Volunteer in Peru, This volunteer position opened my eyes and gave me a greater perspective on the world and dentistry. I had the opportunity to experience different standards, cultures, and places. I would definitely recommend this program for anyone who wants to help people, gain experience or even travel.
Volunteer in Peru
1.- Whats was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered?
During week days, I would wake up at 7:30 in the morning, have breakfast and volunteer from 8.30 am until 12:30 pm. Then, I would come home for lunch. Some afternoons, I would volunteer and some afternoons I would go sight-seeing. At the end of a long day, I would come back to our host family´s house. I would eat a freshly prepared dinner, and go to sleep. I spent the weekends exploring Cusco.
2.- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
Host Family: Our host family, Marie Elena was very kind and was willing to compromise her schedule and cater our needs.
Program: The patients at hospital and orphanage were very patient, and hardly complained about pain.
Country: It is a beautiful city, but was somewhat cold. Weather changes very quickly, and I would suggest bringing layers of clothing. I didn’t experience any safety problems and the people of Peru were very kind.
3.- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?
Host Family: No challenges with host family
Program: No challenges
Country: It was cold at times, especially at night. I also had to adjust to lower oxygen levels due to the higher altitude of the city, Cusco.
4.- Any tips for future volunteers…
I would suggest packing layers of clothing for all future volunteers coming in August. For dental volunteers, I would suggest bringing extra materials.
5.- Other things volunteers should know before coming here:
Host Family: Future volunteers should know that the host family’s house is safe and the hosts are welcoming.
Program: Volunteers should work with an open-mind. Many things are done differently here than in North America or Europe.
Country: I would advise future volunteers to learn about the rich Peruvian culture while they are in Peru. There are also many herbs and tees that are used for different health reasons. I would advise future volunteers to try them.
6.- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):
This volunteer position opened my eyes and gave me a greater perspective on the world and dentistry. I had the opportunity to experience different standards, cultures, and places. I would definitely recommend this program for anyone who wants to help people, gain experience or even travel.
7.- How would you describe your accommodation: meals, security, friendliness, quality others:
Meals: The host family provided me with three fresh meals a day. She also showed us great restaurants.
Security: There were no security problems. I felt safe and my belongings were also safe.
Friendliness: My host family was welcoming and friendly. She made sure that there were no problems with our accommodation.
Quality: Everything was excellent quality.
7.1.- Score the following from 1 to 10:
- Quality of meals: 10
- Quantity of each meal: _10
- How clean was the house: 10
- How safe was the house: 10
8.- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country: Airport, orientation, introduction to the program, schedule of the program, friendliness, solving problems?
Our host family – Marie Elena picked us from airport, holding a sign. She was very friendly. She offered me four different volunteer opportunities . She ensured that I had a good balance of volunteering and exploring the city.
9.- Whats was a daily schedule at the program, hours volunteered, activities you did?
During week days, I would wake up at 7:30 in the morning, have breakfast and volunteer from 8.30 am until 12:30 pm. Then, I would come home for lunch. Some afternoons, I would volunteer and some afternoons I would go sight-seeing. At the end of a long day, I would come back to our host family´s house. I would eat a freshly prepared dinner, and go to sleep. I spent the weekends exploring Cusco.
10.- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:
Accommodation: During one of my last days of this trip, Mary-Elena prepared a beautiful and delicious dinner for us.
Program: I met a lot of kind people and gained a lot of experience.
Country: I took a beautiful refreshing two-day hike to Machu Picchu.
11.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling? Emails, chat online, calls, volunteer guide:
The staff and coordinators were quick and efficient to answer emails. This made it easier to make arrangements.
12.- What do you think about the reservation system online?
The coordinators responded quickly with detailed emails.