How was my Volunteer Abroad Experience in Guatemala?

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

Fantastic. The local support staff checked in on me no less than once a week and was very quick to respond to messages. Communication was extremely clear before and during the trip, and my arrival was coordinated very smoothly. I can´t thank them enough for coordinating my Spanish lessons with such a fantastic teacher.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

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.

There´s a level of poverty that western people may not have been exposed to that could be a bit shocking.

Five weeks pass incredibly fast!!

3. What was most difficult to experience?

Meeting 80-100 kids who display the effects of malnutrition, likely as a secondary symptom of a life in poverty, is very difficult. Fortunately this feeling is quickly combated when you their spirit. The most difficult thing was then saying goodbye to all of them. It was a bit surprising how quickly you bond with them.

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

Bring many combination of layers. The weather changes a lot throughout the day. Also, don´t bring anything that may have specific drying requirements. The lavanderias only know one way – dry, high heat.

5. Other things volunteers should know?

a. Y´all want to know as much Spanish as possible before you arrive, or take Spanish lessons here.

b. Xela is high, and the weather is not at all like it is in Guatemala City, Antigua or the coast. Bring warm clothes, and lots of layers.

c. Simple western conveniences like good wifi and hot showers are not often a guarantee.

d. It´s definitely a cash-based community, you won´t often use a credit card.

Children program

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

After my first full day in Xela I knew I was going to love my time here; in Spanish class, in the afterschool program, and in my homestay. The local people are friendly and if you have an open mind and like the unexpectedness that is Central Americal, you too will love it here. I explored other places and hiked a lot of the weekends, and always looked forward to class Monday morning, followed by the afterschool program, which was my highlight of every day. Xela has a unique way of finding its way into everyone’s heart.

Gap Year Guatemala

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

I was with a host family, which was a first for me. The location was great and my host mom could not have been better. I had a large bedroom to myself and the meals were fantastic. I never felt unsafe there.

8. What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Every one of the twenty days I spent at the project. I found myself looking forward to seeing the kids each day. There was nothing particularly special about each day, they were all just great.

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

Overall it was very good. The online chat persons always seemed to be available and answered all of my questions thoroughly.  From my first correspondence I was interested and told I’d be volunteering at an orphanage. It was not until a couple of weeks before coming that I learned I would be at the afterschool program. I was upset because I had wanted to be at an orphanage, and I was told I would be. Ultimately I would not change a thing and I loved my time at the afterschool program. 

Pictures of our Programs

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 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 Peru

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

I would wake up at around 7:30 am, have breakfast with Marie Elena.  I would volunteered from 8:30am until 12:30 pm, come home and have lunch with family.  Some afternoons were spent volunteering, and some afternoons were spent sightseeing.

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

Host Family:  Marie Elena is very kind, and supportive.  She made us feel right at home, always had fresh warm, and delicious food ready for us.
Program:  I worked in dental clinics, and noticed that there is lack of dental restorative materials.  The dentists and dental students have very good skills, but lack equipment and supplies, bring donations.
Country:  I was surprised how cold Cusco was, especially at night.  Also, I was surprised at the skill level of the dentists at the hospital.  They are quite capable, but lack instruments and equipment.

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

Host Family: Marie Elena was very nice, and made sure I had a good experience here.  There were no challenges for our family with regards to the accommodation.
Program:  There was a strike at Cusco when we were here, and therefore not too many patients at the hospital.  But I still was able to see a fair amount of patients at the hospital.  The challenge at the hospital is the lack of supplies and equipment.
Country:  I did not expect the high altitude to bother me as much as it did.  I had a hard time breathing for the first couple of days.  It did get better as time went by, but I find I get tired very quickly, and I think it has to do with the high altitude.

4.- Any tips for future volunteers…

Make sure you bring warm clothing, it gets really cold at night.  Take it easy for the first couple of days until your body adjusts to the high altitude if you are over 50.  To dental students and dentist volunteers, bring dental supplies if you can, they can really use it and will appreciate it.

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

Host Family:  We stayed with Marie Elena, and she took real good care of our family.  She made sure we were comfortable, and well taken care of.  She also gave us very good tips about Cusco, and outings.
Program: Come with an open mind, things may not always go as smoothly as you expect.  You may experience a different way of doing things at volunteer location, but will have the opportunity to learn a lot.
Country:  Cusco is a big city, and is quite safe.  Sometimes things get done at a slower pace that you are used to.  People are very nice and always ready to help you.

Volunteering in Peru

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

It has been an interesting experience volunteering in Cusco.  It changed my perspective as to how things are done in another country.  I found the dentists at the hospital to be quite skillful with the limited resources. Cusco is very safe, and people are really nice here.  Marie Elena was really helpful during our stay here.

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

Meals:  The food was always prepared fresh daily, and was always delicious.
Security:  I felt very safe in the house that I lived in.  It was in a nice neighborhood
friendliness:  Marie Elena is the best.  Very friendly and welcoming

Volunteering in Peru

7.1.- Score the following from 1 to 10:

• Quality of meals: 10
• Quantity of each meal:  10
• How clean was the house:  10
• How safe was the house:  10

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?

Marie Elena met us at the airport when we arrived. She is very friendly, kind and supportive.  She gave us tips how to navigate the city.  She also took time and effort to make sure that  we are happy at the volunteer location.

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

Usually volunteered from 8:30 to 12:30 pm.  Sometimes volunteered in the afternoon also.  The first week, I worked at the hospital.  The second week I was working in the orphanage.

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

Accommodation:  We had a surprise good bye lunch.  Marie Elena make delicious food, and desert from scratch, with fresh flowers on the table.  We felt very special.  We will miss her.
Program:  My favorite memory is of people I met at the hospital and orphanage.  I was surprised how resourceful the doctors were, and how patient the patients were.  Everyone is very polite and respectful.
Country:  I enjoyed the beautiful mountains, and scenery.  We travelled to Machu Picchu and although it was a challenge, it was worth it.  The people have a simple life and I learned a lot.

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

Support was very good online.  Emails were answered promptly.

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

Online support was very good.  Answered all my questions