Volunteer Name: Jorge Melero (Spain)
Project Location: Cusco, Peru
Volunteered at: Policlinic
Volunteer in Peru
1- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country?
Maria Elena was always willing to help us in every problem we had to face; she organized two parties in order to try to integrate all the volunteers. She has been really helpful and we are glad she has been our coordinator.
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced? Name 2
Program: the volunteering was overall good. People were really nice there and we felt comfortable there. We also volunteer in a retirement house and there we also feel useful and it was a great experience.
Host Family: the family was really nice, they tried always make us feel at home, the room was comfortable, the food was really good and the location was also great. We could speak to them for hours after every lunch and it was so interesting to learn about their lives and about the country.
Country: I think Peru, and specifically Cusco, is a great place to volunteer because, contrary to what is usually said, it is a really safe place and there are a lot of things to do. I recommend coming here to every volunteer because it will be a great experience.
3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?
Program: sometimes we had to speak to people that don’t speak Spanish, but only quechua. However, it was a rewarding experience for us.
Host Family: everything was really easy there
Country: just traffic jams, which are really impressive. Other than that, everything was great.
4- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)
1. Wearing all kind of clothing (warm and cold)
2. Providing donations (they are really necessary)
3. Trying to travel all you can in Peru, because it is an amazing country.
4. Enjoying this great experience.
5.1-Other things volunteers should know before coming here:
(thats not in the orientation guide)
a. Peru is a safe country, do not hesitate to come here.
6- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):
The experience has been great in all senses, we have met a lot of great people and we have learnt a lot about life. This experience will be forever with us.
7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security, friendliness, quality others:
Everything was great in all that senses, I have no complaints, the adaptation was really easy and I had no troubles here in Peru.
8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:
Program: helping the old people in the retirement home and giving the donations to the orphanage’s children. It was unforgettable.
Host Family: speaking to them about many things… It was much better than being in a hostel.
Country: every travel around Peru was amazing, I feel really happy about having visited Peru.
9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Perfect, they answer really fast to every question we had. In addition we book just a month before coming and everything was clear, so we had no troubles.
9.1- What do you think about the reservation system online?
I think it is good, nothing to say about it.
9.2- Who did you find Abroaderview website
Just on the internet, seeking for a good volunteering.
10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes, I will be glad to share my experience with other volunteers.
