Welcome from Colombia Cartagena Luis Coordinator for Abroaderview.org http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlVA_XiNKKE

Welcome from Colombia Cartagena Luis Coordinator for Abroaderview.org http://www.abroaderview.org/volunteers/colombia

Our programs in Colombia give you a unique opportunity to experience this tropical country with its fascinating culture, loaded history and coastal charm.

Today Colombia ia a multi-ethnic nation combining a history of Spanish colonialism, African slave, indeginious Indians and a deep seeded Caribbean culture. The complex mix is evident in the countrie’s diverse traditions, cuisine, handi-crafts, architecture as well as their arts. Known for their delicious coffee, beautiful beaches and enthusiastic fairs and festivals, visitng Colombia is a great chance to expand your view of the World.

Despite a continuously growing tourist econmy there is a high poverty level, and many children are left the victims. High numbers of children do not attend school, lack proper nutrition, and find themselves peddling goods on the streets to survive.

Volunteering in Colombia can help to makelife a little bit easier for the poor and disadvantaged children. As a volunteer you will immerse yourself in the vibrant Latin American culture, learn about political and economic issues, and last but not least learn or improve your Spanish http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlVA_XiNKKE

Matt Volunteer Abroad in Arusha, Tanzania | Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks

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How was work at the local hospital? What were you able to do as a medical volunteer?
Work at the hospital was enjoyable. We were able to watch all of the procedures and were able to assist with many of them. It was very nice to be able to rotate through many departments or to stay in one department and develop a working relationship with the doctors.

 

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Lindsay Volunteer Abroad in Arusha, Tanzania | Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks

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What was your favorite memory of this trip?
My favorite memory of this trip was interacting with the local people and knowing that they were thankful for all of the medical care that they received. It is not every day that you get to experience that kind of gratitude when working in the healthcare field!

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Laura Volunteer Abroad in Zambia, Africa | Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks

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Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial): I love Lusaka. The people there are friendly, and want to meet you. I think everyone should go. Not just because the people and children there need it, because you need it too. It will change your life.

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Heather Volunteer in Cusco, Peru Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org

My Favorite Memory:
Wow, there are so many to choose from! I have so many amazing memories here, but I think those most dear to my heart are the most simple: I took a ceramics class with the girls from the orphanage where I had the chance to learn about Peruvian culture from the class itself, but also to bond with the girls and Ceramics teacher. We talked about everything from love to politics and even Justin Beiber (apparently he really is universally popular among teenage girls). Also, my time with my host-family was so much more than I could have asked for. I will forever cherish the many conversations with my host-mom Maria Elena, as well as my afternoon strolls with my host-grandfather. I truly feel like I now have family in Peru.

I was surprised that….
I was able to use so many different skills that I never would have thought to use. For example, I was asked to teach art to fourth-graders at a little elementary school and, though I do not currently study art in any capacity, I was able to use my previous education and love for art in general to help these kids harness their creativity. I never expected to be an art teacher in Peru for my summer, but it was one of the greatest surprises of my trip.

The most difficult thing I experienced was….
Actually, for me I think the most difficult thing was having to say goodbye so frequently. I was in Cusco longer than each of the other volunteers who came and went, and while I loved meeting so many new people, I ended up having to say goodbye to lot of dear friends which became somewhat emotionally draining. Still, over all I am incredibly thankful for all my many new friends from all over the world.

My best received lesson… Always be mindful of others. It’s easy to feel uncomfortable when you embark on an adventure like this all on your own, but instead of allowing yourself to be inundated with your own struggles and negativity if you can manage to turn that inward focus outward, and even serve others in your weakest moments, there is so much relief and joy in bringing a little positivity into the lives of those around you. In practical terms it can be as simple as doing the dishes for everyone, or taking an elderly man for a walk. Personally,I have found that I end up benefiting more from others than I could possibly help them.

Tip for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
For one thing, they are not kidding about bringing layers. If you come to Cusco during their winter months there really is a huge range in temperature throughout the day (my wind-breaker-material over-coat was absolutely a life saver for both the chill and the rare but occasional rain). You do not need to stress too much about bringing every little thing, you can purchase pretty much anything you would need here and it is probably cheaper too. In addition to bringing casual, work-appropriate clothing, go ahead and pack a couple of nicer outfits for going out as well. You will definitely want to look nice on occasion for dinner etc. Finally: I would suggest doing a little research about what sights you want to see that can be achieved in a week-end trip. I wish I would have thought through opportunities for travel a little bit more, as amazing as Machu Picchu is- there is so much more to see as well!

Personal Paragraph (Testimonial):
I strongly believe that for those who have been given much, much is required. When I use the word “much” I am not simply referring to money- I have had the great fortune in my life of being healthy, well loved, and educated and out of gratitude for this abundance I am determined to pour out the same for those who have simply not been given the same opportunities. Coming to Cusco I have had the immense fortune of seeing just how great a fire a single spark of love can make. Cliche’s are easy, but it is difficult to describe just how truly meaningful this experience was in my life. I am incredibly grateful for A Broader View for making it so easy, affordable, and safe to spend my summer (or winter depending on how you look at it) in the beautiful city of Cusco. I have grown more here than in any other season of my life, and I keep telling everyone that my heart now lives in two places- at home in the States, and here in Peru.

How would you rate your experience working with the ABV staff, both in the USA, and in-country?
I truly have no complaints about the ABV staff. Whenever I had questions for the USA staff, they always answered my e-mails and/or calls quickly and with sufficient advice for my questions. As for the in-country staff, I cannot thank my program-coordinator (and host-mom) enough for all of her help and INCREDIBLE hard work. Maria Elena went above and beyond to help each of her volunteers feel at home, find a niche at work, and even plan weekend trips. No matter what was going on in her personal life, she was always there for her volunteers both professionally as a Coordinator and personally as a “Madre Gallina” (Mother Hen).

How would you describe your accommodation (ie: host family, on-site, shared housing etc)

I stayed with a host-family which turned out to be one of my absolute favorite aspects of my entire trip. I have grown so close with my entire household as well as each of the volunteers who passed through during my stay. The food was always fantastic (almost too fantastic- I ended up joining a gym with Maria Elena for my last few weeks), pretty much every volunteer I lived with maintained positive and flexible attitude, and each family member went out of their way to make me feel like I was part of the family.

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Absolutely! I’d love to answer any questions.

from Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org/2012/08/07/heather-volunteer-in-cusco-peru/

Heather Volunteer in Cusco, Peru | Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks

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I truly have no complaints about the ABV staff. Whenever I had questions for the USA staff, they always answered my e-mails and/or calls quickly and with sufficient advice for my questions. As for the in-country staff, I cannot thank my program-coordinator (and host-mom) enough for all of her help and INCREDIBLE hard work. Maria Elena went above and beyond to help each of her volunteers feel at home, find a niche at work, and even plan weekend trips. No matter what was going on in her personal life, she was always there for her volunteers both professionally as a Coordinator and personally as a “Madre Gallina” (Mother Hen).

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Laura Volunteer Abroad in Zambia, Africa Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org

How would you describe/rate your experience working with the ABV staff in the USA? I always had almost immediate responses to my questions and concerns. I never felt like a pest, even when I had send multiple emails in one day. I found the staff to be very helpful. Some information in the packet was a little off, like I did not have to take things in my left hand (nothing major).

How was the local orphanage staff and the support provided in-country? The first day was the hardest day. We came to the conclusion that the “Monday Blues” is universal. I wasn’t given directions on how to things, until I tried doing things and they were wrong. It was more trial and error. After one day, you start to understand the schedule. Everyday gets better, and you leave there with a ton of friends! As for Kafwa, everyone is extremely inviting. The directions given by staff are easy to follow, and they take great care of you. Great experience from the moment I walked in the door.

What was your favorite memory of this trip? I can’t chose one. My host Family were so much fun. Rachael and I would come home to hugs, and we were always so excited to be home to just hang out with everyone. We all shared so many laughs, and given so much information on politics and culture. Kafwa the kids were all so respectful and sweet. We played so many games, and tried to teach them Simon says. Auntie Rose is an amazing women. She’s stern, but loving. So welcoming and grateful. I went to the prison, and met with 16 mothers and their children (if a child is under the age of 4 the child goes to prison with the mother). These kids have nothing, one mother held up her son and said to me, “You can take him, I am useless.” It shattered my heart. I returned later that week with a care package for each child. It was a good feeling.

What was the most difficult thing you experienced? Getting around. The traveling from one spot to the next was hard. The bus drivers would tell us that they were taking us to the stop we requested, and then would drop us off somewhere else. We would have to get on another bus, or call a Taxi. We were taken advantage of when it came to prices. Getting around was difficult, but it was a part of the experience.

What was the one thing you wished you were better prepared for? The weather. It was actually colder than I expected. I would have packed a lot more pants. Also, at the shopping centers people are dressed like in the US. I felt under dressed in jeans and plain t shirts.

Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc) We bought the most expensive bug spray at Walmart, and didn’t use a drop. If you like Walmart shop at “Game.” We brought a zillion wipes for ourselves, but ended up not using them and donating them. Be prepared to think outside of the box. Try and get activities for the kids, like a movie theater to donate movie tickets. You will want to just give and give, and it is the most rewarding feeling. Check your flight information, you may be able to bring two suite cases, and a carry on. We filled ours with supplies to give to everyone. Be honest to your host Family. They are there to help you, they want to help you. Just be yourself, but remain respectful.

Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial): I love Lusaka. The people there are friendly, and want to meet you. I think everyone should go. Not just because the people and children there need it, because you need it too. It will change your life.

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers? Absolutely.

from Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org/2012/08/07/laura-volunteer-abroad-in-zambia-africa/

Lindsay Volunteer Abroad in Arusha, Tanzania Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org

How would you describe/rate your experience working with the ABV staff in the USA?
Sarah Ehlers was wonderful and extremely helpful! She was always great about getting our questions answered quickly, and she had tons of information for us about the culture in Tanzania and what we should expect as volunteers.

How was work at the local hospital? What were you able to do as a medical volunteer?
Work at the local hospital was fun. It was really interesting to be able to experience a hospital in a different country and to see the similarities and differences from here in the United States. I was not able to do very much—it was mostly shadowing the doctors at the hospital.

What was your favorite memory of this trip?
My favorite memory of this trip was interacting with the local people and knowing that they were thankful for all of the medical care that they received. It is not every day that you get to experience that kind of gratitude when working in the healthcare field!

What was the most difficult thing you experienced?
The most difficult thing I experienced was just realizing how little supplies the hospital had to work with. It is really hard to watch people be sutured without pain medication and suffer infected wounds just because of the lack of resources available.

What was the one thing you wished you were better prepared for?
I felt very prepared. There was still some culture shock, but I don’t think that there is anything that can prepare a person for such a drastic change in lifestyle.

Any tips for future volunteers…(clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
Try to bring some supplies to donate to the hospital! I found that the supplies that were most needed were tape, gloves, gauze, and antiseptic wound care products. They will definitely be appreciated! If you have time, try to do a safari! We also climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, which was a fantastic experience!!

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes, I am.

Lindsay M. Cahill, OMS-II
President, SAACOFP
Vice President, Sigma Sigma Phi – Phi Chapter
Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

from Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org/2012/08/07/lindsay-volunteer-abroad-in-arusha-tanzania-2/

Matt Volunteer Abroad in Arusha, Tanzania Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org

How would you describe/rate your experience working with the ABV staff in the USA?
Sarah Ehlers was a fantastic contact and was always ready to answer our questions. She was a great help in the planning phase of our trip and was an invaluable resource.

How was work at the local hospital? What were you able to do as a medical volunteer?
Work at the hospital was enjoyable. We were able to watch all of the procedures and were able to assist with many of them. It was very nice to be able to rotate through many departments or to stay in one department and develop a working relationship with the doctors.

What was your favorite memory of this trip?
I stayed in one department for my entire time at the hospital. This allowed me to gain a real friendship with the doctor and nurse that I worked with on a daily basis. I have since been in contact with the doctor and we communicate regularly via Facebook. The personal relationship I gained is my favorite memory.

What was the most difficult thing you experienced?
Seeing a patient that was unable to afford their cast and had to be sent away with no treatment

What was the one thing you wished you were better prepared for?
Nothing, I felt that ABV did an excellent job preparing me

Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)

Bring tissues, there is a great deal of dust in Africa. Do a safari if you can, it was life changing. Simple supplies to donate are better, things like tape, gauze, and gloves go a really LONG way.

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes

from Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org/2012/08/07/matt-volunteer-abroad-in-arusha-tanzania/

Kelley Morsman Volunteer Peru Cusco Orphanage Program with Abroaderview.org

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https://www.abroaderview.org/volunteers/peru Kelley Morsman Volunteer Peru Cusco Orphanage Program….. The Inca Empire, with Lake Titiaca, Cuzco and Machu P…

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