Volunteer Ecuador Galapagos Island

1- How were the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?

The coordinator was fine and provided great support in country. We were given lots of help orienting around and Laura and her daughter were kind enough to walk with me to the Basilica one day. We felt very welcomed and included in their family life.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

For the second two weeks, I was surprised that credit cards are not accepted in most of the Galapagos (except very high-end restaurants). This was a problem for us, as our clothes became pretty filthy when it rained in the highlands and we needed to do laundry a few times. Things are definitely more expensive in the Galapagos then in Quito, and perhaps volunteers should bring more cash.

ABV: the volunteer guide describes money situations, prior leaving Quito get US$10 bills prior to traveling to Galapagos

3- What was most difficult to experience?

For my daughter, it was hard to work in the fields since there were no adequate bathroom facilities. 

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations)

If you are working with turtles in Galapagos be prepared to work in rain/mud – it never gets cold but it does get a tiny bit chilly. Not too many bugs, which surprised me, but we definitely needed our work gloves. (You could purchase them here if you wanted to.)

Gap Year Galapagos

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

Quito and Galapagos are almost like different countries! The people are incredibly friendly in both places, and in the Galapagos, I’m not at all worried about theft or walking alone at night. We learned a lot about their struggles with invasive species, worked really hard in the fields and helping with their efforts to keep turtles in a safe environment but had a chance to explore the island every afternoon. At our work project, there was almost nobody who spoke more than pidgin English, so I’m glad we had the chance to take lessons and assimilate to the culture a little more in Quito.

This was a great project for myself and my 14-year-old daughter, who wants to become a veterinarian. I think it could have been even better if she spoke Spanish at the B1 level since there is a local mobile veterinarian who may have been willing to have her assist him. I also think that if she was College age and interested in becoming a veterinarian it would have been an even better experience. That said, the educational/experience value for her has been tremendous. She really grew up a lot in the last 4 weeks.

6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e: host family, on-site, shared)

We lived with a host family, our hostess was very kind. No issues with security – we had hot water in our own bathroom and the food was wonderful.

Go to Galapagos

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

The best leisure activity was the day-long trip around the Island of St Cristobal. We never needed to leave the island – 90% of the species in the Galapagos are here, including Blue-footed boobies and tortoises and many other birds. To see penguins and the lava tubes you would go to the islands but your choices are very long boat rides or flying, so we took day tours and snorkeled and saw everything I would want to see. the interpretation center is wonderful.

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

Awesome – answered all my questions and our trip has gone off without a hitch.

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

Sure

Volunteer Opportunities in Ecuador Quito

1- How were the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
Laura and her family were amazing. They were so welcoming, and they were always there to help me whenever I needed something. If I needed anything I could ask Laura. She gave me suggestions on things I could do as well as tips on how to be safe with I’m traveling. She and her family really cared about me and wanted to make sure that everything was good. I loved getting to know them and their adorable dog Zach.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
The most surprising thing I experienced was how sweet the people are. I interacted with many of the local people while on my job and I found that they were so nice, welcoming, and happy. They were so sweet to me and were patient with me when I didn’t understand what they were saying to me. I was also surprised at how amazing the city of Quito is. It is so vast and beautiful and truly amazing city.

3- What was most difficult to experience?
The most difficult part of my experience was the language barrier. I came to Quito with high school level Spanish. I quickly learned that that was not enough. The first few days were tough getting used to everything being spoken in a different language. Laura and her family were great at trying to help me understand.

The most difficult part was during the first few days at my job when I had to speak to the nurses and patients in Spanish. I quickly learned how to ask them basic things about their health and after a few days, I noticed that I was started to understand more and more and I was able to say more and more.

Go to Ecuador

4- Any tips for future volunteers… 
It is cold here in the mornings and at night so definitely bring pants, long sleeve tops, and a sweatshirt or two. When you go out try to layer because in the morning it might be cold but by midafternoon it will be sunny and warm.

Bring comfortable clothes because after a long day at work it was really nice to be able to come back and change into something comfortable. Bring your laptop or other devices because the house has WiFi. I brought sterile gloves and gauze pads to my site to donate.

Volunteering Ecuador

5.1- Other things volunteers should know:
Bring a photocopy of your driver’s license and passport with you. Leave the actual passport and license in the house you are staying at and take the copies with you when you go out. Also, try to bring bills that are $10 or smaller because some places won’t accept large bills. Bring a small bag that you take with you when you go to your site or go around the city.

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):
I am so grateful I was able to go on this trip. I learned so much from Laura and her family along with the nurses and patients at my site. Every day I would wake up excited to go to my job and get to see the nurses and patients. When I would come home I was able to walk around and explore. I had so much fun getting to know the city and I will always love Quito. It has been an experience of a lifetime and I cannot wait to return here someday.

7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e: host family, on-site, shared)
I stayed in the host family’s apartment. I stayed there with Laura’s family. The house was very clean and nice. I had my own room and I was able to come and go as I pleased. The food was amazing and dinners with the family were so great. The apartment is very secure. I never once felt scared or unsafe.

Volunteer Ecuador

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
My favorite memory of this trip is taking the family dog, Zach, on walks with Laura’s son after dinner. It was really nice getting to walk around and just learn more about Ecuador and the family. One weekend I went to Mitad del Mundo with Laura and another volunteer. I was such a great experience and such an amazing day. I also went to Teleferico one day with one of the volunteers. There you take a chairlift up the mountain and you are able to see views of the whole city. It was breathtaking.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior to traveling?

The ABV USA support was great prior to travel. I had to change my dates a couple of times and they helped me change them without a problem. Whenever I had a question about my trip I emailed them, and they would quickly respond to me. I also called them a couple times just to be sure about dates and booking my flight and they were always available and willing to help.

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

Yes, of course!

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Volunteer Galapagos

1.- How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country (airport pickup and drop off, orientation, introduction to work, availability, other)?

Excellent. Felt at home. Laura and Vicente fed me exceptionally well, loaned me a bike for Ciclovía, included me in family life and errands, accompanied me to Historic Center, as well as facilitated airport meet up and drop off.

Since my stay was short, Laura had to do a lot on my behalf within a short time frame.

2- What was the most positive surprise you experienced?

At the program: Visit the home of a widowed, farm woman on San Cristóbal Island. We harvested mandarins and squash and helped her cut up fresh pork from an animal butchered that morning. She was preparing it for sale at the market. She made us lunch. I was surprised by her skill and spirit for a recently widowed woman. Her story of arriving by boat to the island in 1975 and subsequently saving funds in order to buy land was very compelling.

At the accommodation: The quality of the food offered was lovely, especially tropical fruits. In the homes, markets and on the farms finding passion fruits, papaya, pineapple, citrus and banana varieties was really rewarding.

The level of intimacy shown at both accommodations was positive. I enjoyed learning of personal struggles as well as countrywide ones.

I enjoyed accompanying Laura to her daughter’s school, where she sold snacks during basketball and soccer, family tournament. Such a cultural eye-opener. She had ordered stuffed potatoes but they did not arrive so we had to run around, by foot, finding sandwich fixings…

I felt that I had penetrated Quito far more than any tourist might. I was the only foreigner present.

About the country: I really loved San Cristóbal…its abundant reptiles, birds and lava formations. Honor to see it. Thank you!

Ecuador is incredibly diverse. I intend to return.

Here is a poem I wrote:

The earth remains parallel and familiar. We are all indigenous, even if disconnected from the places that crafted our ancestors.

In the skeletal, young Galápagos where

sapiens did not penetrate until recently, our kind

respires and feeds works and rests,

among dry, poking plants that live nowhere else.

What we can do is take care of the place where we find ourselves,

wherever we are, reflect earth,

her relentless discovery of beauty,

shocking, momentous as it is. Though it struggles under her volcanic impulses, her quakes, her tides, her flames, her destructive goats and the contrary doings of her misfit,

almost alien children, still it shows up, keeps itself. Among tossed cups and candy wrappers, it is a delicate finch hiding in the cup of an endemic cactus, a sprinkle of pollen upon its black head,

telling of its diet of Megasperma flowers…

Frolicking this way will bring the sheen

of fruit, the birth of seed, beauty ever after beauty,

abiding with us fearlessly

as if we had always been there.

Gap Year Ecuador

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

Clothing: ABV packing list was great. Be ready for change, sudden clouds, chill, and drizzle. Cover your head and dress in layers. Be modest in Ecuador as its people are.

Donations: Do not give items made in China. Give items that show your home or town.

Weather: It changes a lot, depending on altitude…Sun is close by in Quito. Protect your skin. Carry water with you.

4.- Other things volunteers should know, about what to bring, what to do in the country, what to eat, transportation, other

a.- ABV packing list was great: charger and water filter system was not needed by me but were essential for others I met. I used a suitcase lock to secure my valuables.

b.- Eat as many fruits and vegetables as you can. The Ecuadorean diet is healthy. Enjoy fava beans, a variety of soups, tropical fruits and juices, yucca, corn on the cob, empanadas and fresh made rolls. Expect fewer leafy greens.

c.- Legitimate cabs in Quito have 4 digit numbers on front window and door. Be careful on bus and trolley and at night. I walked by day with no problems. I carried very little cash with me in Quito. Try to go accompanied by someone you trust. Do not make friends (in bars, on street) except upon recommendation from those you trust. Hide your valuables (phone, cameras, wallet) from sight.

d.- Ask host about best safety measures to take. Carry toilet paper with you.

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

I am very enriched by my experience. The two home stays and 3 volunteer sites opened up Ecuadorean culture in a diverse, and intriguing way. In Quito, the daycare workers showed so much skill and kindness to underprivileged kids. At the school, I loved seeing Galápagos kids involved in planting food and using outdoor space to teach muralism and the second use of plastic bottles and tires to make garbage cans and planters, etc…

With the Ministry of Agriculture, it was fascinating to witness the diversity of farms, the income differences, life for rural peoples without cars and tragic lack of garbage services. I loved being the only white person for 90% of my stay. So fascinating, so good for my Spanish. Thank you. I wish I had stayed longer.

Volunteering in Ecuador

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

Quito with Laura, the coordinator. Excellent, diverse meals. Nearly private bathroom, nice bedroom, security. Guard outside the building. Did not feel safe going out alone at night, remember curfew at the home at 10 pm max.

San Cristóbal at Dory’s home: Decent meals, shared bathroom, lovely bedroom, access to the roof with hammock and swinging chairs, views. Close to the boardwalk and beaches. Felt very safe day and night, even alone.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: I loved all 3 volunteer experiences and appreciated their variety. I love volunteering for four or five hours, then enjoying time to reflect and explore on my own or with my friendly hosts.

Country: The birds and reptiles and sea urchin fossil beaches of San Cristóbal

In Quito, Tour with Laura to Historia Center of Quito and Ciclovia Bike Ride. On the island, Las Tijeratas boardwalk and hike, visit Punta Carola and El Junco

8.- How was the ABV USA support prior to traveling, who helped you?

Sarah Ehlers…excellent support. Had to complete trip a year after the original date. This proved to be no problem. ABV kept track of itineraries and changes. Sarah answered my emails expediently with accurate suggestions and information.

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?

Volunteer travel

Volunteer Ecuador

Volunteer Ecuador

1- How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?

Excellent

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Kind teachers and nurse aids. Everyone humble and polite.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

Senior Center in need of volunteers. Probably promote more volunteers to come and help.

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations)

Be flexible and take into account local customs

5.1-Other things volunteers should know: Be:

• Patient
• Polite
• Personable

Volunteering in Ecuador

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

ABV was a humbling experience. I wish more people could come and provide their time and talents for a great cause.

7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e: host family, on-site, shared)

Quito feels like a safe place. Host family was the true meaning of family. Ecuadorian food is amazing

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

The loving nature of the people at the project sites
9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Excellent
10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Yes

THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!

Volunteer Ecuador

1- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country?

The staff and support in country exceeded expectations. As soon  as we arrived we were given a warm welcome and it seemed like they were genuinely happy to have us visiting. We were given multiple contacts of people in case of emergency, and the staff kept in touch during my entire stay to make sure everything was okay.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Program:  I was surprised by how pleasant everyone was, even with the language barrier at work my coworkers did their best to help me fit in. I was also shocked my the number of patients in the hospital every day. Being a public hospital, had hundreds of people needing help even before we started working (7:30am). It was sad to see so many people in need, but you felt better knowing you were trying your best to help.

Host Family:  I think my host family was the biggest surprise. I can’t say enough positive things about my host Mom, we got incredibly lucky. She was so welcoming, and cooked us great food three times each day. Her children were friendly and awesome to talk with too.

Country:  I was mostly surprised by how huge Ecuador/Quito is. I thought I’d be able to see most of the city but I was wrong, it’s tremendous. I also underestimated how much traveling I was going to do, which was by far the best part of the trip. I can easily say that the places I’ve seen in Ecuador are the most beautiful places I’ve been to thus far in my life.

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Program: The language barrier was by far the most challenging thing to overcome at work, after 4 weeks I still find my self struggling to communicate with the staff at the hospital.

Host Family: the living conditions at home took some time getting used to, like the bed and the shower, but other than that there weren’t many things challenging about Janet and her Family.

the biggest thing to overcome in my point of view is constantly worrying about the water you’re drinking and the food you’re eating. You don’t want to get sick in a foreign country, so being on your toes at all times gets tiring.

ABV: from all our volunteers no one has been sick by eating at our host families. Always drink bottle water and if you eat in restaurants only do at well known and good review locations, never from street vendors.

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)

Bring your smartphone, computer, or tablet, try to write in a journal every day, bring water-proof clothing and shoes/boots, travel, try every single fruit you can (everything is delicious).

5. Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

If you’re volunteering at the hospital ABV says you need a bunch of medical equipment which is not accurate, unfortunately it will just be a waste of money. Also if you’re working at the hospital, no matter what the website says, you NEED WHITE pants and a WHITE top.

ABV: Our website asks for supplies as many hospitals and clinics need many supplies, our website is as general as possible as we work with dozens of medical locations and they are all different. But the White pants and white tops and white sneakers are described in the website and volunteer guide.

Volunteer in Ecuador Quito North: PreMed & PreNurse

6- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):

This trip was incredible and I don’t regret coming for a second. Our trip was a month long and I think that is a perfect amount of time for first time travelers.   Changing sheets, cleaning the bed frames, and washing patients will most likely take up all your time. Instead of shadowing doctors and nurses, we mostly worked with the nurse assistants.

ABV: volunteers needs to be proactive, jump in and ask to help with any tasks, dont expect a schedule of shadowing one on one doctors or nurses, you need to ask to help in all the areas of the hospital or clinic, also you need to talk with your supervisor, local coordinator if you are not getting the exposure you want, also you can always email ABV US to have us inform of any change you want.

7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security, friendliness, quality others:

The accommodations were better than expected, clean and comfortable. The meals were also great, very convenient and prepared well. I felt safe, the only setting where I felt I needed to be careful was walking around at night. And everyone I’ve met was extremely nice, some of the most pleasant people I know.

ABV: we have a curfew so volunteer shouldn’t be walking around at night and take a cab home if you are late.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:

Program: the best part of the program was actually shadowing doctors the last 2 days in the emergency section of the hospital.

Host Family:  Eating meals together, talking about our days, and laughing with each other was a highlight every day.

Country:  Traveling to the jungle and baños we’re equally incredible. I’m extremely happy I went to both places and would go back in a heartbeat

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling? (who helped you, emails, phone calls, chat online, how fast did you got an answer, did you got all your answers)

ABV support prior to travel was exceptional in every way possible.

9.1- What do you think about the reservation system online?

Reservations and setting up the trip was also easy and clear.

9.2- Who did you find Abroaderview website (keywords, search engine, word mouth to mouth, recommended by .., other)

I found out about the program by my Aunt, who heard about it from a friend.

Volunteer Ecuador

1- How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?

The local coordinator was wonderful. She offered lots of support by answering all my questions and checking in with me frequently. If I encountered any problems I knew that I had a great support network at my disposal. Karen and Laura were so very helpful and calmed my nerves once I arrived.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

The most surprising thing I experienced was how quickly I was able to navigate the town I was living in. After less than three days I was able to get around perfectly well on my own. Granted, it was a small island town.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

The most difficult thing for me was missing home. Everyone experiences some form of homesickness while abroad. Mine was very mild and since I was only gone a month I mostly found myself missing the food of my home country. Although I enjoyed the food in my host family by this time I could go a very long time without eating rice.

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations)

Bring presents for your host family if you will be living with one! It is a great conversation starter if you bring something from your home country. Keep your packing light so you can bring home lots of gifts. And make sure to explore some on your own. It came seem scary at first but it can be very nice to catch a sunrise or sunset alone and reflect on how you are doing and how you are enjoying the country.

5.1-Other things volunteers should know:

a. Be flexible. Plans change and you should take it in stride.

1. Be open. Try new foods and new things.
2. Listen to your hosts. They know what is safe to do.

Volunteer Galapagos

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

I worked with Galapagos tortoises in La Galapaguera a semi natural habitat for breeding. I also

monitored sea lions and marine iguanas so that the data could be used in work with local children.

I could spend my mornings with tortoises or sea lions and my afternoons helping out at a local dive shop. My volunteering was exhausting but extremely rewarding. I will never forget getting to feed baby Galapagos tortoises or getting to hang out with sea lions on the many pristine beaches.

7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e: host family, on-site, shared)

I lived with a very nice host family. I ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner with them everyday. This allowed for bonding and extra time to practice my Spanish. I always felt safe and was given a key to the house. I had my own room and bathroom with a beautiful view of the ocean. I could not imagine staying anywhere else.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

My favorite memory was scuba diving with sharks at Kicker Rock. I had free time on the weekends to do what I wanted. I got to dive with Galapagos Sharks, White and Black tip sharks, and Hammerheads. I also went diving with volunteer to clean up trash in the main harbor during World Oceans Day with the local navy.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

I had lots of great support while filling out my application. They answered all my questions promptly

and well. I never felt lost or confused.

10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes, absolutely.

1- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country?

I didn’t talk much to my local coordinator, solely because I had most of my things in place for this trip. The in- country coordinator was very helpful. German showed me around the fun places of Quito, told me which places I should visit on the weekends, and encouraged me to come to events held at the school.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced? Name 2

Program: How many doctors and medical students are actually at the hospital to help, and finding out my first patient on my internal medicine rotation has stage 4 cancer and nothing can be done to help him because of how fast it spread.

Host Family: How good the food is, and how open the family and nice the family is.

Country: How safe the country is compared to others (even the us), and how beautiful every part of the city is.

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Program: Not having much work to do because there are so many people at the hospital, and trying to understand the spanish (even with 6 years of lessons)

Host Family: I really can’t think of anything.

Country: sometimes the language barrier, and because you’re a tourist some people take advantage of your money.

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)

1.     You really don’t need as much as they say you will, 2-3 scrubs are fine, there is laundry.

2.     BRING A RAIN COAT, sunscreen, hat, and also buy your toothpaste/shampoo/face wash in the US, it’s way cheaper there.

3.     Go to otavalo, mitad del mundo, the coast, everything in the end is worth it, so if yourre questioning going somewhere, just do it.

4.     Have an open mind with everything, don’t eat the street food until your stomach is accustomed (2 weeks), try the ice cream (its great), and the empanadas.

5.1-Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

(thats not in the orientation guide)

a. know your money limits before you come, set limits per week, dont go crazy.

b. ask questions, dont be afraid, theyre here to help

c. 2weeks to a month is enough time to enjoy the place without getting homesick and such, set your time here with everything like that in mind.

d. the tap water isnt bad, bringing a filter water bottle will do.

6- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):

It took me 3.5 weeks out of my 4 to actually start falling in love with the country. I loved how cheap it was to travel around ecuador. The taxis are sooo much cheaper than ubers so I took advantage of that. I can tell that my spanish has gotten way better and I am more confident when I talk. And the hospital wasn’t what I thought it would be. I wanted more of a hands on place with patients and I didn’t necessarily get that here. I did learn a lot about different diseases/ conditions patients were admitted with, and how to communicate effectively with patients with the little spanish I speak.

Volunteer in Ecuador

7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security, friendliness, quality others: 

meals, accommodation, saftey, friendliness, I would all rate a 10/10. The meals were great (way healthier than what I am used to), I felt very safe always around quito, whether I was with others or by myself, my host family made it seem like I was at my own house, and every one you see will say hello or good day.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:

Program: seeing the patients get healthier

Host Family: feliz de ano was crazzzzy. but a good crazy.

Country: the beach was beautiful, 10/10 would go again.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling? (who helped you, emails, phone calls, chat online, how fast did you got an answer, did you got all your answers)

I would rate it like a 5/10. there was an incident where my dates were changed and I was charged $120 more and I was not contacted at all about it. I only found out about it when I saw my itinerary 2 weeks. so communication could be a little better. I was also told I would work 8-12 then 2-6, and when I got to ecuador I was told I only work 7:30am to 12:30pm. I also did not need nearly as much things to bring like the emails said. I didn’t even use half of it.

9.1- Who did you find Abroaderview website (keywords, search engine, word mouth to mouth, recommended by .., other)

I googled ‘medical mission trip’ and found abroaderview.

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

yes.

Volunteer Ecuador

1- How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?

The ABV coordinator and the support in country were fantastic. Everyone is very friendly and willing to help

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

At the hospital I saw a patient who lost his fingers’ skin, it was a very challenging experience.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

It was difficult to see how Ecuador’s poor economy affected them medically.

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations)

Be prepared to bring a rain jacket and sweater as it tends to get cold

5.1-Other things volunteers should know:

a.     Always wear your backpack in front of you
b.     Make sure you understand Spanish fairy well as not many people knows English
c.     Have fun

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

Working with ABV has been a great experience. As a high school student interested in Medicine, it allowed me to get hands on experience. I was able to help a lot and observed things I didn’t think I’d be able to. ABV did an excellent job!

7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e: host family, on-site, shared)

Our accommodation was great. Most people had their own room, we had access to Wi-Fi, the host family was really helpful.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

My favorite memory is the work I made with the pediatrician who stayed with me every day.
9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

The support was good, we were able to email a support person if we had questions, and they always responded promptly.
10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Yes

Volunteer in Ecuador Quito

1- How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?

The ABV coordinator and support provided was very helpful! The coordinator was welcoming and patient with any questions I had.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

The most surprising thing I experienced was the weather. I knew that Quito was located at a high altitude in the mountains but I did not anticipate the cool weather; it caught me off guard (I am Floridian). Do your research prior traveling, not everything in the tropics or equator is hot or warm.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

The most difficult thing was definitely the language barrier. I took Spanish classes Monday-Friday, which helped a lot, and by the end of the trip, I knew enough Spanish to barely get by.

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations)

At least for those traveling to Quito, pack warm! As I stated before, the weather was my biggest surprise- luckily, I had just come from Boston, so I already had some long sleeves. Had I not been in Boston prior to my trip, I surely would have froze. But you can buy cheap and warm sweaters at the local markets and read the Abv guide as it explains everything about clothes to bring.

5.1- Other things volunteers should know:

a.  Try to know at least a little bit of the language, learn some basic before traveling.

b. Be open to the new culture and food you may experience

c. Do not expect anything in particular- the trip is likely different than you will imagine it to be in a good way

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):
The trip was amazing! The volunteer experience was unlike anything I have ever experienced before. I am happy with the opportunity I was given to help the clinic. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Also, tourism in Quito and surrounding areas is great! Cotopaxi was amazing and I hope to return to Quito again one day.

7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e: host family, on-site, shared)

Amazing! I was served three meals each day, all of which I liked. If I wanted to eat out, I was asked to notify in advance. I shared a bedroom (with my father), and there was always warm water. The security was as good as it gets in Quito.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

I had weekends off. One weekend, I traveled and climbed the volcano cotopaxi. The view from the top point of the hike was amazing and the subsequent trip to the lagoon was also surreal.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

It was good. I got the information I needed prior to traveling and was aware that the ABV coordinator would be at the airport to pick me up. Everything was sufficient and I had no difficulties in my travels, they provided everything as promised.

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

Yes!

Volunteer Ecuador

1- How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
Everyone was so nice! They made us feel at home.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

How good it felt to help kids learn and experience new things. It made me think outside the box because things were so difference. We played the ukele for them and they loved it. It was so appreciated by them and it felt good.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

Saying goodbye everyone. We got close to the kids so it was hard to leave them. It was hard leaving at the end of the day because they wanted us to stay longer.

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations)
Bring your favorite stuff, candies etc to share with the children. Also ask what you can bring in advance. Be open to experiencing a new culture while you are there. It makes it more fun.

5- Other things volunteers should know:

Stay flexible because things are very different in Ecuador. Make sure to read the information given by A Broader View which helps understand what to expect. Ask lots of questions to get more comfortable with the project.

Volunteering in Ecuador

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

I would recommend volunteering with A Broader View because they offer a broad range of volunteering opportunities not just all over Ecuador but all over the world. The staff was so nice. Laura and Gianni were great. Also getting to know their families was great, especially Gianni who’s son attends the school where we worked. This gave us some insight into working with the kids. It was nice being at someones home especially in such a different environment.

7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e: host family, on-site, shared)

The accommodations were comfortable and the meals were very tasty.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
The kids! They were energetic fun and very smart. It made me miss being that age. I will always remember them.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Very good. We would have liked to have had more details about what we were doing beforehand but in the end it worked out.

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

Yes!