Volunteer Honduras: I really really enjoyed my ABV experience in La Ceiba. The clinics were well run and busy, the people were beyond helpful and friendly and the host family was perfect. We were always made to feel very welcome and safe and always made to feel as if we were helping while learning. I would recommend La Ceiba to everyone.
Volunteer Honduras
1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
The support was excellent and the Coordinator was perfect. We always felt safe and knew what we were doing
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
At the program: How well equipped they were and how eager they were to teach us and also let us do procedures ourselves
At the accommodation: It was very comfortable and spacious and clean, we were always made to feel at home
About the country: how safe I felt and the kindness and friendliness of the people
3- What was most difficult to experience?
At the program: The language barrier with patients but this was overcome with a translator
At the accommodation: the diet, which was mainly carbs and lacked vegetables – I told my coordinator this though and I was quickly provided with vegetables everyday!
The country: the poverty seen and the language barrier
4- Any tips for future volunteers…
Clothing Dress lightly!! No need for jumpers, only bring loose clothes and sandals and running shoes for the clinic.
Donations: Bring as many as you can, although they were well stocked in all the clinics
Weather: the heat is unbearable. Bring lots of sunscreen and deodorant
4.1-Other things volunteers should know:
a.- Honduras is a very safe and welcoming place. I was initially very scared to come to La Ceiba but if you are careful you will be fine.
b.- You will learn a lot from the dentists at the clinics- they move at a very fast pace but are always so helpful and will always help you if you get stuck. Infection prevention and contamination is not anywhere near as thorough as the West, you just have to get used to it!
c.- good wifi generally
d.- prepare for the heat and bring cash to exchange!
Volunteer Dental
5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), don’t leave blank:
I really really enjoyed my ABV experience in La Ceiba. The clinics were well run and busy, the people were beyond helpful and friendly and the host family was perfect. We were always made to feel very welcome and safe and always made to feel as if we were helping while learning. I would recommend La Ceiba to everyone.
6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security:
My accommodation was great and comfortable. I had my own room for the second week. The diet took some getting used to, definitely- it is not one rich in vegetables or nutrients but I expected that. Security was perfect, at the accommodation and at the clinic always.
7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Program: how busy we were and getting to know all the dentists and patients, who were so so nice and friendly and even bought us presents.
Country: the rich culture and the friendly people
8 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
9 – Can you tell us how did you find or know about A Broader View?
I researched similar programs online