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.

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

The support was good and helped in a lot of ways.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Program: How curious all the kids were and how different the schools are here.

Host Family: How different we are as people.

Country: How different the cultures are in general.

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Program: trying to think of things to draw that the kids could get a reference from.

Host Family: Having someone always trying to tell you what to do,

Country: There is a big language barrier. Learn some basic Hindu, take local lessons

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

1. You want breathable material in India’s hot weather. You can buy local clothes

2. Bring your own soaps for showering.

5.- Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

(thats not in the orientation guide)

a. You will get mad at people very easily because you always feel like you’re being pressured everywhere you go for money.

b. You need to learn how to bargain if you are trying to buy anything in India.

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

This has been a very eye opening experience for me. I have done so many things that some people could only dream of. I couldn’t have had a better experience traveling to a poverty stricken country.

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

The accommodations were good but the food could have been a little better. Having the same 4 or 5 choices for an entire month gets tiring. Everything else was very good. So try to eat out a couple of times a week if you want more variety.

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

Program: all the kids would swarm me and bombard me with questions about me or my country.

Host Family: The first day I arrived I was sitting at the airport in Jaipur looking like a lost puppy because I couldn’t find the ABV sign, its big, stay in the gate of arrival waiting for the coordinator and the ABV sign.

Country: How shop keepers and business owners always thought we were rich and always gave us an outrageous price for everything, they do this to any foreigner.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Anytime I called the program I always got a hold of someone and could explain my problems. I would always get emails regarding how everything was going and if I needed anything.

9.1- What do you think about the reservation system online?

It’s good and it got the job done.

9.2- Who did you find Abroaderview website

My grandparents found abroaderveiw and thought it would be good for me.

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

I’m willing to talk to other volunteers to help them with their experience.

Link to the program:

Construction-Painting: Construction / Building
Teaching: Teaching English

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

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.

1-What were your daily tasks in this Project?

My daily tasks were to help the teachers teach English and Math to the students, decorate the school for special events, and play games with the students.

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

My ABV Coordinator provided the utmost support and kindness when I arrived in Costa Rica. My airport pickup went smoothly and my orientation and introduction into work was perfectly done.

3- What was the most positive surprise you experienced?

At the program: The most positive surprise I experienced at the school was how kind and caring the students are. Every morning when I would arrive at the school, they would all greet me with smiling faces and big hugs.

At the accommodation: The most positive surprise I experienced at the house was the wonderful food and the welcoming family I stayed with.

About the country: The most positive surprise I experienced while staying in Costa Rica was how incredibly nice everyone is and that economic status does not make the social status of people. Everyone is generous and welcoming. Costa Ricans are truly the nicest people I have ever met.

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

At the program: The school sometimes felt like a daycare for the students. I realized this is because of the size of the school and the low budget they have.

At the accommodation: Honestly, I did not experience any type of cultural-shock at the house I stayed at. I was homesick for the first few days, but I think homesickness comes when you travel anywhere for the first time.

The country: Costa Rica was an amazing place to do volunteer work. I did not experience any cultural-shock while I was getting to know this beautiful country.

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

Clothing: I arrived in Costa Rica with only shorts. The school prefers for you to wear pants, so bring three to four pairs. Read the ABV guide.

Weather: I recommend packing an umbrella.

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

I am incredibly grateful for the experience that ABV gave me. The ABV program has opened my eyes to the value of experiencing another culture and learning another language. My experience in Costa Rica was far beyond my expectations and I will always hold Costa Rica in my heart and know it as my home away from home.

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

The house I stayed in and the family I stayed with were perfect. The meals were delicious and filling. I felt secure and protected at all times.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: My favorite memory of the school was dancing Zumba with all of the students.

Country: My favorite memory of Costa Rica was meeting so many ABV volunteers and being able to travel with them and explore Costa Rica on the weekends.

Tours: My favorite tours were in Arenal in La Fortuna. I traveled there with another ABV volunteer and we planned three tours with the same company. We went zip-lining, repelling, tubing down a river, and completed challenge courses.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat):

The ABV support prior to traveling was amazing. If I had any questions, I would email them and I would get a response within the next hour

Website Information:

The website information was accurate and simple to understand.

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

I am very willing to speak with other potential ABV volunteers. I want others to experience the same happiness in Costa Rica that I did!

11- Can you be specific how did you find or know about A Broader View?  What keywords did you use, what did you search for.

I found ABV while searching for a study abroad program. I searched, “study abroad programs” and I chose it because it was exactly what I was looking for.

12- What do you do in your free time?

In my free time in Costa Rica, I would hang out with the other volunteers and we would oftentimes go to the mall.

1- How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
Nelson was always very available, answered all questions, tried to make my stay as pleasant as possible. Nelson willingly drove us wherever we needed to go, had his helpers show us how to use the daladala. Nelson provided information and help in arranging weekend activities, such as going on safari

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
How close I got to the people, the people at both the hospital and my co-volunteers. I didn’t think I could become such close intimate friends with people in just 3 short weeks. Also, the beauty of the country and people. I was expecting poverty, I have seen it in many other emerging nations, but this was beyond even that.

3- What was most difficult to experience?
Adjusting to the food, the type, quality, and amount. The work was exhausting, but very rewarding. Daladalas were an experience, and I actually felt they were part of the fun, but some people may have difficulty with them

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations)
Try to learn as much Swahili as possible before coming. It will help immeasurably, and the local people appreciate it so much that you have made the effort to learn their language. Be prepared for raw poverty. But also be prepared for the most beautiful friendly people in the world.

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):
Bring flashlights (torches) mosquito repellant. Protein bars. The local groceries are extremely limited. Do a safari if at all possible! They are fantastic! Plan on leaving your heart here. Africa is addictive. The weather her is very temperate. Not really too cold or too hot. But girls, do bring clothes where you dress very modestly. Girls in jeans are rare. Bring more skirts, long pants, etc.

6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e: host family, on-site, shared)
My experience in Arusha was life-changing. I am older, 64 years old, and a very savvy traveller, been all over the world, Viet Nam, Cambodia, South America, Mexico, Thailand, China. Nothing is like Africa. It will intoxicate you, it will enchant you, it will break your heart to see the poverty. The people in Arusha are the most friendly and kind people I have ever met.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
The accommodation was minimal at best. I was not expecting much, and got even less. Nelson, the ABV coordinator, was very friendly, very helpful and accommodating, would do anything we asked. But the cleanliness level left a lot to be desired. The food also challenging. When we complained to ABV, that was quickly improved. Several of us lost quite a bit of weight in the beginning. There is no real kitchen available for preparing our own meals. The refrigerator at first did not keep things cold, and then froze everything solid. It was really unuseable. The only things we had that we could cook with was a toaster and a microwave.

8- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Working at the hospital. I loved working in the mother/baby ward and became very attached to the mothers, and the director of this ward, Alodia. Going on safari. Go to Ngorogoro crater. Laughing and crying, and sharing experiences with my co-volunteers The open heartedness of the people.

9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Very helpful. When we did have problems in Arusha, they addressed the problems immediately. It was unclear before going that we were staying in a hostel. Many tourists also were in the home, coming and going at all times. I wish that had been more clear before leaving. ABV: all Arusha volunteers stay at a hostel.

10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Absolutely. This was one of the best experiences in my long life. I would do it again in a heartbeat. In fact, I’m going to, I will return to Africa hopefully next year. I would love to share my experiences with anybody