Volunteer Guatemala

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

The coordinator was our in-country support and was amazing. Took care of getting us settled in on our first day in the clinic and with our host families. She even helped us organize transportation and hotels for the rest of our trip, which was great.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

The most surprising thing I experienced was how much time we got to spend with our Spanish tutors and how flexible the classes were. I was expecting a more formalized lesson, and it was a pleasant surprise to be able to have a more integrative experience with learning the language, culture and history.

3. What was most difficult to experience?

The Spanish immersion. It has been a very intense experience trying to communicate and understand, and while it has been beneficial and great, the best way to learn, it has been the most challenging aspect.

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

1. Spend more time volunteering if you can, more than 1 week, we had 1 week and it was jam-packed.
2. Bring layered clothing, it rains sporadically and nights can be a bit chilly.
3. Bring crisp, clean large bills to exchange at the bank ($50$100, no $20)

5. Other things volunteers should know?

a. Do not flush toilet paper in toilet.
b. Beware of street dogs
c. Beware of traffic – pedestrians do not have the right of way
d. No need to tip, not part of the custom, but welcome

Volunteer Reviews

6. Personal paragraph (ABV program testimonial):

This was truly an amazing experience, it really renewed my faith in altruism and globalization. This was such a holistic experience combining volunteering, culture and language. I loved being able to do some good, while meeting warm, genuine people both local and from abroad. Human connections are really what makes us strong and this experience really solidified that.

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

Our host family was phenomenal! They made us feel like part of their family, took care of us, taught us, and hung out with us. They made the living experience really great and made us feel welcome and at home.

8. What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Spending time with our host family. We did a night out with our host family and another family, and it was one of the best experiences I´ve had. The bonding and laughing and genuity of it all was truly amazing.

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

The support prior to traveling was great. Very receptive and responsive to questions and provided us with all the details we needed, even reminded us of things we had forgotten to submit.

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

Yes.

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.

Volunteer Guatemala

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

The coordinator was extremely supportive and accommodating. She met up with us almost daily, helped with logistics of volunteering, traveling, communication, currency, and extracurricular activities. She was also extremely engaging and approachable. My experience would not have been as complete or as diverse without her involvement.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

The most surprising thing I experienced was how warm and engaging everyone in Guatemala was, from the program coordinator to my host family to the medical staff I worked with to even the patients.

3. What was most difficult to experience?

The most difficult experience was the need to quickly immerse in the Spanish, especially for someone with minimal Spanish proficiency.

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

• Layer clothing – weather is variable.
• Comfortable, durable shoes
• Bring crisp, high amount dollar bills (no small bills) for currency exchange
• Beware of street dogs!

5. Other things volunteers should know?

• Take advantage of local cafés and nightlife!
• Ask your host family lots of questions about local recommendations and travel logistics.
• Bring gifts for the host family.
• Consider bandages / blister covers for foot protection.

Volunteer Reviews

6. Personal paragraph (ABV program testimonial):

I personally thought this was a life changing opportunity. ABV was able to provide a complete experience for me in terms of volunteering and culturally. Would recommend it to anyone.

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

Extremely accommodating and social. You are fully immersed with your host family and will eat meals with them often. I felt very safe with my accommodations, and felt that my host family was really my family.

8. What was your favorite memory of this trip?

My favorite memory was going out with my host family one night to get chocolate drinks at a café. There was much laughter and my friends and family were full of jokes and pranks the entire night.

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

Their email response was very quick. I was actually a last minute addition to my group, and this was done very efficiently and seamlessly. The instructions were easy to navigate and all questions were answered thoroughly and quickly.

10. Are you willing to speak to 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 Guatemala Review

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

The ABV coordinators were accessible, easy to get into contact with and incredibly helpful and compassionate.

2.     What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Actually nothing was surprising to me, as I entered this program with an open mind.

3.     What was most difficult to experience?

The isolation, you leave practically everything behind and live a different life here. It is exhilarating but it takes time to get used to it, don´t rush it.

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

Bring several sweatshirts and shoes (in the rainy season from May-October). It rains a lot and you will need to give your clothes and shoes time to dry.

5.     Other things volunteers should know?
a. Bring cold medicine, it will rain and you will get sick haha.

b. The drinking age is 18 here, so take that into account when you go out, and be safe.

c. Pre-download some movies to help pass the time.

d. Sleep is essential, get lots of it.

ABV: our volunteers are not allowed to drink in our programs, doesn’t matter if you are over 21y/o. The contract you signed talks about this rule.

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

My accommodations were practically perfect. I had hot water, three meals a day and my own bedroom. My house was within walking distance of several stores, cafes and other places which were necessary to my trip. So it was perfect.

7.     What was your favorite memory of this trip?

My favorite memory from the trip was the class field trip to Little Caesars inauguration, for a pizza party. It was the happiest I saw the kids over my entire four weeks.

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

The support was efficient and effective. The plans pre, during and post travel were well explained and easy to adhere to.

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

Absolutely.