Volunteer Guatemala

1. How were the local ABV coordinators and the support provided in-country?
Fantastic. The local support staff checked in on me no less than once a week and was very quick to respond to messages. Communication was extremely clear before and during the trip, and my arrival was coordinated very smoothly. I can´t thank them enough for coordinating my Spanish lessons with such a fantastic teacher.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
There is so much to see and do in and around Xela. It´s also relatively easy to get around to the neighboring cities like those around Atitlan and Antigua.
There´s a level of poverty that western people may not have been exposed to that could be a bit shocking.
Five weeks pass incredibly fast!!

3. What was most difficult to experience?
Meeting 80-100 kids who display the affects of malnutrition, likely as a secondary symptom of a life in poverty, is very difficult. Fortunately this feeling is quickly combated when you their spirit. The most difficult thing was then saying goodbye to all of them. It was a bit surprising how quickly you bond with them.

4. Any tips for future volunteers? (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, etc. ?
Bring many combination of layers. The weather changes a lot throughout the day. Also, don´t bring anything that may have specific drying requirements. The lavanderias only know one way – dry, high heat.

Volunteering in Guatemala

5. Other things volunteers should know?
a. Y´all want to know as much Spanish as possible before you arrive.
b. Xela is high, and the weather is not at all like it is in Guatemala City, Antigua or the coast. Bring warm clothes, and lots of layers.
c. Simple western conveniences like good wifi and hot showers are not often a guarantee.
d. It´s definitely a cash-based community, you won´t often use a credit card.

6. ABV program testimonial (write in your own words about your experience):
After my first full day in Xela I knew I was going to love my time here; in Spanish class, in the after school program, and in my homestay. The local people are friendly and if you have an open mind and like the unexpectedness that is Central America, you too will love it here.

I explored other places and hiked a lot of the weekends, and always looked forward to class Monday morning, followed by the after school program, which was my highlight of every day. Xela has a unique way of finding its way into everyone’s heart.

7. How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e.g. host family, on-site, shared)
I was with a host family, which was a first for me. The location was great and my host mom could not have been better. I had a large bedroom to myself and the meals were fantastic. I never felt unsafe there.

8. What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Every one of the twenty days I spent at the project. I found myself looking forward to seeing the kids each day. There was nothing particularly special about each day, they were all just great.

9. How was the ABV USA support prior to traveling?
Overall it was very good. The online chat persons always seemed to be available and answered all of my questions thoroughly. The volunteer orientation packet I received has many references to Ecuador and Peru, despite being titled: Guatemala.

From my first correspondence I was interested and told I´d be volunteering at an orphanage. It was not until a couple of weeks before coming that I learned I would be at the after school program. I was upset because I had wanted to be at an orphanage, and I was told I would be. Ultimately I would not change a thing and I loved my time at the after school program. My expectations could have been better managed.

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

Volunteer Abroad

Volunteer in Guatemala Xela Review Elizabeth Fox Clinic Outpost

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

They were wonderful. We were picked up and taken to host family, and all questions were answered. She helped to coordinate all travel while in Xela and make us feel comfortable.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

The people were so very warm and inviting, even though we had huge language barriers. They always smiled and said hello on the street and were appreciative of all care. Everything is so inexpensive. Surprised we were given the opportunity to do patient consults. Amazing.

3. What was most difficult to experience?

The pollution or air quality while walking, due to no smog control on cars. It sometimes made breathing more difficult. The language barrier is tough for the first few days at the clinic. I was exhausted from learning, and 4 hours of Spanish was too much! ;)

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

My sleeping bag was the best item for this cold weather! Bring layers and thermals. Bring a journal. You will use it everyday at night and also at the clinic. Take notes. Try to bring Quetzales before you arrive. Bring enough clothes or use wash service. SNACKS!

Donations: Pulse oximeter, batteries for baby Doppler, more Dopplers

I brought an iPad. Have movies downloaded to watch at night. It was fun! Go to dinner or other meal. It´s cheap and fun. We went to Crossfit Xela and the mall, good experience.

Volunteer in Guatemala

5. Other things volunteers should know?
   a. Be prepared to do a lot of education with patients. Don´t assume they know how to feed babies or how often breastfeed.

b. Jump in. Scary but just do it. Write things down.

c. Allow extra days to travel

d. There was no set schedule or formal written instructions at the clinic. Example: vaccines – we had to learn on the spot and didn´t know names (their different in the USA).

e. Serious lack of hand hygiene. Bring gloves and hand sanitizer, and show education.

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

ABV is an excellent organization and I highly recommend it. This was my first volunteer experience, and I´m so happy I chose ABV. I´m a nursing student and came with two friends. It made the experience so much better. The independence given to us in the clinical setting was rewarding. Some days there were not many patients but we cleaned and organized and felt useful. It was perfect that one of our friends spoke Spanish, and could translate for us.

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

Our host family is wonderful and always sits with us. We loved a house of all women. We loved the house and set up with private rooms. Perfect for me. It was cold, but to be expected. Security was great. Meals good but I need more vegetables and fruit and less bread!

8. What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Walking to the clinic with my friends! Always a new experience. We felt safe. We went out to dinner and lunch and had amazing meals. DO THIS!!

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

Excellent; Sarah always emailed back immediately and answered all questions.

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

Absolutely!!

* About Spanish class

Our instructors were wonderful. We cut class short a few days but that was ok. Have them take you shopping, to the bank or anywhere else. Good learning experience.

Guatemala Programs

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

Fantastic! Everything was already arranged for me. Petra showed me the way to and from work/Spanish, and Veronica and Susanne were wonderful. My Spanish teacher Jaime couldn’t have been better.

2.     What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

I think some of the things that surprised me included the people of Guatemala. Jaime and I left the café every day without paying because they simply trusted that we´d be right back.

3.     What was most difficult to experience?

My lack of Spanish! The greatest challenge I faced was definitely the language barrier. However, it was easier with each passing day!

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

My greatest tips is to listen to the advice about warm clothing, and bring a hat! The sun is very bright here.

5.     Other things volunteers should know?

• Bring sunscreen!
• Stay longer than one week!
• Spend as much time with your host family as possible!

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

This experience has been literally life changing. I learned so much from the people here, my Spanish has improved immensely and my outlook on life in general will be different from here on out.

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

I cannot sing the praises of Veronica and her family loudly enough. Any volunteer will be very lucky to stay with her.

8.     What was your favorite memory of this trip?

It´s hard to say… Exploring the city, learning the language and developing a family here.

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

Wonderful. The online guide is great, and it allows you to keep track of each step separately. It was very organized and helpful.

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

Absolutely! Send them my way!

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