Volunteer 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 affects 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.

Volunteering in Guatemala

5. Other things volunteers should know?
a. Y´all want to know as much Spanish as possible before you arrive.
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.

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 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.

I explored other places and hiked a lot of the weekends, and always looked forward to class Monday morning, followed by the after school program, which was my highlight of every day. Xela has a unique way of finding its way into everyone’s heart.

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. The volunteer orientation packet I received has many references to Ecuador and Peru, despite being titled: Guatemala.

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 after school 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 after school program. My expectations could have been better managed.

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

Volunteer Abroad

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

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.

2.     What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

I think some of the things that surprised me included the people of Guatemala. Jaime and I left the café every day without paying because they simply trusted that we´d be right back.

3.     What was most difficult to experience?

My lack of Spanish! The greatest challenge I faced was definitely the language barrier. However, it was easier with each passing day!

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

My greatest tips is to listen to the advice about warm clothing, and bring a hat! The sun is very bright here.

5.     Other things volunteers should know?

• Bring sunscreen!
• Stay longer than one week!
• Spend as much time with your host family as possible!

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

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.

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

I cannot sing the praises of Veronica and her family loudly enough. Any volunteer will be very lucky to stay with her.

8.     What was your favorite memory of this trip?

It´s hard to say… Exploring the city, learning the language and developing a family here.

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

Wonderful. The online guide is great, and it allows you to keep track of each step separately. It was very organized and helpful.

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

Absolutely! Send them my way!

Volunteer Review Guatemala

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

She helped coordinate travel and weekend trips. She was great.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

The level of security in every part of Guatemala that I visited. It is like a fortified ramp, with high walls, barbed wire, bars on all the windows and huge locks on all the doors!

3. What was most difficult to experience?

The level of poverty and the relatively low standard of living, even in more middle class areas.

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

None – ABV provides good tips and packing lists.

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

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.

Volunteer Guatemala

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

The host family was great. And the food was abundant and good. My room and bathroom, though not great by American standards, were fine. They were clean and the shower had hot water!

7. What was your favorite memory of this trip?

I´ll always remember the kids of the program. For the most part they were always smiling and having fun playing together. And many of them, especially the youngest ones, craved attention.

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

Good. They set up a program for me and ensured that I had a POC in country.

9. Are you willing to speak to potential ABV volunteers?

Yes

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.

Shelter program

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.