A Broader View Volunteers

I wasn´t sure what to expect when I went to Xela and was a little nervous about going to a foreign place for three months, but now I am so glad that I did it! It was a wonderful experience to serve the people of Guatemala and to become integrated into the culture here as well. I made many great friends. I also got to participate in many activities and see many places around Guatemala which were all great experiences. I will miss it here very much and I hope to return someday soon!

Bring warm clothing if you come during the winter months because it was colder than I had anticipated, and there was more rain than I had expected. Other than that, don´t worry about bringing EVERYTHING because you can find most of what you need at the local mall.

The accommodations were great. I love my host family and will miss them greatly. They were always so hospitable and I was taken very good care of the whole time. I never felt like I was lacking anything I needed while in country at the house. They are my second family.

I would highly recommend ABV to anyone who desires an exceptional opportunity. ABV's projects allow one to be creative and foster self-initiative while adding a piece to "the puzzle of change" and gaining valuable experience. On my first trip, I went to Tanzania and worked in a Hospice care center for children affected by AIDS. Sarah was extremely helpful and made the process very smooth. The on-site coordinator did a good job. The host family ensured our safety and made us feel at home. What I failed to leave at home was my time consciousness. I struggled with adjusting with the slow system in the beginning but quickly made the change. My best memory is that of the children; they will forever be in my heart. If you are opened minded, creative,flexible, independent, team player, you will have no problem at all.

My second trip was in Honduras working in the HIV clinic. It was fabulous!!! Although each experience had their own uniqueness, It felt much more productive about my work in Honduras. Not only did the on-site coordinator go out of his way to make sure that our program went smooth, the host family was so incredible that I almost didn't want to return home. One reason that I felt more productive is because this time I had my own written project and a plan in mind along with donations of necessary materials that I had collected back home. Although there will always be something to do in the chosen project, I highly recommend going with your own project in mind to do in addition to the assigned work if you are an over-achiever like me.

Lastly, explore the country, go sightseeing!! You might never get to go there once more, so take advantage of the opportunity!!!

Go for the adventure of a lifetime and make a difference!!!!

I have a lot of favorite memories, but one of them is the time I got to spend with my host sisters. We became really close and got to travel around a little bit together, and after working at the orphanage we would go into the Plaza de Armas and grab coffee and walk around town for a little bit. Don’t write off your host family, really get to know them and spend time with them, because you’ll most likely make life long friends.

Cusco really isn’t all that different from any other populated city. They have internet, Starbucks, buses that take you to class, and plenty of restaurants and supermarkets. Also, there’s a lot of police officers around as well, so I always felt really safe.

At the orphanage, where everyday I learned something new. It’s quite eye opening to see girls as young as nine living in a home with 50 other girls because their parents either couldn’t or wouldn’t take care of them. You really learn to appreciate and value the things you have in your life.

Pack light, and pack a lot of variations! One day you can be walking around in a tshirt and the next day you could be wearing five sweatshirts. Also, bring an umbrella and a rain jacket. I came during the rainy season so naturally I got rained on…a lot. As for donations, go to your place of work first and see what it is they need. I brought a dictionary one day because I don’t speak Spanish hardly at all, and many of the girls asked me to bring more for them. So just got and see what it is that is needed. Also, I strongly encourage not to bring things down with you, but to get them here. I got dictionaries here for less than five dollars, which back in the states would have easily cost 20 dollars a book.

There are going to be a lot of challenges and a lot of struggles while volunteering, but you just have to roll with the punches because I promise that it is absolutely worth it. Getting to spend time with the girls is one of the best experiences of my life. Some days were great, some days were really hard, but you just have to work your way through it. I also found while working at my particular orphanage, they don’t really tell you what to do, so you just have to kind of make your own way. Sit down next to a kid and start talking to them. Ask them about their life, what they want you to help them with, and do the best you can. I liked that it was a bit unstructured because then you really get to do what you think will make the most impact.

Like I said earlier, my host family really became my family. We went on trips together on the weekends, and we talked constantly. We went out together and we had a great time. Really open up and get to know them, because my host sisters really became like a real family to me.

Our first week in Ecuador, we worked with abused and neglected children in one of the orphanages here in Quito. We observed children with fetal alcohol syndrome and those with reactive attachment disorder. We very much enjoyed caring and teaching these children during the week. The orphanage runs on donations and we felt it was necessary to provide them with supplies such as toilet paper, wipes, shampoo, gloves, and educational games. Our second week in Ecuador, we volunteered and observed the doctors in a southern hospital called Padre Carollo. Here we worked in the neonatology unit. We assisted in procedures such as an umbilical line placement. Additionally, we treated diseases such as sepsis, thalasemmia, polycythemia, and a pneumothorax. It was very interesting to learn and practice in the health system in Quito.

Our last week in Ecuador, we volunteered at a women’s shelter for those who have been abused, those that have been taken from their homes, and those with addiction. We did well checks and woman exams on those in the shelter and taught them the importance of safe sex and sexually transmitted diseases, how to prevent illness, birth control, nutrition, exercise and overall hygiene. We also taught them necessary dietary needs for their children and how to care for their young. We have enjoyed working and volunteering in Ecuador with A Broader View.

We were fortunate enough to be placed with a family that has accommodation for a ‘couple’. We lived on their premises in a room of our own separate room from the actual house where the family dwells. It was very nice, as it allowed us lots of freedom to move about the city doing our own thing in our spare time without ‘disrupting’ the family.

The family is extremely inviting, friendly, loving and caring. From day one we were never treated as guests, but rather we were treated as extended family. We were treated like royalty! It’s a very humbling experience when a family on a different continent, with different customs, with a different frame of reference opens their door to take you in – whole heartedly. Apart from the family’s warm welcome, they took really good care of our ‘basic necessities’. We received breakfast in the morning, lunch boxes for ‘school’ with bread and fruit and candy, and every evening dinner was a feast fit for a king! All round an absolute delight! We had a very short running joke with the family that went like this “Chileno = mucha comida’!

Dancing with the kids on a daily basis. Their love of music and their dance moves cracked me up. The little girls dance with so much attitude, that you can’t help but learn from them!

The kids are not up for adoption.  After speaking with some of the staff members I found out that the children are not up for adoption unless you go through certain programs, but Kenya’s adoption laws are ever changing so it is a difficult process.

Hearing some of the children’s stories about why they were at the orphanage. It was also hard to communicate with them at times because they speak their tribal language of Kikuyu, and don’t understand much English.  Getting through the communication barriers was hard but eventually learning some of their words made it easier.

Everything that I have is exactly what I need. I really eliminated the feeling of greed or envy. My eyes were opened to everything that I take for granted on a daily basis; a warm shower, flushing toilet, washing machine. Also before leaving I was told to go with an open heart and open mind, and that is totally true in Africa- the customs are different, time is of no importance, and learning to adapt to Kenyan time is a bit difficult!

Clothing: Pants that cover knees are a must. during raining season; raincoat or umbrella, Socks and tennis shoes  Personal items: pumice stone, flashlight is necessary, spices or seasonings for food, beano or gas relief as we eat beans with every meal, reading materials or something to do at night in your room, crackers for those who need a salt fix because everything is sweet tasting, durable water bottle, if using a backpack bring a luggage lock with you to Thika otherwise a bag that zips, also adapters for electrical items

Donations:  The kids have a million clothes in storage so I would bring activities like puzzles, coloring books, jump ropes, crafts- and all they require i.e. glue sticks, string. Things like nail polish and remover are fun as well.

Sightseeing: If you are planning on safari most people say to go to national parks, 14 falls outside of Thika is amazing, also the Karen Blixen giraffe center and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Orphanage.

My experience in Kenya was really amazing. There were times when it was hard because I was the only volunteer for about a month so I did feel lonely. However, the kids make you feel like you are their family and include you in everything. There were things that I thought I would be prepared to see going into Kenya but when I finally got there and saw the poverty of different villages it was really hard, especially from where I came from. When it came time for me to leave I had tears in my eyes saying “see you soon” to the children because you cannot help but fall in love with them. My entire outlook on life changed after being in Kenya because of those kids, how happy the people are, and their way of life. I would most definitely go back.

I mainly worked with Sarah Ehlers who was a huge help. She provided me with great information and was willing to answer any question I had before leaving and while I was there. In staff coordinator: It was very difficult. Geoffrey was not at the orphanage very often and when he was, getting a straight yes or no type answer out of him was very hard. Also, it was hard to get a response from him via email or a call back.

I really would love to speak to other volunteers about Makuyu.  I feel like I have a very good take on questions and things that they may want to know about

The Children’s Neurology center was an amazing experience for me –these kids showed such courage and hope, and a sense of fun and wonderful spirit. I was so amazed by how well-loved they were by the staff, given their extremely challenging conditions.

There weren’t more English-Spanish translators on hand! There were many who spoke (read and wrote) exclusively Quechua and not Spanish.Also likely to be the Neurological Center for children as well. It was devastating to experience their pain and feel helpless to it. Additionally it was hard to leave the mission without having the capability to assist various patients in need of chronic care! Our simple presence provided them with encouragement, although I feel we can offer some additional assistance that extends to the future!

My best received lesson was from a colleague who caught (read through the patient history) a TIA (transient ischemic attack) on an aging patient who happened to be overlooked by us in the pharmacy. This medical student cared so deeply about the patients that she pointed out the need to support this particular female patient with critical pharmacological care.

Bring some heavier clothing to wear in the evenings and be sure to take soles (Peruvian money) out ahead of time in order to ensure that taxis and other vendors accept the money (carry smaller notes around for convenience). I would personally recommend considering to bring fun gifts for the beautiful kids you meet!

A rewarding, heartfelt, and wonderful time was held by just about each and every person involved in the program. The outside environment, people, and culture won us over and warmed our hearts.

Fabulous host family but we could have had a bit more coordination earlier on — showering, meals, etc. dynamics could be improved and a bit smoother. Having said this however, the food (at lunch particularly) was terrific at Maria Elena’s house and very well put together. The vibe–loved the music and energy in the home – made the experience even better!

On the first weekend I was there, we had dinner with my family, their friends, the other volunteer and myself. We talked for hours about our countries and lives. It was so interesting to listen to their stories and be in good company. The staff and students at the school were so welcoming and every teacher invited me into their classrooms to help and teach. Also, the students were very eager to learn English words and phrases, and I was more than willing to help them learn!

Chilean Spanish is very different and took some time getting used to. However, my host family and the students at the school are very patient and I was always able to communicate with them. Do not be afraid to ask! The Chilean people are very nice and willing to share their culture and experiences with you.

The students at the school loved to see pictures and items from my country, so try to bring things from home to show. Also, go on some of the trips that are offered on the weekends. They are fairly cheap and the tour guides speak English, which is helpful.

My host family treated me like one of their own children and were very caring. I had my own bedroom and another volunteer was also staying at the house with me. The food was very good and I was always full. My host family provided suggestions of things that I could do and see on week nights and weekends and helped me with finding my way around town. I couldn’t have asked for a nicer host family!

My favorite memory was being able to go out with the local doctors after work to eat amazing food. The location is extremely close to the equator so I was expecting the weather to be MUCH hotter. The climate was perfect, just need a hat and some sunscreen to avoid sunburn. The language barrier is quite huge. Although English is a secondary language in Tanzania, many people do not understand English. Communication is definitely the most difficult experience I had in Tanzania

Even though I was not able to communicate clearly with the local staff, I learned that it is important to stay positive and to keep a smile on your face. The people could get a bit anxious if you are lacking one or the other. It is a good idea to bring bug spray, hand sanitizers, and all toiletries to the trip. Any donations for medical equipment will significantly help the staff at the hospitals.

I initially traveled to Tanzania, not really knowing what I was getting myself into; however, the 7 days that I spent in Arusha was one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life. The sensation of being able to directly help the people that need them in a developing country was a completely different from that I get during my studying in the United States.

The staff in both Tanzania and the US is great! They reply to emails quickly and the host family treated me very well. The host family was great! They made great food daily and gave me transportation to and from the hospital and the airport every day. The environment I stayed at was extremely clean.

I have traveled twice with A Broader View, an American volunteer organization. I have to say I was very pleased both times. I found the A Broader View office to be quite professional and well organized. They always responded to my emails and returned my calls promptly, answering my questions and concerns. October last year I spent a month with them in Chile taking their language course. This past April I traveled with them in Guatemala in their orphanage project. I initially chose them because they worked around my schedule and their costs were reasonable. Before signing on with them they put me in contact with past volunteers to hear about their experiences. After talking to them I was confident in making my decision to join them in Chile. My hosts were great as was my Spanish teacher Camilla (who I am still in contact with). Sarah at A Broader View was instrumental in the planning of both trips. They provide materials to prepare for the trip, and also advice for buying airline tickets. If you are thinking about volunteering with this organization, I wouldn't hesitate to call A Broader View. I plan to volunteer with them again next year!