurants. If you find yourself exploring this area, below I’ve shared some must-see stops along the way.

Madre Verde

Not only is Madre Verde (¨Green Mother¨) a local sanctuary for animals and plants, but it acts as a safe haven for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil place to meditate. At about 100 acres, it features intertwining paths, a butterfly conservatory, an antique museum, and a covered area available for public use.

Because it is non-governmental, Madre Verde relies on the community of Palmares to sustain its condition. Therefore, free events, including yoga classes and runs, are held to bring the community together, as well as welcome donations. Donations are never required, but all money given goes to protecting the wildlife that serves as a teacher and home for many living creatures in the area.

Torunes

Situated along the tops of the hills surrounding Palmares, this pool area with rentable cabins is camouflaged among the coffee plants. Multiple pools and water slides decorate the property, which looks out onto the distant towns of San José (the capital) and Alajuela. Although the rural location and rocky dirt roads that lead to Torunes imply seclusion, it sits at only 15 minutes from the town’s center and is reachable by bus.

Taquería de Juán (Juán’s Tacos)

Juán’s Tacos is to Palmares as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, the Empire State Building is to New York, and the Colosseum is to Rome. As the prized possession of the town, this family owned taquería has been bringing freshly fried tacos (plated on cut-out plastic bags) to the community for over 30 years. This small restaurant has stuck to a simple and sincere menu, but the recipes bring more than their names can sum up. A ‘hamburger with cheese’ is a stacked masterpiece drenched in sauce, and a ‘taco’ is a happy roll of meat buried in a casket of french fries and cabbage. ‘Healthy’ is not necessarily a concept connected to the Taquería de Juán, but my taste buds and I can claim that ‘happiness’ undoubtedly is.

La Féria (San Ramón)

In the neighboring town of San Ramón, local farmers gather every weekend to sell their produce to the community. Over 250 vendors regularly attend to offer their fruits, vegetables, flowers, and products such as granola and homemade candles. Crops with vibrant colors and quirky names fill every row of suppliers, as the mixing scents beckon shoppers into the covered lot. This farmers’ market offers the foods that boats cannot bring to foreign countries, and the communal reality of the event makes the experience even sweeter.

Las Musas (San Ramón)

Also located in San Ramón is Las Musas, an Eco Touristic Recreation Center, famous for its waterfalls and hiking trails. The park features a restaurant with typical Costa Rican meals, two swimming pools (one for young children and one with a large water slide), and a variety of paths leading to multiple waterfalls. The longest trail (about one and a half to two hours, depending on your speed) passes a total of six waterfalls, while the shortest (about 30 minutes) leads to beautiful view points and the largest waterfall on the property.

As long as this waterfall is not gushing with additional water and mud from a recent rainstorm, the pool that collects at its base is shallow enough to safely swim and explore. If hiking is not on your to-do list or a viable option, the waterfall is also visible and easily accessible from the recreational pools and restaurant.

Google Images and lists of the ‘Top 25 Costa Rican Beaches’ may present a unique and breathtaking side of Costa Rica, filled with monkeys and coconut-based beverages, but this is not the entire country’s reality. The majority of residents live in colorful, concrete houses lining windy streets overflowing with potholes, and I believe that locations like these are where the lack of heavy tourism allows the true Tican culture to thrive.

Spectacular beaches and awe-striking rainforests have helped shape the lifestyle, but the quirky restaurants buried deep inside neighborhoods and local conservatories that never see the spotlight are parts of the lifestyle that have been created. There is nothing shameful about enjoying the photogenic hotspots featured on trendy travel blogs, but if you are interested in experiencing the places that attract the locals, be sure to take some detours along the way.

About the Author:

My name is Rachael Maloney, and I am a curious venturer fueled by good books and foreign food. I am currently spending my junior year of high school in Costa Rica, doing my best to absorb everything my 10 months abroad have to teach. I look forward to carrying these lessons with me for many years to come, and, in the meantime, sharing them in online articles for those who are interested. Follow Rachael on her adventure and read her stories here.

Do you want to experience places ‘off the beaten path’? Study abroad in Costa Rica!

March 8, 2017
Four Months After Volunteering in Costa Rica, Gary Comer Students Inspire a New Group of Volunteers

Gary Comer College Prep volunteering at the Animal Rescue Center in Costa Rica: (clockwise from left) the whole group getting goofy at a local school; teachers Ife and Aiyeshia chaperoned the group; Darrion, Malik and Santrell cleaning enclosures.

On Tuesday, December 6th, a journey that had started over a year earlier came full circle. Two seniors from Gary Comer College Prep, now in the throes of the college application process, presented at Foundations College Prep on a school night with a very important message:

Going abroad changed my life, and it will change yours too.

Sencere and Malik had volunteered for a week in August 2016, at Greenheart Travel’s Animal Rescue Center in Costa Rica, building and cleaning enclosures for rehabilitated animals that had been either sold on the black market as pets or found injured and brought to the center by locals. The students’ hard work would serve to give animals like peccaries and parrots room to roam while recuperating, in hopes that they could one day be released back into the wild.

In support of their former Race, Class and Gender Studies teacher, Aiyeshia Wong, now the English teacher at Foundations College Prep, Sencere and Malik told a room of students and parents why the teens should commit to go abroad in the summer of 2017.

Sencere and Malik, Aiyeshia’s former students, present to a new generation of student travellers from Foundations College Prep on what to expect on their upcoming volunteer program in Costa Rica.

After months of fundraising thousands of dollars with the help of their teachers, Sencere and Malik spent a week in the rainforest volunteering with animals, living with local host families, and immersing themselves in a new language and culture. Their appreciation and passion for their experience served to motivate the new group of volunteers and help their parents understand why this was an opportunity their high schoolers couldn’t afford to miss.

Busayo and Malik push wheelbarrows for moving gravel to build the foundation for a new peccary enclosure.

Malik spoke about how the program had served as the perfect inspiration for his college application essays. “They want to see that you’ve been active, and my time in Costa Rica proved that I was involved!” He’s been accepted to 8 schools already and is waiting to hear from 6 more!

Malik goes to work scrubbing monkey enclosures as Darrion hoses them down.

Sencere reminisced about an excursion to a local Costa Rican school where they got to play with elementary-age students. It was a highlight of the whole experience for her, and seeing their facilities made her more appreciative of the access she’s had to good education and other resources.

The Chicago teens meet their match: dozens of Costa Rican grade schoolers itching to play jump rope and basketball and get to know their American visitors.

Sencere and Malik definitely warmed up the crowd. The parents were talkative and smiling. A couple were so excited, they asked if they could chaperone. One mother, when asked how she was feeling about sending her child abroad, humorously exclaimed, “Send ‘em!”

The night was bittersweet. It was touching to see the Gary Comer seniors reunite with their teacher and inspire another class of students to take the leap abroad. It was also satisfying to see Aiyeshia’s incredible work come to fruition.

Aiyeshia advises parents on how to best prepare their teens for a transformative week of volunteering and cultural exchange.

It had been her personal goal to take student groups abroad, specifically students of color from the South Side of Chicago who might not otherwise be afforded the opportunity, and she’d accomplished every bit of it. Now, with more experience and the support of 19 former students forever changed by their experience, she was well on her way to impacting a new school and a new generation.

Sencere poses in front of the misty Arenal Volcano on the way to La Fortuna for a day full of sightseeing, ziplining and hot springs.

Has your life been transformed by travel or volunteering? Pay it forward and donate to help send Foundations College Prep students abroad!

January 20, 2017
Celebrating the Holidays Abroad: My Christmas in Costa Rica

Being abroad for the holidays can be very tough. Holidays are meant to be a time for family – whether that’s with your close brothers and sisters or your distant relatives. In the winter of 2015, I missed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s with my family because I was volunteering in Costa Rica for three weeks. While there were some pros to that, there were also cons.

While volunteering at the Animal Rescue project, I was living with a host family, which meant I was able to share their Christmas traditions with them. I remember waking up on Christmas morning at about 8am, and walking out to join my family for breakfast. I was expecting a big Christmas celebration, but they acted like it was any other day. We went to church the night before, and they put up a Christmas tree in the living room. But, other than that my host family didn’t do much for Christmas.

When I asked why they didn’t exchange gifts they said, “We usually do, but this year we can’t afford it.”

This was heartbreaking to hear, but it gave me an idea.

I knew I would be abroad for the holidays, so before I left I bought my host family Christmas gifts. They weren’t anything extravagant, but I figured everyone deserves to open a gift on Christmas morning. After breakfast, I hurried to my room, took out the gifts I had bought them, and put them under the tree with their names and a note on the gifts meant for them. I then went into the kitchen where they were all sitting, and asked them to come into the living room where they saw the gifts under the tree.

I may not have opened a new pair of Adidas or gotten a new iPhone that Christmas, but it did make me feel really good to put a smile on the faces of members of my host family. I decided to go abroad for the holidays because I wanted that new experience, and to see how other people/cultures around the world celebrate the holidays. Being abroad for the holidays may be hard because you will be in a new world surrounded by people you don’t know, but if you look at it with a new perspective, and keep your mind open, you will have an amazing time.

Here are some tips to help you get through the holidays abroad:

Keep An Open Mind

You were probably aware that you would be missing the holidays when you decided to go overseas, but you probably weren’t aware of how sad it could be. I get it. I was in the same place. Just be open to a new culture with different traditions, and it will probably be a ton of fun. I don’t regret missing Christmas with my family because it gave me a whole new perspective.

Accept that You Will Likely Feel Homesick

My dad face-timed me on Christmas morning when my little sisters were opening their gifts from Santa and pouring out their stockings. My little sister who was seven at the time was screaming because the reindeer actually ate the cookies she and my mom had made the night before. Listening to them opening their gifts made me really sad, and all I wanted was to be there with them. But, as soon as I accepted that I was in an amazing place with a family that was so sweet and loving, I started to cheer up.

Get off Social Media

I was guilty of this as it is so tempting, but it is going to make you feel much worse if you go on social media. It won’t do anything for your homesickness if you are watching your friends and family having fun without you.

Cocoa fruit in Costa Rica.

Go out with Friends

When I was in Costa Rica, I spent Christmas afternoon with one of my really good friends who was also from the USA. Her and I went on a chocolate tour, and got to try all these different kinds of chocolates. It was a lot of fun and completely took my mind off of how sad I was to be missing Christmas with my family.

Being abroad for the holidays is such an amazing gift because you get to share your culture with others. Always remember people may not remember what you said or what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

Would you like to experience the gift of cultural exchange?

December 15, 2016
Alumni Spotlight on Tarik; Passionate about Environmental Sustainability and Protection

Tarik Shahzad is a Greenheart Travel Ambassador and alum. After spending a week volunteering in Costa Rica at an animal rescue center, he returned to Chicago to finish his senior year at William Howard Taft High School. His renewed passion for sustainability led him to found an environmentalism club at his school, volunteer at a local forest preserve, and pursue a dual degree in Environmental Studies and Law at Cornell University.

Greenheart Travel recently caught up with Tarik to see how his experience abroad has impacted his personal and professional goals, and what exciting plans he has for the future!

What did you learn about yourself and your interests during your time volunteering in Costa Rica?

My volunteer experience in Costa Rica helped solidify my passion for environmental sustainability and protection. I was surrounded by passionate individuals who sacrificed their time for the greater good of the wildlife around them. Their work ethic and devotion to the environment had a profound impact on me. I was inspired to create a positive impact just like the volunteers at Proyecto Asis do every day. My time abroad taught me that giving back to the community and working for the betterment of others is truly self-fulfilling. Moreover, I am convinced that my future goals to improve environmental health were a product of my experiences at the wildlife refuge center. Most importantly, my love for political activism and debate helped combine these two passions into the career path I am pursuing today – environmental law.

Can you tell us about speaking at the Greenheart Gala, and why you accepted the invitation to be a part of that event?

I accepted the invitation to the Greenheart Gala because I wanted to inform the attendees of how important my experiences aboard were in cultivating my passion for environmental sustainability. By speaking at the event, I would have the unique privilege of convincing people to contribute to the environmental career building of countless more youth! My short speech at the Gala was extremely nerve-wracking, knowing that I have one-shot at persuading the attendees to donate to the high school aboard program. Additionally, I felt pressure to do well from myself, since I do not have many friends who are interested in careers centered on the environment. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to speak at the Gala. I hope that the contributions by the attendees will propel Greenheart Travel’s high school abroad program to new heights, and that more students will become inspired in this important field of study.

What have you been up to since you went abroad the summer before your senior year of high school?

After completing my senior year, I volunteered at my local forest preserve for one month. I assisted in clearing trails and gave tours of the preserve during weekdays. In addition, I volunteered for Bernie Sanders campaign and phone-banked for him in New York, California, and Oregon. I chose to support Sanders’ campaign because I believe he had the best environmental record compared to any other candidate in the race, and did not accept money from corporations who regularly pollute our environment on a massive scale. In addition, I recently phone-banked for Tim Canova for the 23^rd congressional ward in Southern Florida. Mr. Canova’s stances on eutrophication and water accessibility are the cornerstones of his campaign. Outside of political activism, I spent time with my family and friends; since I will be moving in early September, I wish to cherish the moments I have with them until I begin a new chapter of my life.

Tarik with his host family in Costa Rica.

How do you think your time in Costa Rica impacted your college search and final decision?

My time in Costa Rica had a powerful impact on both my college search and final decision. I was able to solidify my passion for environmental activism which I then expressed on my college applications. Not only was my experience a supplement to my resume, but it also helped me answer college essay prompts pertaining to my newfound passion and future goals. I wrote essays on how my time in Costa Rica shifted my perspective on potential career paths, and provided necessary insight on how I can make a positive impact on the environment. I believe my time in Costa Rica was a necessary part of my applications. As I searched for different institutions, I centered my research on schools which had renowned environmental programs. Also, I aimed to apply to schools with a student body which would be proactive in environmental activism. I decided to commit to Middlebury College initially because they have the oldest environmental studies program in the nation, and are the first higher-learning institution to pledge carbon neutrality by 2017. However, I will be transferring to Cornell University in the Fall of 2017 because I want to couple environmental studies with a pre-law program, which will help prepare me for environmental law.

What are your future goals (after college)?

My goals after college are applying and hopefully being accepted into law school. I wish to pursue law while utilizing my knowledge in environmental studies to combat injustice within society. I believe that pursuing law may open doors to creating real change for environmental issues plaguing people in our world today. By combining these two fields of study, I hope to fight for constituents who have felt the brunt of environmental injustice because of a corrupt law system. I wish to continue my political and environmental activism even after college and make these a staple in my life. I also wish to teach others about environmental issues, and propel sufficient solutions to environmental issues we are facing today. I have faith knowing this generation has been the most active when it comes to combating climate change and engaging in environmental discourse. Wherever my path may lead, I hope I can enjoy the work I do while also making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Do you want to go back abroad, and if so, where and to do what?

In the future, I wish to visit Palestine and investigate the environmental issues Palestinians are facing. Due to economic and political pressures, the people of Palestine, particularly the West Bank, are constrained in terms of water and food resources. Even though this may seem like a human rights issue, it is also an environmental crisis. Countless water supplies are polluted or prohibited from use. I believe the people of Palestine deserve self-autonomy in terms of their own water resources and I hope gaining first-hand experience on this crisis will help me fight for this important cause.

Ready to have your career path shaped through your own volunteer experience abroad?

October 18, 2016
Returning to Costa Rica for the Summer

In the summer of 2015, I decided to take a risk, one that would turn out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. I went on my first international trip alone, and spent a week volunteering in San Jose, Costa Rica. Spanish had been one of my weaker classes, and after only taking two years, I wasn’t entirely sure that I would be ready for such an immersive program. Within my first day there, I noticed something: I was managing to have conversations in Spanish, and for the most part, get my message across. When I returned to the United States, I realized I was speaking more proficiently and smoothly in my school Spanish class.

As for the social aspect, my first experience was much more in my comfort zone. Most of my time was spent in a group of other (mostly American) high school students. I had time to speak English, and it was nice to be able to reflect on my experience with them while I was there. At first I had felt a little out of place, staying in a completely foreign country, but the program was always there to guide me through it.

As soon as I got back to the United States, I knew I had to do something more. My first time in Costa Rica felt like a test run, a preparation course, for a real homestay in Costa Rica. I was ready to be immersed in a program like Proyecto Asis. I was looking for a program that was run by “ticos”, with less structure and more independent time.

As soon as I landed in Costa Rica for my second trip, I was grateful for my first experience. I realized how different real world Spanish skills are from a classroom environment. But, because I had been to the area before, it came quickly to me and I started to recognize the local dialect. I was picking up new vocabulary, learning new patterns of speech, and developing an accent in an entirely unique way. Had I been in a traditional classroom setting, I would have missed out on this opportunity to truly involve myself in a new language.

Although just studying language on my first trip had served a worthwhile purpose, the familiarity of the setting reduced the amount of time I had to actually practice. For the most part, I had the convenience of talking to an American program coordinator throughout the trip, and they clarified and translated for the students. On top of that, we were in San Jose, and many of the activities we did revolved around urban life–not too different from home. However, it did offer an interesting perspective into what cities are like in Latin America, while remaining in a safe environment.

Learning about Costa Rican culture was one of the most important additions I received on my second trip, when my entire time was spent in a true Costa Rican environment. After having been worried about traveling alone, I can only feel grateful that I took my opportunities to visit this country, because they both created memories to last a lifetime.

September 20, 2016