Volunteer Opportunities in Ecuador Quito

1- How were the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
Laura and her family were amazing. They were so welcoming, and they were always there to help me whenever I needed something. If I needed anything I could ask Laura. She gave me suggestions on things I could do as well as tips on how to be safe with I’m traveling. She and her family really cared about me and wanted to make sure that everything was good. I loved getting to know them and their adorable dog Zach.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
The most surprising thing I experienced was how sweet the people are. I interacted with many of the local people while on my job and I found that they were so nice, welcoming, and happy. They were so sweet to me and were patient with me when I didn’t understand what they were saying to me. I was also surprised at how amazing the city of Quito is. It is so vast and beautiful and truly amazing city.

3- What was most difficult to experience?
The most difficult part of my experience was the language barrier. I came to Quito with high school level Spanish. I quickly learned that that was not enough. The first few days were tough getting used to everything being spoken in a different language. Laura and her family were great at trying to help me understand.

The most difficult part was during the first few days at my job when I had to speak to the nurses and patients in Spanish. I quickly learned how to ask them basic things about their health and after a few days, I noticed that I was started to understand more and more and I was able to say more and more.

Go to Ecuador

4- Any tips for future volunteers… 
It is cold here in the mornings and at night so definitely bring pants, long sleeve tops, and a sweatshirt or two. When you go out try to layer because in the morning it might be cold but by midafternoon it will be sunny and warm.

Bring comfortable clothes because after a long day at work it was really nice to be able to come back and change into something comfortable. Bring your laptop or other devices because the house has WiFi. I brought sterile gloves and gauze pads to my site to donate.

Volunteering Ecuador

5.1- Other things volunteers should know:
Bring a photocopy of your driver’s license and passport with you. Leave the actual passport and license in the house you are staying at and take the copies with you when you go out. Also, try to bring bills that are $10 or smaller because some places won’t accept large bills. Bring a small bag that you take with you when you go to your site or go around the city.

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):
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. When I would come home I was able to walk around and explore. I had so much fun getting to know the city and I will always love Quito. It has been an experience of a lifetime and I cannot wait to return here someday.

7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e: host family, on-site, shared)
I stayed in the host family’s apartment. I stayed there with Laura’s family. The house was very clean and nice. I had my own room and I was able to come and go as I pleased. The food was amazing and dinners with the family were so great. The apartment is very secure. I never once felt scared or unsafe.

Volunteer Ecuador

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
My favorite memory of this trip is taking the family dog, Zach, on walks with Laura’s son after dinner. It was really nice getting to walk around and just learn more about Ecuador and the family. One weekend I went to Mitad del Mundo with Laura and another volunteer. I was such a great experience and such an amazing day. I also went to Teleferico one day with one of the volunteers. There you take a chairlift up the mountain and you are able to see views of the whole city. It was breathtaking.

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

The ABV USA support was great prior to travel. I had to change my dates a couple of times and they helped me change them without a problem. Whenever I had a question about my trip I emailed them, and they would quickly respond to me. I also called them a couple times just to be sure about dates and booking my flight and they were always available and willing to help.

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

Yes, of course!

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Volunteer in Chile La Serena Teaching Program

Full name (first and last): Arlene Rosenbaum

What do you do (study or work, where): retired

Where are you from (city and country): Rohnert Park, California USA

1.1.- Why did you choose to volunteer in Chile La Serena, what program(s) are you doing and why?

Why Chile: I have a friend who lived in Chile and he recommended it. Also to improve my Spanish.

What program: teaching English

Why this program: I do some tutoring and I like children.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced while in the program? 

Program: How respectful and friendly the students at the school are.

Host Family: How open they were to make me feel welcome and included.

Country: Chile has many of the same social issues as the US: immigration, cost of education, cost of health care, industry versus environment, legalization of marijuana.

One thing that surprised me about Santiago was how many demonstrations and protests there are. It seems like I saw or heard about a demonstration several times a week, on a variety of issues.

Also, I was surprised that I could see penguins in the northern part of the country at Isla Damas.

3. What was the most difficult thing you experienced while in the program? 

Program: My lack of Spanish skills made it difficult for me to interact with the students in spite of their efforts to communicate with their limited English.

Host Family: My lack of Spanish skills made it difficult to communicate with the host family in spite of their efforts with their limited English.

Country: My lack of Spanish skills made it difficult to communicate with others in spite of their efforts.

4. Any tips for future volunteers….

Clothing: La Serena was colder in autumn than I expected based on the temperature, because the humidity is always very high, something like San Francisco.

Sightseeing: There are many beautiful places to see. From Santiago, I took a day tour to the Andes with Isto E Chile – Embalse El Yeso, which was very good. 

Also, from La Serena I took a tour to Isla Damas where I saw penguins, sea lions, pelicans, and cormorants. Sometimes you can also see dolphins. My host family arranged this locally, which was much cheaper than the tours available online. However, I was the only English speaker in the tour group, but the guide spoke English.

I did not get a chance to tour the Elqui Valley but that was also highly recommended by my host family.

Donations: I brought several first readers (” I can read” books) in English for the younger students. They were greatly appreciated because they are difficult to find in Chile and are expensive for them. I bought them online from Amazon.

Laundry/internet: I was able to do laundry at the host family for a small fee. The internet worked well at the host family but is limited at the school.

Volunteering in Chile

5. Other things volunteers should know about: 

a.- City/town: La Serena seemed like a very nice small city, although rush hour traffic was quite heavy. There is a nice beachfront, although I went in April so it was not beach weather.

b.- Local People: 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. In Santiago, like other big cities, the friendliness of the people varied quite a bit.

6. Personal Paragraph (volunteer program testimonial), detail as possible: 

My volunteer experience to assist English teachers in Chile was challenging but rewarding. I assisted several different English teachers for classes ranging from 4^thgrade to 12^thgrade. My main function was to speak to them and read aloud so that they could hear American English spoken with an American accent (although their course book was for British English). I also corrected their grammar and spelling when necessary.

I was pleasantly surprised at how well the students were doing. The English curriculum used in the school was quite good, and the English teachers pretty fluent. (The school is a private Catholic school.)

I wish I had been able to participate more in the classroom. Although I had studied Spanish off and on over several years and took Spanish tutoring while I was volunteering, I still struggled to communicate with all but people fluent in English, such as the English teachers, my Spanish tutor, and the university-age daughter of the host family. As a result of my trip, my Spanish has improved immensely, but I am still very far from fluent.

In spite of the language problems, with the help of my hostess, I was able to navigate to and from school by myself, and I was able to generally make myself understood when necessary.

The host family and the students and teachers at the school were very friendly and welcoming. The students were very respectful.

I also very much enjoyed the 2-day tours I took: one to the Andes from Santiago and one to Isla Damas from La Serena.

7. How would you describe your: 

Accommodation: The accommodation was fine. I had my own room and bathroom since there were no other volunteers at the time. The bed was comfortable. However, it was quite cold at night so I needed 3 blankets.

Meals (favorite): The vegetarian meals, which I had requested, were excellent. Senora Vilma is a wonderful cook and everything was made with fresh ingredients. My favorites were the homemade peanut butter and banana bread.

Security: I felt quite safe in La Serena walking to and from the bus and walking around downtown. I felt more cautious in Santiago, where I was warned by the hotel manager not to walk around downtown at night.

Host family: The host family was extraordinarily helpful. Senora Vilma rode the bus with me several times to make sure I knew where to get on and off. She also called to arrange a tour for me and came shopping with me for souvenirs She prepared delicious meals every day. The whole family was very friendly and interested in finding out about me, and in explaining Chilean culture to me.

Gap Year Chile

8. What was your memory of this trip? 

Program: I assisted several different English teachers for classes ranging from 4^thgrade to 12^thgrade. My main function was to speak to them and read aloud so that they could hear American English spoken with an American accent (although their course book was for British English). I also corrected their grammar and spelling when necessary. The students were all very nice and many made a particular effort to communicate with me, as I did with them. The English teachers were also quite nice and fluent in English.

Country: Chile is very similar to California in some ways: geography, climate, earthquakes. The economic system is similar – basically free market with large agriculture and viticulture sectors – but Chile seems to lack a social safety net. Chile’s culture is also somewhat different with stronger family ties in general than the average Californian.

9. How was the local ABV Coordinator, the staff and the support provided in-country? Be as detailed as possible.

Airport: Senora Vilma was right at the gate of the airport when I arrived. She also took me the airport when I left and helped me check in.

Orientation day: On the first day of school Senora Vilma accompanied me on the bus to the school and introduced me to the head English teacher, who supervised me at the school. She also met me at the school at the end of that day and accompanied me on the bus back to her house.

Daily Support: Senora Vilma was always available to help me with anything I needed, including making tour arrangements for me, coordinating with my Spanish tutor, and accompanying me to shop for souvenirs.

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Volunteer Chile La Serena Orphanage

1.- Why did you choose to volunteer in Chile La Serena, what program(s) are you doing and why?
Why Chile: I wanted to work on my Spanish speaking skills, so I decided to volunteer in a Latin American country. I chose Chile because of the volunteer program it had.
What program: I volunteered for 8 weeks in an Orphanage/ Children’s home
Why this program: I love children and wanted to work with them.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced while in the program?
Program: Taking care of kids is pretty similar in Chile as it is in the US. From what I’ve seen there aren’t any wildly different practices.

Host Family: My host mom Silvia was very accommodating of my diet (I’m a vegetarian) and always cooked breakfast for me. I’ll miss that back in the States.

Country: Chile is fairly modern, it’s a lot like the United States. There’s McDonald’s, Domino’s Pizza, Nike and even Walmart. Most people have smartphones, too. One thing to look out for is that you should never flush toilet paper, always throw it away (and have hand sanitizer at all times, because you never know when you’ll need it). Sometimes it felt like I hadn’t left home.

3. What was the most difficult thing you experienced while in the program?
Program: Understanding what people were telling me to do could be difficult at times.

Host Family: I didn’t feel too comfortable when relatives or friends were visiting, so I would hide in my room sometimes, but if you’re very social and know good Spanish, you’ll do fine.

Country: It takes some getting used to, but in Chile, people greet you by touching cheeks and making a kissing sound (some people go for a kiss). The exception is if two males meet, then they shake hands. It definitely felt like my space was being invaded at first, but then I learned to like it.

4. Any tips for future volunteers….
Clothing: If you’re visiting in Spring/ Fall, bring both pants and shorts. I was in Chile from the beginning of March to the end of April. In March, I was wearing shorts/ Capris and a T-shirt and would be fine, April, I needed pants and jacket. Chileans dress more conservatively than Americans, so leave short shorts and low cut shirts at home.

Sightseeing: Plan to do something most weekends. I spent about every other weekend not doing anything because I thought I had more time, and then 8 weeks passed and I wished I had traveled more. I recommend visiting Isla Damas, Pisco Elqui, and Valparaíso. If you can visit the desert or south of Chile, do it. The geography is very different!
Hostels are a great way to save money and meet new people when traveling around.

Donations: The orphanage I worked in got a lot of clothing donations, so don’t worry about that. Diapers, clorox wipes, lotion, toys, and school supplies are all good things to bring. If anything, monetary donations work best, because they can buy what they need.

Laundry/internet: Data plans are relatively cheap in Chile, so if you’re planning on traveling on the weekends, I would get a SIM card while in Chile. Bring powdered detergent so you can do laundry while staying in hostels.

Gap Year Chile

5. Other things volunteers should know about:
a.- City/town: La Serena has some sights to see, like the Japanese Garden and Archaeological Museum. Public transportation is cheap, so take advantage of it and go places. There are a lot of churches (including a Mormon temple and mosque) if you’re religious, but if you’re not, you’ll have no issues here.

b.- Weather:  Look up information on the climate of La Serena. Depending on what time of the year, weather conditions will be very different. They don’t get snow here, so it won’t get too cold. I was here in Autumn, brought a rain jacket and didn’t use it a single day. Winter may be a different story.

c.- Local People: There will be people who speak English, so if you get lost there’s bound to be at least one person who can help you if you don’t speak Spanish, but knowing Spanish will help tremendously. If visiting a larger city, watch out for people who will come up to you asking for money, it can be scary/ overwhelming if you aren’t expecting it.

d.- Tours: The Isla Damas tours are good, but only in Spanish unless you go with a private company. Check what time of the year the penguins can be found at the island before visiting.

In Valparaíso and Santiago, a company called Tours4Tips does, you guessed it, tours for tips. The tours are really good and you can learn insider information about the city.

Volunteering in Chile

6. Personal Paragraph (volunteer program testimonial), detail as possible:

This was my first time out of the country. From where my host family lived, it was a half hour walk and half hour bus ride to and from the orphanage, which I used the time to listen to audiobooks. The workers at the orphanage were very nice to me and always asked about my weekend. I loved working with the babies. I wish I had spent time trying to make friends or doing more things in the evenings.

7. How would you describe your:
Accommodation: There were two bed in my room and a TV. I didn’t watch much, but it was nice having it there. The house was your average middle class home and had a good wifi connection.

Meals (favorite): I ate so many vegetables while in Chile, my body is very happy about that. I loved sopapilla pasada, an amazing dessert that’s found in Northern Chile. Tomatoes and cheese cooked in the microwave oven. It sounds simple, but is amazingly delicious.

Security: if you’re worried about securing your stuff you can bring locks and a money belt- both things I recommend anyway for when staying in hostels or walking around big cities. I always felt safe, although I wasn’t out at night often.

Host family: 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 to places around the city. Her kids introduced me to their friends as well.

8. What was your memory of this trip?
Program: The orphanage was definitely not what I expected, the tías were great and everything was very secure.

Host Family I am going to miss my host family when I go home. They were so kind to me and had amazing food! I’m bringing a new found love of vegetables and tea with me.

Country: The architecture of Chile is really pretty and different from where I live. You won’t find any red brick houses here. The landscape is also very diverse and sometimes it felt like I was on another planet.

9. How was the local ABV Coordinator, the staff and the support provided in-country? 
Vilma was welcoming and showed me around the city sometimes. She gave me advice and information when I wanted to visit other parts of the region. There’s a lot of support if you need it, but they can also be hands off if you’re looking to be very independent.

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Volunteer Peru Cusco Child Care Program

1.- What was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered?

 I worked in 2 different places during my time in Cusco so my daily schedule varied from week to week. During my first week and half, I volunteered for 5 hours in a kindergarten where I taught English to 5 year olds. During my second full week, I continued volunteering for 5 hours at the school during the morning and began volunteering in the orphanage for 3 hours in the afternoon as well, giving me a full 8 hour day with a break in the middle when I returned home for lunch. After that, the school had vacation so the orphanage became my primary volunteer location and I volunteered for 5 hours in the mornings during my final week and a half in Cusco.

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


Host Family: I absolutely loved my host family. Living with Maria Elena is the best! However, I was a little surprised by how many volunteers stayed there at once. At one point there were 5 volunteers living in the house along with Maria Elena and her father. I had expected to be the only volunteer living with the host family or that there would only be 2-3 volunteers maximum. Although this was a surprise, I really enjoyed getting to know the other volunteers who lived there and it was fun to have people to explore Cusco with.

Program: I was surprised that I was expected to teach completely on my own at the school. I anticipated serving as a teaching assistant and having more of a supporting role in the classroom. Instead, I was asked to completely lead the classroom activities on my own and create lesson plans and activities based on an English workbook the students had. This was a really exciting opportunity for me! It was really fun to come up with new ways to engage the students and teach the colors, parts of the body, family members, etc. I had not anticipated having such freedom and control over the class. It was a great way to get to know all of the students in each class and really feel like I was playing an active role in their education.

The students were all eager to learn English which made teaching really fun. It also helped me practice my Spanish because I had to speak entirely in Spanish other than when I was teaching very basic English words and phrases. Additionally, the teachers were so helpful and supportive while I was teaching. They helped me give instructions to the class, make sure the students remained focused, and often participated in the activities because they wanted to learn English too. There were 3 classes of 5 year old students and I rotated between them during my time at the school, teaching English for the entire morning (or at least the majority of the time) I was in each class. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget!

Country: I was surprised how easy it was to meet people in Cusco. Everyone here is so friendly! In planning to come to Cusco for a month on my own, I anticipated that I would be spending a lot of time alone while exploring the city. In reality, I only spent a few days exploring completely by myself because it was so easy to meet people on my tours or spend time with other abroader view volunteers. Even though I signed up for most of my weekend excursions alone, I made friends on every single trip I took and never spent the tour alone. I kept in touch with people I met on tours or through other activities and met up with them in Cusco for museums, dinner, or just to hang out. While I also really enjoyed the time I spent exploring alone, I loved being able to meet so many new people and make so many new friends. I never felt lonely!

Volunteering in Peru

3.- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?


Host Family: There were no challenges with the host family. I could not have imagined a betting living experience for my time in Cusco.

Program: Overall, my volunteer experience was amazing and I had very few problems. The only challenge I experienced was with the language barrier because nobody in the school or orphanage spoke any English and I occasionally lacked the vocabulary to have complicated conversations in Spanish. This did not limit my volunteer experience overall because I had sufficient Spanish to communicate and form relationships with the students and the girls at the orphanage; however, I occasionally needed to find new ways to explain something or fill in the gaps with hand gestures. My Spanish improved the longer I was in Cusco and I rarely had this problem during my final weeks.

Country: My main challenge in Cusco was finding food that I felt comfortable eating. Because you are not supposed to drink water that has not been boiled, I often avoided fresh vegetables (except in the house because I knew Maria Elena washed them safely). Also I wanted to make sure the meat was safe and had not been left out or not cooked well because one of my friends got food poisoning from alpaca meat at a restaurant.

I didn’t avoid eating out but I was always careful to choose a restaurant that seemed trustworthy. It was all about finding a balance between not spending too much money but also making sure the restaurant was reliable. I loved the Peruvian cuisine and luckily never had problems with the food and I think it was because I made sure to always be careful.

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


When it is summer in the US it is winter in Peru and although there may be a high in the 60s (Fahrenheit), it can get really cold at night (30 degrees Fahrenheit). It is really important to bring warm clothes, a real jacket, a hat, and gloves — especially if one plans on hiking. I wore long pants and a sweatshirt everyday and needed an additional jacket at night. I didn’t bring enough warm clothes and ended up needing to buy an extra fleece and a hat/gloves while I was in Cusco.

Other things to pack:

-hiking boots (if one plans on going to Machu Picchu, rainbow mountain, or Humantay lake — all of which I highly recommend)

-reusable water bottles (you need bottled water here and it is cheaper to by large jugs of water to fill your own bottle than to buy a lot of small bottles)

-tissues/toilet paper (most public restrooms don’t have toilet paper so you always need to carry your own)

Other tips:

-Use WhatsApp and download it before you come to Peru because you need to be able to receive a confirmation code via text. I did not have international data for my cell phone and only used WhatsApp to communicate when I had WiFi. It was really easy and I never had any problems because there is WiFi in the house and at most restaurants.

-You have to pay the travel agency in American cash (they do not accept credit card) so make sure to bring enough cash to avoid excessive ATM fees

Gap Year Peru

5.- Other things volunteers should know before coming here (besides Spanish):


Host Family: The meal schedule is different than the US: light breakfast, big lunch around 2 pm, and a small dinner (basically the same food as breakfast). If you want more than bread with jelly for dinner, make sure to buy snacks, go out to dinner, or talk with the host family about other options. It wasn’t hard to adjust to this eating schedule but it was definitely a change from what I was used to

Program: As cliche as it sounds, the volunteer experience is entirely what you make of it. Take initiative and find ways to help out and get involved. Each volunteer location is different and your role may shift so it is important to observe what is going on and find ways you can participate. No one will ask for your help so it is up to you to determine how to get involved.

Country: It is important to get a sense of how much taxis should cost. Taxi drivers often just put out their hand and expect you to give them the right amount without saying a price and they will charge you more if you ask how much it should cost because they will take advantage of the fact you are a tourist. Maria Elena (the abroader view coordinator) will help with this and it is pretty easy to figure out.

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


I absolutely loved my month in Cusco! My experience surpassed all of my expectations and I am really sad that my time there ended so fast. My time at the primary school was amazing. I rotated through the three classes of five year old students to teach English. Most of the time I was given complete control of the class for the day and led activities to teach basic English vocabulary and concepts. I tried to make the lessons engaging by having the students act out different words, creating competitions between groups of students, and teaching them songs in English.

It was amazing to see how interested they were in learning English, how much effort they put into practicing, and how much progress they made over the course of the days I spent in each class. I also loved getting to know the students in a non-academic setting: talking with them before class, eating lunch with them, and playing with them at recess. They were so excited to see me every day and would scream “Profe de ingles!!” and then come running over to give me a hug — it made coming to school every day so much fun. Additionally, the teachers were so supportive and helpful during my time at the school.

I was really sad that the school had a vacation for my last week and a half in Cusco because I did not want to end my time there. My other volunteer position was working at an orphanage for teenage girls. The orphanage did not need much help running activities so instead, the role of volunteers was more to spend time with the girls and be a friend. I spent most of my time in the ceramics room where the girls work for weeks to paint the most beautiful plates, mugs, and vases. They tried to teach me how to paint as well (which I was terrible at) but I had so much fun talking with all of the girls and listening to music while we painted. It was amazing to me how positive and friendly all of the girls were. They were always excited to ask me a million questions, show me what they were doing, give me/each other a hug, or just sit by me.

I tried to get to know as many girls as possible because it was important to me to be more than just another random face—I wanted to truly get to know them on a personal level and be a friend they could feel comfortable with. I was able to go on a field trip with the orphanage during my last week and it was so much fun to spend time with the girls in a new environment, witness their excitement at traveling outside Cusco, and be a part of their special day. The loyalty and love the girls have for each other inspired me and I will never forget my time with them. Outside of volunteering, I was lucky enough to do a lot of traveling while I was in Cusco.

I did a tour of the city, visited the sacred valley, the salt mines, the last Inca bridge, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Humantay Lake. I loved all of these adventures, made some great friends on the trips, and was amazed by the beautiful places I got to see. I also enjoyed exploring the city of Cusco. There is so much to see and do: the museums, restaurants, and markets are all incredible, I took a Peruvian cooking class, I visited an Incan planetarium, I went to see live music, and so much more. Throughout my stay in Cusco,

I lived with Maria Elena and I truly could not have asked for a better host Mom. She made me feel completely at home and I am so grateful for how caring she was. The food was incredible, the beds were comfortable, and Maria Elena was the best. They love she shows to all of her ABV volunteers is amazing. She is both a mother figure and an amazing friend. She gave great advice, was so supportive of all aspects of my life, and was so much fun to spend time with. I felt like I had plenty of freedom but also felt like I was always been cared for—it was a perfect balance.

Also, there were often other volunteers living in the house and I had so much fun getting to know them. We did trips together, went out to dinner, or just hung out after a long day. It truly felt like we were a family. Overall, I am so grateful for the unforgettable experience I had in Cusco. It was more amazing than I could have ever imagined.

Volunteering in Peru

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


Meals: The meals were always delicious. I have some dietary restriction and Maria Elena was so accommodating. On the rare occasion when the main course was something I could not eat, she always prepared me a separate meal. Lunch was always large, delicious and very filling. Dinner was much smaller, as per Peruvian custom, and I occasionally wanted more food but was usually able to supplement with soup or Maria Elena would make me eggs if I was still hungry.

Security: I felt completely safe in the house. The house has 2 doors, both of which have a double lock, and I was also given a key to lock my bedroom door though I never felt the need to use it.

Friendliness: Maria Elena is so friendly and I could not have asked for a better host Mom! She made me feel completely at home and I am so grateful for how caring and supportive she was. I felt like I could talk to her about anything and we always had so much fun together. She made me feel like family and I will miss her a lot!

Quality: My host family surpassed all of my expectations. The living accommodations were all high quality, the beds were warm, and Maria Elena and her father were so welcoming. I cannot say enough good things about living here.

7.1.- Score the following from 1 to 10:

Quality of meals: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

Quantity of each meal: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

How clean was the house: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

How safe was the house: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

8.- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country: Airport, orientation, introduction to the program, schedule of the program, friendliness, solving problems?

Maria Elena, the a broader view coordinator, provided amazing support during my time in Cusco. I would not have felt as comfortable here without her support and guidance. She texted me while I was in Lima to give me advice on how to navigate the airport, picked me up when I arrived in Cusco, helped me plan all of my trips and excursions, and taught me everything there is to know about the city—where to withdraw and exchange money, where to buy bottled water, where to do laundry, how to take the bus, what to say in a taxi and how much to pay, and gave me a tour of all of the important places. She also was so helpful in getting me settled at both of my volunteer positions.

She took me there on the first day, taught me the best way to commute, introduced me to the directors, and made sure I felt comfortable in my role. She checked in with me daily to see how my position was going and was actively invested in all aspects of my time in Peru. She was a good listener and I felt comfortable coming to her with even the smallest of problems. I knew I could always count on her for advice and information. During my month here, I was amazed to see how committed she is to all of the abroader view volunteers. She spent all day checking in on current volunteers, coordinating housing and positions for upcoming volunteers, and working to make sure everyone felt comfortable during their time in Cusco. She truly goes above and beyond for her volunteers.

For example, one day I had to leave at 4:30 am for a hike and she woke up early to text me and make sure I did not miss my bus. Overall, she is so friendly, informative, and organized and I was so lucky to have her as a resource as my coordinator and as my host family during my time in Cusco.

Volunteering Opportunities

9.- Whats was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered, activities you did?

 I worked in 2 different places during my time in Cusco so my daily schedule varied from week to week. During my first week and half, I volunteered for 5 hours in a kindergarten where I taught English to 5 year olds. During my second full week, I continued volunteering for 5 hours at the school during the morning and began volunteering in the orphanage for 3 hours in the afternoon as well, giving me a full 8 hour day with a break in the middle when I returned home for lunch.

After that, the school had vacation so the orphanage became my primary volunteer location and I volunteered for 5 hours in the mornings during my final week and a half in Cusco. During my time at the school, I rotated through the three classes of five year old students to teach English. Most of the time I was given complete control of the class for the day and led activities to teach basic vocabulary and concepts. I based my lessons on an English workbook the school had. I also got to spend time with the students in a non-academic setting: talking with them before class, eating lunch with them, and playing with them at recess.

At the orphanage, I spent most of my time in the ceramics room where the girls work on homework, hang out, and paint beautiful plates, mugs, and vases. They tried to teach me how to paint as well (which I was terrible at) but I had so much fun talking with all of the girls and listening to music while we painted. I tried to get to know as many girls as possible because it was important to me to be more than just another random face—I wanted to truly get to know them on a personal level and be a friend they could feel comfortable with.

They would ask me a million questions, tell me all about their day, or sometimes just want to sit with me in silence—either way I knew it was important to just be present in the moment and interact with them in whichever way they wanted on a given day.

10.- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:


Accommodation:  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 (we ordered 5 desserts for 4 people). It was such a fun, relaxing night and really exemplified how close we all had become and how comfortable we were around each other. It truly felt like we were a family.

Program:  It is so hard to pick a favorite memory from my volunteer experience but one of my favorites was on my last day at the school. All of the students were sad that I would be leaving and wanted to keep in touch so they all spontaneously organized themselves to make me a sheet of paper with all of their names on it so that we could be friends on Facebook.

It was hilarious to me because they are 5 years old and definitely do not have a Facebook but it was also so touching because it showed me that I had made an impact on them and that they would miss having me at the school. I was sad to be leaving and knew I would miss all of the students a ton so it was so nice to have something from them to bring back home with me. To me, the fact that they decided to do this on their own exemplified that the relationships I had formed with them and the connections I had made during my time at the school were real and genuine.

Country: my favorite memory in Peru was reaching the top of Rainbow Mountain. The hike to 5200 meter altitude was the hardest thing I had ever done but the view was so amazing that it made it worth it. I felt so accomplished for being able to complete the hike on my own because I had been nervous I would not be able to do it. It is one of the most incredible places I have ever been. Standing at the peak with the friends I had hiked with was such an amazing moment and an experience I will never forget.

11.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling? Emails, chat online, calls, volunteer guide:

The ABV USA support was so helpful prior to my trip. I spoke with Sarah on the phone and emailed with her several times when I was trying to decide what program to do and to ask her a million questions once I had chosen to come to Cusco. She was always so informative and helpful and her replies were very quick. She answered all of my questions and helped me feel excited and comfortable about coming to Cusco. I also used the online chatting system to get advice when choosing my flights. Again, the support was detailed, informative, and quick to respond. I also used the Peru guide when planning what to pack on the trip which was very helpful.

12.- What do you think about the reservation system online?


I found the reservation system very straightforward and easy to use. I appreciated the rapid response to my application.

13.- Who did you find Abroaderview website
?

 I knew I wanted to volunteer abroad for a month during the summer and found the a broader view website when I was googling different options for programs. The organization was listed as one of the best options for volunteering abroad so I looked for the website to see what programs were offered. The website was easy to find and straightforward to use which made it easy to look for programs I was interested in.

14.- Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Definitely!

More Reviews to Read

Video Reviews: Youtube

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Volunteer Trips Review Peru Cusco

1.- Whats was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered?

The daily schedule of the program was 8 am – 1 pm at the kindergarten including a lunch alongside the students. I would teach English for an hour or 2 each day and for the rest of the time, I would assist the kids with their daily assignments.

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


Host Family: Definitely the food was the most surprising thing I experienced. Every meal was amazing and I did not expect that was going to be the case.

Program: The most surprising thing about the program was that I was able to get extremely involved with the class I was teaching in. After a few days, I felt as if I was just another teacher in the school.

Country: The most surprising thing about Peru was just how amazingly scenic the country is. There are just so many beautiful historical sites & nature type sites that Peru has to offer. The country is incredible.

3.- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?


Host Family: a challenging thing I experienced was probably getting a bit homesick while playing with Maximus the dog here. I have a dog of my own at home & definitely missed him a bit.

Program: most challenging thing about the program was definitely leaving the school on the last day. Even though I was only here for 2 weeks I formed a bond with the classes I was teaching in & felt a bit sad that I would likely never see these kids again.

Country: The altitude & air quality was without a doubt the most challenging thing about Peru. I did feel a bit of altitude sickness on the second day I arrived but thankfully it wasn’t something a bit of Tylenol couldn’t erase.

Gap Year Peru

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


I would say to pack as light as possible, like just a week’s worth of clothing as it is very easy to do laundry here. As far as travel I would say it is not completely necessary to book your tours in advance as you can almost always get a better deal booking here in Cusco. As far as personal items, baby wipes or sanitary wipes are I believe a must.

The money will definitely depend on how much the person is willing to spend but I would say a range of $25-40 USD would be sufficient a day.

For internet I would say to go with the best international plan you can afford as it helps with looking for different places to visit, eat etc. If an international plan is out of the budget I would say to download the Google map of Cusco & also Google translate of Spanish to be able to use both offline.

However, there is WIFI readily available almost everywhere and at the host family as well ($).

5.- Other things volunteers should know before coming here (besides Spanish):


Host Family: Maria Elena and her family is amazing so be ready to just be welcomed with open arms & be a part of a new family. Also, know that the food is amazing & healthy so it is not something to be worried about at all.

Program: Just be ready to get attached to the kids & that it will be difficult to leave when the time comes.

Country: There is so much to see & do here in Peru. I would say to do research and pick out the things you want to do most as you will have some free time in the afternoons/weekends. Also, Machu Picchu is a must do.

6.- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):
 This experience for me has honestly been the most incredible experience of my entire life. I learned Spanish just throughout my years living in San Diego & was searching for a way to put Espanol to good use. This is how I decided to volunteer abroad & eventually how I found A Broader View.

Peru in general but specifically Cusco is just amazing from the scenery to the people & I think that it is a must visit for every human. Overall I am extremely satisfied with everything that I did & saw here on this trip that I feel like my life has truly been altered for the better.

Not to be cheesy but this experience has truly given me a broader view of the world of just how big and amazing the earth is.

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


Meals: absolutely fantastic. Breakfast, lunch & dinner was very healthy & balanced but also delicious at the same time. I did not know this was going to be the case beforehand.

Security: The house & neighborhood is extremely safe. I walked around late night & almost all other times of day & never felt unsafe.

Friendliness: The people of Cusco are extremely friendly people. I do speak a good amount of Spanish so I was able to communicate with everyone I needed to speak with.

Quality:

7.1.- Score the following from 1 to 10:

Quality of meals: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

Quantity of each meal: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

How clean was the house: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

How safe was the house: _10__ if under 5, what was the issue:

8.- How were the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country: Airport, orientation, introduction to the program, schedule of the program, friendliness, solving problems?

Maria Elena was beyond amazing throughout my entire stay here in Cusco. The second I walked out of the airport she was waiting there for me with a sign with my name and has been by my side with everything I could ever need here since.

For the orientation of the program, Maria Elena accompanied me to the school on my first day & introduced me to all of the staff as well as to all of the students. This made me feel extremely comfortable right away & from then on everything went as smooth as it possibly could have.

Maria Elena also gave me a tour of the area around the house showing me everywhere I may need to go.

She also gave me a tour of the main tourist areas in Cusco & also was extremely helpful in providing information on transportation to get anywhere I needed to go in the city.

Maria Elena was also extremely crucial in helping to book different tours around the City for my free time & also let me know of all the best places to eat/shop here in Cusco. Pretty much anything I needed Maria Elena was there to help & also at any time of the day/night.

9.- Whats was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered, activities you did?

The daily schedule of the program is 8am-1pm. In the morning I would teach English in the class for about an hour & sometimes also go to the other kindergarten class in the school to teach for another hour.

I would eat with the kids from about 1030 to 11am. At 11am I would participate in recess with the kids & play different sports with them. All other time spent at the school I would assist the students with their daily assignments that the teacher provided as well as assist the teacher in preparing assignments for the kids.

Volunteering in Peru

10.- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:


Accommodation: Maria Elena and her family were just so amazing & I feel that I now have another family here in Cusco. I will never forget them & do plan on stopping by again if I ever make it back here to Peru.

Program: Definitely seeing the kids progress in learning a bit of English was the most memorable thing. After a few days of teaching, every morning I arrived at the class I would be greeted with a ¨Hello teacher¨ by each of the kids & it was awesome to see them learn different words over time.

Country: While Peru is amazing & there are so many things to see and do the most memorable thing to me are the people that I have met throughout my time here. I feel that I have built some relationships that will last a lifetime & didn’t really expect that coming in.

11.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling? Emails, chat online, calls, volunteer guide:

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.

I also feel like the video review were essential in why I chose ABV as nowadays videos/Youtube are maybe the number one way of finding out information about anything.

12.- What do you think about the reservation system online?


The online reservation system is extremely easy to use. I can’t think of one issue.

13.- Who did you find Abroaderview website
?

By searching for a volunteer in Peru videos on Youtube.

14.- Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Yes, I am very willing to speak to other potential volunteers & would actually prefer them to reach out to me if need be.

More Reviews……

Volunteer Review Guatemala

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

She helped coordinate travel and weekend trips. She was great.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

The level of security in every part of Guatemala that I visited. It is like a fortified ramp, with high walls, barbed wire, bars on all the windows and huge locks on all the doors!

3. What was most difficult to experience?

The level of poverty and the relatively low standard of living, even in more middle class areas.

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

None – ABV provides good tips and packing lists.

5. ABV program testimonial (write in your own words about your experience):

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 Guatemala

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

The host family was great. And the food was abundant and good. My room and bathroom, though not great by American standards, were fine. They were clean and the shower had hot water!

7. What was your favorite memory of this trip?

I´ll always remember the kids of the program. For the most part they were always smiling and having fun playing together. And many of them, especially the youngest ones, craved attention.

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

Good. They set up a program for me and ensured that I had a POC in country.

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

Yes

Peru

1.- Whats was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered?

Monday through Friday I woke up at 7:30 am to get ready to go volunteer at the clinic. Maria would be awake and put out a breakfast, and we would have a quick convo before I head out at 8:30 to get to the clinic. I took the bus, with a possible two different buses, and got to the clinic at 9:00 am, right when the doctor came. Depending on the businesses of the day, I would take the bus home from 1:00 – 1:30 pm and get to the house about thirty minutes later.

Then Maria would have the table set for us to eat lunch- We relaxed, talked, ate our lunches, and I would either explore the city in the afternoon as per Maria´s suggestions or would hang out at the house with the family. On the weekends was my time to explore the extensive history of Cusco, and I would go on trips that Maria, along with an extremely friendly travel agent, would plan with me.

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


• Host Family: How caring generous, and genuinely happy the host family was to have me in their home. Seeing that it was such a pleasure for them made it even a greater pleasure for me.
• Program: How easy, and effortlessly coming to a different continent was to plan. Organize, and communicate.
• Country: How kind all of the Peruvian people are, and how welcoming they are.

3.- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?


• Host Family: Not having any other volunteers with me. This was slightly challenging in the beginning. Being in a new country, a new city, it would have been nice and helpful to have someone else experience it with me – but this, in the long run, did not deter my time. As I got more comfortable in the house, city and with the host family, I ventured out more.
• Program: Not exactly knowing where my place was and what was expected of me. A few days into the clinic though, it became slightly easier and I became more comfortable in the environment.
• Country: Finding places to eat. I had a terrible fear of getting sick and always wondered which places were best to eat at.

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


It is always nice and part of your mission as a volunteer to donate to the cause or place you are volunteering at. This shows a huge sign of respect. Being respectful is key, in any workplace, especially a new work in a new country. Brushing up on Spanish will build rapport with those around you, and will definitely improve when you get here.

Understanding the culture of the country is also important. Prior to coming to Cusco, I tried to read up on some of the cultural differences. Peru is a country traditionally based on a maternal root. Having the slightest bit of knowledge such as not sitting in the front rows of the bus, because this is for elderly, mothers and pregnant women, as well as knowing that an appropriate greeting involves a kiss on the cheek, will build rapport, and make you feel like you are part of the community as well.

A far as money is concerned, if you want to do the big trips such as Machu Picchu and Lago Titikaka, the travel agencies take American dollars and it is roughly $700 more or less for both depending on the packages you receive. Things in an Americans perspective are much cheaper in Peru – which is good, but you also want to have enough money.

I did not eat out, being that I ate at the house every day. Went to Machu Picchu, Lago Titikska, Puno, The Sacred Valley, and bought the tourist ticket in Cusco ( a ticket that costs 130 soles and allows you access to many many tour opportunities in Cusco, asks about it) and on top of that bought souvenirs for myself and my family. I was in Cusco for 2 weeks and brought roughly $1,000. This is just an example, but everyone budgets differently.

My host family house did have wifi, it was an additional US$20 upon my arrival and was completely worth it. With the internet, you can video call your family and friends, call them regularly through facetime audio, Viber, or WhatsApp, and also have access to email, Netflix, or anything else you may desire when you´re down here.

Whether you are coming in the dry or wet season, I would highly recommend packing a windbreaker, a raincoat, hiking boots, and many layers. If you are in a medical type of program, please pack scrubs. Did I mention to pack hiking boots? They will come in handy and they are the boots I have worn most since I have been here.

Volunteer Peru

5.- Other things volunteers should know before coming here (besides Spanish):


Host Family: Someone is welcoming you into their home. – their home, their accommodations, and your open mind. Of course is something is detrimental to your health or safety, please inform somebody. Otherwise, you must have an open mind and join in the lifestyle. You are responsible for making yourself comfortable.

The first thing I did when I arrived was going to the market and by two jugs of water. I kept them in my room and filled a water bottle I had. This was my assurance that I constantly had clean water. The houses in Cusco also do not have heat or air conditioning. Knowing this, I packed a throw blanket from home because I wanted to make my room feel homier and I knew I may need it.

Program: ABV does a great job with placement and communicating with you, but when it comes to changes that may occur in your schedule you need to inform them and let them know.

Country: Cusco is a city, so be mindful of your things at all times like you would in any other city. Treat people with respect and you will be respected. My biggest suggestion on doing this is learning some basic Spanish. It will help on the street and in taxis as well.

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


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.

The entire process has felt seamless, and even when there were small bumps in the road, such as my outgoing flight being delayed, ABV was there when I called and made arrangement accordingly. One of the most important concerns I had was my safety, and I can confidently say, there has not been one time when I felt like I was not being treated correctly, or not safe. This opportunity has been fantastic!

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


Meals: Three meals a day, none of which got me sick. Delicious, flexible, and comfortable.

Security: Very safe. I had the keys to the two outside doors and a key to my room personally. I never once felt at danger.

Quality: Fantastic! Coming to another country and being welcomed into a home and being shown a community in a safe and friendly environment is a great quality to me.

7.1.- Score the following from 1 to 10:

Quality of meals: __10_ if under 5, what was the issue:

The quantity of each meal: _11__ if under 5, what was the issue:

How clean was the house: __8_ if under 5, what was the issue:

How safe was the house: __10_ if under 5, what was the issue:

8.- How were the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country: Airport, orientation, introduction to the program, schedule of the program, friendliness, solving problems?

The ABV coordinator, Maria Elena, was efficient, clear, and a pleasure to work with. Maria spoke to me through the application WhatsApp the day before my flight as well as when I was at the airport. The coordinator informed me again of what I needed to do once I landed in Cusco and was there for me outside when I finished at the airport. She instantly started talking to me about Cusco, and where I will be working. She assured me that I would like the location because she knows the people who work there, and it is mostly younger women – she was right, I liked it a lot.

Every night we would go over what my plan was for the next day, and she was there for me when I thought I wanted to change my schedule. She always brought different options to the table. Maria went to work with me the first day and then came another day to take pictures. She also introduced me to a travel agent that ended up booking all of my trips and treated me like family. I can not express how friendly she was, and how confident I was with her coordinating the events I did with the program.

Volunteering in Peru

9.- Whats was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered, activities you did?

I volunteered from 9 to roughly 1:30 every day. I would then go back to the house, eat with Maria Elena and sometimes her family. We would hang out, talk, and relax. Some days I stayed in the house, other days Maria Elena and I would go into town, the supermarket or Maria Elena would make a suggestion on where I should go into town. One thing I did upon her suggestion was seeing a show of all the folk dances and songs of Cusco. It was only 30 soles and about an hour.

It was in a tiny theatre and was something I enjoyed. Then on my first weekend on Saturday, I did the sacred valley which I loved, then overnight went to Machu Picchu and went to Machu Picchu on Sunday which was amazing, and came back to Cusco Sunday night. During my second week, I did the city tour and then my second weekend I left Friday night to go to Puno and Lago Titikaka. I returned early Sunday morning and then at 8:30 am met the bus to go to Maras and Moray which was also such a beautiful drive and experience.

10.- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:


Accommodation: I loved lunch time. I never paid too much attention to lunch in the US, and my family never eats lunch together because everyone is at work. I loved coming home in Cusco and eating lunch at a table with others. Maria Elena also has a great assortment of tea, so lunch was usually followed by a nice little tea break.

Program: My excitement about the program and my relief on how I was able to plan this on my own, with the help of such a credible program,

Country: I loved the sacred valley. It was my first tour, so maybe that’s why it stuck in my head. I just remember thinking like, wow this country is beautiful, and there is so so much history here. I also loved my group for the sacred valley and had a great tour guide.

11.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling? Emails, chat online, calls, volunteer guide

ABV USA answered all of my emails (there were a few) and all of my phone calls. The orientation packet emailed to me was also extremely helpful, as well as Sarah. I spoke to her multiple times over the phone about concerns I had with safety and packing and she always answered promptly and did not steer me wrong. The volunteer guides and orientation booklets on passed volunteers suggestions is also a list I personally used to help myself pack and was very helpful.

12.- What do you think about the reservation system online?

It was easy to fill out. It was also easy to access, and easy to apply as well as easy to view all the prices that were involved in the program. I like how you can choose your own dates, as well as had a quick hear back time from the program about being accepted. It was very flexible being that I applied as last minute as I possibly could, unintentionally, for the dates I wanted, and I did not feel behind in the planning process at all.

13.- Who did you find Abroaderview website
?

I did a lot of research online. I also spoke to many volunteer programs. After finding ABV, I read blog websites on reviews, as well as looked at my school’s websites. Once I saw that my undergraduate and graduate education have sent students through ABV, I knew it was the right choice.

14.- Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Sure, I´d like to help. Email is probably best for reaching out.

Read some more Peru Reviews

Volunteer Costa Rica

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

My local ABV Coordinator, Jenny, was very helpful in every way possible. I was picked up on time at the airport, I had a nice city tour/introduction to Escazú, upon my arrival, she arranged all of my transportation to and from the Rescue program, was always available to converse with and ask questions and be of assistance.

Jenny coordinated my ‘weekend off’ visit to Mario Antonio National Park, and everything was just perfect. Jenny is very knowledgeable about her country, and she is always willing to share her knowledge. Her house is centrally located to everything, the accommodations were very comfortable, and the food was excellent.

2- What was the most positive surprise you experienced?

At the program: Everyone was so helpful, friendly and nice.

At the accommodation: Accommodations were very comfortable, very centrally located so you can walk everywhere.

About the country: People here are so happy, very willing to help you with anything, beautiful, just a lovely country with lovely people.

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

At the program: The work at the rescue center, it can be difficult and tiring, but very rewarding.

At the accommodation: I’ve been to Costa Rica before so there was no difficult or cultural shock that I experienced.

The country: The noise is different than the U. S., traffic, horns, scooters, roosters, etc. But you get used to it!

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

Clothing: Just need warm weather clothing, and bring an umbrella for the rain.

Weather: Very warm, humid and rainy

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

a.- Bring an umbrella

b.- The coasts are beautiful so I would suggest trying to get to either the Pacific Ocean or Caribbean while you are here.

c.-Bring comfortable shoes, you walk a lot.

d.- Bring any snacks you prefer from home

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

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.

Volunteering in Costa Rica

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

Accommodations were very comfortable, had my own room, shared a bathroom, the food was excellent, Jenny accommodated my vegetarianism, and she continually made sure I was where I was supposed to be and safe. I loved my Spanish lessons also. The teacher was amazing. The class is about four blocks away from the host house.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: Working at the rescue center, quite an experience!

Country: Loved staying with a Costa Rican family and see how they live in this country..

Tours: I enjoyed going to Manuel Antonio National Park, what a grand experience it was, earthquake and all!

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

Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat): Perfect, I always felt ABV was on top of everything. I liked the constant communication.

Website Information: Website has all the information you need, almost. If you need more, ABV will respond quickly to your email, chat, phone call.

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

Absolutely!

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.

Volunteer in Ecuador Quito

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

The ABV coordinator and support provided was very helpful! The coordinator was welcoming and patient with any questions I had.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

The most surprising thing I experienced was the weather. I knew that Quito was located at a high altitude in the mountains but I did not anticipate the cool weather; it caught me off guard (I am Floridian). Do your research prior traveling, not everything in the tropics or equator is hot or warm.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

The most difficult thing was definitely the language barrier. I took Spanish classes Monday-Friday, which helped a lot, and by the end of the trip, I knew enough Spanish to barely get by.

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

At least for those traveling to Quito, pack warm! As I stated before, the weather was my biggest surprise- luckily, I had just come from Boston, so I already had some long sleeves. Had I not been in Boston prior to my trip, I surely would have froze. But you can buy cheap and warm sweaters at the local markets and read the Abv guide as it explains everything about clothes to bring.

5.1- Other things volunteers should know:

a.  Try to know at least a little bit of the language, learn some basic before traveling.

b. Be open to the new culture and food you may experience

c. Do not expect anything in particular- the trip is likely different than you will imagine it to be in a good way

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):
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.

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

Amazing! I was served three meals each day, all of which I liked. If I wanted to eat out, I was asked to notify in advance. I shared a bedroom (with my father), and there was always warm water. The security was as good as it gets in Quito.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

I had weekends off. One weekend, I traveled and climbed the volcano cotopaxi. The view from the top point of the hike was amazing and the subsequent trip to the lagoon was also surreal.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

It was good. I got the information I needed prior to traveling and was aware that the ABV coordinator would be at the airport to pick me up. Everything was sufficient and I had no difficulties in my travels, they provided everything as promised.

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

Yes!