If you’re a pre-med student looking for meaningful healthcare volunteer opportunities abroad, let me share a story that might inspire you. I spent two weeks in San José, Costa Rica, volunteering with a medical program through Maximo Nivel—and it completely shifted how I view healthcare, compassion, and my path toward becoming a medical professional.
Why I Chose to Volunteer Abroad as a Pre-Med Student
As a nursing student in the U.S., I was looking for hands-on experience beyond textbooks and lectures. I wanted real clinical exposure, to improve my medical Spanish, and to understand healthcare from a more global perspective. After exploring several options, I found Maximo Nivel’s Medical and Healthcare Volunteer Abroad program.
What stood out immediately was how responsive the Maximo Nivel admissions team was. Every question I had (and I had a lot!) was answered promptly—often within minutes. Shout-out to Guillaume and Stephan for being incredibly helpful, from explaining program details to walking me through housing and safety. Their support gave me the confidence to take the leap and travel abroad.
Pre-Arrival Planning and Placement Expectations
One important thing to know is that your specific placement site and schedule are confirmed once you’re on the ground. I asked about this during the application process and learned that placements are dynamic and based on local needs—something I appreciated once I understood the context.
To get a better sense of what to expect, I started following Maximo on Instagram. Seeing day-to-day stories and reels from other volunteers and students in their programs in Latin America made it feel real and relatable. Plus, Maximo Nivel sent helpful pre-arrival guides explaining possible types of placements and responsibilities.
Once I arrived at the Maximo Nivel campus in San José, I attended orientation, met with the local team, and had both my housing and placement confirmed that same day. I also got to meet Frexini, Maximo Nivel’s on-site medical specialist—a licensed Costa Rican doctor—who introduced us to the healthcare system in Costa Rica and prepared us for the clinical realities of the local context.
Living with a Host Family in San José
One of the most memorable parts of the experience was staying with Yamileth, one of Maximo Nivel’s most experienced and trusted host moms. Her home in the quiet neighborhood of Salitrillos was warm, safe, and full of personality. Yamileth has hosted international volunteers for years and takes pride in creating a caring environment.
Every morning began with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast—gallo pinto, eggs, fresh fruit, and coffee—before heading to our placement. Living with a local family like hers offered full immersion, complete with Spanish practice, weekend family outings, and cultural moments that made every day special.
Volunteering at an Eldercare Facility
My placement was at an “Hogar de Ancianos”, a long-standing eldercare facility located in the beautiful city of Heredia. The home has been serving the community for nearly 60 years and currently houses around 85 residents—many of whom require daily support for physical or cognitive limitations.
We were encouraged to take initiative each day, and one phrase we used often was “¿En qué puedo ayudar?” (How can I help?). Here’s what a typical shift looked like:
– Taking vital signs and recording daily health data
– Assisting with passive and active physical therapy
– Helping residents with mobility, hygiene, and feeding
– Engaging in cognitive activities like memory games and conversations
– Supporting staff with wound care and other non-invasive medical tasks
– Working with the physical therapist on Fridays to prevent muscle loss
Most residents suffered from dementia or limited mobility, and even small gestures—like painting nails, helping with buttoning a shirt, or leading gentle stretching—brought visible joy. One of my favorite moments was helping set up an art station and watching a resident beam with pride after finishing a watercolor piece.
The staff at the facility were kind, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to their residents. Volunteers were expected to wear clean scrubs, maintain professional behavior, and respect privacy at all times. There was a strong focus on ethical volunteering—no photos without permission, no giving gifts, and no intrusion into the private health conditions of residents.
Getting Involved Beyond the Volunteering
The Maximo Nivel campus in San José was a lively hub. Between volunteer shifts, I joined a free salsa dance class (yes, it’s harder than it looks!) and attended a Costa Rican cooking workshop where we made arroz con pollo. I even took part in a walking tour of the university district, San Pedro.
These experiences gave me a deeper appreciation for Costa Rican culture and helped me bond with other volunteers, interns, and Spanish students from around the world.
What I Gained from Volunteering as a Pre-Med Student
This experience gave me:
– Firsthand insight into Costa Rica’s healthcare and eldercare systems
– Real-world clinical exposure that I can reference in interviews and essays
– Confidence using medical Spanish in real settings
– Cultural immersion through host family life and community work
– A greater understanding of patient empathy and dignity
– Motivation to pursue medicine with a focus on human-centered care
Thinking About Pre-Med Volunteer Opportunities Abroad?
If you’re a pre-med or nursing student looking for clinical exposure, cultural immersion, and a supportive team to guide you, I highly recommend Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica. Their placements are structured to match your experience level while giving you the chance to grow, contribute, and connect.
Whether you’re looking for summer volunteer programs, Spanish immersion with a medical focus, or a global health experience that makes a difference—Maximo Nivel delivers.