Volunteer Honduras

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

Absolutely amazing. Rafael and his entire family were warm, welcoming, and loving. THEY are such a huge part of what made this experience so amazing. The family is huge, and it will feel like you’re seeing a new person each day. Make sure to get to know each new person, because they will add so much to your life here. I cannot say enough about the family!

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

At the program: The hospitals, specially the regional, can be tough to work in. I challenge you to walk into your day with a completely open mind. Understand that there are very different standards here, but different does not mean bad. Learn from them!

At the accommodation: How many people live in this house!! It’s wonderful, and I strongly encourage getting to know everyone here. They are so amazing and loving, and become your family if you let them. I know I will miss and think about them all after I leave.

About the country: The BEAUTY! This country is green as can be, with constant sunshine, breeze from the sea, and views of the amazing mountains that surround this city. With quick and occasional rain showers (depending on the season you come in) you have a perfect balance of heat and cooling off. I cannot say how beautiful nature is here. Take it all in.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

At the program: There are times when you will be working in the hospital and feel frustrated or embarrassed. Some doctors speak English, but for the most part the language barrier is something you will have to constantly climb. Don’t let this discourage you!!! Try and get some practice in before coming, and most of all ASK QUESTIONS! This is the only way you’ll get better, and you will get better

At the accommodation: This is tough question because in so many ways, any “rough” experiences at our home stay weren’t difficult at all. The showers here are cold, there’s no hot water in La Ceiba, but there’s also no reason for it. You will be so hot by the end of the day you’ll be excited to get into your freezing shower. The second “difficult” experience is that periodically, certain grids of the city will loose power. It’s an easy fix however, as when the power goes off you and the whole family migrate to the porch to get some fresh air. In many ways, it’s really nice! Quality time, no wifi, no worries.

The country: I will say that it can be tough to see the way some people live, but this is a constant around the world. It can be draining, but the moments of happiness in this trip out weigh any moments of sadness by a long shot.

4- Any tips for future volunteers…

Clothing:  Tank tops, tank tops, tank tops. I brought some tshirts, but minus my super light weight ones, I couldn’t bring myself to wear them. Too hot!

Also don’t be afraid to pack a few sundresses. You never know where your weekend will take you, be it Cayo’s Cochinos or Utila!

As for shoes, I suggest Chaco’s. They are so versatile and sturdy and are perfect to wear when you’re walking around the city or the mountains.

Donations:  BRING DONATIONS. I cannot stress this enough. There is only so much you can do while working in the hospital…but the donations will go far. And if you cannot bring donations physically, fundraise, fundraise, fundraise and come with a $1,000 US check and buy things for them here. Bring anything you can and as much as you possibly can!

(A great resource to help you with this is an organization called Americares. They helped us bring nearly $8,000 worth of supplies for nearly free. They are amazing, and it will help not only you but the hospital!)

Weather: It’s hot. However, depending on how long you’re staying you do seem to acclimate (or just expect the heat?). Either way, be prepared to sweat so much that at some point stop caring about how much you’re sweating. It’s an experience and it’s awesome

4.1-Other things volunteers should know:

a.- DONATIONS. Donations. Donations. Bring them or bring fundraiser money for the hospitals!!

b.- Come here for longer than a week. Staying here for a week allows you to gain from your time here, but doesn’t allow you to give much. I would suggest coming for two weeks at MINIMUM.

c.- Sign up and pay for the Spanish lessons!! They are so worth your time and money, and will make your transition here so much easier. The teachers are so great and the learning you do is so important

Volunteer in Honduras

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

I would not trade this month for the world. It has given me incredible into lives that are so far from my own. As cliche as it sounds, my life will never be the same and for that I am forever grateful. Time changes you here in the most positive of ways. I cannot thank the people here enough for what they’ve given me, and I can only hope I’ve given them half of what I’ve gotten.

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

The accommodations here are beyond amazing. You are never left hungry, and the Honduran food is beyond amazing. Get ready for Baleada Monday’s!!

As for security, I have quite literally never felt unsafe in this wonderful home. It’s beautiful and safe and comfortable. I cannot stress enough how awesome this home is!

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: ABV has been beyond wonderful! We actually had the unique experience of meeting someone in the hospital working for another organization. This other organization was quite terrible, and left the volunteer with no contacts or help. Rafael ended up stepping in and taking her under his wing. Her 3 weeks here were immediately changed, and she left happy because of Rafael and what he knows from ABV. This is truly a wonderful and trustworthy organization, and I am thankful every day we found this company.

Country: The people. I almost don’t want to say too much, as it is totally a wonderful personal experience. I will say, that I have met some of the kindest people here and a sense of hospitality and community I have never quite seen back in the US. Definitely come here and check it out for yourself as it is a life changing experience!

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

ABV USA support was great during our time here! They emailed us a handful of times, making sure we had all emergency contacts we needed, that we were settling in nicely, and enjoying our time here.

Website Information:  The website is great and so easy to navigate. If you are struggling with anything you can use the live chat as well, and there is always someone from ABV on the other end to answer your questions!

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

Absolutely!

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!