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

As I first arrived at the airport I was greeted by my driver and brought to my host family. I was confused because I was told that I would be given a full-day orientation and stay one night in a hostel in San Jose. After I arrived at the home I was brought breakfast and then I received a program orientation from my coordinator.

ABV: The program you are describing is the sea turtle program, you went to San Jose, perhaps you are mixing the program guides. In your final volunteer Orientation guide is explained the orientation day in San Jose, always check your ABV account for the guide and check your spam email folder as well.

2- What was the most positive surprising thing you experienced while volunteering in Costa Rica?

a.- Program: The most surprising thing I experienced this far was how there are so little staff at the child care program. The children are all happy and upbeat, they are well fed and taken care of. Another surprising aspect is how well they get along with each other, there are fights but five minutes later they are all playing together and happy again.

b.- Host Family: The host family is very welcoming and nice. I was very surprised by how sweet they were to me. They always engage in conversation and are genuine when speaking. The food is also amazing, I was nervous at first to how it was going to taste but now I can’t seem to get enough of her cooking.

c.- Country: The country is beautiful. I am most surprised with how easy it is to get around. The bus terminals are easy to follow and people are extremely helpful. I was surprised that there was Uber here and that it is more safe than a taxi.

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

a.- Program: The most challenging thing I experienced is the language barrier. I am not fluent in Spanish though I do have basic knowledge and the children and staff speak very quickly making it sometimes hard to understand. I have adapted and have an easier time communicating now.

b.- Host Family: The most challenging thing I experienced with my host family is that there is little to nothing to do close to the home. After I finish the program for the day I am in the house doing the same thing day in and day out because it is to late to go out into the town. The family has been extremely accommodating but it is challenging to find new things to keep yourself entertained. It was also a shock that there was no hot water (only warm water) or air conditioning but I have adapted and it does not bother me anymore.

c.- Country: In Costa Rica the most challenging thing is the prices. Although the transportation to areas and hostel are low in cost that is it. The tours are extremely expensive making it difficult to fully see each destination. There are also similar things to do at every destination making it seem a little bit repetitive.

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

1. Do not forget to pack a few things from your home country that you need, like books to read, a laptop, toiletries (although you can get them from the stores they are expensive) and definitely bring an umbrella

2. Make sure to bring a couple gifts for your host family before coming here like food or trinkets.

3. The atmosphere is completely different than where you live so make sure you have an open mind.

4. Always bring extra money, even if you don’t think you’ll need it.

5- Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

(thats not in the orientation guide)

a. There is no hot water or air conditioning 

b. There may not be other volunteers at your program or in your home, be prepared to travel alone

c. If you are not fluent in the language, make sure you study up and can hold a conversation

d. Do not have any expectations

ABV: all these tips are in the ABV volunteer guide.

6- How would you describe: your accommodation, what meal did you enjoy the most, security in the house/neighborhood, friendliness, quality others:

At first I was nervous about the security of the neighborhood, there are bared wires on most of the houses and bars on the windows. As I have to walk to my program I was nervous but since Ive actually started doing it I am not worried about my safety. My host family has been great, the meals are amazing the empanadas being my favorite. They also offered to show me around the neighborhood which was nice. I have not interacted with any of the neighbors but I assume they are nice. I do not have any problems or complaints about my host family.

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

a.- Volunteer Program: My favorite memory at the orphanage was when it was a child three year old birthday. When we sang for him and brought out the cake his face lit up. Once he received his present, a monster truck that could lift its front wheels in the air, I have never seen him so happy. It was truly a great experience to see him get so excited and so happy about something. He did not stop playing with his truck for the rest of the day.

b.-Host Family: My favorite memory at the host family was them sitting with me and giving me advice on where to go for my trips and how to do so. They helped me figure out where the bus station was and the time to leave so I would still get my ticket. They are also very flexible on when they give me my meals.

c.-Country: My favorite experience was in La Fortuna. I went with a group of three other girls (who left the following week) and we did a canopy tour and spent the day in the hot springs. I enjoyed the zip-lines and Tarzan swing that was followed by relaxing and hot water.

8- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

For support I did not receive any. I did not call and they did not call me. I was pretty clueless about the entire trip until I had gotten here. In hindsight, I should have spoken to them before I committed to the program and regarding what the program was like and who I was going to be with, etc.

ABV: Our volunteers get at least 10 emails regarding the program, each step in the application, reservation and your ABV account have guides, useful links, our website has a chat online, toll free numbers and much more to get all the information you need prior the trip, this is not a valid answer. We also send 2-3 emails while you are in country and you never emailed us back.

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

I would have preferred to know if any other volunteers were going to be doing the program with me and if anyone else was going to stay in my host family. The system was fine expect they were not hands on and did not contact you unless you approached them.

ABV: volunteers have all the tools to contact us if they need. We provide everything online, if you have any questions contact us, we answer emails the same day and call back if you leave a message if the lines are busy. Also the Abv account will show a week prior traveling if you will be placed with other volunteers. Its your responsibility to check your ABV account for updates.

9.1- Who did you find Abroaderview website

I searched volunteer opportunities working in an orphanage abroad and I went through a couple websites until I found ABV. Overall it was the best price and had good feedbacks. I trusted it because it was a .org and had a government code to put on your taxes making me believe it was a legitimate organization.

ABV: many websites with .org are not always non profit, we are a US charity NonProfit all your expenses to volunteer are tax deductible.

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

Yes, of course. I would love to speak with anyone regarding my experience.

Volunteer Guatemala Review

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

The ABV coordinators were accessible, easy to get into contact with and incredibly helpful and compassionate.

2.     What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Actually nothing was surprising to me, as I entered this program with an open mind.

3.     What was most difficult to experience?

The isolation, you leave practically everything behind and live a different life here. It is exhilarating but it takes time to get used to it, don´t rush it.

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

Bring several sweatshirts and shoes (in the rainy season from May-October). It rains a lot and you will need to give your clothes and shoes time to dry.

5.     Other things volunteers should know?
a. Bring cold medicine, it will rain and you will get sick haha.

b. The drinking age is 18 here, so take that into account when you go out, and be safe.

c. Pre-download some movies to help pass the time.

d. Sleep is essential, get lots of it.

ABV: our volunteers are not allowed to drink in our programs, doesn’t matter if you are over 21y/o. The contract you signed talks about this rule.

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

My accommodations were practically perfect. I had hot water, three meals a day and my own bedroom. My house was within walking distance of several stores, cafes and other places which were necessary to my trip. So it was perfect.

7.     What was your favorite memory of this trip?

My favorite memory from the trip was the class field trip to Little Caesars inauguration, for a pizza party. It was the happiest I saw the kids over my entire four weeks.

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

The support was efficient and effective. The plans pre, during and post travel were well explained and easy to adhere to.

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

Absolutely.

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

Maria Elena was very helpful, super friendly and always professional. She has a lot of experience working with volunteers and it shows, she made everything go smoothly. I have wonderful memories with Maria Elena, we had serious conversations but also a lot of shared laughers. She is super!

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Program: Monday start of the week event with the children singing the national anthem and of course having the honor to participate to the children traditional dance competition  Plaza de Armas and wear the beautiful Cuscuian costume.

Host Family: Even though Maria works full time she always spent time with us, spoke slowly and used a vocabulary we could understand. She really made me feel as if I were part of her family, it was a wonderful relationship from day one. Her young lady helper Sheyla was very friendly, she also took the time to talk to us and she is a fabulous cook.

Country: All the Peruvian we met were very friendly, we never encountered any rudeness or impatience when using our broken Spanish. Also the food is amazing, fresh, delicious.

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Program: Not knowing enough Spanish to communicate with the adorable children at the kindergarten.

Host Family: Our room had a huge window and directly faced a high traffic road. The cold bathroom and thin hot water shower spray was not so exciting either. We dealt with the situation but a little ceramic heater would have been very welcomed. People here are just used to it so it is ok for a short period of time.

Country: The taxis not being easily identifiable and the very peculiar driving style, quite scary at first.

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

1. Drink coca tea as soon as you arrive and rest the first two days to get accustomed to the altitude.

2. Bring warm clothes, especially a flannel pj and warm slippers.

3. Keep your passport and money safely tucked away.

4. Give away!

5.1-Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

a. Peruvian driving style can be quite frightening.

b. Do not attempt to drive, get a cab or a driver.

c. The water of the Hot Springs is not dirty, it is green because of the minerals.

d. Guinea pigs are not considered pets and taste really good.

6- Personal Paragraph about the experience:

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with ABV. Our coordinator Maria Elena, is absolutely wonderful, our host family, Maria del Carmen, kind and so welcoming and her young lady helper, Sheyla, so sweet and ready to help. All the other volunteers were friendly and motivated. I will miss Maria Elena, Maria del Carmen and Sheyla very much. I will definitely keep in touch with them, they are my friends.

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

Apart from the cold, noisy bedroom and cold bathroom everything was wonderful. Ask if you can be moved to another bedroom if possible.

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

Program: Participating to the school traditional dance competition. Everybody was so friendly and welcomed us so well, thanks to Maria Elena who is a master coordinator!

Host Family: Tons of pleasant talks with Maria del Carmen and Sheyla, learning about their lives and families.

Country: Visiting Machu Picchu, incredible experience!

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

My husband took care of it.

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

Absolutely! This is an experience not to be missed. ABV is a great non profit organization. I will definitely recommend.

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

Our coordinator was Maria Elena. She was incredibly kind, very caring, and always ready to show us around Cusco and help us out. Whenever we needed anything, she was prepared and happy to help.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Program: There was not any particular structure to the kindergarden help experience. It was simply acting as a teacher’s aide.

Country: Everyone was very kind and accepting of us, even though we are obvious foreigners. Most people were willing to speak slowly if we had a hard time understanding their rapid Spanish. As an aside, even the many dogs on the streets were gentle and kind, never aggressive.

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Country: The altitude. Where I live, we are at sea level, so the major increase in altitude made me rather sick for a while. It takes time to adjust to.

4- Any tips for future volunteers…

1.  If you are traveling during Cusco’s winter months, bring plenty of warm clothing for the mornings and evenings, but be prepared to remove layers during the afternoon as it gets hot. Keep in mind that while in the shade you will be cold, when the sun shines you will be very warm or even hot.

2. If you are from an area of a greatly differing altitude and humidity, bring an inhaler and saline nasal spray, as well as packs of tissues.

3. Always carry your passport (or a copy) with you and change. Taxis around town cost about S/ 5 (soles). They are the only easy way to get around town, besides walking, so be sure to carry lots of change.

5.1-Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

a. There are some stray dogs roaming the streets, but do not be afraid. They are very sweet and only want some scraps or some scratches behind the ears from you. Of course, don’t run up to every single dog you come across. Let them come to you, or let them continue to nap on the streets.

b.  Do not eat food from street vendors unless it is pre-packaged or has obviously been boiled. Since you are likely not from the area, your body is NOT used to the common bacteria of the area, and there is a good chance you will get sick if you eat the street food.

6- Personal Paragraph about the experience :

I had a great time here in Cusco, seeing the sights, learning the history, meeting people and learning of their culture, and working with the excited children at the kindergarten. I was rather unlucky however, as I got stress sick and stayed sick for most of the time in country. I highly advise any current students to NOT take any summer classes while on this trip, as the mixture of stress and time needed to acclimate to the altitude can and will make you sick. Let this trip be your only focus, and be sure to care for yourself! Drink lots of coca tea and rest when you need it (don’t drink coca tea if you will get drug tested as it shows in your blood). All of the people I came into contact with were kind and patient, excited to see us here to help and interested in who we were and where we were from.

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

Our beds were comfortable, the house had two large deadbolt locks as well as a high fence which kept us feeling safe, and the food was delicious. Maria and her household help Sheyla were very kind and encouraging, and always willing to help if we needed it.

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

Program: The children at the program all wanting to play with me and do puzzles together.

Host Family: Maria Valenzuela preparing us coca tea every night for a supper tea time. She was always very kind and understanding, and sat patiently as the other volunteers and myself stumbled over our Spanish. Ella es mi abuela Peruana!

Country: Getting to experience and take part in the local Cuscoian holidays and celebrations, as well as observe Inti Raymi. Machu Picchu and the other ruins were also incredible.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

I did not handle many of the emails as my mother and step-father were in charge of this trip, but the few emails I did handle were always easily understood, and any responses I needed were always very fast.

9.1- How did you find Abroaderview website

My step-father and I did a search on Google for good volunteer organizations and services.

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

Yes!