This has been a very eye opening experience for me. I have done so many things that some people could only dream of. I couldn’t have had a better experience traveling to a poverty stricken country.
1- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country?
The support was good and helped in a lot of ways.
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
Program: How curious all the kids were and how different the schools are here.
Host Family: How different we are as people.
Country: How different the cultures are in general.
3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?
Program: trying to think of things to draw that the kids could get a reference from.
Host Family: Having someone always trying to tell you what to do,
Country: There is a big language barrier. Learn some basic Hindu, take local lessons
4- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)
1. You want breathable material in India’s hot weather. You can buy local clothes
2. Bring your own soaps for showering.
5.- Other things volunteers should know before coming here:
(thats not in the orientation guide)
a. You will get mad at people very easily because you always feel like you’re being pressured everywhere you go for money.
b. You need to learn how to bargain if you are trying to buy anything in India.
6- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):
This has been a very eye opening experience for me. I have done so many things that some people could only dream of. I couldn’t have had a better experience traveling to a poverty stricken country.
7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security, friendliness, quality others:
The accommodations were good but the food could have been a little better. Having the same 4 or 5 choices for an entire month gets tiring. Everything else was very good. So try to eat out a couple of times a week if you want more variety.
8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:
Program: all the kids would swarm me and bombard me with questions about me or my country.
Host Family: The first day I arrived I was sitting at the airport in Jaipur looking like a lost puppy because I couldn’t find the ABV sign, its big, stay in the gate of arrival waiting for the coordinator and the ABV sign.
Country: How shop keepers and business owners always thought we were rich and always gave us an outrageous price for everything, they do this to any foreigner.
9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Anytime I called the program I always got a hold of someone and could explain my problems. I would always get emails regarding how everything was going and if I needed anything.
9.1- What do you think about the reservation system online?
It’s good and it got the job done.
9.2- Who did you find Abroaderview website
My grandparents found abroaderveiw and thought it would be good for me.
10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
I’m willing to talk to other volunteers to help them with their experience.
Link to the program:
Construction-Painting: Construction / Building
Teaching: Teaching English
