Volunteer Ecuador

1- How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
Both coordinators were knowledgeable, professional, responsible and very kind. The girls felt that they understood how to connect to them as teens.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
It was impressive how nice and helpful everyone was across the board.

3- What was most difficult to experience?
I would have to say stomach sickness due to change of food and water. This was very uncomfortable.

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations)
Pack light versatile clothing and should include waterproof shoes and jacket. Bring items you need like sunscreen, insect repellant, toiletries, anything else you may need from the states. The brands we are use to are not available in Ecuador.

I would ask to communicate with someone where you are volunteering to find out what donations they may need in advance.

5- Other things volunteers should know:
a. Bring a small laundry detergent so you can hand wash clothes. Clothing gets damp this time of year, so this will keep everything fresh

b. If your stomach does not feel well go right to pharmacy to get medications. They are pretty effective.

Volunteering in Ecuador

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

I would recommend volunteering with A Broader View because they offer a broad range of volunteering opportunities not just all over Ecuador but all over the world. The staff are all very knowledgeable and accommodating. They were very willing to work with up in constructing a program that worked for us given our tight timeframe. Most of all we felt taken care of which is important when you are so far away from home is a foreign environment.

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

The accommodations were safe, comfortable and meals were well balanced and nutritious.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
The children were adorable and eager to work with us. We brought many English books translated into Spanish which they could not wait to get their hands on. Their enthusiasm was priceless.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

The support was very good in preparation for travel.

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

Yes anytime!

Volunteer in Belize

1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided while you Volunteer Belize ?

Everyone was very kind and welcoming, especially the person who picked us up from the airport. He helped us since we reach Belize and made the country feel like home.

2- What was the most positive surprise you experienced?

At the program: The work ethic of the handyman on the site was positive and encouraging. He helped us acclimate to the culture and working mode.

At the accommodation: A working fridge

About the country: The kindness of the people

3- What was most difficult/cultural shock to experience?

At the program: The lack of structure every day, but it worked to our advantage. We were able to create our own experiences.

At the accommodation: The lack of Wifi, only internet at the main office

The country: The environment condition.

4- Any tips for future volunteers, give as many details as possible…

Clothing: Tank tops and shorts, handkerchief (for sweat), breathable clothing, sturdy shoes.

Donations: Summer clothes for the kids, toys, school supplies.

Weather: It is very hot. Pack for summer, pack extra water bottles, pack cooling things (small fan, cool towels) if you have them, bring bugs spray.

4.1-Other things volunteers should know, about what to bring, what to do in country, what to eat, transportation, other:

a.- Try tamales!

b.- Bring super sunscreen.

c.- Buses cost $1 U.S per trip into to city. Ask the staff to show you the ropes.

d.- Go to Caye Caulker

Volunteer Belize Reviews

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

My life has forever changed because of the children of the orphanage and my experiences volunteer Belize. I have not loved every second of it if I am being honest. The heat and the bugs are difficult to accommodate. I really love the friends I have made in Belize. I plan on returning someday.

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

It was hard to get used to the culture for the first couple days, the laid back Caribbean attitude is much different than mid-west America. Once I acclimated to that it was simple and safe in the orphanage. We also ate the same type of food often, but going out and switching is an option.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: The kids, most of whom I made strong relationship with.

Country: The beautiful hills of the Cayo district and Caye Caulker.

Tours: Unbelievable Adventures with Daton Ramos, ask Ms. Louise at the orphanage.

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

Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat):

Helpful, they responded to all of my emails in a very timely Matter.

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

Yes!

10 – Can you be specific how did you find or know about A Broader View?

“belize volunteer” in Google. ABV was the first to come up.

Volunteer Belize Orphanage program