Volunteer Honduras

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

Rafael was very welcoming and kind.  He was helpful in getting me oriented to the hospitals and introducing me to key people there.  On an ongoing basis, he checked-in with me to make sure if I was having a good experience.  Yet he also correctly assessed that I could manage independently as well and he gave me the room to do that.  He was also very flexible with altering the schedules to accommodate sufficient rest, occasional outings, and the type of medical volunteering opportunities of which I wanted  to take advantage.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

At the program: The most surprising thing is how exhausting it is to work in a different health care system in a different language.  My brain would tire from constant attention to understanding Spanish and learning new systems.

At the accommodation: I was surprised to learn that Rafael was not only my coordinator, but also my host.  It was very helpful though because we could chat about how things were going over meals and he could help decipher some of the days’ puzzles from the hospital.

I also was surprised at how “suburban” the area is.  In many ways it didn’t feel like the typical neighborhood and life of what I have become accustomed in Central America.

About the country: I have traveled a fair amount in Central America so I was pretty prepared with my expectations – except how suburban it would be.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

At the program:

Just living everyday without the certainty of knowing what is going on around me – due to the different medical systems and the language.  I just had to be okay with not understanding a lot, as well as with taking responsibility for the quality of my own experience.
At the accommodation: I was quite happy with the accommodation.  Probably the most difficult part for me is that there were other english speakers there for me so it was hard to be immersed in Spanish as much as I would have liked.

The country: I think there is a cultural difference in how the Hondurans present themselves to someone they first meet (at least at the hospitals).  My experience was that it often felt like the nurses and doctors were dismissive, disinterested, or not very happy to have me there.  But I learned that if I extended myself a few times, they were surprisingly welcoming, friendly, and healthy.

4- Any tips for future volunteers…

Clothing:

– surgery cap

– blood pressure cuff

Donations:

– thermometers – non-digital

– athletic tape

– ace wraps

– don’t bring items to donate such as alcohol wipes, ointments, fancy bandages because they will only be a novelty and probably not used – and certainly not something they will invest in buying in the future.

Volunteering in Honduras

4.1 -Other things volunteers should know:

a.- Knowing a fair amount of Spanish is definitely helpful

b.- Spend time at the hospital helping with some of the more mundane tasks such as restocking items needed on a daily basis, making gauze pads, putting together paperwork.  The nurses will appreciate it hugely and they will give back by teaching you even more.

c.- This is not really a volunteer program as much as it is a volunteer opportunity.  Very little is actually set in stone or set up.  You have to be okay with lots of ambiguity and you are really the one responsible for the form, day-to-day experiences, and the quality of your experience.  So, be direct with the nurses and doctors about what you want to do., such as only observe, or focus wound care, or learn how to insert IVs.  If you tell them, and remind them, they will give you the opportunity, if you don’t tell them, they likely won’t suggest it.

d.- Pace yourself.  It can be really tiring and frustrating so give yourself room to take an afternoon off, or go in late, if it helps with your energy level.

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

I have had a good experience as a medical volunteer in La Ceiba, Honduras through A Broader View. I chose to do a program like this because I want a career change and medicine is a new career path I have been considering.  Before committing to it, I wanted some more direct experience to inform my decision.  I knew it can be very difficult to get real hands-experience like this in the U.S., but I also knew that those restrictions don’t exist in many developing countries. This, along with my love of experiencing new places and cultures, made a medical volunteering program the perfect opportunity to “try on” the job of ER nurse.

I certainly got hands-on experience. From simple cleaning of wounds to response to cardiac infarctions, from inserting IVs to early labor care, I was able to practice skills I already had and learn new ones and new techniques. The volume of patients allowed for many chances to improve skills and communication.

In addition to the hands on experience, I was able to assist with more advanced procedures and to observe surgeries close to the side of surgeon performing the operation.

What I found most fascinating though was the resourcefulness of the doctors and nurses.  Without the benefit of advanced technologies and supplies, these personnel relied more on the tried and true techniques of medicine. They  were also inspiringly creative in making their own “technology and supplies” to serve the same purposes but using the things they have on hand.  For me, this was an invaluable aspect to experience.

I am happy with the experience I have had here and will remember it fondly as I move into my new career as a nurse.

Volunteer Zambia

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

​He was very attentive to me and ensured I was settled in well.  He immediately showed me around and helped with booking excursions. He made introductions to the key staff at the clinic. He helped me sort through the paperwork needed for the clinic.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

​The ​unexpected las minute US$100 clinic fee.  It made things seem unorganized, but ABV refunded the US$100 which I was thankful.

ABV: The clinic changed the policy a day before your arrival, some programs do this, but is not common practice of the clinics or hospitals. We will always try to have updated information from all our 245 locations on a weekly basis.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

​The lackadaisical attitudes of Zambians and laid back attitude about everything, including professional issues.

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

​October was very hot/extreme heat. Bring a bathing suit.  Be ready for relaxed attitudes about ​punctuality even with tours/dinner service.  Donations: toys, pencils and crayons for the kids in the nearby villages

4.1- Other things volunteers should know:
a.- Water is safe to drink in Livingstone. I had no issues​
b.- Absolutely use  mosquito nets.  You need it. Bring one
c.- Kids are very friendly and curious. They ask a lot & ask for money ​
d.- Livingstone is safe. The coordinator is great about ensuring safety.

Volunteering in Zambia

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

​This was my second trip with ABV out of 3.  Africa was an extremely different place (than Peru).  However, it was lovely to see the contrast.  I had a hard time adapting to the laid back attitude by the locals, but by the end of my time there it didn’t even phase me. You learn to adapt.  I felt like this trip was great for my patience. The clinic I worked at was a good exposure for me to see how healthcare works there. Everyone was so happy and friendly.  Plus, the excursions in the area were amazing.

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

​The house was clean and comfortable.  The meals were delicious ​and I loved trying traditional food.  I felt safe and bonded with the family.  I miss them.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

​The safari was exceptional. Seeing the animals in the wild and learning about them made me feel more connected with nature.

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

ABV staff in USA were supportive throughout and help with with anything I needed or asked.  I appreciated the refund of the $100 unexpected fee. ​

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

​Yes!​

Volunteer Ecuador

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

The ABV coordinator and the support in country were fantastic. Everyone is very friendly and willing to help

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

At the hospital I saw a patient who lost his fingers’ skin, it was a very challenging experience.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

It was difficult to see how Ecuador’s poor economy affected them medically.

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

Be prepared to bring a rain jacket and sweater as it tends to get cold

5.1-Other things volunteers should know:

a.     Always wear your backpack in front of you
b.     Make sure you understand Spanish fairy well as not many people knows English
c.     Have fun

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

Working with ABV has been a great experience. As a high school student interested in Medicine, it allowed me to get hands on experience. I was able to help a lot and observed things I didn’t think I’d be able to. ABV did an excellent job!

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

Our accommodation was great. Most people had their own room, we had access to Wi-Fi, the host family was really helpful.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

My favorite memory is the work I made with the pediatrician who stayed with me every day.
9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

The support was good, we were able to email a support person if we had questions, and they always responded promptly.
10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Yes

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

Raphael was absolutely excellent. He was extremely accommodating making sure we are well taken care of throughout the entire duration of our stay. He set us up with pre-medical and medical students as well as dentists in training who hung out with us most of the time and took us to Fantastic places off the beaten path that you would never see as an average tourist. They went with us to Fantastic restaurants and we ate some of the best local food to be found in La Ceiba… maybe even all of Honduras. He made sure we had all needed meals breakfast, lunches, & dinners made for us at his house and ready when needed. Sometimes when we went out we didn’t need to eat at home and he was very understanding about that. He escorted us to and from the facilities where we worked and made sure that we had everything we needed at all times.

He put us up in his house and took care of us like we were his own relatives.

I can’t say enough great things about Raphael.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

At the program: The complete and total lack of good modern, operating equipment.

At the accommodation: If you’re used to United States standards it’s a slight adjustment but nothing you cannot adjust to or live comfortably with once you get used to it.

About the country. Things seem to break down and fall apart everywhere  and it appears that there is not enough money to fix them.Virtually every road is in need of significant and major repair. Because of this every car breaks down due to the constant shaking and rattling through the potholes.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

At the program: Lack of up-to-date functional modern equipment which makes your job so much easier to do. Therefore without this equipment you have to get very creative to get the job and the task accomplished.

At the accommodation: There was no air conditioning and no working shower.

The country: The driving here is literally insane.If you Drive-In most countries like USA Canada, Mexico or Europe you will not readily understand the rules of driving down here which seem to be anything goes. I would not recommend renting a car and trying to drive. That would be insanity. Instead take taxis they are everywhere and easily available almost anytime.

4- Any tips for future volunteers…

Clothing: If you are a doctor and have your doctor’s coat, you need pants. It’s very hot and you think you might be able to wear shorts but as we all know you must wear pants to the hospitals as well as the dental clinics. If you don’t have pants you will need to buy some.

Donations: Bring as much medical supplies as you possibly can of almost any variety. Dentists should bring full armamentarium of dental extraction instrumentation.  They’re in dire need of an ultrasonic and Root Planer. Any old equipment that you’re no longer using bring it. They are in dire need of sterilizers old autoclaves that may still function that you don’t use anymore, etc.

Any used instruments or tools that you have that you can part with, bring them then donate them.

Weather: It is very hot because there’s no air conditioning. Don’t worry about that you will sleep comfortably with the fan they provide. We were worried about mosquitoes before we came but we haven’t seen a single mosquito while we’ve been here in La Ceiba.

4.1- Other things volunteers should know:

a.- Bring lempiras in small denominations – 100 lempiras or less. Most places do not have change for $500 lempira bills.

b.- You need to carry small bills for taxis and you need 25 lempiras for each person that rides. Whether it’s two blocks or three miles it’s the same Fair.

c.- since you are donating equipment and supplies, you will have room in your luggage for souvenirs. They have really cool souvenirs here. And that’s a good way to pump some money into the local economy.

d.- everyone involved in this program is extremely willing to help and they’re awesome.

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

Volunteering to provide medical and dental care here in La Ceiba Honduras was one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my life. The people here really need the care and the equipment that we donated. It was also rewarding being able to perform and teach some extremely useful Oral & Maxillofacial surgical procedures on the patients and doctors working here  (respectively). Other than the initial snag upon our arrival here in La Ceiba everything else was fantastic. I would highly recommend doing this program here in La Ceiba Honduras to anyone.

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

In the United States we are used to a completely different way of living our day-to-day lives. Everything is in good repair, everything works well and everything is comfortable and easy. In most other parts of the world that is not always the case. That is true of Honduras. However, while accommodations may have been somewhat lacking to most people given the way they live in the US, once you get used to them everything is just fine.Not having a working shower is something you definitely have to, but do get used to. You simply use the bucket and dump water over your head, lather up and then dump water again to rinse it’s no big deal.

Meals were great – typical standard cultural Honduras cuisine. This is exactly what we wanted anyway I would not change a thing the meals were great. Security is excellent in fact probably the strong point of the accommodations here. There’s a locking gate out in front of the house which appears to be virtually impenetrable and that made us feel extremely safe.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: performing and teaching a little known surgical procedure for the temporomandibular joint on a patient who could not open his mouth without significant pain in his right jaw joint. I performed an arthrocentesis procedure and taught the dentist in the clinic how to do it for their patients in the future. The patient experienced immediate improvement and he was very appreciative.

Country: The beauty of the country as well as its people and their welcoming and accommodating spirit. They also are, without a doubt, very appreciative of the help we gave them the work we did and the equipment and supplies we donated.

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

Pretty good overall.  Good functional easy to navigate and had lots of good information.

9 – Can you tell us how did you find or know about A Broader View?  (You can also write on the back of the page…)

A friend of mine who is an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon  (such as myself) has a son who also wants to become an Oral & Maxillofacial surgeon. That requires volunteering at hospitals in the USA, doing community service, and joining programs like A Broader View. My son contacted his son, found out about the program and made the arrangements to do some volunteer work. Since he’s only 17 years old I took time out from my busy practice to come with him and assist the people in the community in La Ceiba Honduras.

She was perfect, she was the epitome of calm and support.  She completely stopped what she was doing to answer questions or give us direction.  Irma and Alan of the after-school program were also especially accommodating.  Everyone of them was also fun to be with.

Shelter program

2) What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

I was surprised by how much I wanted to completely uproot my life and move it to Xela.  I loved the people, the food and the language.

3) What was the most difficult to experience?

Leaving the children was definitely the most difficult experience, especially at the shelter.  The girls at the shelter had deep deep hurt.  They wore so much of it on their faces, I wanted to take them all home with me.

4) Any tips for future volunteers (clothing/travel/personal items)

Bring a full size towel for the home stay or buy one locally and leave it for your host family.  It is a nice gesture, but you will fall in love with your hosts and truly want to leave something.  An umbrella, a sweater and short sleeved shirt everyday, because everyday has extremes.  Oh, and wash the dishes for your hostess. It is the least one can do for the all that they do for you.

5) Other things volunteers should know?

Xelapan has tremendous pastries!

Did I mention a trip to Xelapan?

Xelapan cream filled anything?

Xelapan!

6) ABV Testimonial

This week was an amazing experience. On my first day at the shelter, I saw two girls separate themselves and cry huge shoulder heaving tears without sound.  One told me she had only been there two days.  I sat with them, held their hands, kept their hair out of their eyes.  Their hurt was so deep.  I told them how important they were. They clung to me when I saw them two days later, they ran to me.  On the last day she barely left my side and just kept hugging me.  Before I left, she told me she would never forget me.  I know I will never forget her.

7) How would you describe your accommodations meals/security

Jovita was more perfect than perfect.  She was so sweet and helpful.  She was also an excellent cook.  I loved the stories we told around the table (sobre mesa).  It drew us even closer together.  I could have moved in forever!

8) What was your favorite memory of this trip?

There are too many to choose from.  I loved all of the children’s arms around my waist, the warmth of the Xela people, the hot springs, the weaving opportunity, our hostess, our program heads, the food (Xelapan!) the fabrics, and how close we all became as a group.

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

They were very helpful in answering questions and making certain we had all our paperwork in.  They were quick to get back to us.

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

Absolutely!  Any time.