Volunteer Honduras La Ceiba Review Daniel Stogner Medical Program

1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
I stayed with Rafael the coordinator. He picks you up from the airport and brings you to his house. He goes with you to the hospitals until you are comfortable going by yourself. He takes pictures of you at the hospitals. He was very inviting to me, I was in country during the holidays and Rafael always invited me out to his family gatherings and made me feel welcomed.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
At the program: There is a large lack of sanitation in the clinics, for example washing off a nebulizer used by one patient in water and giving it to the next.
At the accommodation: Rafael has a somewhat large home. I was volunteering by myself, but his home has 7 rooms, so a large group can volunteer at the same time.
About the country: The country is quite beautiful. You are sandwiched between mountains and ocean. Any chance you get to leave the city and go out on excursions you should take it because it is beautiful. The city on the other hand is quite dirty in some areas, there is trash strewn about in the streets and side of roads.

3- What was most difficult to experience?
At the program: It was difficult to see the conditions under which they have to practice medicine here. Sadly they are less than sterile in many of their procedures.
At the accommodation: The most difficult thing for me was adjusting to the food. I was eating less calories and mainly eating Carbohydrates. I also got sick 2 times from food I ate out so make sure you bring some Imodium and an antibiotic, and make sure you dont eat from street vendors.
The country: In Honduras there is a schedule, but the schedule is not really stuck to and the timing of the schedule ebbs and flows. This was not necessarily difficult to get used to, however it is odd for the first few days after coming from the highly scheduled days we usually have in America.

4- Any tips for future volunteers…
Clothing: For shoes I would bring something like chacos for excursions. Bathing suits if you want to be in the water. I wore work boots to the hospitals because you will be walking in mud and water and I would just rather having the protection over the comfort of tennis shoes. I wore flip flops around the house. Bring shorts and t shirts for around the house and going into town for the mall or store. Bring scrubs, if you go into surgeries you will have to change into a clean pair of scrubs. There is a laundromat close by to wash clothes.
Donations:  Bring gloves, head coverings, masks, and shoe covers. Gauze and other bandaging supplies like tape, shears, etc. You can also bring medications that you can buy in bulk like ibuprofen, Tylenol, stuff like that. Definitely bring a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff.
Weather: I was here in the winter. It was between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit with 95% plus humidity every day. There were a couple of days when it was hot but for the most part the weather was not too bad temperature wise in the winter. However, it rains nearly every day in the winter. I would recommend an umbrella or rain jacket if you come in the rainy season.

4.1-Other things volunteers should know:
a.- a taxi is 25 limp per person no matter how close or far you are going
b.- there are plenty of banks to exchange money as well as atms
c.- if you forget anything from home, you can probably buy it at the mall (charger, soap, clothes, whatever)
d.- try not to come in with the mindset that the people here are in like desperate need of your help, they function just fine to their own standard, show up and do whatever tasks will help them do their jobs easier

Volunteering in Honduras

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), don’t leave blank:
This month has been quite an adventure for me. Things were off to an interesting start as soon as I landed.  Henry took me on a tour of the city and we started cultivating our friendship that would grow over the next 4 weeks with trips all over the place. Rafael made me feel welcomed as I got to spend both Christmas and New Years with his family, he even brought me out to a large meeting/party with a bunch of prominent members of the community.

I spent time in the clinics but most of my time was spent observing and participating in surgeries and the social security hospital. I was there for almost 3 weeks gaining a rapport with the doctors and surgeons. I learned quite a bit from the surgeons. I met two friends from Australia who were here for the first few days of my stay, then I had nearly 2 weeks of myself being the only volunteer here. Later 6 pre med student volunteers came also from the great state of Texas, followed by 1 pre PA student volunteer from Florida. Whether you come with a group or by yourself I would say that living and volunteering in Honduras is definitely something you should do.

It is a once in a life experience that you will only get if you just do it. The things that I have experienced here I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I am very glad that I made the decision to come. Looking back, 4 weeks has flown by, and I am happy to have been here.

6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security:
Accommodation: I stayed with Rafael, I had a bed and a bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower. The water is cold but it’s definitely better than not having water at all.
Meals: You eat 3 times a day. Breakfast is usually very small, just some carbs like toast and coffee. Lunch is usually the larger meal with rice, beans, and some sort of protein. The portion of protein is much smaller than a typical meal in America. Dinner is usually a little smaller than lunch and you will be having many servings of rice, beans, and plantains. In general you will be eating many carbs with little protein. You also do not eat many fruits or vegetables so I would recommend bring vitamin supplements. There is a grocery store nearby as well as fast food places if you wish to supplement your calorie intake.

Security: Rafael’s house has a locked gate just in front of the front door. There are bars on all of the windows. There are many places within walking distance of the house including the mall, grocery store, and one of the hospitals. There are parts of town that you probably should not go to, just don’t go there. You will be in a foreign Latin American country so just be smart. I was here by myself but I was never really worried about anything bad happening. Currently there is a not so great political situation happening here, but on the whole it did not affect me volunteering here. In fact I walked through the middle of a protest and nobody bothered me.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Program: My favorite memory from the program was getting to scrub in and assist with surgeries.
Country: My favorite memory from the country would definitely be one of the excursions I went on with Henry (a local tour guide, friend/employee of Rafael). We took a couple of buses out of the city to Rio Cangrejal. We went to a couple of hostels, swam across the river, hiked up to a waterfall, jumped off some rocks into the water, swam back across the river, and then hitch hiked back into town. It was quite a fun experience.

8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat): I used the chat feature on the website prior to committing to the program, they were helpful answering any questions that I had and got back to me quickly.
Website Information: The website has pretty much everything you need to know on it. Definitely a good resource. Also, watching some of the videos that previous volunteers have created will give you a decent picture of what it is like at the program.

9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes
10 – Can you tell us how did you find or know about A Broader View?
I googled paramedic volunteer opportunities and the A Broader View website was one of the first results to come up.

Volunteer Honduras

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

Rafael and his family were very accommodating. Rafael was extremely approachable and always happy to help if you needed anything or had any concerns.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

• At the program:  The main thing that was different to the dental setting in Australia are the lower standards of infection control in Honduras. This included changing only the instrument trays on the bracket table and not wiping anything down after and between patients.
• At the accommodation: Not having hot water was a challenge to begin with, especially on some of the colder nights we experienced. Hot water is something most of us take for granted. Also, there is a difference in diet here in Honduras that we don’t really experience in a western society and took time to get used to.
• About the country: The people are very friendly and welcoming and there wasn’t really any time throughout the program that we felt unsafe.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

• At the program: Having to work to your best ability with the limited dental equipment available in the clinic and the fact they have some different instruments that we aren’t accustomed to using in Australia.
• At the accommodation: The difference in their diet here we had to adapt  as it was different to what we were used to back home.

4- Any tips for future volunteers…

• Clothing: If you’re coming in December bring a jacket and long pants because it can get cool during the nights. Also, don’t bring clothing that you’re worried about getting ruined because the streets tend to be quite muddy during this period (rainy season).
• Donations: The dental clinic is grateful for any donations, but regularly need extra gloves, masks, alcohol based hand rub, scaling and cleaning instruments and extraction instruments.
• Weather: December can be quite rainy on and off most days. It also tends to get quite cold in the night.

4.1-Other things volunteers should know:

Learn basic Spanish beforehand since the majority of people don’t know much English. Additionally.

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

Overall, the ABV program in La Ceiba is well organized. The dentists at the clinics in the hospital are very welcoming and supportive. The program has helped me to improve my dental skills and I would recommend the program to any current dental students who wish to obtain more practical experience.

Volunteering in Honduras

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

We were always provided with 3 meals a day. The majority of meals consisted of rice, beans, eggs and tortillas and were prepared by the maid. The house has a secure gate at the entry and we never felt unsafe. The accommodation had all the necessities including bed linen, a pillow, running water and purified drinking water.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

• Program: After getting to know the local dentists at the clinic, one of them hosted a farewell barbecue for us at his house. It was a nice way to conclude the two-week experience.
• Country: During the first weekend in La Ceiba we went white water rafting in the mountains and to the hot springs with Henry, a local tour guide.

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

• Communication (Phone/emails/online chat): Prior to arriving, ABV was very supportive and I was always able to get a quick response to any questions I had via the online chat or an email.
• Website Information: The information on the website regarding the ABV dental program in La Ceiba gave a thorough outline of what the program entailed.

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

Yes, if any future ABV volunteers required further information, I will be more than happy to answer them and provide any details regarding our experience.

10 – Can you tell us how you found out or know about A Broader View?

Google search and the website.

Volunteer Honduras

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

Rafael was an excellent and extremely helpful ABV coordinator. He helped us settle and transition in smoothly (despite some political turmoil in which we landed, unbeknownst to us), he provided us with helpful tips for living in La Ceiba, helped us through daily problems we had, and aided us with communicating with patients in the dental clinics.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

In the program: The most surprising thing that I experienced in the program was how different clinics were to clinics back home in Australia. For starters, they lack many instruments, materials and diagnostic equipment that we take as indispensable back at home. Appointments are extremely treatment driven without comprehensive diagnostic examinations, investigations, diagnosis and treatment planning that we would normally do before undertaking any form of invasive treatment on patients. Treatment is often dictated by patient wishes even if the clinician thinks otherwise. Furthermore, record keeping is close to nil and sterilisation practices are extremely primitive and would normally be considered as unsatisfactory back home.

At the accommodation: There were a couple of things that I found surprising at the accommodation. The lack of hot water meant that you couldn’t take a hot shower, especially during the colder times of the rainy season in December. Additionally, the portion size of meals was also strikingly different. As privileged individuals living in developed countries, most of us take the amount of food choices and quantity sizes on offer for granted.

ABV: hot water is not a luxury Honduras has as the weather can be very hot, so showers are cold water to overcome the heat.(December temperatures: 79F to 82F)

About the country: The most surprising thing that I experienced about the country was the political turmoil on arrival in La Ceiba, which I had no idea about prior. We experienced flight and transport issues where protestors had blocked off roads including the one serving the airport to the city centre. We had to trek through an angry mob of protestors and climb over barriers that they had formed with all of our luggage. I would say that it was quite a frightening and confronting experience at the time, especially as we had just arrived in a completely new environment. Nonetheless, the locals were very welcoming to us seeing that we were foreigners.

ABV: this was an exception to the norm, the recent elections had some problems with the votes, but things are back to normal, we know you didn’t have any problems while in la Ceiba, all this issues you mention were mainly in Tegucigalpa or the capital.

3. What was most difficult to experience?

Volunteer Honduras: The most difficult thing to experience in the program was working in extremely different environments to one that we were used to. As mentioned before, lack of basic dental materials, instruments and equipment that we take for granted back at home, suboptimal infection control practices, lack of proper instrument sterilisation and appropriate diagnostic and treatment planning procedures was something that required understanding and quick adaptation to while working. Furthermore, I found treating paediatric patients particularly challenging as treatment techniques and practices were extremely different to ones that I was used to back home.

At the accommodation: I found the lack of hot water the most difficult thing to experience at the accommodation, particularly at the beginning. Since I have always had hot water at home, spending a couple of weeks without hot water was something that I had to get used to quite quickly, especially during the days when the weather became quite cold at night.

ABV: small third wold challenges to overcome.

The country: Sanitation is something that Honduras differs remarkably with developed countries. I had a couple of bouts of an upset stomach which did not help when I had my volunteering shifts. However, the most important thing is to understand how to avoid situations that may pose a risk to this occurring in the future. This includes things such as avoiding street food if possible, avoiding ice, drinking bottled water, making sure your food is cooked through thoroughly and washing your hands before handling or eating food. Raphael was excellent in guiding us in this.

ABV: yes don’t eat or drink from street vendors, or when doing a tour, make sure you get bottle water, don’t use ice, and try to eat all your meals at the volunteer house, you can also try food at the local mall or reputable restaurants.

Volunteering in Honduras

4. Tips for future volunteers

• Clothing: If you are travelling and volunteering in December, make sure that you pack long pants, long shirts and sweaters as it can get quite cold, particularly at night and when it rains. Try and leave your expensive clothes and shoes at home as roads can get quite muddy and dirty and you won’t want to risk destroying them.
• Donations: I admit that it was hard for me before I came to La Ceiba to imagine the conditions that people work in Honduras. As a result, any form of donation is extremely valued by the hospital. In the dental clinics, simple restorative equipment and materials that we normally use back home may not be available or be extremely limited in supplies. For example, this may include gloves, masks, scaling and cleaning equipment, dental filling materials, polishing materials, auxiliary equipment such as dappen dishes and microbrushes, alcohol wipes, disinfecting surface wipes, alcohol hand sanitisers, toothbrushes and toothpastes. It will also make your experience more enjoyable having these at your disposal in clinics.
• Weather: Research the local weather prior to travelling to La Ceiba as it can vary during different times of the year. I had expected La Ceiba to be quite hot and humid and did not pack many long sleeve clothing, and thus fell short when it became quite rainy and cool, particularly during some nights.

5. Other things volunteers should know

I did not speak much Spanish before I arrived and regretted it when I realised that communication with locals and patients was often limited because of this. You don’t need to be fluent, but if you can get to a basic level and understand basic conversation, it will make your experience more enjoyable being able to interact on a more personal level.

ABV: you can also download itranslate apps, or take our Spanish lessons course in La Ceiba and print a cheatsheet with keywords and phrases to use with locals.

Something that I was really happy that I brought was traveller’s diarrhoea and stomach cramp medication. You can buy most medications without doctor’s prescriptions in Honduras (except for some psychiatric medication), but it was handy to have it at my disposal as soon as I felt something come on.

ABV: Rafael (local coordinator) also has medication if needed, if other volunteers need help make sure you speak with the local coordinator to help with any situation and email us or call the US office)

6. Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial)

The ABV dental volunteering program provided me with a platform to further my practical dental skills and build relationships with the local Hondurans. As some aspects of my practical experience was limited back home, the program allowed me to fill in those gaps and build up my confidence. I enjoyed every moment of the program which included interacting with dentists and dental interns, treating patients, working out solutions to challenging problems, building resilience and exploring La Ceiba and its surrounds on weekends. I would recommend this program to anyone completing a dental degree as it will make you a more well-rounded and competent dentist in the future.

Gap Year Honduras

7. How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security

The homestay accommodation that I stayed in can be described as simple with basic amenities provided. There is no hot water which may take getting used to for some. Hondurans usually have three meals a day. Expect lighter meals as most Hondurans generally do not eat as much as those living in developed countries. Breakfast can range from cereal and toast to pancakes and fruit. Lunch and dinner generally consists of rice, beans, eggs and cheese.

There are fast food restaurants around the accommodation if you ever feel you need to supplement your calorie intake. Despite many websites deeming Honduras as unsafe, security is generally in La Ceiba is very good as long as you adhere to common sense and general precautions that locals give (eg. not going out late past 9pm). Hondurans are extremely friendly, particularly if they see you as a foreigner. I don’t think I’ve gotten this many smiles from locals and cars stopping and giving way to me while crossing the road!

8. What was your favourite memory in this trip?

• Program: My favourite memory in this trip has been interacting with dentists and dental interns on shifts. They have been extremely helpful and encouraging whenever I experienced difficulty in treating patients. As dental students or dentists, you will be extracting a lot of teeth which could be of valuable experience as it may not be something that you would do much back home. I also got to do many cleans and fillings.
• Volunteer Honduras: During weekends, I had the opportunity to go white water rafting and visit the hot springs. This was my first white water rafting experience and I must say that it was something that everyone should try at least once in their life! Henry, one of Rafael’s friends, took us on these tours and made our experience extremely fun and exhilarating

9. How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Communication (Phone/emails/online chat) I found the ABV USA support prior to travelling very helpful. A special mention to Sarah, who proved to be very professional and an excellent communicator, answering all my questions before and during my volunteering experience.

Website Information: the website was extremely comprehensive in answering the majority of questions about the program that I had. I was confident that it would provide me with an invaluable opportunity to complement my dental education.

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

Definitely! I would encourage potential volunteers to ask as many questions as possible prior to travelling. I would be more than happy to help answer questions so that volunteers are fully equipped with the knowledge for an enjoyable and invaluable experience.

11.  Can you tell us how you found out or know about A Broader View?

I found out about A Broader View through Google and its website.

Volunteer Honduras

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

Rafael was very welcoming and kind.  He was helpful in getting me oriented to the hospitals and introducing me to key people there.  On an ongoing basis, he checked-in with me to make sure if I was having a good experience.  Yet he also correctly assessed that I could manage independently as well and he gave me the room to do that.  He was also very flexible with altering the schedules to accommodate sufficient rest, occasional outings, and the type of medical volunteering opportunities of which I wanted  to take advantage.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

At the program: The most surprising thing is how exhausting it is to work in a different health care system in a different language.  My brain would tire from constant attention to understanding Spanish and learning new systems.

At the accommodation: I was surprised to learn that Rafael was not only my coordinator, but also my host.  It was very helpful though because we could chat about how things were going over meals and he could help decipher some of the days’ puzzles from the hospital.

I also was surprised at how “suburban” the area is.  In many ways it didn’t feel like the typical neighborhood and life of what I have become accustomed in Central America.

About the country: I have traveled a fair amount in Central America so I was pretty prepared with my expectations – except how suburban it would be.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

At the program:

Just living everyday without the certainty of knowing what is going on around me – due to the different medical systems and the language.  I just had to be okay with not understanding a lot, as well as with taking responsibility for the quality of my own experience.
At the accommodation: I was quite happy with the accommodation.  Probably the most difficult part for me is that there were other english speakers there for me so it was hard to be immersed in Spanish as much as I would have liked.

The country: I think there is a cultural difference in how the Hondurans present themselves to someone they first meet (at least at the hospitals).  My experience was that it often felt like the nurses and doctors were dismissive, disinterested, or not very happy to have me there.  But I learned that if I extended myself a few times, they were surprisingly welcoming, friendly, and healthy.

4- Any tips for future volunteers…

Clothing:

– surgery cap

– blood pressure cuff

Donations:

– thermometers – non-digital

– athletic tape

– ace wraps

– don’t bring items to donate such as alcohol wipes, ointments, fancy bandages because they will only be a novelty and probably not used – and certainly not something they will invest in buying in the future.

Volunteering in Honduras

4.1 -Other things volunteers should know:

a.- Knowing a fair amount of Spanish is definitely helpful

b.- Spend time at the hospital helping with some of the more mundane tasks such as restocking items needed on a daily basis, making gauze pads, putting together paperwork.  The nurses will appreciate it hugely and they will give back by teaching you even more.

c.- This is not really a volunteer program as much as it is a volunteer opportunity.  Very little is actually set in stone or set up.  You have to be okay with lots of ambiguity and you are really the one responsible for the form, day-to-day experiences, and the quality of your experience.  So, be direct with the nurses and doctors about what you want to do., such as only observe, or focus wound care, or learn how to insert IVs.  If you tell them, and remind them, they will give you the opportunity, if you don’t tell them, they likely won’t suggest it.

d.- Pace yourself.  It can be really tiring and frustrating so give yourself room to take an afternoon off, or go in late, if it helps with your energy level.

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

I have had a good experience as a medical volunteer in La Ceiba, Honduras through A Broader View. I chose to do a program like this because I want a career change and medicine is a new career path I have been considering.  Before committing to it, I wanted some more direct experience to inform my decision.  I knew it can be very difficult to get real hands-experience like this in the U.S., but I also knew that those restrictions don’t exist in many developing countries. This, along with my love of experiencing new places and cultures, made a medical volunteering program the perfect opportunity to “try on” the job of ER nurse.

I certainly got hands-on experience. From simple cleaning of wounds to response to cardiac infarctions, from inserting IVs to early labor care, I was able to practice skills I already had and learn new ones and new techniques. The volume of patients allowed for many chances to improve skills and communication.

In addition to the hands on experience, I was able to assist with more advanced procedures and to observe surgeries close to the side of surgeon performing the operation.

What I found most fascinating though was the resourcefulness of the doctors and nurses.  Without the benefit of advanced technologies and supplies, these personnel relied more on the tried and true techniques of medicine. They  were also inspiringly creative in making their own “technology and supplies” to serve the same purposes but using the things they have on hand.  For me, this was an invaluable aspect to experience.

I am happy with the experience I have had here and will remember it fondly as I move into my new career as a nurse.

Volunteer Honduras

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

Absolutely amazing. Rafael and his entire family were warm, welcoming, and loving. THEY are such a huge part of what made this experience so amazing. The family is huge, and it will feel like you’re seeing a new person each day. Make sure to get to know each new person, because they will add so much to your life here. I cannot say enough about the family!

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

At the program: The hospitals, specially the regional, can be tough to work in. I challenge you to walk into your day with a completely open mind. Understand that there are very different standards here, but different does not mean bad. Learn from them!

At the accommodation: How many people live in this house!! It’s wonderful, and I strongly encourage getting to know everyone here. They are so amazing and loving, and become your family if you let them. I know I will miss and think about them all after I leave.

About the country: The BEAUTY! This country is green as can be, with constant sunshine, breeze from the sea, and views of the amazing mountains that surround this city. With quick and occasional rain showers (depending on the season you come in) you have a perfect balance of heat and cooling off. I cannot say how beautiful nature is here. Take it all in.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

At the program: There are times when you will be working in the hospital and feel frustrated or embarrassed. Some doctors speak English, but for the most part the language barrier is something you will have to constantly climb. Don’t let this discourage you!!! Try and get some practice in before coming, and most of all ASK QUESTIONS! This is the only way you’ll get better, and you will get better

At the accommodation: This is tough question because in so many ways, any “rough” experiences at our home stay weren’t difficult at all. The showers here are cold, there’s no hot water in La Ceiba, but there’s also no reason for it. You will be so hot by the end of the day you’ll be excited to get into your freezing shower. The second “difficult” experience is that periodically, certain grids of the city will loose power. It’s an easy fix however, as when the power goes off you and the whole family migrate to the porch to get some fresh air. In many ways, it’s really nice! Quality time, no wifi, no worries.

The country: I will say that it can be tough to see the way some people live, but this is a constant around the world. It can be draining, but the moments of happiness in this trip out weigh any moments of sadness by a long shot.

4- Any tips for future volunteers…

Clothing:  Tank tops, tank tops, tank tops. I brought some tshirts, but minus my super light weight ones, I couldn’t bring myself to wear them. Too hot!

Also don’t be afraid to pack a few sundresses. You never know where your weekend will take you, be it Cayo’s Cochinos or Utila!

As for shoes, I suggest Chaco’s. They are so versatile and sturdy and are perfect to wear when you’re walking around the city or the mountains.

Donations:  BRING DONATIONS. I cannot stress this enough. There is only so much you can do while working in the hospital…but the donations will go far. And if you cannot bring donations physically, fundraise, fundraise, fundraise and come with a $1,000 US check and buy things for them here. Bring anything you can and as much as you possibly can!

(A great resource to help you with this is an organization called Americares. They helped us bring nearly $8,000 worth of supplies for nearly free. They are amazing, and it will help not only you but the hospital!)

Weather: It’s hot. However, depending on how long you’re staying you do seem to acclimate (or just expect the heat?). Either way, be prepared to sweat so much that at some point stop caring about how much you’re sweating. It’s an experience and it’s awesome

4.1-Other things volunteers should know:

a.- DONATIONS. Donations. Donations. Bring them or bring fundraiser money for the hospitals!!

b.- Come here for longer than a week. Staying here for a week allows you to gain from your time here, but doesn’t allow you to give much. I would suggest coming for two weeks at MINIMUM.

c.- Sign up and pay for the Spanish lessons!! They are so worth your time and money, and will make your transition here so much easier. The teachers are so great and the learning you do is so important

Volunteer in Honduras

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

I would not trade this month for the world. It has given me incredible into lives that are so far from my own. As cliche as it sounds, my life will never be the same and for that I am forever grateful. Time changes you here in the most positive of ways. I cannot thank the people here enough for what they’ve given me, and I can only hope I’ve given them half of what I’ve gotten.

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

The accommodations here are beyond amazing. You are never left hungry, and the Honduran food is beyond amazing. Get ready for Baleada Monday’s!!

As for security, I have quite literally never felt unsafe in this wonderful home. It’s beautiful and safe and comfortable. I cannot stress enough how awesome this home is!

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: ABV has been beyond wonderful! We actually had the unique experience of meeting someone in the hospital working for another organization. This other organization was quite terrible, and left the volunteer with no contacts or help. Rafael ended up stepping in and taking her under his wing. Her 3 weeks here were immediately changed, and she left happy because of Rafael and what he knows from ABV. This is truly a wonderful and trustworthy organization, and I am thankful every day we found this company.

Country: The people. I almost don’t want to say too much, as it is totally a wonderful personal experience. I will say, that I have met some of the kindest people here and a sense of hospitality and community I have never quite seen back in the US. Definitely come here and check it out for yourself as it is a life changing experience!

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

ABV USA support was great during our time here! They emailed us a handful of times, making sure we had all emergency contacts we needed, that we were settling in nicely, and enjoying our time here.

Website Information:  The website is great and so easy to navigate. If you are struggling with anything you can use the live chat as well, and there is always someone from ABV on the other end to answer your questions!

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

Absolutely!