Volunteer Ecuador The trip was amazing! The volunteer experience was unlike anything I have ever experienced before. I am happy with the opportunity I was given to help the clinic. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Also, tourism in Quito and surrounding areas is great! Cotopaxi was amazing and I hope to return to Quito again one day.
Volunteer in Ecuador Quito
1- How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
The ABV coordinator and support provided was very helpful! The coordinator was welcoming and patient with any questions I had.
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
The most surprising thing I experienced was the weather. I knew that Quito was located at a high altitude in the mountains but I did not anticipate the cool weather; it caught me off guard (I am Floridian). Do your research prior traveling, not everything in the tropics or equator is hot or warm.
3- What was most difficult to experience?
The most difficult thing was definitely the language barrier. I took Spanish classes Monday-Friday, which helped a lot, and by the end of the trip, I knew enough Spanish to barely get by.
4- Any tips for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations)
At least for those traveling to Quito, pack warm! As I stated before, the weather was my biggest surprise- luckily, I had just come from Boston, so I already had some long sleeves. Had I not been in Boston prior to my trip, I surely would have froze. But you can buy cheap and warm sweaters at the local markets and read the Abv guide as it explains everything about clothes to bring.
5.1- Other things volunteers should know:
a. Try to know at least a little bit of the language, learn some basic before traveling.
b. Be open to the new culture and food you may experience
c. Do not expect anything in particular- the trip is likely different than you will imagine it to be in a good way
6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):
The trip was amazing! The volunteer experience was unlike anything I have ever experienced before. I am happy with the opportunity I was given to help the clinic. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Also, tourism in Quito and surrounding areas is great! Cotopaxi was amazing and I hope to return to Quito again one day.
7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e: host family, on-site, shared)
Amazing! I was served three meals each day, all of which I liked. If I wanted to eat out, I was asked to notify in advance. I shared a bedroom (with my father), and there was always warm water. The security was as good as it gets in Quito.
8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
I had weekends off. One weekend, I traveled and climbed the volcano cotopaxi. The view from the top point of the hike was amazing and the subsequent trip to the lagoon was also surreal.
9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
It was good. I got the information I needed prior to traveling and was aware that the ABV coordinator would be at the airport to pick me up. Everything was sufficient and I had no difficulties in my travels, they provided everything as promised.
10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes!