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 Ecuador

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

Excellent

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Kind teachers and nurse aids. Everyone humble and polite.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

Senior Center in need of volunteers. Probably promote more volunteers to come and help.

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

Be flexible and take into account local customs

5.1-Other things volunteers should know: Be:

• Patient
• Polite
• Personable

Volunteering in Ecuador

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

ABV was a humbling experience. I wish more people could come and provide their time and talents for a great cause.

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

Quito feels like a safe place. Host family was the true meaning of family. Ecuadorian food is amazing

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

The loving nature of the people at the project sites
9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

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

Yes

THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!

Volunteer Ecuador

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

The staff and support in country exceeded expectations. As soon  as we arrived we were given a warm welcome and it seemed like they were genuinely happy to have us visiting. We were given multiple contacts of people in case of emergency, and the staff kept in touch during my entire stay to make sure everything was okay.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Program:  I was surprised by how pleasant everyone was, even with the language barrier at work my coworkers did their best to help me fit in. I was also shocked my the number of patients in the hospital every day. Being a public hospital, had hundreds of people needing help even before we started working (7:30am). It was sad to see so many people in need, but you felt better knowing you were trying your best to help.

Host Family:  I think my host family was the biggest surprise. I can’t say enough positive things about my host Mom, we got incredibly lucky. She was so welcoming, and cooked us great food three times each day. Her children were friendly and awesome to talk with too.

Country:  I was mostly surprised by how huge Ecuador/Quito is. I thought I’d be able to see most of the city but I was wrong, it’s tremendous. I also underestimated how much traveling I was going to do, which was by far the best part of the trip. I can easily say that the places I’ve seen in Ecuador are the most beautiful places I’ve been to thus far in my life.

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Program: The language barrier was by far the most challenging thing to overcome at work, after 4 weeks I still find my self struggling to communicate with the staff at the hospital.

Host Family: the living conditions at home took some time getting used to, like the bed and the shower, but other than that there weren’t many things challenging about Janet and her Family.

the biggest thing to overcome in my point of view is constantly worrying about the water you’re drinking and the food you’re eating. You don’t want to get sick in a foreign country, so being on your toes at all times gets tiring.

ABV: from all our volunteers no one has been sick by eating at our host families. Always drink bottle water and if you eat in restaurants only do at well known and good review locations, never from street vendors.

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

Bring your smartphone, computer, or tablet, try to write in a journal every day, bring water-proof clothing and shoes/boots, travel, try every single fruit you can (everything is delicious).

5. Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

If you’re volunteering at the hospital ABV says you need a bunch of medical equipment which is not accurate, unfortunately it will just be a waste of money. Also if you’re working at the hospital, no matter what the website says, you NEED WHITE pants and a WHITE top.

ABV: Our website asks for supplies as many hospitals and clinics need many supplies, our website is as general as possible as we work with dozens of medical locations and they are all different. But the White pants and white tops and white sneakers are described in the website and volunteer guide.

Volunteer in Ecuador Quito North: PreMed & PreNurse

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

This trip was incredible and I don’t regret coming for a second. Our trip was a month long and I think that is a perfect amount of time for first time travelers.   Changing sheets, cleaning the bed frames, and washing patients will most likely take up all your time. Instead of shadowing doctors and nurses, we mostly worked with the nurse assistants.

ABV: volunteers needs to be proactive, jump in and ask to help with any tasks, dont expect a schedule of shadowing one on one doctors or nurses, you need to ask to help in all the areas of the hospital or clinic, also you need to talk with your supervisor, local coordinator if you are not getting the exposure you want, also you can always email ABV US to have us inform of any change you want.

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

The accommodations were better than expected, clean and comfortable. The meals were also great, very convenient and prepared well. I felt safe, the only setting where I felt I needed to be careful was walking around at night. And everyone I’ve met was extremely nice, some of the most pleasant people I know.

ABV: we have a curfew so volunteer shouldn’t be walking around at night and take a cab home if you are late.

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

Program: the best part of the program was actually shadowing doctors the last 2 days in the emergency section of the hospital.

Host Family:  Eating meals together, talking about our days, and laughing with each other was a highlight every day.

Country:  Traveling to the jungle and baños we’re equally incredible. I’m extremely happy I went to both places and would go back in a heartbeat

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)

ABV support prior to travel was exceptional in every way possible.

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

Reservations and setting up the trip was also easy and clear.

9.2- Who did you find Abroaderview website (keywords, search engine, word mouth to mouth, recommended by .., other)

I found out about the program by my Aunt, who heard about it from a friend.

Volunteer Ecuador

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

The local coordinator was wonderful. She offered lots of support by answering all my questions and checking in with me frequently. If I encountered any problems I knew that I had a great support network at my disposal. Karen and Laura were so very helpful and calmed my nerves once I arrived.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

The most surprising thing I experienced was how quickly I was able to navigate the town I was living in. After less than three days I was able to get around perfectly well on my own. Granted, it was a small island town.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

The most difficult thing for me was missing home. Everyone experiences some form of homesickness while abroad. Mine was very mild and since I was only gone a month I mostly found myself missing the food of my home country. Although I enjoyed the food in my host family by this time I could go a very long time without eating rice.

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

Bring presents for your host family if you will be living with one! It is a great conversation starter if you bring something from your home country. Keep your packing light so you can bring home lots of gifts. And make sure to explore some on your own. It came seem scary at first but it can be very nice to catch a sunrise or sunset alone and reflect on how you are doing and how you are enjoying the country.

5.1-Other things volunteers should know:

a. Be flexible. Plans change and you should take it in stride.

1. Be open. Try new foods and new things.
2. Listen to your hosts. They know what is safe to do.

Volunteer Galapagos

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

I worked with Galapagos tortoises in La Galapaguera a semi natural habitat for breeding. I also

monitored sea lions and marine iguanas so that the data could be used in work with local children.

I could spend my mornings with tortoises or sea lions and my afternoons helping out at a local dive shop. My volunteering was exhausting but extremely rewarding. I will never forget getting to feed baby Galapagos tortoises or getting to hang out with sea lions on the many pristine beaches.

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

I lived with a very nice host family. I ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner with them everyday. This allowed for bonding and extra time to practice my Spanish. I always felt safe and was given a key to the house. I had my own room and bathroom with a beautiful view of the ocean. I could not imagine staying anywhere else.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

My favorite memory was scuba diving with sharks at Kicker Rock. I had free time on the weekends to do what I wanted. I got to dive with Galapagos Sharks, White and Black tip sharks, and Hammerheads. I also went diving with volunteer to clean up trash in the main harbor during World Oceans Day with the local navy.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

I had lots of great support while filling out my application. They answered all my questions promptly

and well. I never felt lost or confused.

10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes, absolutely.

Volunteer Ecuador

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

The ABV coordinator and the support in country were fantastic. Everyone is very friendly and willing to help

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

At the hospital I saw a patient who lost his fingers’ skin, it was a very challenging experience.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

It was difficult to see how Ecuador’s poor economy affected them medically.

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

Be prepared to bring a rain jacket and sweater as it tends to get cold

5.1-Other things volunteers should know:

a.     Always wear your backpack in front of you
b.     Make sure you understand Spanish fairy well as not many people knows English
c.     Have fun

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

Working with ABV has been a great experience. As a high school student interested in Medicine, it allowed me to get hands on experience. I was able to help a lot and observed things I didn’t think I’d be able to. ABV did an excellent job!

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

Our accommodation was great. Most people had their own room, we had access to Wi-Fi, the host family was really helpful.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

My favorite memory is the work I made with the pediatrician who stayed with me every day.
9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

The support was good, we were able to email a support person if we had questions, and they always responded promptly.
10 – Are you willing to speak to other 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!

Volunteer Ecuador

1- How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
Everyone was so nice! They made us feel at home.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

How good it felt to help kids learn and experience new things. It made me think outside the box because things were so difference. We played the ukele for them and they loved it. It was so appreciated by them and it felt good.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

Saying goodbye everyone. We got close to the kids so it was hard to leave them. It was hard leaving at the end of the day because they wanted us to stay longer.

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations)
Bring your favorite stuff, candies etc to share with the children. Also ask what you can bring in advance. Be open to experiencing a new culture while you are there. It makes it more fun.

5- Other things volunteers should know:

Stay flexible because things are very different in Ecuador. Make sure to read the information given by A Broader View which helps understand what to expect. Ask lots of questions to get more comfortable with the project.

Volunteering in Ecuador

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

I would recommend volunteering with A Broader View because they offer a broad range of volunteering opportunities not just all over Ecuador but all over the world. The staff was so nice. Laura and Gianni were great. Also getting to know their families was great, especially Gianni who’s son attends the school where we worked. This gave us some insight into working with the kids. It was nice being at someones home especially in such a different environment.

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

The accommodations were comfortable and the meals were very tasty.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
The kids! They were energetic fun and very smart. It made me miss being that age. I will always remember them.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Very good. We would have liked to have had more details about what we were doing beforehand but in the end it worked out.

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

Yes!

Volunteer Ecuador

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Volunteering in Ecuador

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

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

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

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

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

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

The support was very good in preparation for travel.

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

Yes anytime!

The family was able to work in different projects including the day care center, the health care program, and the elderly care project.

Thank you for your support!

Volunteer Ecuador

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

The support was excellent. Picked up at airport, taken by host to her apartment and orientation and placement to project next day

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Community living situation as there were several ABV volunteers doing different projects, we had common areas and our own rooms with minimal sharing of bathrooms

3- What was most difficult to experience?
There was no difficult experience

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations)
If you are going to travel during your time in host country I recommend research where you will go ahead of time as you are busy during volunteer work. However, the host family helped us with the organization of short trips.

5.- Other things volunteers should know:

1. Respect your host family and local culture
2. Bring layered clothing although laundry was easily accessible
3. Respect the rules of ABV

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):
I was pleased with ABV. We applied as a family of five and were fortunate to all be placed in a project individualized to our own interests

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

All were met without issue. Ate meals together and we could discuss our project while practicing Spanish with the group and with the family.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Being with my family and meeting new people and being introduced to a new culture while serving to the community.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Excellent. Easily accessible by email with responses usually within one day.

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

 Volunteer Ecuador

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

The ABV Coordinator/staff were very helpful in making sure my experience was smooth and great. They were very available when I had to ask them a question through WhatsApp. They challenged you to speak Spanish throughout without defaulting to English in order that you learn the language. When I went into the office, they would greet me by my name.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Program: It was surprising to see how some of the nurses did not use gloves to take blood. I saw a patient with pneumonia; he was very pale and skinny. It was surprising seeing surgery where the patient was still awake.

Host Family: My host mother has an 8 month year old and she breastfeeds her baby at the table. That is not a common practice in the United States. My family likes to drink cola or drink juice everyday. I don’t drink cola or juice at home often.

Country: There are a lot of stray dogs everywhere. People drive very anxiously.

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Program: It was a challenge dealing with patients who did not want to cooperate with you. I want to be a doctor. I had to try harder to be involved with the doctors instead of the auxiliary nurses.

Host Family: I am an only child who is used to being around adults. It was a little harder connecting to the teenager and baby. Sometimes I would have to take cold showers which is uncomfortable since the climate is cooler than I thought.

Country: I have never walked so much in my life. The landscape consists of a lot of hills. I got a lost a few times because the bus routes were a little confusing to me .

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

1. Bring warm clothing.

2. When you walk into a crowded area, keep your bookbag in front of you.

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

a. Air pollution, in my opinion, is a problem here.

b. When you greet a woman, you touch the side of her cheeks with yours and make the “kissy” sound

Volunteer Pre Medical

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

I stayed with a host family and the extended family visited often. I felt like I had plenty of space. The meals were very delicious. However, I eat plenty of meat and vegetables. I left my computer and phone out plenty of times so I feel safe. People are friendly when you ask them for directions.

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

Program: I got an opportunity to see surgery on a patient who had broken his tibia. I was very amazed how the anesthesiologist had to be careful not to administer too much anesthesia to the spine.

Host Family: I enjoyed playing card games with my family and listening to their stories.

Country: I enjoyed going to Mitad del Mundo. I bought some chocolate and it was nice learning the history how people figured out what the middle of the world was. I also got a chance to try Cuy.

8- 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)

I used chat online and email to communicate with ABV. Someone named Lori helped to answer my questions. Everything was really fast (less than 24 hours) and I am appreciative of that. All my questions were answered.

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

I thought it was pretty easy to navigate. It was appealing to look at.

9.1- Who did you find Abroaderview website (keywords, search engine, word mouth to mouth, recommended by .., other)

I found the website by learning about it through a blog on the internet about what to do over the summer for pre-medical students. I then showed it to my Spanish professor who supported my decision in attending the Pre Med/Pre Nurse Program in North Quito.

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

Yes, I am willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers.