Volunteer Belize

1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country, give details?

The support was fantastic! There was never a time that I wasn’t taken care of or given the information I needed. All of the staff is very friendly! Accommodating.

2- What was the most positive surprise you experienced?

At the program: All of the children are very welcoming! I was surprised to see other volunteers! It was great to have others here to interact with as volunteers.

At the accommodation: It wasn’t hard to sleep at night. The fans provided a nice amount of cool air, also the breeze at night comes through the windows.

About the country: Coming from Texas, the heat/humidity was more than bearable. I taught it would be much hotter, but it was fine.

3- What was most difficult/cultural shock to experience?

At the program:The children have stories that I would never imagine. Listening to the coordinator tell about some of the things they went through is sad.

At the accommodation:You may hear lots of noise throughout the night and early morning. I had earplugs like ABV suggested and everything was great. Definitely pack ear plugs if you are a light sleeps.

The country: The sand flies! The bugs were so bad, regular repellant doesn’t work. I am still not sure how to keep them away. I was itching non-stop for days.

4- Any tips for future volunteers, give as many details as possible…

Clothing: Long pants, long sleeves, light clothing. Next time! Will wear pants every day because the flies were so bad.

Donations: the list given by ABV was perfect. If you stick to donating items, it will really help out.

Weather: It’s hot and humid, but not unbearable. It rained for a few days so definitely pack a light rain jacket or wind breaker.

4.1-Other things volunteers should know, about what to bring, what to do in country, what to eat, transportation, other:

a.- The food was surprisingly fine, I enjoyed it. You will want to pack snacks in case you get hungry between meals. But the store is in walking distance.

b.- Catching the bus to the city was easy ($2 Bz) and getting to the water taxi was easy as well. Make sure to check the rain forecast and take appropriate rain gear if you leave.

c.- Many tours options and things to do on the Island (Caye Caulker) you can decide last minute if you want to leave the orphanage.

d.- Bring books to read in case it rains. Bring Benadryl allergy medicine.

Volunteer Belize

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

This experience really allowed me to connect with God while learning about different cultures and about myself. There kids gave me strength! Didn’t know I had by seeing them being so strong in spite of their circumstances. Their laughter, open arms were much needed. Welcomed I wish I would have been able to stay longer. The orphanage is more than a orphanage, it’s a community of intelligent brothers and sisters. I appreciate them for inviting me into their world and teaching me about them and myself. The orphanage will forever be in my heart, mind and prayers. I hope I am able to come back.

6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security in detail:

Everything was much more organized than I expected. The coordinator really ensure the volunteers are taken care of. On site security every night.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: The girls brading my hair. Loved spending time and getting to know the children. They are so smart! Reading time was fun as well to be able to help them.

Country: Catching the bus to the water taxi, Belizean are so friendly and I enjoyed meeting people on my trip for the weekend.

Tours: I did not take any tours.

8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat): I loved ABV! I will definitely go again because they made the process so smooth. My parents were also grateful for all of the information we received.

Website Information: The website was great! I only think the fundraising campaign page needs to be updated because a lot of my donors were confused.

ABV: we are coming up now in September with a new fundraising page to make it as easy as possible for all donors. (update: it’s running now)

9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

YES!

10 – Can you be specific how did you find or know about A Broader View?

Google search – short term mission trips.

Back to the program page Volunteer in Belize

Always available! Great!

2- What was the most positive surprise you experienced?

Overall I was surprised by the friendliness of everyone. The program, the kids and the locals are so friendly and made me feel incredibly welcome!

3- What was most difficult/cultural shock to experience?

• At the program: Food – different than my everyday eating.
• The country: How slow and laid back things are everywhere.

4- Any tips for future volunteers, give as many details as possible…

• Clothing: Whatever you are most comfortable in, will be very hot, pants for night time because of bugs.
• Donations: Girly things – nail polish, bracelets, necklaces. Cards, new balls like basketballs, baseball, soccer, etc.
• Weather: Lots of bugs spray and sunscreen.

4.1- Other things volunteers should know, about what to bring, what to do in country, what to eat, transportation, other:

1. Use your weekends! The bus is inexpensive and takes you everywhere you need to go.
2. Bring extra spending money to be safe my card didn’t work in the ATM’s
3. Come with an open mind.
4. RELAX! Take it slow

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

I am incredibly happy with my experience at the orphanage and hope to return soon.

6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security in detail:

Felt incredible safe and accounted for! Rooming was great as well as meals.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: Making new friends! Kids and ABV volunteers

Country: Caye Caulker.

Tours: I was able to visit a northern village which exposed me greatly to the culture.

8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat): Incredible!

Website Information: Incredible!

9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

YES!

10 – Can you be specific how did you find or know about A Broader View?

International Volunteer Program

Volunteer Belize

1.- How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country, give details ?

When I arrived I had a problem at customs (I did not bring a minor consent form signed by my parents that ABV requested in the volunteer guide and emails). Calls to the ABV Coordinator and the emergency tel # were responded to quickly to solve this issue. At first I thought nobody showed up to pick me up, but Ms. Agatha came into customs and helped me out.

ABV: all minors traveling abroad need a “minor consent form” signed by each parent.

2- What was the most positive surprise you experienced?

Socialization with the kids.

My living area.

Beautiful scenery and kind people.

3- What was most difficult/cultural shock to experience?

At the program: Being a volunteer, standing out.

At the accommodation: There really wasn’t that much of a shock

The country: Being ask for things since I’m an American.

4- Any tips for future volunteers, give as many details as possible…

Clothing: Clothes you do not have connection with (chances are they’ll get dirty)

Donations: Sandals, shirts, Hats

Weather: Sunscreen, a lot of mosquito spray

4.1-Other things volunteers should know, about what to bring, what to do in country, what to eat, transportation, other:

a.- No drinking tap water

b.- Visit the country when you can

c.- Bring enough money to eat out every now and then

d.- Go to Choc’s and refill your water every day

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

This trip seemed too long when I arrived at first, but after socializing with kids and taking occasional breaks, the three weeks I spent here in Belize went by quite fast. The staff is great and the people in general are extremely open and welcoming.

Volunteer Abroad Review

6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security in detail:

Accommodation: great, but very hot.

Meals: nothing to complain about, repetitive at times but the cooks make it work.

Security? No problem at all

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: The feeling of home provided by the children

Country: visiting san Pedro with my roommate and being able to appreciate the country.

8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Great. Little issue I made but it was resolved quickly by the US staff and my parent.

9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Of course

10 – Can you be specific how did you find or know about A Broader View?

Keywords: summer volunteering. I had help from my Dad booking this trip.

Volunteer Belize Orphanage Program

1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country, give details?

Communication was well appreciated before the trip. When I got here the person that pick me up was very helpful and provided us with a wealth of information

2- What was the most positive surprise you experienced?

At the volunteer program: The work ethic of the handyman/yard keeper. He help us acclimate to the orphanage and the culture.

At the accommodation: A kitchen/working fridge

About the country: The kindness and welcoming atmosphere the people provided.

3- What was most difficult/cultural-shock to experience?

At the volunteer program: Having the choice to do what we wanted every day. I am used to more structure.

At the accommodation: no T.V and Wifi , there is a computer with internet in the directors office.

The country: The rules of different people in the society

4- Any tips for future volunteers, give as many details as possible…

Clothing: Multiple pairs of shoes, tank tops, clothes you do not need to bring home.

Donations: school supplies, balls, nets for basketball soccer nets.

Weather: bring light clothes, extra sunscreen and bug spray

4.1-Other things volunteers should know, about what to bring, what to do in country, what to eat, transportation, other:

a.- Transportation system, busses and boats

b.- Caye Caulker is one of the bes places to go.

c.- Explore! You don’t need a guide for everything.

d.- Go to the Mayan Ruins!

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

It did not take long to get used to the culture being here. The heat is the biggest thing that kicked my butt. Week five and I’m not used to it. I loved making a connection with these kids. It is going to be hard to leave them, and a piece of my heart will always be here. I have enjoyed being able to take weekend trips to explore more of the country.

6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security.. in detail:

Meals are very similar day to day. Accommodation includes a bathroom and a refrigerator.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: Building relationship with the children!

Country: Being immersed into the culture.

Tours: Caye Caulker! The people were wonderful there.

8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Emails prior/during the trip were frequent and appreciated

Volunteer in Belize

1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided while you Volunteer Belize ?

Everyone was very kind and welcoming, especially the person who picked us up from the airport. He helped us since we reach Belize and made the country feel like home.

2- What was the most positive surprise you experienced?

At the program: The work ethic of the handyman on the site was positive and encouraging. He helped us acclimate to the culture and working mode.

At the accommodation: A working fridge

About the country: The kindness of the people

3- What was most difficult/cultural shock to experience?

At the program: The lack of structure every day, but it worked to our advantage. We were able to create our own experiences.

At the accommodation: The lack of Wifi, only internet at the main office

The country: The environment condition.

4- Any tips for future volunteers, give as many details as possible…

Clothing: Tank tops and shorts, handkerchief (for sweat), breathable clothing, sturdy shoes.

Donations: Summer clothes for the kids, toys, school supplies.

Weather: It is very hot. Pack for summer, pack extra water bottles, pack cooling things (small fan, cool towels) if you have them, bring bugs spray.

4.1-Other things volunteers should know, about what to bring, what to do in country, what to eat, transportation, other:

a.- Try tamales!

b.- Bring super sunscreen.

c.- Buses cost $1 U.S per trip into to city. Ask the staff to show you the ropes.

d.- Go to Caye Caulker

Volunteer Belize Reviews

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

My life has forever changed because of the children of the orphanage and my experiences volunteer Belize. I have not loved every second of it if I am being honest. The heat and the bugs are difficult to accommodate. I really love the friends I have made in Belize. I plan on returning someday.

6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security in detail:

It was hard to get used to the culture for the first couple days, the laid back Caribbean attitude is much different than mid-west America. Once I acclimated to that it was simple and safe in the orphanage. We also ate the same type of food often, but going out and switching is an option.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: The kids, most of whom I made strong relationship with.

Country: The beautiful hills of the Cayo district and Caye Caulker.

Tours: Unbelievable Adventures with Daton Ramos, ask Ms. Louise at the orphanage.

8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat):

Helpful, they responded to all of my emails in a very timely Matter.

9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Yes!

10 – Can you be specific how did you find or know about A Broader View?

“belize volunteer” in Google. ABV was the first to come up.

Volunteer Belize Orphanage program