Are you considering a trip to South America but you’re just not sure if it’s the right thing to do? Maybe you really want to help but you’re concerned about safety? If that’s the case then you’re definitely not alone.
Many people wonder if volunteer trips abroad are actually safe. And when you’re traveling to a country you’ve never been to it can definitely seem overwhelming. Well, you’re in luck, because these trips are absolutely safe, and they’re going to be some of the best experiences you’ve ever had.
The Truth About Safety in South America:
The first thing you’re probably wondering about is all of the reports that are going around about difficulties or violence or any number of other problems throughout South America. Well, the truth is that there are some dangerous areas. Just like any other part of the world or even in the US or Europe you’re going to find places where there is danger and there are people who aren’t looking out for each other’s best interest. But you’re also going to find even more places where that’s not the case at all.
What you need to know about your safety in South America is that it’s important to be vigilant. Pay attention to just where it is that you’re going and then make sure that you’re avoiding those areas. We make sure that each of our trips is booked in regions of the continent and each country that are going to be safe for our participants. We make sure that you can really enjoy yourself and get to know the people in the community without having to be afraid of what’s going on in the surrounding area. Read our alumni reviews
Other Volunteer Abroad Programs:
- Best Adventure Holidays for Teenagers
- Best Adventure Holidays for Solo Travelers
- Best Adventure Holidays for Seniors
- Best Holiday Adventures for Families
- Best Adventure Holidays for Couples
- Best Adventure Vacation Destinations
As with anywhere else in the world, you can find information about the good and bad. You can find some areas that provide everything you’re looking for on an amazing trip and those are the areas that we’re going to send you on your volunteer trip. You’ll be able to enjoy yourself because that’s what it’s all about, right? You want to give back, but you also want to have some fun, experience an amazing new place and feel safe about it. That’s going to happen with no problems when you know what you’re doing and you make sure to travel with a reputable company.
How We Ensure Your Safety?
So, just how are we going to make sure that you’re safe? There’s a whole lot going on behind the scenes with A Broader View because that’s our most important concern. We want to make sure that you and everyone else that we interact with are going to be completely safe when we travel. And to do that we work hard to stay informed about what’s going on in each country and each region that we serve. That’s how we can make sure that everyone is going to feel comfortable getting the work done and helping the people in the area.
Once you’re there we make sure that you have constant contact with one of our team members, not only the ones that you talked to before the trip but a contact who’s right there with you as well. If you ever have any questions, concerns or issues you can contact someone at any time of the day or night to get it all taken care of. After all, we want you to feel like we care about you and like we really want to take care of you. No matter what it takes, we’ll make sure that you feel safe at all times.
We also research every family that we use for hosting and everyone that we work with when we’re in those new countries. That means we know everyone you’re going to be interacting with and you’re definitely in good hands. The only time you’re going to be on your own is during your free time and outings into nearby cities, and we’ll give you information and advice about what you might want to check out and what you might want to avoid (if anything). The region you’re going to be in, however, is primarily going to be safe and enjoyable.
How Can You Help in South America
So, just what could you be doing in South America? The truth is there are all kinds of things that you can do. We actually have a number of different opportunities available in several different countries. It’s going to be up to you to choose the type of program that you like best. Think about what you like to do and think about what areas you have additional skills in. While we can use general volunteers all the time we can also always use those who have a specialty in some specific areas, like medical training.
Some of the programs that you can get involved with include:
- Community Development Building
- Conservation Environmental
- HIV/AIDS Prevention & Care
- Language & Cultural Immersion
- Youth Human Rights
- Medical/Nurse/Dental
- Orphanage/Child Care
- Social Welfare
- Sea Turtle Conservation
- Street Kids/Youth
- Teaching & Education
- Women’s Empowerment
- Premedical/Dental
- Elderly Care Center
- Hippotherapy
- Midwifery
- Therapy/Rehabilitation
- Museum Assistance
- Children Support
- Paramedical/Rescue
- Children Special Needs
- TV/Radio/News
- Sports/Coaching
- Dance/Theater
Where to Go?
So, just where can you actually go when you’re ready to book that trip? What countries are available in South America? Well, there are actually several different countries that you can go to if you want to stick with South America. In fact, there are 7 different countries that we currently offer programs in.
You can check out each of these amazing countries on our website or you can check out other information online to find out just what you’re going to be getting into. You’ll find out more about what great things you can do in your free time as well as more about the culture and the people within those communities. If you’re still concerned about safety or even if you’re interested in what you want to pack to travel you can find all of that information easily.
We want your trip to be great, so we’re ready and willing to give you all the information possible to do just that. If there’s anything else you need or want to know just take the time to check it all out online and see what’s available. You’ll have access to anything and everything you want to know.
How to Choose your Volunteer Organization?
When it comes to choosing the specific trip that you want to attend all you need to do is take a look at what’s out there. You can choose from two different options. First, you can choose a country that you really want to volunteer in and then see what programs are available. The other option is to choose a program that you really want to volunteer with and then see what countries it’s available in. It all depends on just what’s most important to you. From there, you’re going to have no problem picking out something that really works for you and helps everyone involved.
We offer volunteer programs that are great for anyone, in any stage of life. If you’re a student looking for a summer opportunity that will last several months and give you something great on your college applications we can help. If you’re a college student that needs an internship to help with their future degree, we can help with that. If you’re an adult who only has a week of vacation available we have programs for that as well. We have opportunities for individuals who want to join an existing group, for families who want to start their own journey or large groups who can fill out an entire session. We’re ready for anything and we want to make it easier for you to start.
Taking the Plunge
When you’re ready to get started and jump into your first trip we make it as easy as possible. All you have to do is take a look at the programs and locations that are available and then take a look at what’s included with that trip, including fees and costs. You can even get in touch with us about any questions before you ever apply for a program. From there, you make a final decision and you complete the application. Within 2 days we’ll get back to you with confirmation about your trip and the information you need to get planned.
If you’re interested in fundraising you can even set up a fundraising campaign through your application. You upload your papers and within 2 days you’re going to get information about whether your fundraising campaign has been approved or not. You can get help from anyone and everyone, and in fact, we have a whole lot of people who are always looking to fund those who want to travel and help abroad. You could easily be one of the recipients of a donation toward your trip.
All you have to do is make sure that all of your paperwork and your final payments for the trip are due 45 days before you’re going to venture out. We’ll set you up with a coordinator when you arrive in the country and make sure that you’re going to have a great trip. You get to have fun and enjoy yourself while you’re gone and when you’re ready to head back all we ask is that you tell us how it all went and that you talk about your experience with others to get even more volunteers for the project.
All About Costs
Now, when you book your trip you want to know what’s included in your costs, right? You want to make sure that you have everything you need to be included or that you at least know what you’re getting into when it comes to planning for the extra costs. We want to make sure that you’re fully prepared and that you have everything you need. Well, you’re going to have several different things included, to make sure that you get the most out of your trip.
- Accommodation & Food
- Airport Pick Up & Drop Off
- In-Country Orientation
- 24/7 Support From Staff
- Customized Profile Page
- Pre-Departure Orientation Guides
- Program Verification & Recognition
- Diploma and recommendation letter
- University Credits
- Community Service Hours
- Presidential Volunteer Award
You’re going to be responsible for additional costs that include flight, background check, visa expenses (if any), laundry and internet fees, daily transportation to the site, medical and travel insurance (US$53). Some of these items may be available at a discount through our program, however. Contact us to find out more and to set up any discounted expenses or how to set up flights or visas. We can give you advice and more information about all of these things as well.
When it comes to travel to South America make sure you talk with one of our team members about just what’s needed to travel safely. You may also want to talk with your doctor or pharmacist to find out more about any vaccinations that you might want to get before you travel to certain countries in South America. Our team can tell you all about visa requirements and help you book the right flight, so you’re going to get to the country you choose and the program you choose on time.
There are all kinds of places that you could be going within South America and you shouldn’t ever have to worry about your safety. It’s a beautiful continent, filled with beautiful countries and amazing people and you’re going to wish you’d ventured out sooner. We know that you’re going to love the experience and that you’re going to love the opportunity to help all of these people who really couldn’t do it without you. You can make a difference, and at A Broader View we want to help you do it.
You can Check Volunteer Reviews Here