Volunteer Honduras

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

He was fantastic. He provided us with everything we could have needed and more, and supported us through the entire month long process.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

At the program:

The difference in medical care practices i.e. Less of a focus on sterility for patients and providers, and less ‘PFA’ or compassionate communication with the patients from the healthcare providers. Both are things that are heavily stressed in the US health care system, and we have developed habits in our work at home that were harder to achieve while here (such as wearing gloves and using sterile techniques). Honestly, I was expecting somewhat of a systemless form of healthcare, but La Ceiba does have a system, it is just very different from what we are used to in the United States.

At the accommodation:

The most surprising thing about the accommodations was that they were much complete than had been expected. We set our expectations to be packed into a bedroom with maybe a shared bathroom, but the house we stayed at (Rafael’s home) was more than enough for us during the four week stay. Rafael has a very large extended family that was very good to us and helped us with everything from cooking to getting to know the city.

About the country:

We traveled from the U.S., and the expectations we had about Honduras were from our “state department sites” and word of mouth from other friends and family. When we arrived and got to know the country, or at least the city of La Ceiba, we realized how different the country and the people here are from the way they are depicted by our country. I was most surprised, very happily, by the welcoming nature and generosity that was displayed by the citizens of La Ceiba. Our first week here we helped the Secretary of Health with a vaccination campaign that required us to go door to door in the outlying neighborhoods of the city to ensure that all at risk populations were vaccinated. During this process we truly saw the incredibly kind and genuinely thankful aspect of the Honduran people. While some people have a somewhat negative perception of western, specifically U.S. culture, the majority of people just want to offer you a bottle of soda.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

At the program:

From a medical standpoint, there is obviously a huge lack of funding, supplies, training, and manpower that inhibits the ability for the medical system in place here to function at an adequate capacity. Witnessing the unavoidable decrease in the quality of care due to these things was very difficult. For just one example, the ‘Hospital Viejo’ – the public hospital in the center of La Ceiba – truly has no money or supplies. Because of this, patients who come to the hospital for treatments of their infections or removal of their stitches are often required to bring their own medical supplies for the doctors and nurses to provide care. Antibiotic cream as well is only available if the patient can afford it and bring it with them for application by medical professionals. It was definitely hard to be unable to provide the care that we are accustomed to, but the knowledge that our being there could improve the quality of care, both by bringing donations and fresh hands, was enough to balance the difficulty.

At the accommodation:

The accommodations were truly very comfortable and enjoyable. The most difficult thing, which is consistent with everywhere in Honduras and not only the homestay, was the heat. Our trip was four weeks in length, and by the end of the second week we felt as though we had acclimated and found ways to avoid being overcome by the heat, but anyone planning a trip should prepare to be very hot when in the home. Luckily, there are many fans and a gentle breeze goes a very long way to cool down the body.

The country:

La Ceiba is absolutely beautiful, but the standards of cleanliness in terms of water quality and food sources (out of our host family)  are not the same as in many other more developed countries. All five of us were the patients at one point or another during the trip when a quick bug crippled our ranks temporarily (after doing a tour on a weekend). The officials in the city have, in the time that we’ve been here, determined that there was some kind of big – a virus or bacteria – that spread across much of the city, affecting not only us volunteers but also the local Honduran people. It was very difficult to deal with the symptoms of this 20 hour bug, so come prepared with a refillable water bottle, and some diarrhea, nausea/vomiting drugs, maybe antibiotics and a multivitamin just in case.

Volunteer in Honduras

4- Any tips for future volunteers…

Clothing:

Lots of socks and underwear/other things that you don’t feel comfortable wearing more than once. If you’re staying for more than a week then you’ll probably need to do laundry, which is done by hand or at a next-day dry cleaner down the road. In the home, it’s acceptable to wear whatever is comfortable. Tank tops and shorts were what I wore around the house to avoid the heat and sweating through everything. Because it is HOT here, sweating is very common and acceptable, so after a week we got used to not caring about how soaked our shirts/scrubs were. Footwear: Sneakers, sandals (flip flops are good but I brought sandals with secure straps and didn’t regret it), and another pair of comfortable shoes.

Donations:

The public hospital needs just about everything, but most importantly is:

Sterile gauze (all kinds but rolls of gauze are great), soap, ALCHOL for cleaning instruments (Alcohol swabs for injections too), liquid Iodine, blood pressure cuffs/stethoscopes, GLOVES for nurses to wear when doing IVs/ exams, toothbrushes/toothpaste. Medications: Aspirin, Tylenol, ibuprofen.

Weather:

Bug Spray: DEET is not the healthiest thing for humans, but it definitely keeps the bugs away. Some pure DEET spray (99%) is great to spray on a backpack or clothing if you go anywhere on the weekends, but don’t go over 30% DEET on your skin. Other, natural forms of bug repellant is a good idea too.

Sun Screen: The sun here is different, and its strong, so bring some heavy duty sunscreen to protect yourself.

Temperatures are regularly in the 90s and super humid, so dress accordingly.

La Ceiba is a very developed city, and there are a couple of great stores where you can buy anything that you might forget in the states, or that you don’t want to pack in your luggage.

4.1-Other things volunteers should know:

a.- Honduran people in La Ceiba are great, kind, and welcoming.

b.- Safety should be a concern in the same way that it should be a concern in any major city of any country.

c.- Unless you’re central american of some kind, you will not blend in and everyone will notice your presence, but this does not mean you’re unsafe.

d.- Honduras is Hot! Prepare for the heat and the humidity.

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), don’t leave blank:

We stayed with the ABV coordinator in La Ceiba, and it was truly a wonderful accommodation. We were not expecting much, but Rafael’s home and his large extended family were nothing but kind to us for the month long stay. There were five of us traveling and working together for the four weeks, and we were split among three rooms and three bathrooms. The terrace on the second floor has an incredible view and breeze that allows for somewhat of a cool down. All meals were provided for us three times a day, 7 days a week and Honduran food is very good (Baleada mondays every week in Rafael’s house were always the best). Rafael made sure that we were safe, and that we got as much out of this experience as we were able to give to the Honduran people of La Ceiba. I will forever have a more enlightened view of the world and global healthcare due to the experiences I have attained on this trip. I would suggest staying in country as long as you possibly can, because it takes a short while to acclimate socially and get used to the way things work down here. By week two, we had made great relationships with the doctors and nurses that continued to be strengthened over the following two weeks. The ABV program provided us with everything that we needed and more, and when we come back in the future we will be working with ABV again.

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

The family and food were great. We got to learn how to make some traditional Honduran food, and we were never hungry here. In terms of security, we were apprehensive because of what we had heard about the country itself, but we very rarely felt uncomfortable in public situations, and never felt as though we were in any danger. That being said, we made it a point to keep a low profile and not attract too much negative attention to ourselves when in public. Overall, respectful foreigners will be safe in La Ceiba.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: Working with the children in the Hospital was incredible. Being able to communicate with the patients by the end of the four weeks and make their days a bit better was so rewarding. Because of the limited medical providers and overworked nurses and doctors, patient affect is something that often is not a focus, so a smile and a compassionate “Como esta?” can go a long way and make a patients day a bit better.

Country: We took a weekend trip to a river that flows through Pico Bonito National Park and hiked up to a few waterfalls. The trip ended with rock jumping and some food at a small, family run hostel along the river. This afternoon was a great break from the busy weeks in the hospitals.

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

The ABV staff was a huge help before our trip. The information that we had available to us was sufficient for planning the trip and we did not feel as though we were underprepared in any way for the work we were doing here. ABV was prompt and informative in answering any questions we had whether via email or phone calls. When returning to do more service in Honduras or abroad in other countries I will be contacting ABV to organize.

Website Information:

The Website was a great source for information and for organizing all of the trip information in one place.

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

Yes, I’d love to talk and share anything with anyone.

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

We were looking for a volunteering abroad experience and found the ABV program online. We chose the program because we felt as though we could use our training in the healthcare system here in La Ceiba.

Volunteer Honduras

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

Fantastic! He was always helpful and helped us plan the best possible 4 weeks of service. Dividing our time between 2 different hospitals was a great was to experience everything Last Ceiba has to offer, and it was possible because of the coordinator.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

• At the program: During the first week in La Ceiba, we worked with staff from Hospital Regional and traveled around the city to vaccinate (always in the month of May). This was an extremely eye opening experience, and allowed us to sit and talk from residents all over the city. During vaccinations you will see true poverty, but everyone (regardless of socioeconomic status) welcomed you into their homes.
• At the accommodation: The accommodation was extremely comfortable, always had access to drinking water, great food, and a hammock to rest on. Most surprisingly was the proximity to fast food restaurants, grocery stores, and a laundromat.
•  About the country: Honduras has many of the same amenities and stores as America.  Sometimes you can forget you’re in a different country!

3- What was most difficult to experience?

• At the program: For those of you who want to work while volunteering abroad, this can be the place for you. If you come into the program with knowledge about healthcare and can demonstrate it to the staff you are working with, you should expect to be hands-on during you’re time here. What was most difficult, for me, was doing so in a different language. If you want to fully utilize you’re knowledge in patient care, be prepared with some Spanish!
• At the accommodation: Not much was difficult at the house (besides a little travel sickness)! If staying with Rafael, you will absolutely be comfortable.
• The country: After four weeks I feel I am just starting to get a taste of Honduras. My most difficult experience in the country has nothing to do with safety or security, and I feel that misconception is damaging. La Ceiba is a city that can use your help. Whether you are a teacher, construction worker, EMT, or doctor, you can make a difference here. My most difficult experiences while in Honduras revolve around the stories of residences who could use help, but can’t get it from the government, city, or volunteers unwilling to travel here.

4- Any tips for future volunteers…

• Clothing: A small suitcase full of clothes and scrubs lasted me about two weeks, and a nearby laundromat costed about 200 Lempira ($8 USD) to wash it all. I never once used a long sleeve shirt or pants, but it could be useful for hiking. Pack light and leave behind your scrubs, they will go to good use.
• Donations:  Preferred donations vary based on where you are bringing them, but Rafael is a great resource to find out what hospitals and clinics need what. Our group utilized Americares, which provides us about $8,000 worth of gauze, medications, and bandaging supplies for free. Everything was divided amongst the firefighters and hospitals, and put to use almost instantly. No matter how long you are staying, try not to show up empty handed. Bringing donations is a great way to gain respect from the doctors, nurses, and hospital administration.

The real work comes in getting the donations to Honduras​, because anything sent by mail is subject to large taxes by the government. If you want to bring the most donations at the lowest cost, consider filling a checked bag (old suitcase you don’t mind leaving here) solely with donations.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to buy donations here (in fact, plan on it). Hospital administration can provide you a list of what they need the most in the moment, and you can safely use your credit card to purchase it.

• Weather: Sure it’s hot, but you’re expecting that! Just a friendly reminder that sweating is normal.  We got used to the heat around the start of week three.

Volunteer Honduras

4.1-Other things volunteers should know:

• Rafael’s house can comfortably sleep large groups (we were a group of five)
• You should plan on weekend activities.  For around $50 USD you can take island tours, white water raft, hike, or snorkel.
• Pace of life is slower, and while you will be doing a lot of work, everyone runs on “Honduras time”
• The people will be grateful of any talents you bring to this great country, and you will be welcomed with open arms. It’s okay to be called a tourist or “gringo/gringa”!

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), don’t leave blank:

Volunteer Honduras La Ceiba…​ is a beautiful place filled with beautiful people who can use your help. For our group, we wanted a place that we could use our skills as Advanced EMTs to make a difference and help in anyway. Not only did we use these skills, but found out that La Ceiba has a lot more to offer than rewarding service. The four weeks we’ve spent here have been filled with new friends, hard work, and thought-provoking experiences.

Personally, I felt the four weeks flew by, and was just enough to begin to understand Honduran culture, problems, and beauty.  Our weekend travels were to some of the most magnificent places imaginable,(Cayos Cochinos, Pico Bonito, Utila, and the local river are musts) and allowed us to see the best Honduran tourism had to offer. As an AEMT and Neuroscience student the time spent with patients, watching surgeries, and speaking with doctors and nurses here has been extremely valuable.

All in all, I hope you choose (or have chosen) La Ceiba as your site through ABroaderView, and I can assure you that you will not be disappointed. As I sit on my last night typing on my phone (sorry for the typos), I can say with certainty I will leave tomorrow a better healthcare provider and a more thoughtful person.

Please, please, please reach out at the contact information below if you have even the smallest question!

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

Fantastic, all around. Safe and secure house with WiFi, clean water, and comfortable rooms. Our host family was accommodating and helpful always, and I truly felt at home.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: So many good memories, but scrubbing into multiple surgeries was a fantastic learning opportunity. From C-Sections to orthopedic surgeries, we were lucky enough to have talent staff as our personal teachers.

Being able to put our donations to use immediately in Hospital Regional was a great feeling, and the staff’s heartfelt gratitude is something I will never forget.

Country: As simple as it may sound, learning the city of La Ceiba through walking around, talking to people, and eating lots of food (Baleadas and Pastelitos). My favorite memories of the city give me the confidence to return at any time in the future, whether it be for service work or pleasure.

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

The ABV office was phenomenal, and was always a phone call or email away when I had the smallest questions. The ABV office regularly checked in while we were here, and looking back now I would recommend them to everyone.

Through ABV, we were directed to another fantastic organization, which was easily the best way to find flights.

Website Information:

The ABV website provides great information about this program, and the reviews provide the most accurate description from the eyes of volunteers. Don’t be afraid to call or email ABV if you have more questions!

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

Absolutely!

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

Google search led to some phone conversations with very friendly staff. The rest is history. Thank you for what you do ABV!

Volunteer Guatemala

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

She was great and I had all the support I needed. I could text/call at virtually any hour and she would respond. She also helped me set up trips and excursions, which was really helpful.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

It was surprising to see how much of American culture – movies, restaurants, bands – could be found in Guatemala.

3. What was most difficult to experience?

One of the children had a tooth that had an awful cavity. He was in a lot of pain, but his family couldn´t afford a dentist. Seeing him cry and not being able to help was awful.

ABV: if you can provide us with the name of the child, what classroom, we will send a donation to help him with that and donors can help us him here https://www.paypal.me/abroaderview

4.     Any tips for future volunteers? (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, etc. ?
Xela is rarely hot – bring more pants and long sleeves than t-shirts. If you wear glasses bring a backup pair.

5.     Other things volunteers should know?
a. The food is different than in America – expect meat with bones etc.

b. On average the people are very approachable

c. The sun is much stronger here than in North America

d.  You can barter for taxi fair.

6. Personal paragraph (ABV program testimonial):

I didn´t really know what to expect when I arrived, but I kept an open mind and had an amazing time. I learned so much Spanish, ate amazing food, and met some great people.

Volunteer in Guatemala

7. How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security

My host family was very nice. Our home was set up in 2 sections – one for the family, one for us visitors, but we ate all our meals together. The food was excellent, but was mostly meat and bread.

8. What was your favorite memory of this trip?

A local family hired me to teach English to their son, and had me over for dinner, where I met the entire extended family – it was an awesome experience.

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

They were concise, clear and responsive. It definitely put me at ease and made me feel supported.

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

Of course.

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

The coordinators and staff were wonderful, especially when aiding with excursions to the Amazon and the Galapagos.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

The two most surprising things were the automatic inclusion by the family and the differences between Mexican Spanish and Ecuadorian Spanish.

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

The most challenging part was the learning the language. I did not know any Spanish before coming here. As I was learning it, the other languages I knew seemed to blend, especially with vocabulary. The most difficult part was separating them.

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

1. Try to learn as much Spanish as possible before coming. It will help with faster immersion.
2. Bring any medication you think you will need. It’s always nice to already have it, especially if you wake up in the middle of the night needing something.
3. Make sure you have packed an umbrella, raincoat, sweater, and a bag to put them all in. The weather can change drastically throughout the day, especially in the Spring. It normalizes in the summer.
4. Always walk with your bag in front of you to avoid your belongings from being stolen. The less friendly you look, the less you will be approached on the street when walking alone during the day.

5.1-Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

1. Do not come with any expectations. Instead come with an open mind and you will enjoy life here.
2. After 7pm, do not walk or use any public transportation. Use a taxi instead, this prevents you from being robbed. It’s worth the extra few dollars in order to keep your belongings, I didn’t have any problems but just in case.
3. Anything you pack, assume it’s possible that it could be stolen or ruined. Do not bring your favorite belongings but bring things that make you happy.
4. Have good bartering skills. At the local markets, you can barter for the price. Never take the first price offered. Keep your money hidden so when you go to “check” how much you have, say you only have xx amount on you. They typically accept that price.

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

Volunteering abroad in Quito was the experience of a lifetime. I worked in the emergency room of the Hospital. I was able to learn and aid in procedures, something that I would never be able to do in America without attending or completing medical school. I would be excited every day to go to the hospital and would try to stay as long as possible. Afterwards, I would head back to the family’s house where you immediately felt loved and cared for. The family is so sweet and considerate. We talked, we laughed, we worried, we ate all together. I wouldn’t trade anything for this.

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

My accommodations were wonderful. The family is so sweet. They cooked all of my meals for me and made sure that I was doing okay on a daily,sometimes hourly basis. I was immediately included to be part of their family from the second I entered the door. Security was fine, it is like living or visiting any big city. You need to be smart and careful with your belongings.

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

I went to the Galapagos during one of the weekends I was here. You are allowed to take 2 days off to visit the islands. I was there for a total of 4 days and visited 6 of the islands. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I swam with penguins, seal lions, sharks, sea turtles. It was absolutely wonderful and I will always cherish those memories and the people I met.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Anytime I had a question, it was answered either in minutes online, or within a few hours if I sent an email. The response time from the organization was  quick.

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

It’s a good system for the most part. It works better on Firefox than Google chrome. It unfortunately stopped showing my project summary on Google chrome.

9.2- Who did you find Abroaderview website

I honestly just googled volunteering abroad. I ended up finding this organization, which seemed to have everything I wanted. I continued to research the organization to ensure that it was a legitimate organization and not a scam.

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

Absolutely. I will be happy to answer any questions that they have.

Volunteer Colombia

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

Excellent, I felt very supported during the program.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Program: It is insane to see so many babies in a room all together. Having grown up around the childcare business it was a very different way of running things so it was very interesting to witness.

Host Family: My host mom was amazing and I was very pleasantly surprised at how she included me in the simple stuff such as food shopping and going to the market. I felt more immersed and it was great!

Country: the humidity!

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

1. Bring light but long pants for the foundation! Also, it’s very unusual to see women wearing shorts in Cartagena so I was grateful that I brought a lot of light pants and dresses to explore in. The only time I wore shorts was hiking!
2. Do the language immersion and try to come into the country knowing the basics at the very least! I didn’t find anything difficult to adjust to.
3. Take advantage of the area! There’s so much history and culture to explore and the weekend trips outside of the city are amazing. I took weekend trips to Playa Blanca and Tayrona and stayed in a hammock at both. They were breathtaking​ and Tayrona was the most amazing place I have ever been. You should probably get the yellow fever vaccine before Tayrona. I didn’t and was fine but technically you aren’t supposed to enter the park without it. Weekend trips are a great way to meet other solo travelers from all over the world!
4. Each time I got a 2000 pesos bill I saved it for the bus. I had one strange experience where the man collecting money on the bus tried to take advantage of me by not giving me change. I was able to argue for it but it’s a lot easier to just have exact change, especially if you don’t speak Spanish.

4.-Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

1. Nothing can prepare you for the humidity. The temperatures are normally in the 80/90s which is fine but the humidity is unreal. (check the weather)
2. The water is fine to drink. On the first day I decided to just drink it despite what everyone in the US told me. I didn’t have a single issue and it’s a lot easier than worrying about buying water and not eating certain foods.
3. I got a lot of warnings about cat calling but I thought it existed less here than in the US. Having red hair I would often hear peliroja behind my back and experienced some stares but it never felt annoying or creepy like it does back home.
4. Be careful crossing the street. There are motorcycles coming out of everywhere.

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

My month in Colombia was absolutely amazing. I loved everything about the program and didn’t have a single issue. The only part that I found difficult was dealing with the heat! My absolutely favorite weekend trip was to Tayrona National Park. It sounds crazy to go hiking by yourself and then sleep in a hammock surrounded by strangers but I have never seen such a beautiful environment in my life.

The experience was breathtaking and is a must! I fell in love with all that Cartagena had to offer. The women at the program, my host family, and the support staff were amazing. Also, the Spanish immersion (lessons) piece was excellent. I am so happy I chose to do it because the amount of time I received in private lessons would be worth $1000s in the US and I felt like it really improved my Spanish. Plus my Spanish teacher was an additional source of support during the program. Overall, my experience was extremely valuable.

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

My host family was amazing! I had no issues being a vegetarian, my room was very comfortable, and I felt safer here than where I live at home if I am to be honest.

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

Program: Each day was pretty much the same, but all of them were amazing and I loved working with the kids and getting to know all the women who work there.

Host Family: Visiting the market with my host family! It was a great way to see the culture and everyday life of a lot of people from all around the city.

Country: Tayrona National Park (get yellow fever vaccination if going to this park)

Volunteer Reviews

8- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

I always received a reply within 24 hours and everything I needed to know was answered!

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

Everything easy to navigate and work.

9.1- How did you find Abroaderview website

I liked the website and found many great reviews online! I hadn’t heard of the program before until I stumbled upon it through a Google Search. I had another friend who was interested in the program when I told her about it and she honestly thought it was a scam, I believe because of the extreme affordability of the program, but she was completely wrong.

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

Yes, I would love to!