Volunteer Ecuador, I am so grateful I was able to go on this trip. I learned so much from Laura and her family along with the nurses and patients at my site. Every day I would wake up excited to go to my job and get to see the nurses and patients.
Chile La Serena, In La Serena people, were very nice. I was always offered a seat on a crowded bus. Also, people were very helpful when I asked for directions in spite of language barriers.
Volunteer Chile, My host family was extremely welcoming and made me feel at home. I went on a trip with them to a national park on Easter and my host mom Silvia took me places around the city. Her kids introduced me to their friends as well.
Peru Cusco, My favorite memory with my host family is when Maria Elena, the two other volunteers living at the house, and I went out to dinner at a nice Peruvian restaurant. We stayed for hours laughing, talking about everything, and enjoying the delicious food
Volunteer Trips, I think the ABV USA support staff was as good as it could be. Every email I sent I received a response within minutes & that made me feel like I made the right choice in volunteer organizations. The volunteer guide was great also as it gave me everything I needed to know prior to coming here.
Volunteer Review Guatemala: ABV was instrumental in providing me with an experience I will never forget. It was bitter-sweet to see how “the other half” lives. It seems they are satisfied with their lives, even though they don´t have much. I was also glad to have an opportunity to learn Spanish and meet travelers from around the world.
Volunteer Peru: This experience as a whole has surpassed my expectations as a volunteer. I am taking way more out of this program that I feel I even put in. The growth that you see yourself is something only time can prove. ABV was the more credible program I found online after many weeks of research, and they have not disappointed me one bit. Continue reading Peru Cusco Volunteer Testimonial Katerina Kokkoris Medical Program
Volunteer Costa Rica: I had a fantastic experience all the way around with ABV. From the time I inquired about their programs, to almost the day before I left to come to Costa Rica, ABV was continually in touch with me making sure everything was arranged, taken care of, answered any questions I had. ABV is a very professional organization and one I would volunteer with again.
Volunteer Guatemala: 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. Continue reading Volunteer Guatemala Quetzaltenango Review Rashmi Baragi Medical Program
Volunteer Ecuador The trip was amazing! The volunteer experience was unlike anything I have ever experienced before. I am happy with the opportunity I was given to help the clinic. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Also, tourism in Quito and surrounding areas is great! Cotopaxi was amazing and I hope to return to Quito again one day.
1- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country?
Overall the support I received from Maria Elena, the local ABV Coordinator, was great! From the moment I arrived at the airport, she was very helpful at showing me around Cusco and teaching me how to get to all the places I needed to go. While almost everything was amazing, the only thing that needs to be improved is making sure that volunteers are placed in the volunteer work they signed up to do. I signed up to work with kids from the ages of 0 to 5 and unfortunately, because of teacher strikes I was only able to work with them in the Kindergarten for 2 days.
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
Program: The thing that surprised me the most was that although I was only able to work in the kindergarten for two days, I became very close to both the kids and the teachers within that short period of time. I was so happy to be working in the kindergarten and this experience helped me realize that I definitely want to work with young children in my career.
Host Family: Before I came to Peru, I was a little apprehensive, but I ended up having a better time then I ever could have imagined and a lot of that had to do with the other volunteers I had the opportunity of working and living with during my time here. It surprised me how close we all became in such a short amount of time.
Country: One of the most surprising things to me about Peru was how diverse it is. In just one small country there are mountains that are great for trekking, a jungle, and beautiful beaches. I would recommend that everyone who comes to Peru take the time to explore and each of these regions.
3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?
Program: The most challenging thing for me while I was here was that I signed up to work with children from the ages of 0 to 5 and because of the teacher strikes I was only able to work with them for 2 days, but I still loved working in the orphanage with the older girls so it all worked out well.
Host Family: The most challenging thing for me was getting used to how different Peruvian meals are from American meals, but once I got used to it I was fine.
Country: One weekend, another volunteer and I went to Arequipa to see Colca Canyon, which was an amazing experience. On the way back, however, our 9 hour bus ride turned into a 27 hour bus ride because the teacher strikes were blockading the roads. In the end though, it all worked out and added to the adventure, but the teacher strikes were definitely a challenge.
4- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)
1. If you come to Cusco, come with an open mind because it can be very different from America (or any other country) in terms of culture, food, and pace, but if you come in with an open mind and willingness to go with the flow it will be a wonderful experience.
2. Meals in Peru are very different then meals in America. For example, most of the time you will have a small breakfast and dinner and a big lunch. So, you might need to allot some extra money for food if you are used to having bigger dinners.
3. If you miss American ice cream like I did, there is place in the Plaza De Armas called Helarte. It is right next to a coffee shop and is the best ice cream you will find in Peru.
4. You should never pay more than 5 soles for a taxi within Cusco.
5.1- Other things volunteers should know before coming here:
a. You may need to allot extra money for food, because most breakfasts and dinners are just bread and tea.
b. Brush up on your Spanish a little bit before coming
c. Travel as much as you can on the weekends or when you have free time because Peru is gorgeous.
d. If you enjoy hiking, look into doing the Salkantay Trek to Machu Pichu. It can be very difficult, but it is definitely worth it as you get to see a mazing Mountains, lakes, and the Inca jungle all in one trek.
6- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):
Before I came to volunteer in Peru Cusco, I was a little apprehensive and nervous, but at the same time extremely excited for the experience I was going to have. I am happy to say that coming to Cusco to volunteer was one of the best decisions I ever made as the trip greatly exceeded my expectorations. I am so happy I decided to jump out of my comfort zone and come to Cusco, because I met and became close to some amazing people (the other volunteers) and learned more about myself, all while getting to explore the beautiful country of Peru.
7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security, friendliness, quality others:
My accommodations were better than I was expecting as I had wifi and a hot shower. The meals took some getting used to since I am used to having a small breakfast, medium lunch and big dinner. For the most part I felt very safe in Cusco and the rest of Peru.
8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:
Program: My favorite memory happened during my first day at the kindergarten when the kids had a fiesta to learn about one of Peru’s three regions, the jungle. This was memorable because I got to see what and how kids in Peru learn while also having a great time learning and playing with them.
Host Family: I had the opportunity of being in Cusco for my birthday and when the other volunteers found out when my birthday was they threw me a surprise party at the house with pizza and cake. Then we all went salsa dancing later that night, making this not only one of my favorite memories from Peru, but a birthday I will never forget.
Country: One of my favorite memories of being in Peru is just getting to explore this amazing country with the other volunteers.
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)
The ABV USA Support was great and extremely helpful and attentive.
9.1- What do you think about the reservation system online?
I thought it was great and worked well
9.2- Who did you find Abroaderview website (keywords, search engine, word mouth to mouth, recommended by .., other)
Google
10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers
Volunteer Nepal, The trip to Kathmandu is one to remember. Throughout these 2 weeks, I have not only grown as a dental student, but as a person. The people we have met here have greatly impacted my experience and I find myself enjoying the stay more and more each day