At the National University of Costa Rica, Jose specialized in sustainable tourism with an emphasis on business administration and rural development. Before his studies, Jose worked with volunteer groups in his hometown in Costa Rica, which is well known for its community development programs through volunteering. He also spent a year in Germany as part of a service program, where he had the opportunity to work with children from different parts of the world, interact with them, and learn about their cultures. During this time, he lived with a German family, learned the language, and traveled throughout Europe. In Costa Rica, Jose volunteered at several national parks, contributing to various wildlife programs. Currently, he works as a guide in Costa Rica. Jose is fluent in Spanish, English, and German, and has led Putney’s Service programs in both Costa Rica and Ecuador & the Galápagos.