Volunteer Name: Linda Romero
Project Location: Xela, Guatemala
Volunteered at: Woman's Support
Volunteer in Guatemala
1- How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
Excellent & very prompt.
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
Hardly any stop lights, crossing the street was very difficult, and how much McDonalds is liked here.
3- What was most difficult to experience?
Saying ´no´ to street vendors.
4- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)
Sunscreen!
Small purse for money
Try to always carry small bills
Bring something to read at the park!
5.1-Other things volunteers should know:
a. I hear strawberries are bad
b. Public restroom charge
c. Try the ziplining
d. Free salsa dancing classes on Wednesday
Weaving classes (you can make your own scarf)
Volunteer in Guatemala Woman's Support Program
6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):
The ABV program was excellent and at an affordable price. I always got my questions answered promptly. The coordinators were in constant communication. The site I was volunteering in was good. I do wish I would have spent more time with the “abuelitas” rather than in the kitchen, but I suppose that deals more with the actual home than the program. But it definitely humbled me as a person to have shared time with the lovely/funny grandma´s.
7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e: host family, on-site, shared)
Great!! My host mom was funny and kind. Her food was nothing out of the ordinary for me so that was good. I don´t like surprises too much and the location was excellent, that´s why I didn´t get lost too much. Lovely friendly family and loved that my room was quite private outside of the actual house. And wifi for me is always perfect.
8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
I have good Spanish, or so I thought until I spoke to some of the locals. I enjoyed trying to make sense of myself and understand each other, because Guatemalans and Mexicans have different names for the same things.
9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Very informative and detailed, extremely helpful.
10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes!