Volunteer Peru

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

My experience was a bit unique in that I was able to have two very different volunteer opportunities. In the mornings, I worked at the hospital dental clinic from 8:30-12:30. Here we did a lot of basic treatments and emergency treatments for lower income citizens of Peru (including extractions, restorations, and exams.) In the afternoons, from 3:00-6:00, I volunteered with a local dentist at his private office. Here I saw a large range of patients, from lower to middle class. This office was fully equipped and I saw a lot of endodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, and preventative care.

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

Host Family: Maria Elena was incredibly welcoming and accommodating from the moment she picked me up. So much that she told me every single day she was happy because I was happy.

Program: There are so many volunteers! In the short time that I’ve been here, one volunteer returned home, and 5 more arrived. I have loved getting to know the other volunteers, it’s such a joy to share stories.

Country: I was honestly surprised at how things are similar to the USA. I think I expected things to be more different. I also have been pleasantly surprised at how incredible the people are. I have felt more welcome here than in many US cities.

As far as the dentistry, I was incredibly surprised at how popular it is. There are dentists everywhere!

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

Host Family: Nothing. The food was amazing, shower was warm, and felt like I really did have family here.

Volunteer Program: There was a strike going on during my time in Cusco, meaning some of the volunteer locations did not have much work. I was grateful to get permission to work in the clinic even though many of the medical doctors were on strike. Some days were slow at the clinic, so I wasn’t always sure I was needed in the clinic.

Country: Language. Many people do not speak English. Both work settings were 100% Spanish. I came seeking out an immersion-type environment. Nonetheless, it was challenging and quite exhausting some days.

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

Practice your Spanish, a lot. Volunteering in a place like Cusco is not about getting volunteer hours in or making ourselves feel good. It’s about helping those that need help the most. For those volunteering in healthcare, you need to be able to understand their pains, concerns, and questions.

The hospital is also in great need of equipment. Gloves, masks, sterilization bags, hand sanitizer, disinfection systems, etc. Make sure to bring your own scrubs, clinic jacket, and safety glasses.

If you are coming during July-September, it’s winter! Nights and mornings are quite chilly, but the sun is very warm during the day, so be sure to bring layers.

Volunteer Dental

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

Host Family: Don’t be worried. Maria Elena is amazing if you get the pleasure of staying with her. She is 1 of 2 local ABV coordinators. However, I had the opportunity to meet another host family and they were equally as amazing. No matter who you are with, you will leave with a second family.

Volunteer Program: Keep an open mind. Realize you may not make any tangible changes. It is much more likely that the experience will change you.

Country: Do a bit of research. Know what kind of a country you’re coming to. I expected things in Peru to be much less developed, and I was quite surprised. Things are definitely different. But to me, the simplicity of Peru is quite beautiful.

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

I came to Peru not having many expectations other than to put myself in a new situation, explore a new part of the world, and improve my Spanish. Although I didn’t think I came with many expectations, ABV somehow managed to exceed them all. I was unsure of my opinions towards international volunteering, but I wanted a firsthand experience to regally be able to take a stance. All in all, volunteering is a good thing. In some cases, yes, people need supplies or equipment more than helping hands.

But A Broader View does a good job of reassuring volunteers that they are unlikely to make any tangible changes. It encourages us volunteers to keep an open mind, and to let the experience change us, rather than expect ourselves to change the world. I think this is important. I feel like I truly am leaving this experience with a broader view of the world. And I plan to embrace this change and use it to influence my future career in dentistry in the best ways possible.

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

Meals: So good. Lots of soup. Great home-cooked food.

Security: City is quite safe. Always lots of people around. I was giving keys to the house, and a separate key for my room.

friendliness: everyone here is incredibly friendly.

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

7:30 Breakfast

8:15 Walk to work

8:30-12:30 Work in hospital dental clinic

12:30 Walk home

12:45-2:45 Lunch, siesta

2:45 Walk to work

3:00-6:00 Work at dental office

6:00 Walk home

6:30-7:30 Dinner

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

Accommodation: My surprise goodbye lunch, complete with fancy plates, a flower, special drinks, authentic Peruvian cuisine, and dessert.

Volunteer Program: Getting to experience so much dentistry and getting to meet and talk with the other volunteers.

Country: I came a week early to do The Quarry Trek. It was such an incredible experience to be up in the mountains and villages, and to learn so much of the history of this region.

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

Very quick to respond to all of my emails. I had many questions, trip modifications, insurance changes, etc, and they handled it all very quickly and professionally.

11.- What do you think about the reservation system online?
Very well organized. I appreciated all of the reminders.

12.- Who did you find Abroaderview website?

American Dental Association International Volunteering web page

13.- Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Yes

Volunteer Chile

I’m  a rising senior in high school while also working a part time job in a restaurant.
I’m from Cary, North Carolina of the United States.

1.- Why did you choose to volunteer in Chile La Serena, what program(s) are you doing and why? 
Why Chile: I chose Chile because I’ve taken years of Spanish classes, therefore I wanted to go to a place where I could practice it. Chile is also known for beautiful people, scenery, and a liveliness I wanted to experience for myself.
What program: Teaching and education.
Why this program: When I go to college, my goal is double-major in education and Spanish. Working in a school would help further expose me to what teaching is like as well as immersing me in the language.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced while in the program? 
Program: The program description online was a lot different than what we actually did in the school. We mostly worked in math classes, solely helping students with independent work after a lesson was taught. I felt the description online before I came painted a much different picture of what we would be doing in the school.
Host Family: I came planning to help with household work and chores, etc. We offered often to help, but the host mom did all of that for the whole family.
Country: The country is very developed compared to images fed to Americans of South America. Of course La Serena wasn’t as developed as my hometown, but it surely came close.

Volunteer ABV: Program:each experience is different, the teachers may change what they need form the volunteers, if you are set in one type of lessons informed the teachers and local coordinator so this can be resolved the first week. Also email ABV US for any assistance, we didn’t get any email from you regarding this subject. Host Family: some host moms in Chile like to spoil the volunteers, don’t let them.

3. What was the most difficult thing you experienced while in the program? 
Volunteer Program: Sometimes I felt I wasn’t making a big difference as I could have, or that the school wasn’t really using me well. The other volunteer and I worked in the same classrooms all day with only one teacher. I thought she had almost too much assistance, thus I couldn’t make that big of a difference. Also, at the school we didn’t get invited to eat lunch or play with the kids during recess. I think that’s crucial to developing relationships with them, therefore it was a little difficult getting to know them. Also, the system of using a colectivo to get to the school in the morning DOES NOT work at all. The colectivos are always full in the morning and we would wait for upwards of an hour just to find one.
Host Family: They were incredibly nice people with a welcoming family.
Country: The colectivo system! Milton and I would wait hours in the morning trying to find a colectivo that wasn’t full, often making us incredibly late to school and frustrating me.
ABV: Program: Volunteers need to jump in, ask to do more or change subjects, talk to your main teacher, to the local coordinator and to the ABV US office if you don’t talk to us how can we help you. As a country in development the transportation can be an issue, but most volunteers walk to the school early in the morning as its 20-30min away, again talk to the local coordinator on how to deal with the transportation problem. Don’t travel at the peak hours.

4. Any tips for future volunteers….
   Clothing: Bring a variety of clothing. I was there for two weeks and brought enough clothing for a full week of winter weather and a full week of summer weather. This was perfect because I always prepared for everything and only had to do laundry once a week.
   Sightseeing: Travel on your weekends!! Both weekends the other volunteers and I stayed in hostels and explored neighboring towns like Pisco de Elqui and Vicuña. I made some of the best memories doing this and highly recommend it to the other volunteers. The host families are really understanding of you going away on the weekends.
   Laundry/internet: Make sure to pay your host family for laundry and internet even if they don’t ask. They are doing a really nice service to us and we took up a lot of the network, so just insist on paying.

ABV: as stated in all our paperwork neither laundry or internet is included, pay in advance for this service to the host family.

5. Other things volunteers should know about: 
a.- City/town: Everywhere we went to eat, asking for separate checks was really difficult. When going out with other volunteers, try really hard with the waiter before the meal that you guys want to pay on completely separate checks.
b.- Weather: The winter in La Serena is quite cold. It says online 55 degrees F-60 degrees, but pack clothes for 30 and 40 degree weather as well. NO WHERE has heat which we don’t realize how much we use it until you get here and are cold all the time. Also bring warm clothes though because on the weekend, if you go to Elqui Valley it’s quite hot.
c.- Local People: The local people are great. Never be afraid to ask for directions or help. I never got turned down.
d.- Tours: We rode horses in Pisco de Elqui, I highly recommend doing that. We also went to the reservation and Isla Damas through Ecotourism. Both were great experiences, I highly recommend fitting in both while you’re here.

Volunteer Teaching

6. Personal paragraph (volunteer program testimonial), detail as possible:

The 3 weeks were mixed with challenges, success, fun, and insightful experiences. The students loved us and we loved them. We would wake up every morning and go from 8am – 5pm, which was quite tiring. I really underestimated how much work volunteering in a school would be, however it payed off. Every weekend here, we traveled with the other ABV volunteers to places ~2 hours away from La Serena. This was always an amazing time. I’ve made some great friendships in getting to know the other volunteers. Overall the trip was amazing and it gave me a great chance to volunteer, practice Spanish, and get to know Chile.

ABV: We tell volunteers to come with no expectations, go with the flow and talk to our staff if you need help.

7. How would you describe your: 
Accommodation: Great accommodations. The wifi, laundry, bedroom, and bathroom were all functioning great.
Meals (favorite): I loved the Chilean Rice. Also, I really enjoyed the fajitas.
Security: I never felt unsafe in Chile. As long as you are smart, you will be 100% safe.
Host family: The Rivera family was amazing. I am going to miss them so much when I’m gone. They represented Chilean Hospitality in the best light possible.

8. What was your memory of this trip? 
Program: Getting to know the students and other ABV volunteers. They were all amazing and I have great anecdotes of good times with them.
Host Family: Family meals were always really memorable. I was able to practice my Spanish while learning more about there perspective on things like Chilean culture, politics, and social issues. I also just got to know them better as people as well.
Country: The country itself has the most beautiful scenery one could ask for. I plan on returning one day because some of my favorite memories here are viewing the beauty Chile has to offer with the sea and mountains so close.

9. How was the local ABV Coordinator, the staff and the support provided in-country? Be as detailed as possible.
Vilma was very sweet and accommodating. She checked in often and explained things well. She also helped plan our weekend trips and things to do while we were here which we wouldn’t be able to have done without her guidance. She’s great because she’s quite hands off until you really need her. It gave me a chance to grow independently but also ask for help when I needed it. She was a great project coordinator.

Volunteer Honduras:

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

The coordinator was great and made it easy to adapt to the daily lifestyle of the country. If I didn’t have Refael helping me things would’ve been much more difficult to figure out and I would have most likely been lost when trying to adapt to the conditions of the country. However with his help he made this very easy.  

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

At the volunteer program: I was surprised that the doctors actually allowed me to assist in procedures and even administer local anesthesia and extract teeth while under very close supervision. I thought I would only be cleaning tools and helping with patients. 

 At the accommodation: I was surprised that the house had fast wifi and internet because in the orientation guide I received, it informed me not to expect this.

 About the country. I was surprised at how beautiful the country was. I had seen pictures of La Ceiba beforehand and it looked like a very urban environment although it was very beautiful and green as well. 

ABV: we tell volunteer to come with not expectations, this makes it easier to adapt, many host families dont have wifi or internet, but every city where we have programs have cybercafe at the malls, or downtown. So if you get wifi or internet at the host family thats an extra bonus and you can pay to the host family for internet +- US$15 a week.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

At the volunteer program: The most difficult experience at the program was translating the medical terminology used in the US to Spanish. This wasn’t too complicated although I didn’t know any of the names of the dental tools in Spanish so when a doctor asked for them I was lost in the beginning. Before volunteering download a cheatsheet with all the tools you will use in country in Spanish.

At the accommodation: the most difficult thing at the house I stayed in was that there was no AC in my room. As a result it was very hot at night which made it difficult to sleep at times. 

 The country: in general the language was most difficult about the country. I know a lot of Spanish words although I’m not fluent so sometimes people would approach me saying things I didn’t understand. I had a translator most of the time so it wasn’t that difficult although things would’ve been easier if I was fluent in Spanish.

4- Any tips for future volunteers…

Clothing: bring light clothing that you would wear in hot weather. It is very hot and humid.

Donations: bring dental or medical supplies if you have them. The local hospital I did my project at here had little equipment so if you have some to donate it would help out a lot. 

Weather: pack lightweight clothes that you would wear in hot weather.   

4.1- Other things volunteers should know:

a.- It is extremely hot and humid down here and it is likely that the house you stay in won’t have AC and only a small fan.

b.- the local public clinic that has primitive supplies and resources. If you have any to donate bring them because it would go a long way

c.- The city is not dangerous as long as you avoid the bad parts of town which the coordinator will tell you about. Honduras gets a bad rap on the internet because people say it’s dangerous but if you have common sense and stay in line nothing bad will happen and you shouldn’t let fear stop you from coming.

d.- When you get Honduras currency, try to get small bills like 20s, 50s, and 100s. All taxis are 25 lampiras which is about 1.2 dollars but they won’t accept big bills so try to carry around only smaller ones.

Volunteer Pre Dental

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

The program was truly amazing and much better than I expected. Every aspect of it from the accommodation, food, country, and the project itself were excellent. I leaned a lot about dentistry especially tooth extractions during the project. I even got to have first person experiences assisting the doctors. This is great practice for me as I want to study dentistry in the future. Back in the states, I couldn’t receive the same practice and assistance that this program had to offer. 

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

The accommodation was great. It wasn’t fancy or anything but it was a nice comfortable middle class home.  It also had fast internet which was very important because it allowed me to contact my family every night back in the states. The meals were also very good. A different Honduran dish was served everyday and I got plenty to eat. The security was also top notch. There was a gate in front of the house which made us feel very safe. Also, the neighborhood was locked up during the night which also added to the security as well. I never felt afraid or threatened here. 

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: my favorite memory was pulling my first tooth. Obviously the doctors assisted me a lot although with their help I was able to learn a lot about procedures and how to do them.

Country: my favorite memory of the country was visiting a place 20 minutes outside of the city called Pico Bonito. It was incredibly beautiful and in the middle of the rainforest. It was also on the river and very secluded. I have never been to a place like that before and I would recommend it to future volunteers if they have downtime.

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

Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat): I was able to easily communicate with ABV US and ABV Honduras by chat online and WhatsApp before the trip which put my dad and I at ease as we were able to ask questions before coming to the country. 

Website Information: The website information was very good because it made it very easy to register and afterwards told me exactly what to expect before arriving. 

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

Yes if they have questions I’d be happy to answer them.

10 – Can you tell us how did you find or know about A Broader View? 

I found out through a friend named Gianncarlo. I really wanted to do a dentistry project because that is what I want to study and he told me about how he has done various projects with ABV in different countries they offer and ultimately recommended it to me. 

Volunteer Abroad

How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country (airport, orientation day, follow up, communication, emergencies)?

The local staff and support in country was great. After making my way through immigration, grabbing my bags, and making my way through customs, it was a little daunting trying to find my way, but the local staff was easy to locate and they got me to where I was supposed to go. The orientation by the coordinator was also great. It definitely prepared me for the project and gave me a better idea of my duties. Overall, it has been a great experience.

What was the most positive surprising thing you experienced?

a.- Volunteer Program: was most likely just how happy many of the children are. They are in a hospital, and yet most of them are able to offer up a smile. They are happy to have someone with them, and the look on their faces when their parents arrive is just awesome. Many of the kids manage to stay positive and happy which is just awesome to see.

b.- Host Family: was probably how welcoming and friendly they are. They were so kind to me and showed me around their neighborhood the first day I was there. They definitely made me feel right at home, and it definitely does not hurt that my host mom is a fantastic cook.

c.- Country: The most positive surprising thing that I experienced in Costa Rica is definitely how friendly most of the people are. My Spanish is mediocre, and yet most people are so patient and try to help figure things out. They don’t get super frustrated and try to work with me, which is definitely a great thing.

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

a.- Volunteer Program: The most challenging thing I experienced in regards to my work at the hospital is most likely realizing that sometimes you can’t fix all the kid’s problems. Sometimes the kids would be upset and nothing you could do would make them feel better. Some would only be okay when their parents were with them. I just had to realize that even though they were upset and would not stop crying, at least they knew that they were not alone and that someone would stay with them until their parents arrived.

b.- Host Family: The most challenging thing I experienced with the host family is probably communication. My Spanish is so-so, and while I can understand a little more than I can speak, it was still tough at first. The pace that people speak at here is so fast, and it took some getting used to, but with time and practice I have gotten much better.

c.- Country: The most challenging thing in Costa Rica for me is navigating. I am used to places having numbers in their addresses, however that is not the case here. It definitely made navigating hard for me because the addresses of places I was going were sometimes hard to interpret, but you get used to it.

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

1. If you are traveling during the rainy season, a rain jacket or an umbrella is a must. It often rains in the afternoons when I finish at the hospital and if I did not have an umbrella, I would be drenched by the time I reached home.

2. Be ready to use public transportation. Buses are a great way to get around here, and they run from all over the city. They can also be used to travel to other cities.

3. Try to make friends to travel with. It is much easier to sightsee on the weekends if you have a friend, so don’t be afraid to approach someone at your program to see what they are doing. Certain tours have a minimum of two people and you don’t want to miss out on certain things.

4. Definitely sightsee if you have the time. There are so many cool things to explore so you should definitely take the opportunity to do so. It doesn’t have to be anything big, but try new things.

Volunteer Costa Rica

5- Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

a. You may have to use public transportation to get places, which is a lot cheaper than getting a taxi.

b. Uber is definitely an option to get places.

c. The trip to and from the hospital takes about 45 minutes, but it is pretty easy and painless.

d. Don’t be discouraged if it’s not what you expect, merely take the experience for what it is and you will get enjoyment from that.

6- Personal Paragraph about the entire experience (ABV Program Testimonial) give as much detail as you can:

The ABV program that I have been a part of here in Costa Rica has been an awesome experience. I was lucky enough to volunteer at a hospital where I would help care for the babies or kids whose parents could not always be with them.

There are not enough nurses to care for all of the kids and the parents need to eat or sleep at some point and that is where the rest of the volunteers and I come in. We would help take care of the children. This could be as simple as sitting there and letting them play, or helping feed them. What has been amazing to see is how happy many of the kids are even though they are in the hospital. Just playing with them for a few minutes is enough to see a big smile, which has been great. It has been so rewarding. Also, the family I have been staying with has been amazing.

Alice is the greatest cook, and she has been so welcoming. She helped to show me around my first day in the country and has been such a great help since then. The weekends are also a great time to explore the country of Costa Rica. I was lucky enough to explore the Arenal area through zip lining and a trip to the hot springs. It is definitely something that everyone should do. Honestly, this program has been a blast and great in every area.

7- How would you describe: your accommodation, what meal did you enjoy the most, security in the house/neighborhood, friendliness, quality others:

My accommodation was great, Alice and her family are the best. When I first got there, another volunteer working at the same hospital was also staying there which was nice. She and Alice and her family were so welcoming and glad to have me there.

Alice is also a fantastic cook and so every meal has been an enjoyable experience. However my favorite meal that she has made would have to be either empanada or the tamale that she made. Alice has been so friendly and welcoming, and her house is very nice as well.

It is in a nice neighborhood and the bus stop to the hospital is no more than a three minute walk away which is super convenient. Ultimately, staying with Alice and her family has been a great experience.

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

a.- Volunteer Program: My favorite memory of the program is not really one particular moment or memory. Rather it is different moments of the same thing. What I really enjoyed is when I would come in, and a kid would no longer be there because they got to go home. I was sad that I would not get to play with them anymore, but also I was so happy that they were healthy enough to go home.

b.- Host Family: My favorite memory of the host family would definitely have to be watching soccer games with them. They are being Real Madrid fans so they would make sure to watch all of their games. I was told that Real Madrid is the best team in the world, and I could tell they were really big fans, which was nice to see.

c.- Country: My favorite memory of the trip was definitely when I went zip lining and visited the hot springs with another volunteer. We were able to be picked up at a nearby hotel and were taken to the Arenal volcano area. There we were able to go zip lining and even go on a Tarzan swing which was so much fun.

Then we were taken to a nearby hot springs that was just amazing. I definitely would recommend it to someone if they were looking for something to do.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

The ABV USA support prior to traveling was good. The emails were very helpful and keep me up to date on what I needed to do. I did not really have very many questions, so I never needed to chat online or make any phone calls.

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

I thought the online reservation system was really good. The online system clearly had the steps that I needed to follow listed out, and it was easy to keep track of what I was supposed to be doing or needed. The different tabs kept the system really organized which was a lot better than looking at one massive page with everything on it.

9.2- Who did you find Abroaderview website

I found Abroaderview first by looking at a site that listed reviews for different volunteer abroad services. There were several different services that had reviews, and I really liked what people had to say about ABV. That is how I ended up finding the site.

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

Yes, I would be willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers.

Costa Rica Reviews

Volunteer Abroad Peru

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

Maria Elena was both my coordinator and host mom for my time here. There were 5 other ABV volunteers living with us and she was very familiar with everyone’s placement and frequently checked in with us at the end of the day to see how work was. Maria Elena showed us around town, accompanied us to our project on the first day, and helped us get settled in well.

My program was intended to be pre-medical work in a clinic or hospital, and I only got to work there for my last weeks in Cusco (there was a strike in the city at most hospitals). The other time I spent in a nursing home. 

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Volunteer opportunity: I was surprised to see how local strikes affected our projects. It’s not common but it happens in Latin American countries.

Host Family: I was surprised that other ABV volunteers were living with me at Maria Elena’s. It was great, all of us became really close and always had a travel buddy / someone to explore Cusco with.

Country: I absolutely fell in love with Peru and Cusco. I feel as though I really took advantage of my month in Cusco to explore the city and get integrated, and yet I still feel like I there was so much more I didn’t see. Cusco is incredibly beautiful and cultured with many quaint side streets, historical sights, and activities. You won’t be bored!

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Volunteer Program: Because I wasn’t in my intended program, it was a bit disappointed to be working in a nursing home since they didn’t need much help to begin with and it wasn’t a program is furthering for my career. Nevertheless, it was good experience in a different field.

The most challenging thing in the nursing home was the language barrier since my Spanish wasn’t quite great yet, and some of the ladies only spoke Quechua, a local dialect. In the clinic, the most challenging part was vocabulary, since medical terminology is different in Spanish and English.

Host Family: Living in the house with the other ABV volunteers was great. Lunches were always filling and delicious. Maria Elena has an assistant, Alejandra, who is a wonderful cook and always made good food.

Country: Just like any foreign country, language, transportation, orientation is all challenging, but definitely a good challenge to have.

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

1. Bring extra cash for exploring, food/snacks, and souvenirs.
2. Take the Spanish classes! They are super helpful with getting comfortable with the city, language, and your program.

3. Bring anything you might need to travel on weekends (i.e. flashlight, hiking boots, bigger backpack, CAMERA)

4. Try things that might be weird to you, like cuy and ceviche because you might not get the chance to ever again :)

5.1- Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

I think the orientation guide covers a lot! Nothing I can think of off the top of my head other than coming here with an open mind.

Volunteer Reviews

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

I really really loved my time in Cusco. The people I met through traveling, and other volunteers were absolutely amazing. I always had something to do in town and the time flew by. Volunteering in Peru has taught me so much about different cultures, mentality, values, and way of life.

My program in the clinic was exactly what I wanted to do. The nurses I worked with were so kind and encouraging of me, which really motivated me to go work there everyday. The only thing I would change, is that I wish I could have spent the majority of my time in the clinic rather than the nursing home.

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

Accomodations were great, I shared a room with another volunteer which was very fun. Maria Elena’s house has a hot shower, TV/netflix, and is located in a very cool part of town with a grocery store, laundromat, gym, restaurant near by. Breakfast and dinner (tea time) consisted of bread which I am not used to eating so often. As I mentioned above though, Lunches were always delicious home-cooked meals which was a great way to discover traditional Peruvian food.

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

Program: One day in the nursing home, me and another volunteer were helping in the kitchen. We spent several hours peeling potatoes with the ladies living in the home. Not only did I love the fact that they wanted to help cook and stay active, but they were so funny to talk to and just had such a great character that really struck me. Everyone in the home called us “mama” or “mami” which is just an endearing way to speak to us. They were such sweet ladies.

Host Family: I absolutely loved just coming home and having 5 other girls at home who I could put my PJs on and watch Netflix with. Specifically though, I had so much fun when one night we all decided to go karaoke singing.

Country: Me and two other volunteers went on a weekend trip to Machu Picchu. We wanted to go the “cheaper way” so we spent the whole weekend taking buses, taxis, and walking 27km to get to there. In the end we were completely exhausted but it was incredibly beautiful and rewarding.

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)

Sara was great at communicating with both me and my mom.

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

Yes