Volunteer Name: Lorraine Guerrini
Project location: La Serena, Chile
Volunteered at: Orphanage program
1.- How was the local ABV Coordinator/Staff and the support provided in country?
All the people involved have been wonderful,very great in arranging meeting for all the volunteers so we could get to know each other, which I really enjoyed.
2.- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
Program: How happy the staff where at the Orphanage, how in depth my Spanish lessons were, great opportunity.
Host family: How lovely my host family was, and of Spanish, I have learnt thanks to my teacher Tania.
Country: I didn't realize how beautiful path of Chile are, and so diverse.
3.- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?
Program : Having the time to learn my Spanish
Host family: My host family Silvia and Obriel were lovely and speak Spanish and helped me every way they could. I don't speak Spanish and they don't speak English was the only challenge but we still had a great time.
Country : language barrier.
4.- Any tips for future volunteers...(clothing, travel, personal items, donations)
1.- Perhaps look up info on buses and “colectivo taxis” as they run differently here.
2.- Definitely brush up on your Spanish so that you can speak some basic words when you arrive.
6.- Personal paragraph about the experience (ABV Program testimonial):
It was a wonderful experience for me. I loved working with the babies in the orphanage. The Staff were always smiling and friendly. My Spanish teacher was wonderful,very thorough patient. thank you Tania. My host family Silvia y Obriel were very friendly and helpful.
7.- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security, friendliness, quality others.
All of the above where excellent. I loved Silvia’s cooking.
8.- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:
Program : my Spanish lesson with Tania were always great and a memory I will cherish
Host family: my lunches with Silvia . And sitting on the beach towards the end of my stay when we could both chat a little bit more.
9.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling ho helped you, emails, phone calls, chat online, how fast did you got an answer,did you got all your answer)
Sarah was excellent in all my communications and I would like to thank her for her support
Program: My Spanish lessons with Tania were always great and memory I cherish
Host family: My lunches with Silvia. And sitting on the beach forward the end of my stay when we could both chat a little bit more.
Country: Beautiful country.
9.1- What do you think about the reservation system online?
It is a very good system.
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