Volunteering Honduras

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

 The local coordinator was very nice and supportive. He took the time to take us around the town  (La Ceiba) and show us some stores, attractions, the beach, etc. He also answered every question we had. Very nice gentleman. He could not have put in more.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

At the program:  That they took us to a public primary school and we interacted with very young nice children as part of dental education outreach.

At the accommodation: How nice and welcoming the host family was.

About the country: How nice and warm the people are. Also I felt that people here are generally happier here compared to those in some Western countries.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

Volunteer program: The level of infection control in dental clinics here was far lower and also the materials and instruments were far more limited, so it was a challenge to adapt to these during work. However, the dentists were very helpful and made sure everything moved along smoothly 

At the accommodation: There was no air conditioning and the heat was intolerable at times, and it was sometimes difficult to fall asleep die to th3 extreme heat.

The country: Not knowing Spanish makes it difficult to communicate with the people here, because they also don’t know any English. So if you are coming here it would be a good idea to build up on your Spanish (app in the ABV account) at least to a basic level with an download an App like Duolingo or itranslate. We were lucky in that we had an excellent translator with us through most of the clinics.

4- Any tips for future volunteers…

Clothing: Bring lots and lots of clothing. Perhaps enough that you can change your clothes every day or more. Bring very light clothing, a sandal,  runners, and perhaps an umbrella and a rain jacket.

Donations: Bring something for your host family from your country. A good idea would be a mug with the name of your country on it.

Weather: Lots of sun screen. A good broad rim hat and good inexpensive sunglasses.

4.1- Other things volunteers should know:

a.- the level of cleanliness in general is not on par with the Western standard at the program. Bring your own liquid hand soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer etc although you can also buy all these here.

Volunteer Dental

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

The host family was very nice, and I got to meet so many new people. Overall it’s a very rewarding experience, especially if you are a student in a health care field like medicine or dentistry,  and you have never done volunteering abroad. 

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

Accommodation was nice. The meals were decent, some were exceptional, although both the other volunteers and I were vegetarian and were picky with what we could eat (which made it hard for the host to know what to prepare). One tip is to be cautious of what you buy to eat from the stores. A rule of thumb is to not buy anything off the street. You will probably like most of the dishes that your host family makes for you.

The security was excellent and the main gate was always locked. Also the host family always made sure we got a good reliable taxi. The rooftop and the hammocks were also other bonuses of our amazing stay here.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: My favorite memory was when they took us to a public school with an accompanying dentist. We would go to every classroom, she would teach the little children how to brush using a model and how to floss. Then we would hand out educational brochures and toothbrush packages to every kid. 

Country:  I got to visit Utilia, one of the most beautiful parts of yb4 country and also got a diving lesson.

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

ABC was very supportive. Several months before my trip I would email them many questions, and every time they would reply back within 12-24 hours. They really made sure everything was taken care of to the best.

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

 Sure, you can definitely reach me

Volunteer Honduras La Ceiba Review Sina Makaremi Dental Student Program from A Broader View on Vimeo.

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

– very helpful, provided lifts to the hospital and gave a tour of the city  

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

At the program: How different it was from practicing at home in Ireland. Mostly extractions with limited instruments and lighting.

 At the accommodation: having to use a fan to stay cool as I come from quite a cold country so the heat took some taking used to.

Food was very nice but very different from what I’d have at home 

3- What was most difficult to experience?

Providing care for patients with a different standard of need than in Ireland 

The heat at night, having to use transport I.e. Taxis to the hospital daily 

4- Any tips for future volunteers…

Clothing: Surgical scrubs, and very light clothing for after clinical work 

Donations: gloves, masks, safety goggles, gauze very useful  

Weather: Stay hydrated 

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

Volunteered in La Ceiba Honduras in July 2017 for one week. We undertook the dental program.

Was picked up from the bus station and brought to the accommodation.

The house was very comfortable and very secure good sized bedroom, and 3 good meals a day. 

The program itself was very hands on, we had our own patients every day and provided varying treatments, including fillings, extractions and cleanings. The dentists were very helpful and accommodating in the clinic. 

The accommodation was near fast food outlets, supermarkets and a shopping centre.

There was an array of options on how to spend the weekend, I went to the island Roatan which was very nice.  I would definitely recommend this program 

Volunteer Honduras

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

Always felt safe and well looked after 

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: clinical liberty we were given and assistance from the other dentists 

Country:  trip to Roatan at the weekend,  

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

Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat):   Answered all questions we asked 

Website Information:  Very useful 

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

Yes 

Volunteer Honduras La Ceiba Review Liam Costello Dental Student Program from A Broader View on Vimeo.