I was excited to come to experience new things. I did have one bad day, but I didn’t let that stop me because so many great things happened after that. I want to be a neonatal doctor and being able to see the birth of two babies was just a driving force for me to never give up and that one day that could be. Like I said, you get what you put in. Now that it is time to leave I take away so many memories and experience that I will cherish forever.
1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
He was absolutely great with everything. I feel like he went over and beyond with making sure we were safe and enjoyed ourselves. He definitely tried to make this our home away from home.
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
At the program: The most surprising thing at the program was just seeing how the hospital makes use of their resources that sometimes health professionals in the US may take for granted. We buy gauze in the United States that is already sterile; however, here we got the experience of making cotton balls, gauze and “turrundos” as they call it. It just goes to show that we should be grateful for all the small things.
At the accommodation: It was surprising to me how many people lived here at the home, yet it was never crowded. They have a close-knit family here. Also, the deck upstairs was absolutely beautiful. You could just sit out here and just relax, take a nap, or just enjoy the view.
About the country: One thing that did surprise me about the country is how many American franchises were here because honestly, I initially only expected like 2 or 3. There were so many surprises that I can’t list them all.
3- What was most difficult to experience?
At the program: One thing that was difficult to experience was the language barrier. I do not speak Spanish. I can understand and read some things, but I am in no shape form or fashion a Spanish speaker. So sometimes it was hard to help at certain stations because you didn’t know the language. I also felt that there were some people who subconsciously discriminated against me because of this. However, there was 10x the amount of people who would help and try to explain and show you exactly what to do. Doctors who couldn’t speak English well tried to explain the best way they knew so whenever you had a question and if they didn’t they asked someone else if they knew how to translate.
At the accommodation: It was difficult for me to change from my standard customary diet to the one here. The food was good especially lunch, and if there was something you did not want you could always let him now and they tried to offer you something different.
The country: It was difficult seeing how everything closed so early because it limited what you could do after volunteering at the hospital.
4- Any tips for future volunteers…
Clothing: I would say make sure you bring good walking shoes, swim suit, hand sanitizer, and lots of clothes that you can be cool in. Also for the surgeries they ask that you bring clean scrubs to the OR just to keep it as sterile as possible so pack at least 5-6 pair of scrubs depending on the stay.
Donations: All and any donations are welcome. We did see a shortage of gloves so that would be great idea to bring or buy here to donate.
Weather: It was nice weather for most of the time. It rained a lot one week, but we still got to do a lot because it rained at night so bring a jacket.
4.1-Other things volunteers should know:
a.- This will not be like the US so come with an open mind.
b.- You are here to help so at all times try to keep yourself doing something to make the most out of the trip.
c.- You get what you put in.
d.- Don’t be afraid to try something new and ask questions.
5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), don’t leave blank:
I was excited to come to experience new things. I did have one bad day, but I didn’t let that stop me because so many great things happened after that. I want to be a neonatal doctor and being able to see the birth of two babies was just a driving force for me to never give up and that one day that could be. Like I said, you get what you put in. Now that it is time to leave I take away so many memories and experience that I will cherish forever.
6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security:
Everything here was great I never felt like I wasn’t safe here at the house. It was our home for 2 weeks.
7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Program: My favorite memory was being able to see a live C section and natural birth. It was the best thing I have seen in my life.
Country: Cayos Cochinos was the best part of the country for me because it was so relaxing. Like you are free and away from everything. You can just enjoy life. I did some any adventurous things.
8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat): Emails were always prompt to keep you informed.
Website Information: You could always go to the website if you had questions or if you were curious about previous experiences.
9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
I will be super busy in the next coming semesters because I will be trying to prepare for my next steps but they can always refer back to my video if needed.
10 – Can you tell us how did you find or know about A Broader View?
I found out about a broader view because of an organization from my university called GLOVE.