Volunteering in Nepal Kathmandu

1.- Why did you choose to volunteer in Nepal Kathmandu, what program(s) are you doing and why?

Why Nepal: I have previously traveled to Nepal and saw the great need the country was in. I really enjoyed being in Nepal and thought I would definitely be back.

What program: Dental Programme

Why this program: As a nearly qualified dentist, I was curious about dentistry in other countries and wanted to experience a different side of dentistry. I also wanted to help at the need community with the skills I had.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced while in the program? 

Program: The challenges the dentists take on at the hospital some of these cases are complicated but there is no other option but to take on the case.

Host Family: To see how similar the host family is to my own family in terms of culture. My family is from West Bengal, India.

Country: The lack of infrastructure outside of the main tourist areas.

3. What was the most difficult thing you experienced while in the program? 

Program: Communication barriers between the patient and me. It was difficult to get an accurate history even with someone translating for me.

Host Family: Everything was smooth. No difficulties.

Country: The bumpy road to and from the hospital.

Go Abroad To Nepal

4. Any tips for future volunteers….

Clothing: Bring easy to wash and quick dry clothing.

Sightseeing: Don’t try and see everything. Take things slowly. Nepal has little infrastructure and it is difficult and tiring to get to and from places quickly.

Donations: Sponsor a child here if you can!

Laundry/internet: Learn how to hand wash. Buy a sim card of data is a live saver when trying to find the places.

5. Other things volunteers should know about: 

a.- City/town: Getting around town and using the public transport system is difficult.

b.- Weather: Winter time is colder than it seems. The houses have no insulation.

c.- Local People: Very friendly and always willing to help.

d.- Tours: Can’t comment as did not do any tours.

Gap Year Nepal

6. Personal Paragraph (volunteer program testimonial), detail as possible: 

The ABV experience is more than just the “Dental Volunteering” you sign up for. You are exposed to an honest view of the country that you would fail to me if you were on the standard tourist trail. Personally, I found this experience humbling and it has motivated me to make charitable work a significant part of any life. I look forward to being back in Nepal sometime soon.

7. How would you describe your: 

Accommodation: Comfortable. Had all the necessities and fast internet.

Meals (favorite): Simple Nepali dishes are easy to digest and delicious.

Security: Keep all your belongings close to you. Try and not take a bag if you are using public transport.

Host family: Lovely people. All my needs were met.

8. What was your memory of this trip? 

Program: Meeting all the dentists at the hospital. Have made some friends for life and will definitely be visiting them in the future.

Host Family: Learnt a lot about the Nepali way of life from the Host Family.

Country: Nepal has many issues but it is on the way to solving them.

Volunteer Nepal

9. How was the local ABV Coordinator, the staff and the support provided in-country? Be as detailed as possible.

Airport: Picked up from the hotel on time. Taxied to host family’s home.

Orientation day: Detailed all the information required for an enjoyable and safe stay.

Daily Support: Supported me for everything I wanted to do plus give me valuable suggestions. Helped to organize many extra activities I wanted to do.

10. How was the information you received from ABV prior to traveling? (Emails, website, support) was there anything missing or should be included to prepare other volunteers?  

Very detailed information given via email.

11. Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers about your volunteer experience? 

Yes

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Volunteer Nepal

1.- Why did you choose to volunteer in Nepal Kathmandu, what program(s) are you doing and why?

Why Nepal: I chose Nepal because when I was looking to volunteer in Asia this was the only country offered that I had yet to see. I also knew that it was a country with a very rich culture that I really wanted to experience, somewhat different from other parts of Asia.

What program: I volunteer as an assistant English teacher at the school.

Why this program: I chose this program because it was something I knew I could do and it would help others. I sometimes tutored people in French at my university so I knew I could handle it. Also, I love children and I wanted to do something with them, hence the school.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced while in the program? 

Program: I was very surprised by the way people interacted with each other at the school. Students are very respectful of teachers, but more importantly, they seem really eager to help those in needs, be it, teachers or fellow students. The teachers also showed patience, understanding, and comfort for those students who really needed it. I also received a lot of help, not just from teachers but also from students.

Host Family: Again, I was surprised at the willingness to help that the host family displayed. I thought that once we were here we may have to figure things out for ourselves, but the host family has been very helpful in answering questions, organizing travels or explaining cultural aspects of life.

Country: Although the country itself is very poor, I was surprised to find the people here are much happier than many of us back home who have far better conditions. Here people who have less are willing to help out in any situation and ask for nothing in return. They make efforts to speak your language even if they know very few words and they smile even if you are unable to help.

Gap Year Nepal

3. What was the most difficult thing you experienced while in the program? 

Program: Some teachers will hit the children, either for misbehaving or sometimes just for not knowing the answer. For me, it was hard sometimes to sit there and do nothing while a child is crying after being hit. It’s even harder when the teacher sees you correcting some mistakes on the kid’s homework or sees that the kid did not complete and hits the child.

Host Family: I don’t really have a lot of complaints about the host family. The only thing is that I am used to eating smaller meals whenever I’m hungry so it was hard sometimes to eat during dinner or breakfast, but I didn’t want to waste too much food.

Country: As a white person, you really get noticed in the country. Sometimes it leads to unpleasant things like getting followed or getting called on. People just assume you don’t know anything and treat you as such which can be uncomfortable.

4. Any tips for future volunteers….

Clothing: For girls, dress with pants and none revealing shirts, it’s the best way not to attract too much attention. Bring sandals and flip-flops as they are practical to put on and remove because you will often have to take off your shoes and besides, feet are easier to wash than sneakers.

Sightseeing: There are a lot of great sights in Nepal and in Kathmandu. If you are staying long enough and bought some extra money, do not hesitate to ask your host family what you see outside of the capital. Even just the drive there is well- worth the time and money.

Donations: Bring some donations, at the school they really like pencils, flashcards, book or just some games. If you are like me and didn’t have time to get some before coming, you can always buy some things here. People will appreciate all the help they will get. You also bring books for the library.

Laundry/internet: For laundry, bring some detergent, it will be easier. Or, if you are not staying long, just bring enough clothes to go on. For the internet, while it is there at the school and in the host family, do keep in mind it’s not always reliable. Download what you want to have before coming.

5. Other things volunteers should know about: 

a. – City/town: Kathmandu is very, very big and the roads are mostly pretty bad, so if you want to see the city while you are here keep in mind that it may take the whole day and be patient. The sights are usually worth the wait. Also, be well-rested, sleeping in the care is not usually an option.

b. – Weather: I came here during monsoon season, but the weather is not half as bad as I expected it to be. Most of the time, tropical rains hit in the afternoon and during the night. There is always mud everywhere but at least temperatures are cooler and you can sometimes enjoy some sun in the morning.

c.- Local People: While many locals don’t really speak English, they are always willing to help you, so if you’re not sure how to get off the bus or where to go just try to show them what you need and they’ll help. Some uncomfortable experience with the locals so my best advice is if you get called on, just ignore it and keep going confidently (even if you aren’t confident)

d. – Tours: For any tour, you may want to take, just ask your host family beforehand, they will tell you what you might need to know and help you organize it. I would recommend traveling with another volunteer just because it’s easier and more fun and they may know about things you didn’t think about. I would definitely recommend seeing Chitwan, Pokhara, Bandipur, Lumbini and Mustang, you can book a Private car if you want to go there, and it’s very convenient.

Go Abroad Nepal

6. Personal Paragraph (volunteer program testimonial), detail as possible: 

Volunteering in Nepal was an eye-opening experience for me. I got to see how people make do with whatever is available rather than complain about what they don’t have. I had a lot of fun at the school. A lot of teachers do not speak English that well (including English teachers) but they still make an effort to try and communicate.

The kids really don’t know any English but they also do their best and try to play with me or show me some of their culture (like dancing) which is always very fun. Although at first, I doubted I would be able to make much of an impact, I got to see little things once in a while that they’ve picked up along the way: like giving back something that I lent them or stopping fights in the classroom which is really heartwarming. The homestay is also very comfortable; the host family was very welcoming and other volunteers on site were a great help to get used to the very different environment.

Not every day was necessarily easy or gratifying, but the whole trip was definitely worth it. I stayed for 6 weeks which was very long but it gave me a chance to see a lot of places in Nepal other than Kathmandu and that was amazing. The sights even just on the ways are gorgeous and there are so many different, unique places to visit that I never felt bored. I also did the Nepali language immersion which was pretty useful to learn phrases and communicate with the kids especially. I recommend that too.

7. How would you describe your: 

Accommodation: The accommodation was very comfortable, much better than I expected really. Volunteers have their own space; the house is a mix of some local things and more western accommodation so you are not completely out of your depths. There are also often other volunteers here with you.

Meals (favorite): If you’re in Nepal, you will definitely be eating your share of Dal Bhat, a traditional meal that includes rice, lentil soup, some veggies/curries, potatoes, and a roti. It’s very tasty, and since you can have many varieties. I didn’t get bored of eating it every night which really surprised me.

Security: I felt pretty safe for my entire trip. In the house, there really isn’t anything to worry about, to go to the school, it’s always the same routine and I never had an incident that really made me feel unsafe and during my short trips outside Kathmandu, the driver brought us to safe hotels, let us know what was best in terms of sightseeing and was with us the rest of the time.

Host family: The host family was really charming. Although the grandparents don’t really speak English, they often try to communicate and help. The rest of the family speaks English and does mingle with us a little, which is really nice. They are always helpful and provide insight on some of the local culture.

Teaching Volunteer Nepal

8. What was your memory of this trip? 

Program: I really love going by a classroom when I don’t have a class with them and there aren’t any teachers because all the kids come up to me, literally dragging me in the class so I can play with them or they would dance for me, or draw and they’ll ask for smiley’s and stars, it’s too much fun.

Host Family: One time, we had a small cooking class with the host family. We were 5 volunteers and we helped to chop veggies or learned to make plain rice, then we had a big meal with the entire family. It was so much fun.

Country: The country is absolutely gorgeous. Despite the monsoon clouds that hide a lot of the scenery, I was able to see a lot of the mountains and the natural beauty of the place. I don’t think I would have thought to come to Nepal without volunteering, but while I was here I traveled a lot and found some breathtaking sceneries along the road.

9. How was the local ABV Coordinator, the staff and the support provided in-country? Be as detailed as possible.

Airport: At the airport, the ABV Coordinator was there right when I got off. He brought me directly to an ATM (although I was completely clueless as to how much money to get out and ended up not having enough) and he really helped with as much as possible which was very comfortable since this was my first time traveling alone and my first time in Nepal.

Orientation day: Orientation day really just gave a broad overview of what was life going to be like here. In the end, I do think I learned more throughout the week thought of experiencing it, but in all fairness, I had a 30-hour flight before so I was completely dazed.

Daily Support: Daily support is pretty good if we need anything we just have to ask and for every question the ABV coordinator was able to provide us with a clear answer that made the whole trip a lot easier. Other volunteers at the house were also great support when I needed something so it was great to be sharing a room with them.

Gap Year Teaching

10. How was the information you received from ABV prior to traveling? (Emails, website, support) was there anything missing or should be included to prepare other volunteers?  

The information was pretty complete, although I wish I would have read it more carefully. It has everything that I needed to prepare for the trip, it would be good though to include that it’s possible to go on trips on the weekend so that we could prepare for that.

11. Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers about your volunteer experience? Yes

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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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Honduras La Ceiba Review Volunteer

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

Rafael is our local ABV Coordinator and he is a very nice person. He would walk or go with our group every morning to our shift, and make sure that we were doing okay throughout the day.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

At the program: The most surprising thing I experienced during the time I am volunteering here is the condition of the hospitals and their procedure on sanitation and safety of the healthcare provider. The condition of the clinics is terrible. They have a very low standard on sanitation and a poor sense of safety from getting diseases from the patients.

At the accommodation: The accommodation is as what I expected so there was not much surprising. Plus, I have also lived half of my life at a place similar so I am pretty used to it.

About the country: The country is still developing so there are lots of trash on the street and open ground. I think the traffic law is not strictly enforced, so people just drive the way they want. However, people here are very friendly and welcoming.

Gap Year Honduras

3- What was most difficult to experience?

In the program: The most difficult thing about the program is to be able to communicate with people around and at the hospital. Since my Spanish speaking level is very low, I had some trouble talking to patients and doctors. However, after a couple days, I started getting used to listening, and Rafael taught me some phrases that would get me by.

At the accommodation: Cold showers, especially during the rain.

The country: Crossing the street is always fun, and my friends would always be yelling at me for not telling them that I was about to cross the street.

4- Any tips for future volunteers…

Clothing: Pack enough clothes if you’re traveling for 1-2 weeks, so that you don’t have to do laundry here. The laundry mat requires a couple days to finish washing clothes. Also, bring rain gear if you’re traveling during raining season.

Donations: Sanitation is a big deal here, so I believe it would be great to donate hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes for cleaning and tiny ones for giving injections.

Weather: The weather is not bad at all, except it rains a lot during the winter season. The humidity is totally bearable.

4.1-Other things volunteers should know:

a.-Meals here are much different from the states. Small and quick breakfast and dinner.

b.-Be ready to take a cold shower every day.

c.-There are certain places where toilet paper is not available so you should bring your own.

d.-If you’re bringing cash to trade here, make sure the bills are perfect or brand new. The banks will not take the bills if they are ripped or have marks on them.

 5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

It has been a great experience being here in Honduras. I have learned a whole lot during my two weeks of being here. It was an eye opening experience to see health care services in a different country and how they have to deal with limited supplies. I had a different expectation for the trip like I would travel to different locations to provide care, but I was able to give a lot just by volunteering at those hospitals.  

Volunteering in Honduras

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

Rafael’s house is pretty nice, and there is also wifi so I was still connected with the rest of the world. The meals here are smaller than what I used to have back at home, but there are lots of restaurants within walking distance. There is always a ghetto side to any city, and La Ceiba is no exception. However, Rafael pointed that out on the first day and made sure that everyone knows to stay away. The people here are nice otherwise.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: My favorite memory of the program is able to work alongside with people I have never met before and speak a totally different language.

Country: The scenery is crazily beautiful. There’s too much to describe.

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

Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat): ABV USA is very responsive to communication. They always sending reminder emails prior to the trip and during the trip.

Website Information: The website information is very useful

9 – Can you tell us how did you find or know about A Broader View? 

I volunteer with Texas A&M University, so I know A broader view from there, many of the students travel with them through ABV.

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Nepal Kathmandu Review

1.- Hi Tell us about you:

Full name (first and last): Mark Wohlford Age: 58

What do you do (study or work, where): Oral Surgeon

Where are you from (city and country): Evansvive, indiana, USA

1.1. – Why did you choose to volunteer in Nepal Kathmandu, what program(s) are you doing and why?

Why Nepal: My wife is from Nepal and my daughter had never been.

What program: Dental

Why this program: That is my profession.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced while in the program?

Program: The prevalence of caries in children.

Host Family: The host family was very gracious and shared their home.

Country: The economy is expanding. There is construction everywhere.

3. What was the most difficult thing you experienced while in the program?

Program: The inability to fulfill all the needs of the patients we saw.

Host Family: I had no difficulties with the Host Family.

Country: Roads and Traffic.

4. Any tips for future volunteers….

Clothing: Wear layers and Comfortable shoes.

Sightseeing: Hire a guide at historical sites. This allows you to get more out of your time.

Laundry/internet: Internet was surprisingly good at the host house.

Gap Year Nepal

5. Other things volunteers should know about:

a.- City/town: There is a lot of dust. Be careful if you have respiratory problems.

b.- Weather: March weather is ideal. Not too hot or cold.

c.- Local People: Very little English spoken on the streets.

d.- Tours: Use tour guides.

6. Personal Paragraph (volunteer program testimonial), detail as possible:

I have volunteered in the United States and in other countries. Nepal is a beautiful country with wonderful people. It was a fabulous experience to share with my wife and daughter. Nepal has changed a lot since my last visit over 20 years ago.

7. How would you describe your:

Accommodation: Very nice facility with a lot of space and privacy.

Meals (favorite): We eat Nepali food at home and enjoyed the quality and Flavors.

Security: I have never felt so safe traveling internationally.

Host family: It was nice to spend meal times with such a nice family.

Dentists Without Borders

8. What was your memory of this trip?

Program: The monastery was a very special place. I was surprised that it functions as a school/ worship/ orphanage

Host Family: Every morning and night we met with the coordinator and planned. He was very flexible.

Country: The Nepalese people are very gracious and friendly.

9. How was the local ABV Coordinator, the staff, and the support provided in-country? Be as detailed as possible.

Airport: He was available on time with enough space for everyone.

Orientation day: We were well oriented as to the customs and the program for the week.

Daily Support: Everyday food and transportation were excellent.

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Review Nepal Kathmandu

1.- Hi Tell us about you:

Full name (first and last): Manisha Wohlford Age: 20

Full Time Student at Saint Louis University

from: St. Louis, Mo, USA

1.1. – Why did you choose to volunteer in Nepal Kathmandu, what program(s) are you doing and why?

Why Nepal: I choose Nepal because my mom grew up in Nepal and I hadn’t seen the country yet.

What program: The Dental Program

Why this program: I Choose the Dental Program because I want to pursue a career in dentistry. I liked the idea of doing dentistry with my dad in my mom’s home country.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced while in the program?

Program: I was surprised at the number of cavities in the school children. Only two of the 300 had teeth without cavities to the naked eye.

Host Family: The host family was very kind. They were very pleasant to talk to. They gave us an insider perspective on the current state of Nepal.

Country: This was my first time in Nepal and I was honestly very surprised by the conditions of the roads and the amount of litter. There were not many beggars, this is unlike big cities in India.

Gap Year Nepal

3. What was the most difficult thing you experienced while in the program?

Program: I would have liked to spend more time volunteering in schools and monasteries. I was disappointed that we only did this two of the seven days here.

Host Family: I experienced no difficulties with the host family.

Country: I found myself wanting to pick up every piece of trash I saw, I wish there was a way for me to change littering laws in Nepal. Also, the roads were rough.

4. Any tips for future volunteers….

Clothing: Bring a pair of hiking shoes, flip-flops, tennis shoes. Bring Hiking Pants.

Sightseeing: Go to Kapan Monastery, Pashupatinath, and Swoyambunath

Donations: Brings Books for Library.

Laundry/internet: I was not here long enough to do Laundry, but the internet worked well.

5. Other things volunteers should know about:

a.- City/town: Kathmandu is beautiful and Trip advisor is a great source to use to find out places to explore.

b.- Weather: it was warm in March

c.- Local People: The local People are so nice, don’t need to worry much about theft, use common sense.

d.- Tours: I recommend using a tour guide.

6. Personal Paragraph (volunteer program testimonial), detail as possible:

This was my first volunteer trip, and I think I am now hooked. Seeing the joy on each monk’s face as we did dental exams warmed my soul. I was so overjoyed that I could contribute to their smiling faces. Seeing the amount of dental care the students in the school needed opened my eyes to the importance of dental outreach and began the dialogue in my head about how to serve the world I live in.

Volunteering in Nepal

7. How would you describe your:

Accommodation: Clean and Spacious.

Meals (favorite): I love the traditional Nepali dinner. Aloo Mattar pickle is my favorite.

Security: I always felt safe.

Host family: Very warm, friendly and accommodating.

8. What was your memory of this trip?

Program: There is a lot of dental work to be done in Nepal.

Host Family: We had great conversations.

Country: I Love Nepal and I will be back for certain.

9. How was the local ABV Coordinator, the staff, and the support provided in-country? Be as detailed as possible.

Airport: The coordinator promptly picked us up from the airport and brought us home.

Orientation day: The orientation was nice, gave a nice overview of what to expect.

Daily Support: Our coordinator helped us plan each day the night before.

10. How was the information you received from ABV prior to

traveling?

The emails were descriptive. I think future volunteers should learn basic Nepali terms and phrases before coming.

11. Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers about your volunteer experience?

Yes!

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Volunteer in Chile La Serena Teaching Program

Full name (first and last): Arlene Rosenbaum

What do you do (study or work, where): retired

Where are you from (city and country): Rohnert Park, California USA

1.1.- Why did you choose to volunteer in Chile La Serena, what program(s) are you doing and why?

Why Chile: I have a friend who lived in Chile and he recommended it. Also to improve my Spanish.

What program: teaching English

Why this program: I do some tutoring and I like children.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced while in the program? 

Program: How respectful and friendly the students at the school are.

Host Family: How open they were to make me feel welcome and included.

Country: Chile has many of the same social issues as the US: immigration, cost of education, cost of health care, industry versus environment, legalization of marijuana.

One thing that surprised me about Santiago was how many demonstrations and protests there are. It seems like I saw or heard about a demonstration several times a week, on a variety of issues.

Also, I was surprised that I could see penguins in the northern part of the country at Isla Damas.

3. What was the most difficult thing you experienced while in the program? 

Program: My lack of Spanish skills made it difficult for me to interact with the students in spite of their efforts to communicate with their limited English.

Host Family: My lack of Spanish skills made it difficult to communicate with the host family in spite of their efforts with their limited English.

Country: My lack of Spanish skills made it difficult to communicate with others in spite of their efforts.

4. Any tips for future volunteers….

Clothing: La Serena was colder in autumn than I expected based on the temperature, because the humidity is always very high, something like San Francisco.

Sightseeing: There are many beautiful places to see. From Santiago, I took a day tour to the Andes with Isto E Chile – Embalse El Yeso, which was very good. 

Also, from La Serena I took a tour to Isla Damas where I saw penguins, sea lions, pelicans, and cormorants. Sometimes you can also see dolphins. My host family arranged this locally, which was much cheaper than the tours available online. However, I was the only English speaker in the tour group, but the guide spoke English.

I did not get a chance to tour the Elqui Valley but that was also highly recommended by my host family.

Donations: I brought several first readers (” I can read” books) in English for the younger students. They were greatly appreciated because they are difficult to find in Chile and are expensive for them. I bought them online from Amazon.

Laundry/internet: I was able to do laundry at the host family for a small fee. The internet worked well at the host family but is limited at the school.

Volunteering in Chile

5. Other things volunteers should know about: 

a.- City/town: La Serena seemed like a very nice small city, although rush hour traffic was quite heavy. There is a nice beachfront, although I went in April so it was not beach weather.

b.- Local People: In La Serena people were very nice. I was always offered a seat on a crowded bus. Also, people were very helpful when I asked for directions in spite of language barriers. In Santiago, like other big cities, the friendliness of the people varied quite a bit.

6. Personal Paragraph (volunteer program testimonial), detail as possible: 

My volunteer experience to assist English teachers in Chile was challenging but rewarding. I assisted several different English teachers for classes ranging from 4^thgrade to 12^thgrade. My main function was to speak to them and read aloud so that they could hear American English spoken with an American accent (although their course book was for British English). I also corrected their grammar and spelling when necessary.

I was pleasantly surprised at how well the students were doing. The English curriculum used in the school was quite good, and the English teachers pretty fluent. (The school is a private Catholic school.)

I wish I had been able to participate more in the classroom. Although I had studied Spanish off and on over several years and took Spanish tutoring while I was volunteering, I still struggled to communicate with all but people fluent in English, such as the English teachers, my Spanish tutor, and the university-age daughter of the host family. As a result of my trip, my Spanish has improved immensely, but I am still very far from fluent.

In spite of the language problems, with the help of my hostess, I was able to navigate to and from school by myself, and I was able to generally make myself understood when necessary.

The host family and the students and teachers at the school were very friendly and welcoming. The students were very respectful.

I also very much enjoyed the 2-day tours I took: one to the Andes from Santiago and one to Isla Damas from La Serena.

7. How would you describe your: 

Accommodation: The accommodation was fine. I had my own room and bathroom since there were no other volunteers at the time. The bed was comfortable. However, it was quite cold at night so I needed 3 blankets.

Meals (favorite): The vegetarian meals, which I had requested, were excellent. Senora Vilma is a wonderful cook and everything was made with fresh ingredients. My favorites were the homemade peanut butter and banana bread.

Security: I felt quite safe in La Serena walking to and from the bus and walking around downtown. I felt more cautious in Santiago, where I was warned by the hotel manager not to walk around downtown at night.

Host family: The host family was extraordinarily helpful. Senora Vilma rode the bus with me several times to make sure I knew where to get on and off. She also called to arrange a tour for me and came shopping with me for souvenirs She prepared delicious meals every day. The whole family was very friendly and interested in finding out about me, and in explaining Chilean culture to me.

Gap Year Chile

8. What was your memory of this trip? 

Program: I assisted several different English teachers for classes ranging from 4^thgrade to 12^thgrade. My main function was to speak to them and read aloud so that they could hear American English spoken with an American accent (although their course book was for British English). I also corrected their grammar and spelling when necessary. The students were all very nice and many made a particular effort to communicate with me, as I did with them. The English teachers were also quite nice and fluent in English.

Country: Chile is very similar to California in some ways: geography, climate, earthquakes. The economic system is similar – basically free market with large agriculture and viticulture sectors – but Chile seems to lack a social safety net. Chile’s culture is also somewhat different with stronger family ties in general than the average Californian.

9. How was the local ABV Coordinator, the staff and the support provided in-country? Be as detailed as possible.

Airport: Senora Vilma was right at the gate of the airport when I arrived. She also took me the airport when I left and helped me check in.

Orientation day: On the first day of school Senora Vilma accompanied me on the bus to the school and introduced me to the head English teacher, who supervised me at the school. She also met me at the school at the end of that day and accompanied me on the bus back to her house.

Daily Support: Senora Vilma was always available to help me with anything I needed, including making tour arrangements for me, coordinating with my Spanish tutor, and accompanying me to shop for souvenirs.

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Volunteer Chile La Serena Orphanage

1.- Why did you choose to volunteer in Chile La Serena, what program(s) are you doing and why?
Why Chile: I wanted to work on my Spanish speaking skills, so I decided to volunteer in a Latin American country. I chose Chile because of the volunteer program it had.
What program: I volunteered for 8 weeks in an Orphanage/ Children’s home
Why this program: I love children and wanted to work with them.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced while in the program?
Program: Taking care of kids is pretty similar in Chile as it is in the US. From what I’ve seen there aren’t any wildly different practices.

Host Family: My host mom Silvia was very accommodating of my diet (I’m a vegetarian) and always cooked breakfast for me. I’ll miss that back in the States.

Country: Chile is fairly modern, it’s a lot like the United States. There’s McDonald’s, Domino’s Pizza, Nike and even Walmart. Most people have smartphones, too. One thing to look out for is that you should never flush toilet paper, always throw it away (and have hand sanitizer at all times, because you never know when you’ll need it). Sometimes it felt like I hadn’t left home.

3. What was the most difficult thing you experienced while in the program?
Program: Understanding what people were telling me to do could be difficult at times.

Host Family: I didn’t feel too comfortable when relatives or friends were visiting, so I would hide in my room sometimes, but if you’re very social and know good Spanish, you’ll do fine.

Country: It takes some getting used to, but in Chile, people greet you by touching cheeks and making a kissing sound (some people go for a kiss). The exception is if two males meet, then they shake hands. It definitely felt like my space was being invaded at first, but then I learned to like it.

4. Any tips for future volunteers….
Clothing: If you’re visiting in Spring/ Fall, bring both pants and shorts. I was in Chile from the beginning of March to the end of April. In March, I was wearing shorts/ Capris and a T-shirt and would be fine, April, I needed pants and jacket. Chileans dress more conservatively than Americans, so leave short shorts and low cut shirts at home.

Sightseeing: Plan to do something most weekends. I spent about every other weekend not doing anything because I thought I had more time, and then 8 weeks passed and I wished I had traveled more. I recommend visiting Isla Damas, Pisco Elqui, and Valparaíso. If you can visit the desert or south of Chile, do it. The geography is very different!
Hostels are a great way to save money and meet new people when traveling around.

Donations: The orphanage I worked in got a lot of clothing donations, so don’t worry about that. Diapers, clorox wipes, lotion, toys, and school supplies are all good things to bring. If anything, monetary donations work best, because they can buy what they need.

Laundry/internet: Data plans are relatively cheap in Chile, so if you’re planning on traveling on the weekends, I would get a SIM card while in Chile. Bring powdered detergent so you can do laundry while staying in hostels.

Gap Year Chile

5. Other things volunteers should know about:
a.- City/town: La Serena has some sights to see, like the Japanese Garden and Archaeological Museum. Public transportation is cheap, so take advantage of it and go places. There are a lot of churches (including a Mormon temple and mosque) if you’re religious, but if you’re not, you’ll have no issues here.

b.- Weather:  Look up information on the climate of La Serena. Depending on what time of the year, weather conditions will be very different. They don’t get snow here, so it won’t get too cold. I was here in Autumn, brought a rain jacket and didn’t use it a single day. Winter may be a different story.

c.- Local People: There will be people who speak English, so if you get lost there’s bound to be at least one person who can help you if you don’t speak Spanish, but knowing Spanish will help tremendously. If visiting a larger city, watch out for people who will come up to you asking for money, it can be scary/ overwhelming if you aren’t expecting it.

d.- Tours: The Isla Damas tours are good, but only in Spanish unless you go with a private company. Check what time of the year the penguins can be found at the island before visiting.

In Valparaíso and Santiago, a company called Tours4Tips does, you guessed it, tours for tips. The tours are really good and you can learn insider information about the city.

Volunteering in Chile

6. Personal Paragraph (volunteer program testimonial), detail as possible:

This was my first time out of the country. From where my host family lived, it was a half hour walk and half hour bus ride to and from the orphanage, which I used the time to listen to audiobooks. The workers at the orphanage were very nice to me and always asked about my weekend. I loved working with the babies. I wish I had spent time trying to make friends or doing more things in the evenings.

7. How would you describe your:
Accommodation: There were two bed in my room and a TV. I didn’t watch much, but it was nice having it there. The house was your average middle class home and had a good wifi connection.

Meals (favorite): I ate so many vegetables while in Chile, my body is very happy about that. I loved sopapilla pasada, an amazing dessert that’s found in Northern Chile. Tomatoes and cheese cooked in the microwave oven. It sounds simple, but is amazingly delicious.

Security: if you’re worried about securing your stuff you can bring locks and a money belt- both things I recommend anyway for when staying in hostels or walking around big cities. I always felt safe, although I wasn’t out at night often.

Host family: My host family was extremely welcoming and made me feel at home. I went on a trip with them to a national park on Easter and my host mom Silvia took me to places around the city. Her kids introduced me to their friends as well.

8. What was your memory of this trip?
Program: The orphanage was definitely not what I expected, the tías were great and everything was very secure.

Host Family I am going to miss my host family when I go home. They were so kind to me and had amazing food! I’m bringing a new found love of vegetables and tea with me.

Country: The architecture of Chile is really pretty and different from where I live. You won’t find any red brick houses here. The landscape is also very diverse and sometimes it felt like I was on another planet.

9. How was the local ABV Coordinator, the staff and the support provided in-country? 
Vilma was welcoming and showed me around the city sometimes. She gave me advice and information when I wanted to visit other parts of the region. There’s a lot of support if you need it, but they can also be hands off if you’re looking to be very independent.

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Volunteer Peru Cusco Child Care Program

1.- What was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered?

 I worked in 2 different places during my time in Cusco so my daily schedule varied from week to week. During my first week and half, I volunteered for 5 hours in a kindergarten where I taught English to 5 year olds. During my second full week, I continued volunteering for 5 hours at the school during the morning and began volunteering in the orphanage for 3 hours in the afternoon as well, giving me a full 8 hour day with a break in the middle when I returned home for lunch. After that, the school had vacation so the orphanage became my primary volunteer location and I volunteered for 5 hours in the mornings during my final week and a half in Cusco.

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


Host Family: I absolutely loved my host family. Living with Maria Elena is the best! However, I was a little surprised by how many volunteers stayed there at once. At one point there were 5 volunteers living in the house along with Maria Elena and her father. I had expected to be the only volunteer living with the host family or that there would only be 2-3 volunteers maximum. Although this was a surprise, I really enjoyed getting to know the other volunteers who lived there and it was fun to have people to explore Cusco with.

Program: I was surprised that I was expected to teach completely on my own at the school. I anticipated serving as a teaching assistant and having more of a supporting role in the classroom. Instead, I was asked to completely lead the classroom activities on my own and create lesson plans and activities based on an English workbook the students had. This was a really exciting opportunity for me! It was really fun to come up with new ways to engage the students and teach the colors, parts of the body, family members, etc. I had not anticipated having such freedom and control over the class. It was a great way to get to know all of the students in each class and really feel like I was playing an active role in their education.

The students were all eager to learn English which made teaching really fun. It also helped me practice my Spanish because I had to speak entirely in Spanish other than when I was teaching very basic English words and phrases. Additionally, the teachers were so helpful and supportive while I was teaching. They helped me give instructions to the class, make sure the students remained focused, and often participated in the activities because they wanted to learn English too. There were 3 classes of 5 year old students and I rotated between them during my time at the school, teaching English for the entire morning (or at least the majority of the time) I was in each class. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget!

Country: I was surprised how easy it was to meet people in Cusco. Everyone here is so friendly! In planning to come to Cusco for a month on my own, I anticipated that I would be spending a lot of time alone while exploring the city. In reality, I only spent a few days exploring completely by myself because it was so easy to meet people on my tours or spend time with other abroader view volunteers. Even though I signed up for most of my weekend excursions alone, I made friends on every single trip I took and never spent the tour alone. I kept in touch with people I met on tours or through other activities and met up with them in Cusco for museums, dinner, or just to hang out. While I also really enjoyed the time I spent exploring alone, I loved being able to meet so many new people and make so many new friends. I never felt lonely!

Volunteering in Peru

3.- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?


Host Family: There were no challenges with the host family. I could not have imagined a betting living experience for my time in Cusco.

Program: Overall, my volunteer experience was amazing and I had very few problems. The only challenge I experienced was with the language barrier because nobody in the school or orphanage spoke any English and I occasionally lacked the vocabulary to have complicated conversations in Spanish. This did not limit my volunteer experience overall because I had sufficient Spanish to communicate and form relationships with the students and the girls at the orphanage; however, I occasionally needed to find new ways to explain something or fill in the gaps with hand gestures. My Spanish improved the longer I was in Cusco and I rarely had this problem during my final weeks.

Country: My main challenge in Cusco was finding food that I felt comfortable eating. Because you are not supposed to drink water that has not been boiled, I often avoided fresh vegetables (except in the house because I knew Maria Elena washed them safely). Also I wanted to make sure the meat was safe and had not been left out or not cooked well because one of my friends got food poisoning from alpaca meat at a restaurant.

I didn’t avoid eating out but I was always careful to choose a restaurant that seemed trustworthy. It was all about finding a balance between not spending too much money but also making sure the restaurant was reliable. I loved the Peruvian cuisine and luckily never had problems with the food and I think it was because I made sure to always be careful.

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


When it is summer in the US it is winter in Peru and although there may be a high in the 60s (Fahrenheit), it can get really cold at night (30 degrees Fahrenheit). It is really important to bring warm clothes, a real jacket, a hat, and gloves — especially if one plans on hiking. I wore long pants and a sweatshirt everyday and needed an additional jacket at night. I didn’t bring enough warm clothes and ended up needing to buy an extra fleece and a hat/gloves while I was in Cusco.

Other things to pack:

-hiking boots (if one plans on going to Machu Picchu, rainbow mountain, or Humantay lake — all of which I highly recommend)

-reusable water bottles (you need bottled water here and it is cheaper to by large jugs of water to fill your own bottle than to buy a lot of small bottles)

-tissues/toilet paper (most public restrooms don’t have toilet paper so you always need to carry your own)

Other tips:

-Use WhatsApp and download it before you come to Peru because you need to be able to receive a confirmation code via text. I did not have international data for my cell phone and only used WhatsApp to communicate when I had WiFi. It was really easy and I never had any problems because there is WiFi in the house and at most restaurants.

-You have to pay the travel agency in American cash (they do not accept credit card) so make sure to bring enough cash to avoid excessive ATM fees

Gap Year Peru

5.- Other things volunteers should know before coming here (besides Spanish):


Host Family: The meal schedule is different than the US: light breakfast, big lunch around 2 pm, and a small dinner (basically the same food as breakfast). If you want more than bread with jelly for dinner, make sure to buy snacks, go out to dinner, or talk with the host family about other options. It wasn’t hard to adjust to this eating schedule but it was definitely a change from what I was used to

Program: As cliche as it sounds, the volunteer experience is entirely what you make of it. Take initiative and find ways to help out and get involved. Each volunteer location is different and your role may shift so it is important to observe what is going on and find ways you can participate. No one will ask for your help so it is up to you to determine how to get involved.

Country: It is important to get a sense of how much taxis should cost. Taxi drivers often just put out their hand and expect you to give them the right amount without saying a price and they will charge you more if you ask how much it should cost because they will take advantage of the fact you are a tourist. Maria Elena (the abroader view coordinator) will help with this and it is pretty easy to figure out.

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


I absolutely loved my month in Cusco! My experience surpassed all of my expectations and I am really sad that my time there ended so fast. My time at the primary school was amazing. I rotated through the three classes of five year old students to teach English. Most of the time I was given complete control of the class for the day and led activities to teach basic English vocabulary and concepts. I tried to make the lessons engaging by having the students act out different words, creating competitions between groups of students, and teaching them songs in English.

It was amazing to see how interested they were in learning English, how much effort they put into practicing, and how much progress they made over the course of the days I spent in each class. I also loved getting to know the students in a non-academic setting: talking with them before class, eating lunch with them, and playing with them at recess. They were so excited to see me every day and would scream “Profe de ingles!!” and then come running over to give me a hug — it made coming to school every day so much fun. Additionally, the teachers were so supportive and helpful during my time at the school.

I was really sad that the school had a vacation for my last week and a half in Cusco because I did not want to end my time there. My other volunteer position was working at an orphanage for teenage girls. The orphanage did not need much help running activities so instead, the role of volunteers was more to spend time with the girls and be a friend. I spent most of my time in the ceramics room where the girls work for weeks to paint the most beautiful plates, mugs, and vases. They tried to teach me how to paint as well (which I was terrible at) but I had so much fun talking with all of the girls and listening to music while we painted. It was amazing to me how positive and friendly all of the girls were. They were always excited to ask me a million questions, show me what they were doing, give me/each other a hug, or just sit by me.

I tried to get to know as many girls as possible because it was important to me to be more than just another random face—I wanted to truly get to know them on a personal level and be a friend they could feel comfortable with. I was able to go on a field trip with the orphanage during my last week and it was so much fun to spend time with the girls in a new environment, witness their excitement at traveling outside Cusco, and be a part of their special day. The loyalty and love the girls have for each other inspired me and I will never forget my time with them. Outside of volunteering, I was lucky enough to do a lot of traveling while I was in Cusco.

I did a tour of the city, visited the sacred valley, the salt mines, the last Inca bridge, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake. I loved all of these adventures, made some great friends on the trips, and was amazed by the beautiful places I got to see. I also enjoyed exploring the city of Cusco. There is so much to see and do: the museums, restaurants, and markets are all incredible, I took a Peruvian cooking class, I visited an Incan planetarium, I went to see live music, and so much more. Throughout my stay in Cusco,

I lived with Maria Elena and I truly could not have asked for a better host Mom. She made me feel completely at home and I am so grateful for how caring she was. The food was incredible, the beds were comfortable, and Maria Elena was the best. They love she shows to all of her ABV volunteers is amazing. She is both a mother figure and an amazing friend. She gave great advice, was so supportive of all aspects of my life, and was so much fun to spend time with. I felt like I had plenty of freedom but also felt like I was always been cared for—it was a perfect balance.

Also, there were often other volunteers living in the house and I had so much fun getting to know them. We did trips together, went out to dinner, or just hung out after a long day. It truly felt like we were a family. Overall, I am so grateful for the unforgettable experience I had in Cusco. It was more amazing than I could have ever imagined.

Volunteering in Peru

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


Meals: The meals were always delicious. I have some dietary restriction and Maria Elena was so accommodating. On the rare occasion when the main course was something I could not eat, she always prepared me a separate meal. Lunch was always large, delicious and very filling. Dinner was much smaller, as per Peruvian custom, and I occasionally wanted more food but was usually able to supplement with soup or Maria Elena would make me eggs if I was still hungry.

Security: I felt completely safe in the house. The house has 2 doors, both of which have a double lock, and I was also given a key to lock my bedroom door though I never felt the need to use it.

Friendliness: Maria Elena is so friendly and I could not have asked for a better host Mom! She made me feel completely at home and I am so grateful for how caring and supportive she was. I felt like I could talk to her about anything and we always had so much fun together. She made me feel like family and I will miss her a lot!

Quality: My host family surpassed all of my expectations. The living accommodations were all high quality, the beds were warm, and Maria Elena and her father were so welcoming. I cannot say enough good things about living here.

7.1.- Score the following from 1 to 10:

Quality of meals: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

Quantity of each meal: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

How clean was the house: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

How safe was the house: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

8.- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country: Airport, orientation, introduction to the program, schedule of the program, friendliness, solving problems?

Maria Elena, the a broader view coordinator, provided amazing support during my time in Cusco. I would not have felt as comfortable here without her support and guidance. She texted me while I was in Lima to give me advice on how to navigate the airport, picked me up when I arrived in Cusco, helped me plan all of my trips and excursions, and taught me everything there is to know about the city—where to withdraw and exchange money, where to buy bottled water, where to do laundry, how to take the bus, what to say in a taxi and how much to pay, and gave me a tour of all of the important places. She also was so helpful in getting me settled at both of my volunteer positions.

She took me there on the first day, taught me the best way to commute, introduced me to the directors, and made sure I felt comfortable in my role. She checked in with me daily to see how my position was going and was actively invested in all aspects of my time in Peru. She was a good listener and I felt comfortable coming to her with even the smallest of problems. I knew I could always count on her for advice and information. During my month here, I was amazed to see how committed she is to all of the abroader view volunteers. She spent all day checking in on current volunteers, coordinating housing and positions for upcoming volunteers, and working to make sure everyone felt comfortable during their time in Cusco. She truly goes above and beyond for her volunteers.

For example, one day I had to leave at 4:30 am for a hike and she woke up early to text me and make sure I did not miss my bus. Overall, she is so friendly, informative, and organized and I was so lucky to have her as a resource as my coordinator and as my host family during my time in Cusco.

Volunteering Opportunities

9.- Whats was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered, activities you did?

 I worked in 2 different places during my time in Cusco so my daily schedule varied from week to week. During my first week and half, I volunteered for 5 hours in a kindergarten where I taught English to 5 year olds. During my second full week, I continued volunteering for 5 hours at the school during the morning and began volunteering in the orphanage for 3 hours in the afternoon as well, giving me a full 8 hour day with a break in the middle when I returned home for lunch.

After that, the school had vacation so the orphanage became my primary volunteer location and I volunteered for 5 hours in the mornings during my final week and a half in Cusco. During my time at the school, I rotated through the three classes of five year old students to teach English. Most of the time I was given complete control of the class for the day and led activities to teach basic vocabulary and concepts. I based my lessons on an English workbook the school had. I also got to spend time with the students in a non-academic setting: talking with them before class, eating lunch with them, and playing with them at recess.

At the orphanage, I spent most of my time in the ceramics room where the girls work on homework, hang out, and paint beautiful plates, mugs, and vases. They tried to teach me how to paint as well (which I was terrible at) but I had so much fun talking with all of the girls and listening to music while we painted. I tried to get to know as many girls as possible because it was important to me to be more than just another random face—I wanted to truly get to know them on a personal level and be a friend they could feel comfortable with.

They would ask me a million questions, tell me all about their day, or sometimes just want to sit with me in silence—either way I knew it was important to just be present in the moment and interact with them in whichever way they wanted on a given day.

10.- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:


Accommodation:  My favorite memory with my host family is when Maria Elena, the two other volunteers living at the house, and I went out to dinner at a nice Peruvian restaurant. We stayed for hours laughing, talking about everything, and enjoying the delicious food (we ordered 5 desserts for 4 people). It was such a fun, relaxing night and really exemplified how close we all had become and how comfortable we were around each other. It truly felt like we were a family.

Program:  It is so hard to pick a favorite memory from my volunteer experience but one of my favorites was on my last day at the school. All of the students were sad that I would be leaving and wanted to keep in touch so they all spontaneously organized themselves to make me a sheet of paper with all of their names on it so that we could be friends on Facebook.

It was hilarious to me because they are 5 years old and definitely do not have a Facebook but it was also so touching because it showed me that I had made an impact on them and that they would miss having me at the school. I was sad to be leaving and knew I would miss all of the students a ton so it was so nice to have something from them to bring back home with me. To me, the fact that they decided to do this on their own exemplified that the relationships I had formed with them and the connections I had made during my time at the school were real and genuine.

Country: my favorite memory in Peru was reaching the top of Rainbow Mountain. The hike to 5200 meter altitude was the hardest thing I had ever done but the view was so amazing that it made it worth it. I felt so accomplished for being able to complete the hike on my own because I had been nervous I would not be able to do it. It is one of the most incredible places I have ever been. Standing at the peak with the friends I had hiked with was such an amazing moment and an experience I will never forget.

11.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling? Emails, chat online, calls, volunteer guide:

The ABV USA support was so helpful prior to my trip. I spoke with Sarah on the phone and emailed with her several times when I was trying to decide what program to do and to ask her a million questions once I had chosen to come to Cusco. She was always so informative and helpful and her replies were very quick. She answered all of my questions and helped me feel excited and comfortable about coming to Cusco. I also used the online chatting system to get advice when choosing my flights. Again, the support was detailed, informative, and quick to respond. I also used the Peru guide when planning what to pack on the trip which was very helpful.

12.- What do you think about the reservation system online?


I found the reservation system very straightforward and easy to use. I appreciated the rapid response to my application.

13.- Who did you find Abroaderview website
?

 I knew I wanted to volunteer abroad for a month during the summer and found the a broader view website when I was googling different options for programs. The organization was listed as one of the best options for volunteering abroad so I looked for the website to see what programs were offered. The website was easy to find and straightforward to use which made it easy to look for programs I was interested in.

14.- Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Definitely!

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