My experience was rather interesting in Costa Rica. Our host family mother, Barbara, was wonderful. She provided us with information about turtles. However the program in Costa Rica did not match our expectation that we researched from Volunteering Solutions. Barbara mentioned that there is a true disconnect from the program coordinators and the people of Costa Rica. They do not always receive correct information. We did participate in many service tasks, such as cleaning trash, pulling weeds, and helping with the hactuary. Night patrol was honestly very scary and unsafe with poachers approaching many nights. Due to a family emergency back in the states, we had to leave the program early. However even if there was no emergency we did not feel safe staying much longer. We were very disappointed. During the day there was not much work to do and it was very hot. We were told we would be able to swim in the ocean, play games, and interact with fellow volunteers. None of that happened. My friend Kristen and I were the only volunteers. There was another girl who we met but she was part of a different program and was staying for a month. Her expectations were not met either. I would not recommend this program to anyone. I am very disappointed.