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Gennie Volunteer Abroad in La Serena, Chile Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org



What was your favorite memory of this trip? Sitting at the dinner table with Vilma reflecting the days activities (every night) and in Spanish too!

What was the most surprising thing… I was able to customize my classes so I could get the most of them. Using Spanish outside the “classroom” with a mix of outside lessons.

What was the most difficult thing you experienced… Really all I can think of is how difficult it will be to say goodbye to the kids and my host mom, Vilma.

My best received lesson… While I may not be in control of those around me, I am in control of how I shape my own experiences.
Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
It will be incredibly cold in the winter, in the nights. Bring long johns for sleeping. Eco tourismo is a fantastic sightseeing option.

Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):
This trip was of a highly personal nature to me. The support, concern, and care given to me my by my host family will remain with me as long as I can imagine.
The hosts were unbelievably welcoming and supportive. Vilma’s suggestions and Juan Carlos handy fix-it presence and Romi’s compassionate conversations were priceless.
The home was filled with warmth despite the freezing weather!

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers? of course!

from Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org/2012/10/11/gennie-volunteer-abroad-in-la-serena-chile/

Regine Volunteer Abroad in Antigua/Alotenango, Guatemala Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org



How would you describe/rate your experience working with the ABV staff in the USA? Amazing. Very professional and quick to respond to any questions.

How was the local ABV Director and the support provided in-country? Everyone was quite welcoming once in Guatemala. Maria and Alavro were easy to contact via email or phone.

What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Immersing myself in the culture and helping in the clinic. I was the only volunteer there at the time and the staff were so appreciative. I learned so much in a short time, and nothing beats a valuable learning experience.

What was the most difficult thing you experienced? The variance in Spanish dialect. I have only been exposed to the Spanish dialect of Mexico, but everyone was helpful in teaching me new words. I felt extremely comfortable after a few days.

What was the one thing you wished you were better prepared for? The weather and cobblestone roads. It was cold at night and my shoes definitely took a beating.

Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc) Please learn local customs and signs of respect. Get to know your host family, they have great stories to tell. Semuc Champey is definitely worth the 9 hour car ride. Bring enough money. Donations for the clinical are greatly appreciated: sanitizer, band-aids, pens/pencils, cut gauze, etc.

Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial): This was an unbelievable experience! I was quite humbled and appreciated everything that I am offered in the US. Each day I woke up, I wanted to connect with more people and do as much as I could to help. The memory will forever be ingrained in my mind. I would definitely go again, because the people and culture there are priceless!

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

from Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org/2012/10/03/regine-volunteer-abroad-in-antiguaalotenango-guatemala/

Danielle Volunteer Abroad in Antigua, Guatemala Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org



How would you describe/rate your experience working with the ABV staff in the USA? 
My experience working with the ABV staff in the USA was incredibly positive. The staff was both prompt and helpful in answering any questions and in relaying necessary information.

How was the local ABV Director and the support provided in-country? 
The local ABV Director and support in-country were very kind and easy to interact with. The in-country staff and support were easy to get in contact with, and they were more than willing to assist in clarifying any concerns and clearing up any questions.

 What was your favorite memory of this trip?   I cannot pinpoint a favorite memory from this trip because I thoroughly enjoyed each and every day I spent in the clinic. The patients and staff were so incredibly generous, and they truly filled each and every day with new learning experiences and heartfelt conversations that I will always carry with me. Despite all of the challenges and obstacles the people of Guatemala face, they are the most loving and caring people I have ever had the privilege of knowing, and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to share in their lives.

What was the most difficult thing you experienced?   
The most difficult element of the trip was experiencing and learning of the hardships most Guatemalans struggle with on a daily basis. There is a great deal of frustration in confronting the inequalities that exist both within Guatemala and between Guatemala and the United States. It is very difficult to process the realities of poverty in Guatemala, and even more challenging to establish a solution to these unfortunate realities. Furthermore, we unfortunately live in a world that creates barriers amongst people from different ways of life, so one of my greatest struggles in Guatemala was figuring out ways to work around and overcome such barriers in order to establish meaningful relationships with the incredible people I was blessed to meet. Beyond any difficulties and challenges associated with my time in Guatemala, it was a truly remarkable and life-changing experience that I will forever hold dear to me.

What was the one thing you wished you were better prepared for?
The one thing I wish I were better prepared for was the language barrier. Though I worked to better my Spanish leading up to my time in Guatemala, I do not feel as though I was as prepared as I should have been. I always felt guilty when patients would try to relay important information to me, some of which I understood, but I could not respond back in an appropriate fashion.

Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
• DONATIONS
o    Gloves
o    Hydrocortisone cream
o    Children’s vitamins
o    Acetaminophen
o    Ibuprofen
o    Gauze
o    Thermometers
• Personal items
o    Raincoat
• Travel/Sightseeing
o    Lake Atitlan
o    Valhalla Macadamia Nut Farm

Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial): 
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity I had as an ABV volunteer, as it was truly one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. My time in Guatemala opened my mind to new horizons, and reaffirmed my decision to dedicate my life to serving others as a physician. The ABV program allowed me to gain an in-depth perspective of a wide variety of aspects of life in Guatemala, including its cultural prosperity and rich social customs. The relationships I formed while in Guatemala will forever remain close to my heart, as there is not a day that goes by that I do not look back to my time in Guatemala. The ABV staff was remarkable in their efforts to ensure a phenomenal, well-balanced experience, and I am eternally thankful for their contribution to guaranteeing that my experience surpassed all expectations. I will always look back on my time in Guatemala as an ABV volunteer with a smile and a warm heart.

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Absolutely yes!

from Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org/2012/09/27/danielle-volunteer-abroad-in-antigua-guatemala/

Sarah Volunteer Abroad in Belize Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org



How would you describe/rate your experience working with the ABV staff in the USA? ABV did a great job with everything. ABV exceeded my expectations.

How was the local ABV Director and the support provided in-country? Sarah was able to answer all my questions very promptly and helped when I had an issue.

What was your favorite memory of this trip? My favorite memory of this trip was bringing the kids to their sailing competition on St. Georges Caye. We all had so much fun and it was awesome to see how happy they were when they succeeded and did well.

What was the most difficult thing you experienced? Leaving the kids was much harder than I anticipated.

What was the one thing you wished you were better prepared for? It may have been helpful to know more about the culture in Belize and how I should expect the locals to react to me and other volunteers. It may have been nice to know more about the history of the Center. I also wish I was better prepared for how I was treated by the management staff.

Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
The Center could use any kind of kitchen/dining utensils and any cleaning supplies. I would suggest giving any donations you bring direct to the children or caregivers to ensure they are used and not stored or taken away. Belize is a beautiful country and there is an abundance of things to see and do there. If you have time, go the Caye Caulker to relax on the beach and snorkel, see ruins like Altun Ha which is not too far, or visit the Tikal ruins in Guatemala which are spectacular. Cave tubing and zip lining with local tour guides are also very fun/popular things that volunteers enjoy doing.
Be prepared to drink a lot of water and wear bug spray constantly!

Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial): I would volunteer for ABV again. I think ABV did a great job of getting me ready for this trip/experience and they were there when I needed them. I couldn’t have asked for more from ABV.

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

from Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org/2012/09/27/sarah-volunteer-abroad-in-belize/

Jem Volunteer Abroad in Belize Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org



How would you describe/rate your experience working with the ABV staff in the USA? They were very informative and helpful

How was the local ABV Director and the support provided in-country? Again the were very helpful

What was your favorite memory of this trip? Memories are hard to pick but my favorite would probably when the older kids went sailing at st. Georges Cayes and one of the kids came third out of i believe over 40 kids

What was the most difficult thing you experienced? Leaving was probably the most difficult thing Ive experience it was really difficult to leave the kids you’ve learn to love

What was the one thing you wished you were better prepared for? The bugs…. They were savages.. They are on you the moment u step out your dorms!

Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc) BRING LOTS OF BUG SPRAY…. NO EXAGGERATION I USED A BOTTLE IN A DAY AND A HALF AND I WAS STILL COVERED IN BUG BITES. clothing wise anything is fine… Its extremely hot there…. As for sightseeing Caye Caulker is my preference for a serene experience. Snorkeling, zip lining and the mayan ruins. The one in Tikal guatemala is worth it. The bus ride to San Ignacio is only 2 hrs express and you can get tour guides in san Ignacio to take you to the border and tikal itself. It is honestly beautiful and breath taking.

Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial): This was honestly the best decision i have ever made. It was difficult to start but everything is worth it after seeing the kids smile at you… How happy you make them. Even simply by just being there makes all that difference in their lives. The caregivers there were also amazing, so friendly and down to earth, but of course you have to initiate the conversation but after that they are amazing. This experience had opened my eyes to da developing countries, despite of what the western side of the world looks there is countries out there that are very under developed. Countries that have rich resources but has not been able to be cultivated. The children was the best part of the deal. They are very fun loving kids who really just want and needs love and attention. They all have different stories but at the end of the day they have all this love and dont have much people to share it with. Im thankful that i had the chance to experience their love and it does know NO BOUNDS… They love you unconditionally. That why it was very difficult to leave the kids behind. As i was leaving i felt that i left my heart with the kids. I feel now that I am back in my home country i feel like a stranger. I feel like my heart and home is back wherever those kids are. They were by far the best things that ever happened to me.

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

from Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org/2012/09/27/jem-volunteer-abroad-in-belize/

Melissa Volunteer Abroad in Kpando, Volta Region, Ghana Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org



How would you describe/rate your experience working with the ABV staff in the USA? When I first emailed ABV and showed interest in the organization I was extremely pleased of the quick response and personal touch of the email and with Sarah Ehlers. She made me feel comfortable by answering all my questions and assisting me through the application process. If I wasn’t 100% sure of the organization before talking with Sarah Ehlers I was afterwards. She made me realize the great decision that I made going through ABV.

What was your favorite memory of this trip? My favorite memory of this trip was the people. Everyone was so friendly and kind. No one ever complained and people were always smiling. I felt welcomed everywhere I went and never felt unsafe in Kpando.

What was the most difficult thing you experienced? The most difficult thing I experienced was getting used to littering. I am a huge environmentalist and it was hard to watch people destroy our earth. I understand it is a cultural thing it was just hard to accept at first, although I did get used to it.

What was the one thing you wished you were better prepared for? All in all, I felt pretty prepared. Luckily I had spoken with a friend who had been to Ghana a few months prior to my trip. She helped me prepare a lot. She told me what she brought or what she wished she had brought.

Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc) Bring lots of snacks. I was fed three meals a day but it was nice having snacks from home to eat between meals. I would recommend a book about Ghana to help you get around and experience the real Ghana. Defiantly try to travel on the weekends. It made my trip that much better by experiencing other parts of the country.

How was the local ABV Director and the support provided in-country? I felt very safe in the town I was living in and the family I was living with. They are great people and made me feel safe and comfortable. Edem, the program director is a great guy with great ambitions but there were some concerns that I had about him during my trip. Edem has a big heart but he is very unorganized. I understand he has a lot on his plate but being unorganized is not something you can afford to have when working with volunteers on a daily basis.

Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial): My month in Ghana was one of the best experiences of my life. I could not have asked for a better location for my volunteer abroad adventure and working in an orphanage was the best part of it all! All the children were truly grateful and made me smile everyday. Being able to teach and share with them was a truly amazing experience.

Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers? yes!!

from Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org/2012/09/24/melissa-volunteer-abroad-in-kpando-volta-region-ghana/

Natalie 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?ON a scale of 1-10 I would rate my experience working with the ABV staff as a 10. Out of all the programs I looked into, I found ABV was the most informative, answered any questions and concerns I had with immediate response.Sarah was awesome.

How was the local ABV Director and the support provided in-country?The local ABV coordinator was great in Arusha. I was well taken care from day 1, from taking me to get money exchanged, my volunteer visa, getting a phone card and grocery shopping.I was also accompanied on my first day to the Orphanage to show me where I would need to go to take local transport and how to get to my placement. They went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable from the time I landed and felt they prepared me for the rest of my stay.

What was your favorite memory of this trip?My favorite memory of the trip would definitely be the children. They are easy to love and hard to forget. I learned so much from them (probably more than the learned from me) and I got to see how well they are taken care of at the orphanage and the importance of Winfria’s work. The children are provided with a loving environment, nutrition and proper health care that family members would not be able too.
What was the most difficult thing you experienced?The most difficult thing I experienced would probably be their sense of urgency or time but ABV had prepared/warned us of this prior to the trip. What we would consider a priority may not necessarily be considered a priority to them.

What was the one thing you wished you were better prepared for?Overall I think I was well prepared and possibly be over prepared which I would rather much preferred. ABV gave a great description of items to pack and expectations of Arusha which was much appreciated.

Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc) Personal tips, travel as light as possibly for clothing, maybe 1 weeks. Also research weather during the time of your stay. Arusha was cooler than I expected during my stay and I only had 1 sweater and a jean jacket.

Money as a donation would be more useful than bringing items only because it will make your travel a lot lighter but anything you give or bring is so greatly appreciated by the orphanage. As for sight seeing, it’s best to wait until you get to Arusha to confirm any plans i.e. safari’s, tours. I found I was able to get great recommendations and what was considered good pricing for things by the Arusha ABV coordinator or other volunteers already staying in Arusha. Something that would have been difficult to do booking online prior to my trip.

Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):Taking the time to volunteer was something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time. From the first time I spoke with Sarah I knew I had made the right decision choosing ABV as my program. All my concerns/questions were immediately answered and felt well informed of my expectations and what was expected from me. I’m glad I was able to fulfill this dream through this rewarding experience. I would without doubt recommend ABV with confidence to anyone considering volunteering abroad.

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

from Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org/2012/09/17/natalie-volunteer-abroad-in-arusha-tanzania/

Nicole Volunteer 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? They were incredibly helpful and prompt in answering all of our questions. They kept us informed of all the things relevant to our trip (especially the sudden step increase in visa fees) well ahead of our departure. I am overall very pleased with them.

How was work at the local hospital? What were you able to do as a medical volunteer?

What was your favorite memory of this trip? Shadowing was a big part of this experience and with that came a significant amount of new knowledge. We were able to assist (hands on) in various departments, primarily maternity, minor theater, and the lab. The physicians and general medical staff were very eager to teach us, pimping us with questions at every opportunity, and even letting us do parts of the physical exam.

What was the most difficult thing you experienced? Not knowing the language very well was definitely the most difficult part. While the physicians spoke English very well, the patients did not, so patient interaction was kept at a minimal simply because we couldn’t communicate with one another.

What was the one thin you wished you were better prepared for? Aside from knowing more of the language, I wish I would have brought more basic diagnostic tools with me. We bought several duffel bags full of donated medical supplies, but never thought to bring things like extra blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, otoscopes, and various other things. We went off the assumption that they would have these “basic” tools.

Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc) Bring your diagnostic kits and consider donating them or getting classmates/physicians/reps to donate them or parts of them. Other medical supplies will also be greatly appreciated, especially syringes and IV kits. Africa in the summer is cool, so bring a jacket and long pants (especially for nights and early morning). A safari is a must- we recommend Sunny Safaris Outfitters for great budget safaris not too far from Arusha. Don’t come with too many expectations and be ready to “go with the flow”; it will be so much more enjoyable that way. Oh, and listen to the physicians/medical staff- you’ll learn more than you realize at the moment

Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial): This has been a great experience, especially at the start of my medical career. Like any medical student, I initially would have enjoyed more hands-on opportunities, but soon realized I really do not know enough at this point in my career and these patients deserve the best available care. I didn’t realize how much I had actually learned and seen while I was there until I returned for my second year of medical school. Those physicians, patients, and overall experiences have already helped this semester me in ways I never thought possible. And for that I am thankful. The overall experience has reminded me of why I went into this profession and has given me more motivation to make it through these next 3 years.

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

from Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org/2012/09/11/nicole-volunteer-in-arusha-tanzania/

Tracy Volunteer Abroad in La Serena, Chile Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org



What was your favorite memory of this trip? Seeing the stars from the southern hemisphere, also reading Spanish Cosmo with my host mother!

What was the most difficult thing you experienced? the language barrier between my known Spanish and “Chilean” Spanish

What was the one thing that surprised you? the orphanage had such a constant loving staff. They were all cared for amazingly. Also that Chilean know how to make pizza, they were amazing at it.

Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
They take great care of you here. I came with bare necessities where I could have bought & used many of my comforts items from home. Bring an adapter that you know will work!

How would you describe/rate your experience with the host family? Loving host family! She took great care of us and her whole family did everything possible to help. My first night I was feeling cold and my host mother came in and gave me extra “booties” and a robe to keep me warm. She has a hair dryer for me to use and my own beautiful bedroom with Wifi. I felt a home. I was well taken care of all the time.

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

from Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org/2012/08/31/tracy-volunteer-abroad-in-la-serena-chile/

Grace Volunteer Medical 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? My experience with the US ABV staff was always flawless. My phone calls were always answered or returned in a timely matter, and Sarah was very professional and one step ahead at all times. I felt as though ABV was organized enough to put me in a safe place and flexible enough to let me have my own personal volunteer experience. 10/10!

How was the local ABV Director and the support provided in-country? I didn’t see Nelson Mbise very much, but it was explained to me that if I ever needed him he would be available. Fortunately, no emergencies or problems arouse, so I didn’t need much guidance or support from him. His sister, my host, Elizabeth was there to support me when I had questions or concerns.

What was your favorite memory of this trip? My first delivery. Helping the nurses of the Clinic literally CATCH babies as they were born and getting to know the staff are priceless memories I will always keep. I enjoyed my daily commute to work and saying hello to all the neighbors and kids on the street, and coming home and relaxing.

What was the most difficult thing you experienced? Lack of power and no internet was frustrating at times. While there, the electricity company had been going through changes and we were without power for days on end sometimes. It was a difficult adjustment, but nothing truly serious. Toward the end of the trip the clinic was very overcrowded with volunteers. I had already been there 6 weeks and was very invested in trying to improve the ward for the staff, but when new volunteers came in I was asked to leave and find new things to do. There is so much work to be done in Tanzania, and I think it would be better for everyone if volunteers were spread out among other locations in town. The local staff as well were feeling crowded and it seemed as though volunteers were either taking over or just milling about, watching and taking up room and using resources.

What was the one thing you wished you were better prepared for? I wish I had practiced swahili more. At the clinic it was the sole language, and it was frustrating to not be able to communicate to the doctors and nurses that I too was a medical professional and knew what to do. So i ended up being pretty quiet and working with my hands instead, which wasn’t so bad. I know they appreciated my help with deliveries and cleaning and maintaining the ward.

Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc)
Come without any expectations. Go with it, don’t complain about the little things, and enjoy truly getting to know the people that live there.

Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):
The two months I spent in Tanzania were some of the best if my life. I didn’t know what to expect going in, or how I would be able to use my nursing skills to help in this area, but I was pleasantly surprised every day in ways I couldn’t have imagined. The country itself is beautiful; cornfields and coffee farms, a view of Mt Meru from my backyard… everywhere I turned there was beautiful landscape and enormous, luscious greenery. The people of Tanzania were truly some of the most gracious, generous, humorous, and kind people I have ever met. From neighbors, to complete strangers I was greeted respectfully and warmly everywhere I went. The friends I made who worked harder and made less than I did, who had tiny homes and large families, were always the first to extend their hand and offer friendship, food, or anything I needed. I learned so much from the people who lived there. Although life for them is unspeakably difficult, they seem to live their lives with a kind of joy that people who have everything in the US can’t seem to achieve. From the food, to the music, to the strangeness of it all, I had a wonderful and fulfilling time. It was a very hands on experience for me, and I am grateful to the doctors and nurses who helped me get my bearings and showed me how they did things (however different) in the clinic. They welcomed me in, put me to work, and always thanked me for my efforts at the end of each day. It was shocking to see just how little resources the clinic had, and how behind the times some of the practices are, but the staff work very hard and there was no question that they were doing the best they could under the circumstances. The experience made me appreciate all the things I was without for two months–hospital supplies, sanitation, reliable power, drinking water, my friends and family… But more importantly it gave me a look into a culture that is all about helping one another and living your life, however hard, with joy in your heart. My host family and coworkers taught me to slow down my pace, enjoy the moment, laugh at myself, and give whatever you have to offer, because we are all in this life together, we have to look out for one another.

from Volunteers Abroad Reviews and Feedbacks http://feedback.abroaderview.org/2012/08/29/grace-volunteer-medical-in-arusha-tanzania/

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