Volunteer Name: Artem Dudin
Project Location: La Ceiba, Honduras.
Volunteered at: The clinic + New Hospital
1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
The local ABV coordinator was a really helpful and nice guy. Rafael provided us with many opportunities to serve in the clinic as well as a volunteer at the hospital. He really made sure that everything was taken care of and we were comfortable. Beside volunteering Rafael was able to help us out with getting to know the city and the surrounding areas.
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
At the program: The things that kind of stood out to me about the program and specifically about volunteering at the clinic and the hospital is the very little amount of supplies that they work with.
At the accommodation: The thing that was really surprising for me out the accommodation was the friendliness of the host family and how they welcomed me and made me feel at home.
About the country: Not really surprising, but what really stood out to me about the country was the corruption that goes on here, the economic system of this country is fairly low and one can see that fairly easy.
3- What was most difficult to experience?
At the program: There wasn’t really anything difficult that I personally experienced, but for some people, the situation of the clinic and the overall shape could be hard to get used to.
At the accommodation:
Nothing!
The country: Overall for me, not knowing very much Spanish was somewhat difficult, although the majority of the people that I worked with knew some English and I could somehow communicate.
4- Any tips for future volunteers…
Clothing: Light clothing that will keep you cool. – A nice outfit for going out – Scrubs – Swimming suits – shoes, flip, flops.
Donations: BP Cuff a – Gloves – Suture kits – gauze – Scrubs.
Weather: Umbrella – Light shoes for lots of – gauze – scrubs.
4.1-Other things volunteers should know:
a.- Know the city, and how to be safe.
b.- Be open-minded and accepting.
5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), don’t leave blank:
Being here in Honduras for 2 weeks seemed like a very short amount of time for me. I felt that I had a purpose here and was doing something useful. Also meeting and making friends with the nurse and doctors and helping them out was a rewarding experience for me.
6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, and security:
The accommodations are really nice; no AC, cold showers which are really not a problem, the meals are good and although different, usually, the hosts make sure you are well fed. As for security as long as you are aware of your surroundings and know when and where not to be, I felt fairly safe.
7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Program: Just working in the emergency room w/ the nurses + doctors was a great experience, seeing and doing some things that I don’t usually see was eye-opening for me.
Country: The food and how friendly the people here are will be something that I will definitely miss.
8.- How was the ABV USA support prior to traveling?
Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat):
Was really useful and helpful. The emails were replied to fairly fast and they were able to answer my entire question promptly
Website Information: Information was helpful and provide me with things that I need to know for going on this trip.
9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes, I would be willing to speak to other volunteers.
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