BEST EXPERIENCE EVER!     Sara from Mankato, MN     July 07, 2010

My 10 days spent on the VIDA trip to Costa Rica/Nicaragua were honestly some of the best/rewarding days of my life! The hands on experience is second to none and the doctors you work with are more than willing to answer questions and even teach you a thing or two! I felt like I was really making a difference in peoples lives and to experience that first hand cannot be expressed with words! With VIDA, we worked hard but played hard as well. We had a lot of time to explore on our own after clinic hours, but always felt safe! It was so fun to be able to really experience the culture. Another thing great about VIDA... the leaders! They made sure you were having the best time possible and you were always taken care of. I would highly recommend a trip with VIDA to anyone!

Michael Kalinowski from Minneapolis, MN     March 09, 2010

My name is Michael Kalinowski. I had the opportunity to participate in a medical trip put on by VIDA to Costa Rica and Nicaragua this past August. I was apart of the University of Minnesota group. I wanted to take the time and let you know how much I appreciated opportunity and education provided to me through a VIDA medical volunteer trip. Working with the physicians and VIDA staff was, for lack of better words, incredible. I am upon graduation in May and reflect on my experience in Costa Rica and Nicaragua as one of the smartest choices I made throughout my four years in college. This trip abolished any hesitancy I had towards pursing a profession in medicine.

I also would like to commend the organizational and leadership abilities of our group leader Nelly. She was always very receptive to our suggestions\ to any slight derivations to the trip itinerary.

In addition a translator who traveled with us throughout the whole trip, Randall Enright, provided me with an education concerning medicine that I will forever carry with me. Throughout the first two days that we were in clinic I was making a crucial mistake when gathering a patient's medical history. Before arriving to Costa Rica I had little to no experience speaking any Spanish, thus, I relied heavily on the translators. Randall politely informed me that I should speak to and look solely at the patient, even if I am asking my question in English. I found this to be so important because by maintaining eye contact with the patient I was able to see their body language when a patient was responding to a specific question. This was very important because in a few specific patients we were able to notice, through their body language, that they were not telling the whole truth and leaving out specific information that was crucial to a correct diagnosis. If I was concentrating on the translator, I would have missed it. Randall's insight provided me with a learning experience that was above and beyond simply translating Spanish into English. Also I was very appreciative of his ability to educate myself along with the other members of our group the culture of Costa Rica.

Without out the well informed staff that VIDA had provided us on our medical trip I would not have learned nearly as much from this experience. I can not thank you enough for the learning opportunities that VIDA has provided me. It truly was a life changing experience.

Thank-you

Sincerely and Gratefully,
Michael Kalinowski

The amazing VIDA experience     Debarati Chakraborty from McMaster University (Canada)     February 27, 2010

My VIDA adventure was in the summer of 2009, but it is an experience that I will always cherish. This trip was, without a doubt, one of the best experiences of my life! I was privileged to be able to work and interact with the people that we met on our trip. The translators were always friendly, and our team leader Nelly (and Sofia!) were wonderful in taking care of us and guiding us so that we got the very best out of our adventures. I also got to learn about some wonderful new cultures, while meeting some incredibly open people (including my homestay family who I still miss!!). I cannot express how much I have learned about patience, kindness and SO much more from those we were fortunate to interact with.
The doctors and nurses we worked with were, needless to say, also amazing and taught me so much- not only how to apply new skills, but also to truly appreciate what it means to work as a health professional. Dr. Fabio’s skill and compassion when interacting with patients was wonderful to watch and something I greatly admire, while Dr. Belinda was a great teacher and guide. It was such a welcoming environment - everyone took the time to explain and educate volunteers about what we saw and did, something that contributed to an excellent hands-on learning experience. As a result, this was an amazing educational experience, and yet it was fun! VIDA allows you to learn so much so quickly, while at the same time enjoying yourself greatly. The trip reminded me how crucial this is, something we easily forget in our normal educational environments. The VIDA experience also reiterated the importance of understanding a patient as a person, one who must be treated with care, consideration and respect. I cannot thank VIDA, and everyone involved in these trips, enough for giving me this amazing experience- and I really hope to see you again soon! =)

An Experience of a Lifetime     Jamie Burns from Milwaukee, WI     January 28, 2010

My VIDA adventure was so much more than I ever expected it would be. I never thought I would learn as much as I did, or that I would be able to gain real hands on experience by actually participating in dental procedures. The VIDA staff and dentists were so helpful and willingly to teach me everything they possibly could. I also was able to learn a lot about the culture while in Costa Rica and Panama. One night Dr. Walter gave us salsa dancing lessons. Another day we white water rafted on the Pancuare River and we were able to see the indigenous areas in which people live. Most of all I loved the interactions we were able to have with our patients. It is an incredible feeling to have your patient smile at you and give you a heartfelt thank you letting you know that you made a difference in their life. My VIDA trip has really opened my eyes to how fortunate I am and how I am able to make a difference even if it is something as small as teaching a child how to brush their teeth properly. I am already looking forward to planning my next VIDA adventure and would like to personally thank all of the VIDA staff for all of their hard work and planning to make my trip a success. I will be forever grateful for this experience and the new friendships I have made. Pura vida!

University of Washington's Second Annual VIDA Trip     Rachel Kim from University of Washington     September 16, 2009

This trip is a mindblowing experience of the status between our worlds. I loved how we learned so much everyday and how immersed in the culture we were. We get to see behind the tourist curtain. We are actually helping make a better world. I loved the hospital visits, the people, the STAFF and even the hot, humid weather! Thank you so much!

A Coordinator's Perspective     Rachel Weigert from Greenfield, USA     September 02, 2009

I spent the better part of 3 months searching for a trip, and when I happened upon VIDA I instantly knew that it was exactly what I had been searching for. VIDA's trips are flexible, affordable, and most importantly allow even the most novice Spanish speakers to gain critical experiences.

I participated in the medical trip, and it was an amazing experience. Our trip coordinator Nelly was so friendly, and always a calming presence. While traveling before our trip, one of the volunteers had lost his passport. One of the staff members went with him to the US embassy and helped him get a new one. That is just one example of their fabulous ability to go above and beyond.

My Spanish-speaking skills improved greatly, I learned (finally!) that I was entering the field for me, and I visited and was immersed in cultures that I have never experienced before.

To those considering and parents: I recommend these trips whole heatedly and without reservation. They are so well organized - the staff is amazingly attentive, and I guarantee you will have experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. I know my trip has already influenced my world view as well as given me a new appreciation of the life I lead in the States.

Thanks VIDA for all your help and support!

First Internship Experience     Kate Thomas from Hamilton, Canada     June 26, 2009

I would like to thank everyone at VIDA for being so friendly and accommodating during my internship! The staff at VIDA are so generous and great to work with. I first worked with VIDA in February with a medical group from McMaster University and loved it! Our group leader Ghaznia was great and our group is still really close. I decided to travel this summer and the VIDA internship was the perfect opportunity for me. I have been working doing phone and in person interview, composing presentations, intake forms, and public health information sheets, updating facebook etc. This is a very new experience for me and I am so grateful to have an opportunity like this. I have also been living with Carmen, an employee of VIDA, and her family. This has been great for me. They taught me about Costa Rican cooking and even taught me how to dance. I have learned so much about how people live here which I feel is a priceless education. As well, when I first arrived here in May I could barely speak a word or Spanish and with 2 weeks of Spanish school and living with Costa Rican families I have learned so much.
Like many VIDA volunteers I am hoping to get into medical school and I feel like this internship has taught me many skills that will help me achieve this goal. I would recommend volunteering or interning with VIDA to anyone looking for adventure and a new experience, who is independent and has an interest in seeing how difficult it is to run an incredibly contributive nonprofit like VIDA. The work VIDA does, not only helps the people of Central America but offers a great experience to future doctors, dentists, and veterinarians. I believe in what VIDA does and I hope I will have a chance to work with them in the future.
Thanks again everyone and best of luck to all future VIDA staff, volunteers, and interns!
Kate

BEST WEEK OF MY LIFE!     Kelly Kavanaugh from Miami, FL     April 02, 2009

To everyone who is considering a VIDA adventure, I really can't stress enough how awesome it was and how much fun I had! I was a part of the Veterinary Team on the March 14-21 trip to Nicaragua, and this trip completely secured my desire to become a vet someday! Going into the trip, I was a little bit worried because I didn't have very much experience, I had never been to Central America before, and I was just overall nervous... but the moment we landed and met the guides waiting for us at the airport I knew it was going to be great. I'm not kidding, every single day was amazing, it was the perfect balance between learning/volunteering and at the same time having an amazing vacation and seeing the beautiful country of Nicaragua. Everything went so smoothly, the staff was AMAZING and so friendly and so laid back but still knowledgeable at the same time, and the other volunteers on the trip were great. The vets we worked with were WONDERFUL- Dr. Ohlman and Dr. Gabriel- and I learned so much from them. They were so confident in us and the second day of clinic they had us right alongside them doing surgeries. They were SO MUCH FUN too! The host families we stayed with were wonderful, fun, friendly people, and I felt safe with them. I'm really not kidding when I say that at least a few times a day I would just think to myself, "This is such a cool experience!" If anyone has any questions or wants to hear more, please contact me so I can convince you that going on one of these trips is one of the best decisions you can make! THANK YOU SO MUCH VIDA! Kelly, k.kavanaugh@umiami.edu

Dental Professional opinion     Ashley White, PNRHA from North Battleford, Saskatchewan     February 26, 2009

As a dental professional, my VIDA experience was extremely rewarding. Not only was I able to volunteer my time to the deserving people of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, I was able to act as a mentor and inspire 5 motivated pre dent students.


I highly recommend participation in this program to both dental professionals and students alike, as it will change your life and expand your view of the world we live in. The experience taught me that under extreme conditions and working with limited resources that is was possible, even as one person, I was able to make a difference and improve the quality of life for someone else.


I would like to thank the dedicated VIDA staff for having me participate in this experience. They were so great and took care of our every need with our safety as a group as their #1 priority. I made some life long friendships on my adventure, and can’t wait for my next VIDA experience in Central America.


Ashley White

Dental Health Educator, CDA, RDH, CDT

NB, Saskatchewan

Canada

McMaster Reading Week VIDA Adventure     Cory Ozimok from McMaster University, Canada     February 26, 2009

Curtis and Sondra,

I just returned from the McMaster Reading Week Trip with VIDA and I had an amazing time! It was very nice to finally meet you in person. I learned so much from my experience and I met some truly amazing people! To start off, Ghaznia did an excellent job as the McMaster coordinator and we developed a strong friendship. I feel really strongly for what VIDA does in Central America so I plan to attend more trips and get more donations in the near future.
I don't think I could have asked for a better guide. Nelly took good care of us and also taught us a lot about the history, culture and
wildlife of Costa Rica. I really hope we McMaster students can be lucky to have her again for the trip this summer! Dr. Fabio has filled me with much inspiration and enthusiasm to
become a Doctor. I admire his approach to medicine and how he treats his patients. I've never had an experience with a Doctor before like
the one I had with Dr. Fabio. On our last clinic day he reminded us that sometimes all a patient needs to is know that there is someone who cares and will listen. Sometimes something little like a friendly smile can do more than medicine. I know there are good Doctors out
there but I think the difference between a good Doctor and a great Doctor is the compassion displayed by Dr. Fabio. He is also very
knowledgable and I was happy that he could share this knowledge with us. He answered all of our question and actually took the time after
each patient to explain why he gave a certain diagnosis or prescription. Lastly, I wanted to thank both of you for helping me participate in
this opportunity. My trip was truly inspirational and eye-opening. It has given me a direction in life that I will work my hardest to one day achieve. Thank you and see you soon.

Best Regards,

Cory Ozimok

Allison Smith from UW-Madison, Wisconsin     February 02, 2009

The trip was such a great experience. The things I learned and procedures I performed with VIDA have given me confidence that someday I will become a good dentist. My parents couldn't believe the amount of hands on experience I received on the trip.

I can't thank Sondra and the rest of the VIDA staff enough! Lester and Nellie were so much fun, and all the dentists I worked with taught me tons! I admire Sondra for starting this organization, and I hope to do something as great in my lifetime.

I can't stop telling people about my amazing winter break in Nicaragua! I hope I can find another time to go down and work with VIDA!

A parent's opinion     Loretta Runbenstein from Newport News, VA     February 01, 2009

My daughter & I spent a considerable amount of time looking for the "right " volunteer program for her. We exhausted the internet. We settled on the VIDA program for multiple reasons. Even with the extensive research that we did, I was still uncomfortable sending my dauaghter out of the country when I wasn't 100% sure about everything about the program. So, she left for Costa Rica by herself & I worried for the 1st few days. Her emails & calls assured me that we had made the right decision about VIDA. The program was excellent, the level of security & safety (which was my real concern) was irreproachable. She had a fabulous learning/cultural experience & I was able to quit worrying by the 3rd day! So, I'd highly recommend this program & if time allows my daughter will be traveling w/ VIDA again in the future.

Amazing People, Amazing Places...PURA VIDA!     Jason Carr from Madison, WI USA     January 24, 2009

I had considerable expectations for my VIDA trip. I had heard a little bit about the program, read the description and looked at all the pictures i could find. Nothing will prepare you, though, for how great a VIDA trip will be. As soon as your first clinic day starts and you meet the people that are there with you and all the people who need your help, you fall in love with everything around you. I had originally signed up for the 8 day drip because i wasn't sure i was ready for 12 days. However, after 8 days, i was already making plans to come back again. I have so many good stories not just from the patients i worked with but also the friends i made and the great VIDA staff and guides who are dedicated to making this one of the most memorable trips you ever take. I can't wait to come back and see people i met the first time around, make new friends and be apart of this amazing experience again.

The VIDA Experience     Colette Inaba from Seattle, WA - USA     November 20, 2008

It’s been over three months since I went on my VIDA trip, and I’m still raving about the experience! VIDA offers volunteers an incredible hands-on opportunity to tackle real health problems in a way that is impossible to accomplish in a classroom. Under the guidance of clinical professionals and with the support of the friendly VIDA staff, students interact directly with patients in underserved communities to help meet the local healthcare needs. VIDA also exposes volunteers to the regional culture by organizing city tours, evening activities and meals at local restaurants. I highly recommend VIDA to anyone seeking an extraordinary international opportunity to actively contribute to the health and well-being of others, all while developing a better cultural and social awareness for global health issues. The VIDA Experience is truly a worthwhile adventure, and I thank the staff for all the work they put into making it so enjoyable!

Hands-on Awesome     Clara from La Crosse, Wisconsin     September 22, 2008

VIDA helped me fully realize my dedication to making a difference and my love for dentistry. I never could have imagined the dental knowledge and skills I gained on the trip. You work with awesome doctors, dentists and group leaders who genuinely care about teaching you about dentistry and their countries. You will work hard and sweat, but you gotta get dirty if you wanna have fun! :)

University of Washington 2008     Rachel Kim from Fife, Washington     September 10, 2008

"I just wanted to thank you for all that you have done, for creating VIDA, for this trip, for your guidance through it. I am forever grateful for the inspiration and fresh motivation to never doubt what I can and want to do in my life: Become a general surgeon and join VIDA again or doctors without borders, organizations where I can help our global community. During my trip, I was able to administer 8 vaccinations, observe 4 pap smears, and was lucky enough to also see a c-section surgery done by Dr. Segundo Garcia at the Rivas hospital - I was right next to the surgery table! His dexterity was truly the sign of a skilled surgeon - how he cut each layer of muscle and tissue to get to the baby girl and just scooped her out. He finished with the sutures and the surgery in exactly 30 minutes! I am lucky and honored to be able to see what I have seen, meet the amazing people like Dr. Ulises, Dr. Belinda, Dr. Amy, Dr. Ernesto, Eliezer, Jaime, Marjorie, Manuel, Luis, Consuelo, Jenni, Saadita, and Pablo (everyone! Including the group that I went with!), the patients, and experience the rhythm and culture that is Costa Rica and Nicaragua. There was always something going on, something to do, something to see I feel like 2 weeks is not long enough! I admit, I did not know a single person in the group before I signed up for this trip and now I am happy to say that I am friends with so many now, bonded through all of our sweat, hard work, and fun. Words are not enough to tell about all of my adventures, I hope the 9 photo albums on my facebook can do it justice...but look at the photos! Once again, thank you Sondra and of course Curtis for such an amazing and powerful opportunity, I have grown so much because of VIDA."

The most amazing experience of my life     Helen Smith from Cape Town, South Africa     August 27, 2008

This trip was one in a life time. I knew no one going on the trip from my school but came back with 13 amazing friends, and an outstanding experience to go along with it!The leaders, doctors, fellow volunteers and patients make this experience truly worthwhile!I learnt more about animals in 3 weeks than I have in my entire life. I really recommend the trip to anyone, you won't regret it!

“What happens in Costa Rica” by Kaylee Perry     Kaylee Perry from Lilburn, GA     July 31, 2008

I started this trek of 21 days and I came to learn of vets and their surgical ways. Fresh out of the airport, I went to a mall and met my group of 21 girls and a boy who was tall. The ratio odd, I’d rather more guys instead to my surprise, by evening, he was already wed!

What happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica. By morning, the land stole my breath with its beauty as I woke to see the amazing valley at Sanchiri. We met the vets and learned to suture, took Salsa lessons, and looked forward to the future. For the next day was our first clinic in the lovely town of La Flor, I never expected that leaving it would make my heart sore.

What happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica. The clinic was set in another mountain scene. Gazing upon it made me want to dream, but dreaming wasn’t an option, as we had to work and learn. I quickly got over small fears, as I got my suture skills down firm. Anticipation rose as the day came to an end. For as the light faded, we knew we would meet our kin. Most were full of nervousness, which soon turned to adoration even though much was unclear in communication.

What happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica. It seemed that most people were well matched. I know personally, I got attached, with 2 sisters, a mother, and grandparents thrown in the lot, a full game of Uno hit the spot! The days spent there went by quickly, but live on in my mind. Like all good things, we had to move on and leave them behind.

What happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica. Next we hit a river with full force. It was a battle well fought as we splashed out our course. Before the end, we saw a waterfall and so much more…Let’s just say it was nothing like what I saw in La Flor.

What happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica. We went from the river and cool mountains breeze to caliente Limon on the Caribbean Sea. We visited Aviarios and learned of sloths with two and three toes and why they’re so happy to move so slow. I was enthralled and soaked it all up, smiling with glee when I met the reknown Buttercup. By Afternoon, we could no longer stay, but short as it was, it was my favorite day.

What happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica. The rest of the day was the beach, as some wanted to tan, but I was simply amazed by the volcanic black sand. A rough dirt road took us from the Coast to a hacienda to live with our host. The doctor showed us a new side to our careers, that involved running madly away from heifers and steers. Not only did I learn of injections, castrations, and de-worming from the best, but also how to lasso and take a kick in the chest.

What happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica. The ranch was peaceful and isolated from the world’s cares. I wanted to stay forever, though I won’t miss the dogs yelling in the night air. To reach San Carlos, where we now soak in the stream, we took a slow seven hour ride that made many want to scream. We visited the hot springs, which were muy bonita, but when I found a locked door, it was not muy linda.

What happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica. We went and saw exotics at La Marina, met the vet there, and felt a warm acogida. Today we went back one more time to deal with the birds and crazy swine. We also dealt with a Boxer and took a puppy from the street, and found an old friend we weren’t expecting to meet.

What happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica. I knew not what to expect after the first day here, especially after the influence of so many beers. Although the group is loca, it is also fun and I can’t believe all the surgeries I’ve done. It’s not over yet and I’m expecting so much more. The thought of it excites me to the very core. I can’t wait for more horses, my one true love, yet everyday I pray for survival from above. Preparing for this trip was a financial climb, but after everything, I know it’s the experience of a lifetime.

What happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica…or maybe Youtube.

Comments from a Pre-Dental Student     Marisa Origel from Dartmouth College     July 10, 2008

I really enjoyed the small size of the dental team. The small size allowed each of us to get a lot of hands-on experience and get close
with one another...and get to know Dra. Fernandez! I also liked that we had three different clinics in different locations. It allowed us to see different populations of patients which allowed us to compare different cultures and by comparing their acessibility to healthcare and the effect it had on their health. Traveling in the bus was fun! We spent a lot of time on the bus, so it made us get to know each other! VIDA also has a great staff...you can tell everyone is genuinely interested in helping us learn and in helping the people.
A recommendation for the dental students would be to emphasize the importance of bringing donations. It was really disappointing to run out of toothbrushes and floss.

Lester Almanza - funny; always there to help us when we needed something!
Sondra Elizondo - Super-friendly and concerned for all of our well-being...our mom away from home!
Dr. Ernesto Lemus - Also, incredibly smiley and positive...great energy.
Dra. Sandra Fernandez- very intelligent and fun; great teacher! would love to work with her again. She was very patient with each of us and
interacted well with the patients. A good role-model for us.
Robin North - Another great teacher; she taught us a lot and was very professional and focused at all times.
Aldolfo Panlagua - polite; professional; great addition to the team.

Thank you Dr. Fernandez!     Sandy Liu from McMaster University, Canada     July 10, 2008

I cannot thank you enough for making my VIDA trip such an amazing experience. It was much more than I could have imagined it to be. I have learned so much from you during the clinic days. You are a real inspiration to me. I have to say my biggest concern about becoming a dentist was balancing a high demand career and a family life. You're living proof that women, can be strong figures in the career world and still be great mothers!
I haven't stopped telling my family members and friends about how great my trip was! I have also been preaching to everyone about how important good dental hygiene is! It was an honour to have been able to meet and work with you. Thank you so much! I will be sure to keep in touch!

Sandy Liu
a.k.a. Rosie