Volunteer Ecuador

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

The local coordinator was wonderful. She offered lots of support by answering all my questions and checking in with me frequently. If I encountered any problems I knew that I had a great support network at my disposal. Karen and Laura were so very helpful and calmed my nerves once I arrived.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

The most surprising thing I experienced was how quickly I was able to navigate the town I was living in. After less than three days I was able to get around perfectly well on my own. Granted, it was a small island town.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

The most difficult thing for me was missing home. Everyone experiences some form of homesickness while abroad. Mine was very mild and since I was only gone a month I mostly found myself missing the food of my home country. Although I enjoyed the food in my host family by this time I could go a very long time without eating rice.

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

Bring presents for your host family if you will be living with one! It is a great conversation starter if you bring something from your home country. Keep your packing light so you can bring home lots of gifts. And make sure to explore some on your own. It came seem scary at first but it can be very nice to catch a sunrise or sunset alone and reflect on how you are doing and how you are enjoying the country.

5.1-Other things volunteers should know:

a. Be flexible. Plans change and you should take it in stride.

1. Be open. Try new foods and new things.
2. Listen to your hosts. They know what is safe to do.

Volunteer Galapagos

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

I worked with Galapagos tortoises in La Galapaguera a semi natural habitat for breeding. I also

monitored sea lions and marine iguanas so that the data could be used in work with local children.

I could spend my mornings with tortoises or sea lions and my afternoons helping out at a local dive shop. My volunteering was exhausting but extremely rewarding. I will never forget getting to feed baby Galapagos tortoises or getting to hang out with sea lions on the many pristine beaches.

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

I lived with a very nice host family. I ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner with them everyday. This allowed for bonding and extra time to practice my Spanish. I always felt safe and was given a key to the house. I had my own room and bathroom with a beautiful view of the ocean. I could not imagine staying anywhere else.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

My favorite memory was scuba diving with sharks at Kicker Rock. I had free time on the weekends to do what I wanted. I got to dive with Galapagos Sharks, White and Black tip sharks, and Hammerheads. I also went diving with volunteer to clean up trash in the main harbor during World Oceans Day with the local navy.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

I had lots of great support while filling out my application. They answered all my questions promptly

and well. I never felt lost or confused.

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

Our ABV Coordinator in Honduras helped us with everything we needed during our trip. We were able to volunteer at multiple hospitals with his help. During the week he always made sure we knew where to go and would check in during the day to make sure everything was okay. After a few weeks our group felt comfortable finding our way though the hospitals and helping wherever we were needed.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

At the program: The most surprising thing was how patient and helpful the nurses and doctors were. I would have totally understood if they had been frustrated with my broken spanish and potentially slowing their work down, but in my experience the nurses and doctors were patient and kind and helpful.

At the accommodation: the house felt like home almost immediately. I was surprised by how comfortable and modern the house was. I had my own room and bathroom, and had a fan to use at night. There were some small surprises like not being able to flush the toilet paper (many countries in latinamerica do this) and not using the sink water to brush my teeth, but overall I felt totally comfortable and safe at the house. The food was amazing and there are a ton of places for snacks and other food within walking distance.

About the country: The most surprising thing about the country was definitely the people. During our first week we helped with the vaccination campaign and were able to walk through different neighborhoods in the city giving vaccinations, vitamins, and parasite medications to the citizens of La Ceiba. It amazed me how amicable and generous the people were. People would frequently welcome us into their homes and offer cold drinks or fresh fruit from trees in their yard. Seeing the different places people lived and interacting with the community outside of the hospital was one of my favorite parts of the trip.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

At the program: The most difficult experience about the program was probably adjusting to the different working environment. All of us are Advanced EMT’s and work on an ambulance in Vermont so we’ve had training in wound care, IV establishment, CPR, medication administration, etc.. We are all so fortunate to have sterile supplies and all the resources we need to provide care to our patients, so it was difficult to adjust to minimal resources. It not only gave me a new appreciation for my own ambulance service, but also made me realize that there is still so much more our group can do to help here in the future.

At the accommodation: I didn’t have any major problems with the accommodation. The only minor setback for me was being sick for a few days after doing a weekend tour, so I would recommend bringing pepto bismol and an antibiotic incase you’re sick for more than a few days. It was definitely hot and sweaty most of the time, but we all acclimated pretty quickly.

The country: The most difficult thing about the country was seeing how little some people have. The hospitals have very few supplies, and patients are often responsible for bringing their own gauze or ointment to care for wounds. We were able to donate around $8,000 worth of medical supplies, but even still we felt there was so much more we should have brought. For the first time I encountered patients whom I knew how to care for, but didn’t have the means to provide care, and that was really tough for me.

4- Any tips for future volunteers…

Clothing: It’s hot so loose breathable clothing is ideal. Bring lots of scrubs because you need to change into clean scrubs if you want to watch a surgery. There are also opportunities to go on little trips to hike or swim or go to the islands, so be sure to bring good shoes and swim things too.

Donations:  Donations are definitely needed here. We were fortunate to find a non-profit organization that gave us medical supplies to donate to the hospitals here, so I would definitely recommend researching and/or fundraising to bring as much as you can. There is a huge need for basic medical supplies like gloves, gowns, facemasks, sterile gauze, antibacterial ointment, tournicates, alcohol pads, etc.. If there was anything I could have done differently it would have been to bring more donations. Even donations aside from medical supplies like clipboards, pens, staplers, whiteout, soap, hand sanitizer are needed. You can also buy locally all these items.

Weather: It’s hot and humid every day so be prepared to sweat. There are some areas of some of the hospitals that have air conditioning, and there are some local places with AC as well if you need to chill out for a bit. But overall be ready to sweat a lot, bring cooling towels.

4.1-Other things volunteers should know:

a. The doctors and nurses are very helpful and friendly so don’t be shy. Ask to help and don’t be afraid to make mistakes in Spanish as long as you’re trying. But also learn as much Spanish as you can before you come. I would recommend taking a Spanish class (or 3) if you can, and keeping a Spanish/English dictionary or medical dictionary on you.

b. Bring bugspray!! And lots of sunscreen

c. The city and country are beautiful and I would definitely recommend making the most of your down time, but still focusing on spending as much time in the hospital as possible.

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

Volunteering Honduras in the hospitals and walking through the neighborhoods vaccinating the community was one of the most unique and life changing experiences I’ve had. Being in EMS has allowed me to see a decent amount of medical emergencies, but observing the effects of poverty and lack of medical resources first hand truly altered my perception. I always felt comfortable and at home in my host house, and I made so many connections that I hope will last longer than my month here. This trip was everything I’d hoped it would be and so much more, and I can’t wait to return.

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

The house was great, I always felt comfortable and at home. We had our meals cooked for us at the house, but we could always go out to eat if we let the family know beforehand. One night we also cooked for everyone in the house which was super fun. I always felt safe at home, and walking around felt to me like most other big cities in the U.S. We were pretty much always home before dark and stayed together as a group whenever we went anywhere. There are taxis all throughout the city too if we ever wanted to go somewhere we could get one, or the coordinator would call a taxi for us if we wanted to go somewhere together.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: My favorite program memory was being able to spend time with the new born babies after c-sections. The first c-section I saw I cried when the baby came out strong and healthy, the doctors made fun of me for a little bit after that. But it really is an incredible thing to be one of the first people to hold a new born baby.

Country: One afternoon we went to the waterfalls in the mountains and it was the most beautiful place I have ever been in my life.

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

ABV answered all of the questions I had before coming. At one point I had to email them probably 3 times about my fundraising page and they were always very helpful.

Website Information:

I watched basically all of the videos from people who had done this service trip before and I found them to be so helpful and accurate.

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

Yes definitely!!

10 – Can you tell us how did you find or know about A Broader View?

Marty, one of the people in our group, found ABV online.

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!

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

The local support was very thorough and responsive to any questions or help I needed. They stopped by the shelter a few days to check in with me, helped connect me with other ABV volunteers from the program, and organized side travel and tours.

2.     What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

I was surprised at the comforts at the homestay. The “know before you go” literature made it seem as if it would be rough accommodations and this was not the case.

ABV: we lower expectations as not all houses are the same, but most houses will be middle high class accommodations.

3.     What was most difficult to experience?

The most difficult experience for me was attempting to bond with the girls of the shelter without speaking much Spanish.  I know that had I been here longer, my Spanish would improve and it would be easier to communicate with them and gain their friendship. At times I felt a bit of an outsider with the girls and staff. However, I suppose that is to be expected.

4.     Any tips for future volunteers? (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, etc. ?
Clothing – closed toe shoes, hair ties, rain jacket, high necked shirts, comfy jeans (no leggings to the shelter).

5.     Other things volunteers should know?
a. Bring tissue / toilet paper, it´s hard to come by. Carry in your bag during your travels.

b. Some of the girls/children at the shelter have lice so wear your hair in a braid or bun when holding the children. (bring lice shampoo to give to the shelter)

c. Listen to your host family and ABV directors, travel in pairs, take taxi´s etc.

Volunteer Guatemala

6.     Personal paragraph (ABV program testimonial):

ABV is a great way to get out and make a difference while knowing you are with a reputable organization that will look out for you, prepare you and ensure a great learning experience.

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

My host family was so welcoming and I loved hanging out with them. I had my own room but I hear some volunteers have shared accommodations. There were plenty of blankets on my bed but if you get cold easily bring sweats to hang out in at night.

8.     What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Teaching dance to the girls at the shelter to their favorite song and everyone got involved including the staff. It was a really great, lively experience.

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

Great! I didn´t give them a ton of notice I was coming (not recommended), and they answered all of my questions and set everything up for me with short turn around.

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

Yes via email.

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

I didn’t talk much to my local coordinator, solely because I had most of my things in place for this trip. The in- country coordinator was very helpful. German showed me around the fun places of Quito, told me which places I should visit on the weekends, and encouraged me to come to events held at the school.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced? Name 2

Program: How many doctors and medical students are actually at the hospital to help, and finding out my first patient on my internal medicine rotation has stage 4 cancer and nothing can be done to help him because of how fast it spread.

Host Family: How good the food is, and how open the family and nice the family is.

Country: How safe the country is compared to others (even the us), and how beautiful every part of the city is.

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Program: Not having much work to do because there are so many people at the hospital, and trying to understand the spanish (even with 6 years of lessons)

Host Family: I really can’t think of anything.

Country: sometimes the language barrier, and because you’re a tourist some people take advantage of your money.

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

1.     You really don’t need as much as they say you will, 2-3 scrubs are fine, there is laundry.

2.     BRING A RAIN COAT, sunscreen, hat, and also buy your toothpaste/shampoo/face wash in the US, it’s way cheaper there.

3.     Go to otavalo, mitad del mundo, the coast, everything in the end is worth it, so if yourre questioning going somewhere, just do it.

4.     Have an open mind with everything, don’t eat the street food until your stomach is accustomed (2 weeks), try the ice cream (its great), and the empanadas.

5.1-Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

(thats not in the orientation guide)

a. know your money limits before you come, set limits per week, dont go crazy.

b. ask questions, dont be afraid, theyre here to help

c. 2weeks to a month is enough time to enjoy the place without getting homesick and such, set your time here with everything like that in mind.

d. the tap water isnt bad, bringing a filter water bottle will do.

6- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):

It took me 3.5 weeks out of my 4 to actually start falling in love with the country. I loved how cheap it was to travel around ecuador. The taxis are sooo much cheaper than ubers so I took advantage of that. I can tell that my spanish has gotten way better and I am more confident when I talk. And the hospital wasn’t what I thought it would be. I wanted more of a hands on place with patients and I didn’t necessarily get that here. I did learn a lot about different diseases/ conditions patients were admitted with, and how to communicate effectively with patients with the little spanish I speak.

Volunteer in Ecuador

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

meals, accommodation, saftey, friendliness, I would all rate a 10/10. The meals were great (way healthier than what I am used to), I felt very safe always around quito, whether I was with others or by myself, my host family made it seem like I was at my own house, and every one you see will say hello or good day.

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

Program: seeing the patients get healthier

Host Family: feliz de ano was crazzzzy. but a good crazy.

Country: the beach was beautiful, 10/10 would go again.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling? (who helped you, emails, phone calls, chat online, how fast did you got an answer, did you got all your answers)

I would rate it like a 5/10. there was an incident where my dates were changed and I was charged $120 more and I was not contacted at all about it. I only found out about it when I saw my itinerary 2 weeks. so communication could be a little better. I was also told I would work 8-12 then 2-6, and when I got to ecuador I was told I only work 7:30am to 12:30pm. I also did not need nearly as much things to bring like the emails said. I didn’t even use half of it.

9.1- Who did you find Abroaderview website (keywords, search engine, word mouth to mouth, recommended by .., other)

I googled ‘medical mission trip’ and found abroaderview.

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

yes.

Volunteer Guatemala

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

She was great and I had all the support I needed. I could text/call at virtually any hour and she would respond. She also helped me set up trips and excursions, which was really helpful.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

It was surprising to see how much of American culture – movies, restaurants, bands – could be found in Guatemala.

3. What was most difficult to experience?

One of the children had a tooth that had an awful cavity. He was in a lot of pain, but his family couldn´t afford a dentist. Seeing him cry and not being able to help was awful.

ABV: if you can provide us with the name of the child, what classroom, we will send a donation to help him with that and donors can help us him here https://www.paypal.me/abroaderview

4.     Any tips for future volunteers? (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, etc. ?
Xela is rarely hot – bring more pants and long sleeves than t-shirts. If you wear glasses bring a backup pair.

5.     Other things volunteers should know?
a. The food is different than in America – expect meat with bones etc.

b. On average the people are very approachable

c. The sun is much stronger here than in North America

d.  You can barter for taxi fair.

6. Personal paragraph (ABV program testimonial):

I didn´t really know what to expect when I arrived, but I kept an open mind and had an amazing time. I learned so much Spanish, ate amazing food, and met some great people.

Volunteer in Guatemala

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

My host family was very nice. Our home was set up in 2 sections – one for the family, one for us visitors, but we ate all our meals together. The food was excellent, but was mostly meat and bread.

8. What was your favorite memory of this trip?

A local family hired me to teach English to their son, and had me over for dinner, where I met the entire extended family – it was an awesome experience.

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

They were concise, clear and responsive. It definitely put me at ease and made me feel supported.

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

Of course.

Volunteer Peru Cusco Review

1) My coordinator and my host family and the hospital staff played a vital role in me having a great time in Peru. My host mother Ana Maria and her Boyfriend Dante provided me with information on what I should do and where I should go when I had free time. From restaurant recommendations to tour recommendations and teaching me Spanish, they made my stay unforgettable. My coordinator did her absolute best for me to get settled and never failed to reply to my constant emails and texts and for that I am so so so grateful.

2) For the program the only thing that surprised me was the fact that unless you asked what you could do, nobody really told you what to do or how you could help, so ask for tasks and hang on the main nurse.

The only surprising thing that I experienced with my host family was how quickly the line between host family and family disappeared and how quickly we got so close. The only surprising thing about Cusco was how HOT it can be in the morning/noon time.

3) Some challenging things that I experienced was how much I missed my family in the beginning and how uncomfortable the altitude was. there was nothing challenging with my host family! my host mother Ana Maria spoke english and so did her wonderful boyfriend, Dante! if anything they made my time in Peru very much less challenging!

4) my only tip for any volunteers coming would be, MAKE SURE YOUR US$ MONEY IS STRAIGHT AND WITHOUT ANY TEARS! and also pack proper hiking clothes! and bring cough drops if you’re afraid of catching a cold (it is expensive and not very accessible here) also bring extra make up and dry shampoo because that is also hard to find! if you want to donate anything to the clinic, donate gloves!

Volunteering in Peru Cusco

5) see above about my personal experience! overall, if I could do this trip all over again with the same host family in the same country with the same coordinator I would do it in a heart beat!! Best experience ever!

6) the meals that I was provided was different but amazing! the house was always equipped with everything I needed and after a very short while I really felt like it was my home!

7) program: there was a guy that due to his condition and his previous situation he had a gaping hole in his leg and we had to treat him with very little material but he always came back and I could personally see the progress! my favorite memory of my host family is literally every meal we’ve had together especially the ones after my roommate Damara came.

My favorite memory of Cusco was the June 24th celebration and my other favorite memories include me going and exploring the country with the other volunteers I made friends with.

8) ABV US were very responsive and available. I don’t have any complaints!

9) the website was great and very direct and informative!

Volunteer Reviews

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!