Volunteer in Colombia

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

Excellent – I didn’t need much support but felt it was always there if needed. I was accompanied to and from the foundation on my first day to learn the route on the local bus and shown around the City Centre on my first weekend which was very helpful.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Program: How efficiently the foundation is run and how well equipped it is. I experienced training afternoons and a day out at the Centro de Convención where the teachers and students performed various dances and plays. It was overall a lot more organized than expected.

Host Family: Nothing surprised me, maybe that I was lucky enough to have air con!

Country: Cartagena is very lively I perhaps wasn’t expecting so much noise in the street in the Neighborhood where the host family is.

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Program: Multitasking when working with the young kids, as they are so small it’s important to always keep an eye on all of them. Secondly, you are not allowed to pick up the children which I found very hard resisting!

Host Family: Getting used to the breakfasts, they are very different! Sleeping through the night whilst there is loud music playing on the street outside.

Country: using the local buses and knowing the routes.

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

1. No shorts allowed at the foundation- I found linen great for staying cool.

2. To go to Playa Blanca without booking on to a tour with lunch etc

3. Use Uber – I always felt very safe

Volunteer in Colombia

5.1- Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

(that’s not in the orientation guide)

a. The foundation has air con and lots of fans so you won’t die of heat.

b. The host family is a 25 min taxi

c. There are plenty of shops etc so you can buy most things here.

Most of the food is fried

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

My experience has been amazing, the month has definitely flown by. I couldn’t have asked for a lovelier host family, Elena has really made me feel at home. Her cooking is excellent, once she found out all my favorite foods she really made an effort to cook them for me. I love the neighborhood and experiencing authentic Cartagena and the old town is so beautiful I will definitely be coming back. The program is wonderful I really connected with the children and overall had a very rewarding experience I will miss them very much and Everything else about my time here.

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

Accommodation- basic but homely and sufficient

Meals- varied, large, quite bland and no spice in anything.

Security- fine, I always felt very safe here

Everyone is exceptionally friendly.

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

Program: walking in every morning and seeing their tiny faces!

Host Family: everything, and Elena’s fresh juices

Country: the heat, scenery, people

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)

Great I received many emails and always got an exceptionally fast response.

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

Great, very easy

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

Google – I searched volunteer with children Cartagena

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

Yes

Volunteer Colombia

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

Excellent!  Very accommodating and made sure I was taken care of for my entire stay.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

• Program:  I was solo during the experience, there were no other volunteers where I was.
• Host Family:  They had a dog!  Which I was so happy about!
• Country:  I could drink the water!

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

• Host Family:  At times I wish my Spanish was much better because I would have wanted to communicate with my host family more.
• Country:  Mucho calor!  It was very hot in Cartagena, and I was not used to it.

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

1.  Prepare for the heat!  If you are coming anytime between July and August, it will be very hot.

2.  You will need to manage your own transportation while you are immersed.  This may mean learning a bus line or two, or other means.  Additionally, you are responsible for paying for this as well, its stated in the website and volunteer guide.

3.  Do not bring cotton clothing.  Everything you bring should be breathable and can withstand hot weather.

Volunteer in Colombia

5.1- Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

a. If you have dietary restrictions be very clear about that in the beginning.

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

The host family and volunteer experience was incredibly kind and accommodating, even though I did not speak the language well.  We did our best to communicate and often used google translate.  The food is amazing if you love food the way I do.  All around this was an incredible experience I will never forget!

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

The host family and staff were very clear once I was in Cartagena around security cautions I needed to take, such as not using your phone in public, and keeping your items on you at all times.  The accommodations were fantastic!

I had an air conditioner in my room and the bed was very comfortable.  People in Colombia are generally very friendly, and willing to try and speak with you whether you are fluent or not.

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

Program: Niños!  The children were very fun at the school and wonderful to interact with.  It was humbling to see the differences in the resources and education.

Host Family: Walks around the neighborhood and going to the beach.  They treated me as if I was one of their own.

Country:  My trip to Medellin was amazing.  I very much enjoyed that city.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Sara was my contact, and she was very consistent and answered any questions I had within a day.

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

Very comprehensive, and helpful.

9.2- How did you find Abroaderview website

Search engine and reviews.

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

Sure!