Volunteer Review Dominic Bisesi in Honduras La Ceiba Premedical program
1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
Rafael was beyond helpful. He always tried his best to make us feel comfortable and made sure we had everything we needed for our stay. He gave us great support during our time here.
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
At the program: The amount of things we were able to do in the hospital and clinic. It was way more hands-on than I would have ever expected. This was a very good thing because many of these things would be off limits in the States.
At the accommodation: The cold showers and not being able to flush the toilet paper
About the country: The general hospitality and overall welcoming attitude of the people of the city
3- What was most difficult to experience?
At the program: The lack of supplies and condition of the clinic and hospital, Many times the patients would not have access to pain medication which made treating them very difficult sometimes.
At the accommodation: The heat and lack of air conditioning was tough some times
The country: The language barrier was tough to handle for the majority of the trip
4- Any tips for future volunteers…
Clothing: Bring breathable clothes. You’re going to be sweating a lot.
Donations: Bring either money or actual supplies to donate to the hospital or clinic
Weather: Its always hot, but its something you get used to
4.1-Other things volunteers should know:
a.- bring gloves, masks, surgical shoe covers, lots of, gauze, tape, and sterile gloves
b.- bring money for taxi rides, meals out, and excursions
c.- laundry options are available at Rafael’s house
5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), don’t leave blank:
My time in Honduras has been truly amazing. I was very nervous coming into the trip and didn’t really know to expect. I was blown away at the amount I was able to do in both the hospital and clinic. From wound cleaning, to setting casts, and suturing, I didn’t think I would be able to be so hands on. Helping those in need in this way helped me to confirm my career goals in medicine.
6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security?
You hear all of the bad stories about Honduras before you come here, but I haven’t felt unsafe one time all trip. The home was amazing and the members of the family were all friendly and the meals were great. Nuvia, the maid, was beyond gracious and always made sure we had what we needed.
7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Program: Working in the hospital and helping the doctors heal the patients that came in.
Country: The trip to cayos cachinos and also ziplining-massage-hot spring with Henry
8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat): The online chat was very helpful as we utilized it many times before the trip
Website Information: Helpful, but it should include all of the materials listed above that the volunteers should bring
ABV: it is in the website and in the orientation guide we send by email.
9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Absolutely.
10 – Can you tell us how did you find or know about A Broader View?
The website was provided to me by my University