Volunteer Guatemala: After my first full day in Xela I knew I was going to love my time here; in Spanish class, in the after school program, and in my homestay. The local people are friendly and if you have an open mind and like the unexpectedness that is Central America, you too will love it here.
Continue reading Volunteering in Guatemala Review Charles Milkovits After School Program
ABV is an excellent organization and I highly recommend it. This was my first volunteer experience, and I´m so happy I chose ABV. I´m a nursing student and came with two friends. It made the experience so much better. The independence given to us in the clinical setting was rewarding. Some days there were not many patients but we cleaned and organized and felt useful. It was perfect that one of our friends spoke Spanish, and could translate for us.
Continue reading Volunteer in Guatemala Xela Review Elizabeth Fox Clinic Outpost
Volunteer in Guatemala, Fantastic! Everything was already arranged for me. Petra showed me the way to and from work/Spanish, and Veronica and Susanne were wonderful. My Spanish teacher Jaime couldn’t have been better.
Continue reading Volunteer in Guatemala Xela Review Julia Dahlmann Day Care program
Volunteer Review Guatemala: ABV was instrumental in providing me with an experience I will never forget. It was bitter-sweet to see how “the other half” lives. It seems they are satisfied with their lives, even though they don´t have much. I was also glad to have an opportunity to learn Spanish and meet travelers from around the world.
Continue reading Volunteer Review Guatemala Ronald Giusti Child Care Program
Volunteer Abroad: Overall it was very good. The online chat persons always seemed to be available and answered all of my questions thoroughly. There is so much to see and do in and around Xela. It´s also relatively easy to get around to the neighboring cities like those around Atitlan and Antigua.
Continue reading Volunteer Abroad Opportunity Guatemala Xela Review Charles Milkovits Child Care
Volunteer Guatemala: This was truly an amazing experience, it really renewed my faith in altruism and globalization. This was such a holistic experience combining volunteering, culture and language. I loved being able to do some good, while meeting warm, genuine people both local and from abroad. Human connections are really what makes us strong and this experience really solidified that. Continue reading Volunteer Guatemala Quetzaltenango Review Rashmi Baragi Medical Program
Volunteer Guatemala: I personally thought this was a life changing opportunity. ABV was able to provide a complete experience for me in terms of volunteering and culturally. Would recommend it to anyone. Continue reading Volunteer Guatemala Quetzaltenango Review Dana Bui Medical Program
1) How were the local ABV coordinator and the support provided in-county?
She was perfect, she was the epitome of calm and support. She completely stopped what she was doing to answer questions or give us direction. Irma and Alan of the after-school program were also especially accommodating. Everyone of them was also fun to be with.
2) What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
I was surprised by how much I wanted to completely uproot my life and move it to Xela. I loved the people, the food and the language.
3) What was the most difficult to experience?
Leaving the children was definitely the most difficult experience, especially at the shelter. The girls at the shelter had deep deep hurt. They wore so much of it on their faces, I wanted to take them all home with me.
4) Any tips for future volunteers (clothing/travel/personal items)
Bring a full size towel for the home stay or buy one locally and leave it for your host family. It is a nice gesture, but you will fall in love with your hosts and truly want to leave something. An umbrella, a sweater and short sleeved shirt everyday, because everyday has extremes. Oh, and wash the dishes for your hostess. It is the least one can do for the all that they do for you.
5) Other things volunteers should know?
Xelapan has tremendous pastries!
Did I mention a trip to Xelapan?
Xelapan cream filled anything?
Xelapan!
6) ABV Testimonial
This week was an amazing experience. On my first day at the shelter, I saw two girls separate themselves and cry huge shoulder heaving tears without sound. One told me she had only been there two days. I sat with them, held their hands, kept their hair out of their eyes. Their hurt was so deep. I told them how important they were. They clung to me when I saw them two days later, they ran to me. On the last day she barely left my side and just kept hugging me. Before I left, she told me she would never forget me. I know I will never forget her.
7) How would you describe your accommodations meals/security
Jovita was more perfect than perfect. She was so sweet and helpful. She was also an excellent cook. I loved the stories we told around the table (sobre mesa). It drew us even closer together. I could have moved in forever!
8) What was your favorite memory of this trip?
There are too many to choose from. I loved all of the children’s arms around my waist, the warmth of the Xela people, the hot springs, the weaving opportunity, our hostess, our program heads, the food (Xelapan!) the fabrics, and how close we all became as a group.
9) How was the ABV USA support prior to traveling?
They were very helpful in answering questions and making certain we had all our paperwork in. They were quick to get back to us.
10) Are you willing to speak to potential ABV volunteers?
Absolutely! Any time.
Volunteer Guatemala: This experience has been literally life changing. I learned so much from the people here, my Spanish has improved immensely and my outlook on life in general will be different from here on out.
Continue reading Volunteer Guatemala Xela Review Julia Dahlmann Daycare program
Volunteer Guatemala, My favorite memory from the trip was the class field trip to Little Caesars inauguration, for a pizza party. It was the happiest I saw the kids over my entire four weeks. Continue reading Volunteer Guatemala Quetzaltenango Review Terrence Kane Child Care Teaching Program
