Before this medical trip, I always knew I wanted to be in the healthcare field. However, it was not until I am here that I got to know more about myself: weaknesses and strengths. I can say that A Broader View has helped me find my purpose in life which is help others through medicine.
1. How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
He was amazing. He always made sure I was fine and in case I needed help, he was always there for me. Whenever my group wanted to go out and explore, I asked him for any advice or recommendations. He made my stay in Honduras much better.
2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
At the program: before coming to this trip, I thought that this program will allow me to become a volunteer at local hospitals but for me now, I not only volunteered but left a mark in people, that is something that surprised me the most.
At the accommodation: Even though there are 6 of us staying here in the house, I never felt like we missed anything, everything we needed in daily basis was provided by our hosts and sometimes they have to go out of their way to make us feel welcome which I really appreciate.
About the country: before coming to Honduras, I received an email from my university saying that Honduras is one of the most dangerous countries in the world, and obviously, that made me doubt myself if this trip was for me. However, I am surprised that so far, I haven’t experience anything dangerous. People in Honduras are friendly and always have open arms for visitors.
3. What was most difficult to experience?
At the program: I did not experience anything difficult, A Broader View was always there for me when I needed and they did a great job with my stay here. Good job!
At the accommodation: nothing difficult about the accommodation. Rafael and his family had open arms for us and in case of any event, they will help us out. In fact, my host family made of this experience easier to me.
The country: again, no difficult experiences about the country. Getting food, taking a taxi or asking for directions are things I did and are not difficult to do here, everyone is always happy to help if you ask nicely.
4. Any tips for future volunteers…
Clothing: I am here in Honduras in January, I will recommend future volunteers to bring shorts, comfortable shoes and t-shirts (oh and don’t forget a rain jacket or umbrella because it rains a lot here). You do not need sweaters or anything like that. One more thing, if you want to go to the beach or pools, bring a bathing suit.
Donations: hospitals need medications and other medical supplies. From band-aids to gauze, anything helps! Patients and health care providers will appreciate it here. There is one hospital an hour away from La Ceiba called Hospital San Isidro, that hospital is in need for medications, new mattresses and A/C units for patients rooms, if you can help, do it, you won’t regret.
Weather: it is always hot and humid in La Ceiba, it rains often too. Just bring the right clothes and you will be ready for anything.
4.1. Other things volunteers should know:
a.- be open-minded, you will see things you normally won’t see anywhere but just show respect and try to understand the reason for it
b.- La Ceiba has a lot of things to do if you love outdoors, make some spaces for that!
c.- Honduras is a developing country so do not expect things like you will in a developed country
d.- lastly, try to practice or learn as much Spanish as you can, it will come on handy. Do not be scared to speak, learning a language is all about practicing.
5. Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), don’t leave blank:
Before this medical trip, I always knew I wanted to be in the healthcare field. However, it was not until I am here that I got to know more about myself: weaknesses and strengths. I can say that A Broader View has helped me find my purpose in life which is help others through medicine.
6. How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security:
everything was great. Food was amazing, I felt like I was at home. For security, I never felt in danger.
7. What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Program: I had the opportunity to shadow a c-section procedure and a gallbladder removal surgery during my time in Honduras. I have learned so much about medicine and also learned new skills I can apply in my future career.
Country: my group and I went hiking to Pico Bonito one weekend, and we were kind of lost in the jungle for about 40 minutes, we were not sure if the road we took was taking us to our destination, it rained but eventually we made it back safe. Everyone loved this trip.
8. How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat): they were great! Always active in reminding us about deadlines and other supplemental materials.
Website Information: the website was helpful as it displays a to-do list which breaks the whole process into small tasks.
9. Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Of course,! I can talk to other potential volunteers. This trip is all about you leaving a mark here but also for Honduras to leave a mark on you.
10. Can you tell us how did you find or know about A Broader View?
At my university, an on-campus student organization found out about ABV and so through that I was able to apply to this program.