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 Review Guatemala

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

She helped coordinate travel and weekend trips. She was great.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

The level of security in every part of Guatemala that I visited. It is like a fortified ramp, with high walls, barbed wire, bars on all the windows and huge locks on all the doors!

3. What was most difficult to experience?

The level of poverty and the relatively low standard of living, even in more middle class areas.

4. Any tips for future volunteers? (clothing, travel, personal items, donations?

None – ABV provides good tips and packing lists.

5. ABV program testimonial (write in your own words about your experience):

ABV was instrumental in providing me with an experience I will never forget. It was bitter-sweet to see how “the other half” lives. It seems they are satisfied with their lives, even though they don´t have much. I was also glad to have an opportunity to learn Spanish and meet travelers from around the world.

Volunteer Guatemala

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

The host family was great. And the food was abundant and good. My room and bathroom, though not great by American standards, were fine. They were clean and the shower had hot water!

7. What was your favorite memory of this trip?

I´ll always remember the kids of the program. For the most part they were always smiling and having fun playing together. And many of them, especially the youngest ones, craved attention.

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

Good. They set up a program for me and ensured that I had a POC in country.

9. Are you willing to speak to potential ABV volunteers?

Yes

Volunteer in India Review

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

From the moment I arrived the ABV staff were extremely helpful and welcoming. I always felt I could ask them any questions and they would be able to help.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Program: As a young person (17) I was surprised by the early curfew. I had originally expected to have our own way of access to the accommodation.

Host Family: I was pleasantly surprised by the workshops that the program organized in the camp, these were really enjoyable.

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Program: At the beginning I found it challenging to understand what was expected of me in the orphanage. I wasn’t really sure at first what my tasks would be throughout my time here as the hours are quite small.

Host Family: The food was definitely the most challenging aspect of the camp. I, unfortunately, found it very difficult to adapt to the completely different cuisine which I’d have to eat twice every day. Be prepared for this!

ABV: curfew is a must in all our programs abroad, especially for underage volunteers, and meals if you speak up you can get them modify, our volunteer guide specifies to talk with the cook, the host family, the local coordinator and if needed the ABV US office if you need any change)

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

1. If you’re not used to Indian traditional cuisine then definitely bring lots of snacks with you as I became very hungry when I didn’t like the food that was provided.

   ABV: or ask the cook, local coordinator or US office to do some changes

2. If you can, bring a gift or two for the children as they always get so excited by something new (particularly puzzles)

Volunteer India

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

Volunteer India Review My time in Jaipur has been really eye-opening and rewarding. Hearing the stories and problems that this area still faces today in comparison to my home country has really shocked me. Forming a bond with the children has been a really special experience because despite the significant language barrier I was still able to form a friendship with the children. It’s been heartwarming to see how happy they are, despite their circumstances, and I can see that they will grow up to be hard-working and ambitious people. I wish I could’ve stayed longer.

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

The accommodation is very much similar to that you would see in a hostel. For me this is perfectly okay and I’ve been very comfortable. Both the bedroom and bathroom were nice to use.

The meals for me have been the weakest aspect as I found it difficult to eat 2 cold vegetable curry meals a day. This is perhaps just my diet as many of the other volunteers were satisfied with the food.

The security was very good here and the people very friendly.

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

Program: My favorite memory was possibly the last day at the care home with the children, it was both happy and sad to leave them.

The children prepared a cake and celebration to say farewell and I enjoyed the last couple of hours playing and laughing with the kids.

Host Family: The yoga workshop brought us much hilarity as a couple of us struggled to complete the exercises.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Very good, I received regular updates and emails from ABV.

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

Great and easy to use

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

Yes

Volunteer in Colombia

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

Excellent – I didn’t need much support but felt it was always there if needed. I was accompanied to and from the foundation on my first day to learn the route on the local bus and shown around the City Centre on my first weekend which was very helpful.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Program: How efficiently the foundation is run and how well equipped it is. I experienced training afternoons and a day out at the Centro de Convención where the teachers and students performed various dances and plays. It was overall a lot more organized than expected.

Host Family: Nothing surprised me, maybe that I was lucky enough to have air con!

Country: Cartagena is very lively I perhaps wasn’t expecting so much noise in the street in the Neighborhood where the host family is.

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Program: Multitasking when working with the young kids, as they are so small it’s important to always keep an eye on all of them. Secondly, you are not allowed to pick up the children which I found very hard resisting!

Host Family: Getting used to the breakfasts, they are very different! Sleeping through the night whilst there is loud music playing on the street outside.

Country: using the local buses and knowing the routes.

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

1. No shorts allowed at the foundation- I found linen great for staying cool.

2. To go to Playa Blanca without booking on to a tour with lunch etc

3. Use Uber – I always felt very safe

Volunteer in Colombia

5.1- Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

(that’s not in the orientation guide)

a. The foundation has air con and lots of fans so you won’t die of heat.

b. The host family is a 25 min taxi

c. There are plenty of shops etc so you can buy most things here.

Most of the food is fried

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

My experience has been amazing, the month has definitely flown by. I couldn’t have asked for a lovelier host family, Elena has really made me feel at home. Her cooking is excellent, once she found out all my favorite foods she really made an effort to cook them for me. I love the neighborhood and experiencing authentic Cartagena and the old town is so beautiful I will definitely be coming back. The program is wonderful I really connected with the children and overall had a very rewarding experience I will miss them very much and Everything else about my time here.

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

Accommodation- basic but homely and sufficient

Meals- varied, large, quite bland and no spice in anything.

Security- fine, I always felt very safe here

Everyone is exceptionally friendly.

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

Program: walking in every morning and seeing their tiny faces!

Host Family: everything, and Elena’s fresh juices

Country: the heat, scenery, people

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)

Great I received many emails and always got an exceptionally fast response.

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

Great, very easy

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

Google – I searched volunteer with children Cartagena

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

Yes

Volunteer Tanzania

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

Volunteer Tanzania, The local ABV Coordinator was very helpful in assisting us to adjust to life in Tanzania. He was able to answer any questions that we had and provided us with directions and support when requested. We were given a tour of Arusha on the first day for us to get familiar with the city and to purchase anything we needed. We were also shown how to get to the hospital using the local public transport. We felt that we were well supported throughout the trip and that our ABV coordinator was reachable if we had any issues.

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

What I found most surprising was the resilience of the local people, especially patients and staff at the hospital. Everyone had a can-do attitude despite having very limited resources and facilities. Nobody was willing to give up on patients easily and they worked really hard to achieve what is best for the patients under the circumstances. I was also surprised by the sense of community among the people even in a town such as Arusha. I felt that people had a common bond and was supporting each other the best they could with what they had. Their attitude towards life and how they were content with what they had was truly inspirational.

3- What was most difficult to experience? *

What we found most difficult to deal with was the lack of resources and facilities in the hospital and some aspects of the workplace culture. Seeing patients becoming sick from easily preventable conditions and patients not being able to afford medications or get access to certain facilities was very difficult to experience. I also found that some aspects of workplace culture such as mistreatment of vulnerable patients in certain situations and the lack of informed consent from patients for medical procedures and treatments sometimes distressing. It was also difficult seeing certain procedures leading to poor outcomes for the patients due to the lack of resources and facilities compared with how they would be dealt with in my own country.

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

In terms of tips for future volunteers, I would recommend taking a lot of medical equipment for your own use if you are working at a hospital. It depends on your experience level and what you are wanting to get out of the experience. For us, because we took a lot of sterile gloves, non-sterile gloves, sterile gowns, masks, etc we were able to assist in a lot of procedures including delivering babies, inserting cannulas, drawing blood, inserting urinary catheters and even assisting in Caesarean sections. If we didn’t bring this equipment with us, we would not have been able to gain as much hands-on experience as we did. I would also recommend taking a lot of hand sanitizer with you as the hospital generally do not have hand sanitizer for us to use. Be sure to take some form of malaria prophylaxis and insect repellent. In terms of clothing, I would recommend taking scrubs to wear to the hospital and a lab coat to wear on top. Also, make sure to take your CV and some documentation to indicate that you are a student at a particular university/college. We did not take this with us and we had to go into a lot of trouble to get this documentation from home while we were there.

Volunteering Tanzania

5- Other things volunteers should know: *

Be prepared to experience the unexpected. Don’t expect for staff at the hospital to include you in anything or offer you to join in on anything. You have to take the initiative and ask if you want to do a certain thing. Generally, all staff are very friendly and will let you do anything if you ask them first. I always found it best to ask them to show you first how to do a certain thing, especially if it is something that you have not done before. Be careful with needles and sharp objects, a lot of the hospital staff are very casual about the use of sharps and make sure you dispose of them properly. Always make sure you have personal protective equipment when handling bodily fluids, even if other staff doesn’t seem to use them. Use hand sanitizer as much as possible. Don’t attempt anything that you feel is unsafe or seem very risky.

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial): *

Personally, I found this program to be very worthwhile as this trip turned out to be one the best experiences of my life. It was very eye-opening and gave me a boost of motivation to continue my studies and inspiration for my future career. As a fourth-year medical student, I was able to gain a lot of hands-on experience from this program and put a lot of things I had learned in my medical studies into practice. On a personal level, this trip made me re-evaluate my values and goals in life and I feel that I now have a much better understanding of who I am as a person and my role in society. This trip inspired me to continue to volunteer in the future and to understand to provide assistance in a way that is of most benefit to the people on the ground. I would certainly recommend ABV to anyone who is planning on volunteering as I believe that they provided me with the best support to get the most out of this experience.

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

The accommodation at the Hostel was better than I expected. We were provided with a bedroom with a bunk bed and attached bathroom with a flushable toilet. The beds were comfortable and there were mosquito nets for us to use. There were a shared living space and an outdoor seating space including a pool. Apart from a few bugs in our room (don’t leave trash or food in the room), the whole house was clean and inviting. The hostel had high walls and two locked gates, to which we were given a key. We felt very secure inside and had no issues leaving our belonging in the hostel throughout the day when we were at the hospital. The food was also much better than expected. We had a lovely lady who came and cooked our meals. For breakfast, we usually had boiled eggs or an omelet with toast most days. For dinner, we had some form of casserole with meat and vegetable or beans with either rice or chapati. The food was tasty and clean and we had no problems with it.

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

I have many fond memories of this trip. One of the highlights would be when I assisted deliver my first baby. I was quite stressful at the time but reflecting back it was one of the most treasured memories that I have from the trip. I still remember the smile and the sign of relief on the mother’s face when she saw her child for the first time. Both the baby and the mother had no complications from the delivery and was able to go home the next day. This was such a pleasant experience and I will never forget it. Other fond memories including going on safari and seeing lions, cheetahs, and giraffes in wild for the first time and seeing mount Kilimanjaro up close.

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

ABV USA support was very good prior to travel. They provided us with adequate information on what to take and what we should be prepared for. They provided specific information regarding what to do in the event of an emergency and who we should contact. They were easily contactable through email and quickly responded to any questions we had throughout the planning stage.

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

Yes, I am happy to speak with other potential ABV that want to volunteer Tanzania and answer any questions they might have regarding the program.

Volunteer Peru

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

I would wake up at around 7:30 am, have breakfast with Marie Elena.  I would volunteered from 8:30am until 12:30 pm, come home and have lunch with family.  Some afternoons were spent volunteering, and some afternoons were spent sightseeing.

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

Host Family:  Marie Elena is very kind, and supportive.  She made us feel right at home, always had fresh warm, and delicious food ready for us.
Program:  I worked in dental clinics, and noticed that there is lack of dental restorative materials.  The dentists and dental students have very good skills, but lack equipment and supplies, bring donations.
Country:  I was surprised how cold Cusco was, especially at night.  Also, I was surprised at the skill level of the dentists at the hospital.  They are quite capable, but lack instruments and equipment.

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

Host Family: Marie Elena was very nice, and made sure I had a good experience here.  There were no challenges for our family with regards to the accommodation.
Program:  There was a strike at Cusco when we were here, and therefore not too many patients at the hospital.  But I still was able to see a fair amount of patients at the hospital.  The challenge at the hospital is the lack of supplies and equipment.
Country:  I did not expect the high altitude to bother me as much as it did.  I had a hard time breathing for the first couple of days.  It did get better as time went by, but I find I get tired very quickly, and I think it has to do with the high altitude.

4.- Any tips for future volunteers…

Make sure you bring warm clothing, it gets really cold at night.  Take it easy for the first couple of days until your body adjusts to the high altitude if you are over 50.  To dental students and dentist volunteers, bring dental supplies if you can, they can really use it and will appreciate it.

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

Host Family:  We stayed with Marie Elena, and she took real good care of our family.  She made sure we were comfortable, and well taken care of.  She also gave us very good tips about Cusco, and outings.
Program: Come with an open mind, things may not always go as smoothly as you expect.  You may experience a different way of doing things at volunteer location, but will have the opportunity to learn a lot.
Country:  Cusco is a big city, and is quite safe.  Sometimes things get done at a slower pace that you are used to.  People are very nice and always ready to help you.

Volunteering in Peru

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

It has been an interesting experience volunteering in Cusco.  It changed my perspective as to how things are done in another country.  I found the dentists at the hospital to be quite skillful with the limited resources. Cusco is very safe, and people are really nice here.  Marie Elena was really helpful during our stay here.

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

Meals:  The food was always prepared fresh daily, and was always delicious.
Security:  I felt very safe in the house that I lived in.  It was in a nice neighborhood
friendliness:  Marie Elena is the best.  Very friendly and welcoming

Volunteering in Peru

7.1.- Score the following from 1 to 10:

• Quality of meals: 10
• Quantity of each meal:  10
• How clean was the house:  10
• How safe was the house:  10

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?

Marie Elena met us at the airport when we arrived. She is very friendly, kind and supportive.  She gave us tips how to navigate the city.  She also took time and effort to make sure that  we are happy at the volunteer location.

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

Usually volunteered from 8:30 to 12:30 pm.  Sometimes volunteered in the afternoon also.  The first week, I worked at the hospital.  The second week I was working in the orphanage.

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

Accommodation:  We had a surprise good bye lunch.  Marie Elena make delicious food, and desert from scratch, with fresh flowers on the table.  We felt very special.  We will miss her.
Program:  My favorite memory is of people I met at the hospital and orphanage.  I was surprised how resourceful the doctors were, and how patient the patients were.  Everyone is very polite and respectful.
Country:  I enjoyed the beautiful mountains, and scenery.  We travelled to Machu Picchu and although it was a challenge, it was worth it.  The people have a simple life and I learned a lot.

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

Support was very good online.  Emails were answered promptly.

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

Online support was very good.  Answered all my questions

Volunteer Nepal

1. Hi Tell us about you:

• Full name (first and last): Jacklyn Chu, Age: 23
• What do you do (study or work, where): Dentistry, Australia
• Where are you from (city and country): Brisbane Australia

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

• Why Nepal: Heard from friends that the people are very friendly………………
• What program:  Dental Volunteering

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

• Program: Helpful people.
• Host Family: Feel really good. Sarita is very cooperative; prepare my favourite food and hot water every day.
• Country: Bus is so crowded during the peak hours but easy to adopt because the bus drivers are helpful in guiding us.

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

• Program: Program went smoothly but there were limited things that were available for me to do because of the limited time , despite being able to offer a lot.
• Host Family: Cold! But they provided me with extra blankets.
• Country: Air pollution – kept coughing due to construction.

4. Any tips for future volunteers….

• Clothing: Long sleeves and pants so you won’t be dirty.
• Sightseeing: Must see the UNESCO sites. Sudhir can tell you more on this.
• Donations: Gloves, masks, books.
• Laundry/internet: Cheap. Sometimes slow 3G.

5. Other things volunteers should know about:

• a.- City/town: Thamel is good. Bring face masks. Food is so good always try new things.
• b.- Weather: Hot in the day. Cold at night, pack adequately.
• c.- Local People: Kind but language barriers – download translator on phone.
• d.- Tours: Didn’t go on tours. Explore yourself enough with your best friend.

Volunteering in Nepal

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

Staffs at dental hospital were so welcoming and kind. Bought us food and drinks, introduced us to many good food and phrases to interact with the patients. Did extractions, pulpectomy, fillings, etc. Great if I could have done more but sadly no, due to language barrier. If stayed longer, could have done more. I only stayed for a week.

7. How would you describe your:

• Accommodation: Sarita is very helpful. A lot of privacy at home/room, locker facility  and good family to be with.
• Meals (favorite): Traditional Nepali meal. 3 veg + rice + roti + lentil
• Security: Safe house.
• Host family: Welcoming, considerate, thoughtful.

8. What was your memory of this trip?

• Program: Staffs were really nice.
• Host Family: Nice
• Country: Beautiful architectures (earthquake/constructions/traffic)

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

• Airport: Welcoming, Easy, Fast, Efficient.
• Orientation day: Helped us with SIM card, transport etc. Comprehensive
• Daily Support: Answered all our question. Very Helpful

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

Adequate

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

Okay!

Volunteer in Peru

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

Maria Elena was helpful from the airport to directing me to my assignment locations.  She often checked in on my progress and was helpful in assisting me with my travel and touring plans.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Unfortunately, with a large teacher and medic strike, and the national independence week, I was unable to provide as much patient care as I would as wished, this was out the control of ABV but Maria Elena did her best to have programs for me. I was pleasantly surprised by the clean and comfortable room I was afforded.  They were very gracious hosts, and the food served was delicious.

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

• The lack of enough dental instruments and functioning equipment to be able to use, it was to be expected.
• Accepting the poor protocol practiced in infection control, regarding disinfection and sterilization.

4- Any tips for future volunteers…

1. A command of the language is always helpful.
2. Bring supplies, possibly to donate, i.e. instruments, disposables
3. If visiting in winter, wear layers of clothes
4. Carry hand sanitizer

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

One cannot always measure the impact that your service has had on those you have served. That is the unfortunate part. However, it is what you feel from giving of your time and energy to those of less fortune and health.

Volunteer in Peru

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

EXCELLENT

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

Program: Providing toothbrushes, floss and paste to the children at the orphanage and conducting a program on oral health care.
Host Family: Their graciousness.
Country:  The colorful environment and pride in Inka tradition and culture.

8- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Sarah was always helpful and prompt, whether by phone or e mail.

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

Functional.

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

How I found out about Abroaderview was through the ADA Dentist Volunteer Website.