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.

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

Raphael was absolutely excellent. He was extremely accommodating making sure we are well taken care of throughout the entire duration of our stay. He set us up with pre-medical and medical students as well as dentists in training who hung out with us most of the time and took us to Fantastic places off the beaten path that you would never see as an average tourist. They went with us to Fantastic restaurants and we ate some of the best local food to be found in La Ceiba… maybe even all of Honduras. He made sure we had all needed meals breakfast, lunches, & dinners made for us at his house and ready when needed. Sometimes when we went out we didn’t need to eat at home and he was very understanding about that. He escorted us to and from the facilities where we worked and made sure that we had everything we needed at all times.

He put us up in his house and took care of us like we were his own relatives.

I can’t say enough great things about Raphael.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

At the program: The complete and total lack of good modern, operating equipment.

At the accommodation: If you’re used to United States standards it’s a slight adjustment but nothing you cannot adjust to or live comfortably with once you get used to it.

About the country. Things seem to break down and fall apart everywhere  and it appears that there is not enough money to fix them.Virtually every road is in need of significant and major repair. Because of this every car breaks down due to the constant shaking and rattling through the potholes.

3- What was most difficult to experience?

At the program: Lack of up-to-date functional modern equipment which makes your job so much easier to do. Therefore without this equipment you have to get very creative to get the job and the task accomplished.

At the accommodation: There was no air conditioning and no working shower.

The country: The driving here is literally insane.If you Drive-In most countries like USA Canada, Mexico or Europe you will not readily understand the rules of driving down here which seem to be anything goes. I would not recommend renting a car and trying to drive. That would be insanity. Instead take taxis they are everywhere and easily available almost anytime.

4- Any tips for future volunteers…

Clothing: If you are a doctor and have your doctor’s coat, you need pants. It’s very hot and you think you might be able to wear shorts but as we all know you must wear pants to the hospitals as well as the dental clinics. If you don’t have pants you will need to buy some.

Donations: Bring as much medical supplies as you possibly can of almost any variety. Dentists should bring full armamentarium of dental extraction instrumentation.  They’re in dire need of an ultrasonic and Root Planer. Any old equipment that you’re no longer using bring it. They are in dire need of sterilizers old autoclaves that may still function that you don’t use anymore, etc.

Any used instruments or tools that you have that you can part with, bring them then donate them.

Weather: It is very hot because there’s no air conditioning. Don’t worry about that you will sleep comfortably with the fan they provide. We were worried about mosquitoes before we came but we haven’t seen a single mosquito while we’ve been here in La Ceiba.

4.1- Other things volunteers should know:

a.- Bring lempiras in small denominations – 100 lempiras or less. Most places do not have change for $500 lempira bills.

b.- You need to carry small bills for taxis and you need 25 lempiras for each person that rides. Whether it’s two blocks or three miles it’s the same Fair.

c.- since you are donating equipment and supplies, you will have room in your luggage for souvenirs. They have really cool souvenirs here. And that’s a good way to pump some money into the local economy.

d.- everyone involved in this program is extremely willing to help and they’re awesome.

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):

Volunteering to provide medical and dental care here in La Ceiba Honduras was one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my life. The people here really need the care and the equipment that we donated. It was also rewarding being able to perform and teach some extremely useful Oral & Maxillofacial surgical procedures on the patients and doctors working here  (respectively). Other than the initial snag upon our arrival here in La Ceiba everything else was fantastic. I would highly recommend doing this program here in La Ceiba Honduras to anyone.

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

In the United States we are used to a completely different way of living our day-to-day lives. Everything is in good repair, everything works well and everything is comfortable and easy. In most other parts of the world that is not always the case. That is true of Honduras. However, while accommodations may have been somewhat lacking to most people given the way they live in the US, once you get used to them everything is just fine.Not having a working shower is something you definitely have to, but do get used to. You simply use the bucket and dump water over your head, lather up and then dump water again to rinse it’s no big deal.

Meals were great – typical standard cultural Honduras cuisine. This is exactly what we wanted anyway I would not change a thing the meals were great. Security is excellent in fact probably the strong point of the accommodations here. There’s a locking gate out in front of the house which appears to be virtually impenetrable and that made us feel extremely safe.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: performing and teaching a little known surgical procedure for the temporomandibular joint on a patient who could not open his mouth without significant pain in his right jaw joint. I performed an arthrocentesis procedure and taught the dentist in the clinic how to do it for their patients in the future. The patient experienced immediate improvement and he was very appreciative.

Country: The beauty of the country as well as its people and their welcoming and accommodating spirit. They also are, without a doubt, very appreciative of the help we gave them the work we did and the equipment and supplies we donated.

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

Pretty good overall.  Good functional easy to navigate and had lots of good information.

9 – Can you tell us how did you find or know about A Broader View?  (You can also write on the back of the page…)

A friend of mine who is an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon  (such as myself) has a son who also wants to become an Oral & Maxillofacial surgeon. That requires volunteering at hospitals in the USA, doing community service, and joining programs like A Broader View. My son contacted his son, found out about the program and made the arrangements to do some volunteer work. Since he’s only 17 years old I took time out from my busy practice to come with him and assist the people in the community in La Ceiba Honduras.