I was unsure about what to do with my life and needed to get some perspective and experience something different. Embarking on a three-month journey to Junquillal, Costa Rica, during the Arribadas season was an adventure that surpassed all expectations. As a California native on a gap year, the decision to dedicate a portion of my time to sea turtle conservation with Maximo Nivel turned out to be a life-changing experience.
Upon arriving in Junquillal, I quickly settled in with the help of the Maximo Nivel team. The beach was beautiful, and the other volunteers were very welcoming and interesting. I stayed here from September until the end of November, which is the best time to go should you want to see the most turtles. The Arribadas season was in full swing, and the urgency of the conservation efforts added an extra layer of excitement to the entire experience.
One of my main responsibilities was contributing to the construction of hatcheries where sea turtle eggs would safely incubate. The meticulous process involved ensuring the structures were secure and provided an optimal environment for the eggs to hatch successfully. It was gratifying to be part of a project that directly contributed to the preservation of these ancient creatures. Taking part in egg collection from the beach was both exhilarating and humbling. The thrill of carefully retrieving delicate turtle eggs before potential harm could reach them was matched only by the awe-inspiring sight of witnessing Arribadas. Thousands of sea turtles converging on the same beach, driven by an instinct that has baffled scientists for years, was a spectacle that will never forget. I learned so much about our responsibility on this planet and the conservation of the ecosystems that make our world so beautiful.
I am no expert, and I had some problems remembering the names of the turtles and which eggs were for which turtles, but thankfully there were experts at hand who ensured that I was educated and soon I was able to identify them by sight. There are several fascinating species of sea turtles, each contributing to the rich biodiversity of the world’s oceans. The Leatherback, known for its distinctive leathery shell, is the largest and most migratory of all sea turtles. The Olive Ridley is renowned for its synchronized nesting behavior during arribadas, where thousands of turtles gather on beaches to lay their eggs. The Black Sea turtle, also known as the green sea turtle, plays a vital role in maintaining the health of seagrass beds, while the Hawksbill is recognized for its uniquely shaped beak and is crucial to coral reef ecosystems. Each species faces threats such as habitat loss, climate change, and poaching, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to ensure the survival of these ancient and remarkable marine creatures.
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My decent proficiency in Spanish proved to be an asset during my time in Costa Rica. The local and international team collaborated seamlessly, and my ability to communicate effectively allowed me to immerse myself in the community. Building connections with fellow volunteers from around the world and bonding with the locals over shared goals of environmental conservation added a rich layer to the experience. I had so much “gallo pinto”, rice and beans, at the local “sodas”, small restaurants, with all my new friends. Spanish is not essential; the program was all in English and those volunteers who did not speak any Spanish were fine. I do encourage any people who wish to do this program to learn some Spanish to help you integrate quicker.
Aside from the incredible conservation work, the program offered ample opportunities for personal growth. Living and working in a foreign environment challenged me to adapt and thrive outside my comfort zone. As a result, my Spanish language skills improved significantly, and I developed a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. The way I kicked off my gap year would be hard to beat, but I could not imagine a better way to start off my journey. Unfortunately, it was my time to move on to my next adventure.
The three months in Junquillal laid a strong foundation for the next phase of my gap year journey. After bidding farewell to the sea turtles and the vibrant community, I headed to Antigua, Guatemala, to undertake the TEFL course with Maximo Nivel. Teaching English in a new cultural setting became the next chapter of my adventure, further expanding my horizons and making a positive impact on the communities I encountered. Maximo Nivel not only provided a platform for meaningful conservation work but also became a bridge to connect with the world, fostering friendships, language skills, and a global perspective that will stay with me long after my gap year comes to an end.