I have had a great time during my stay here. The whole program was very organized, and yet we were given the freedom to explore. Learning from the doctors was helped by the fact that some of them understood and spoke English.
1. How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
The local coordinator was very welcoming and really made sure we were okay during our stay. Rafael really knows the locals very well and has a really great personality for meeting people. He really was able exceed my expectation as a coordinator and I am grateful he lead the group.
2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
At the program: The welcoming aspect and friendliness of the program was not something, I expected. Doctors were so welling to teach and they really enjoyed our help.
At the accommodation: La Ceiba being a pretty modernized town, with a Little Caesars, Pizza Hut, and Popeyes, and not really many small shops. The house itself was really nice, and was not expecting something that nice!
About the country: The country was a lot safer than what I have seen in the reports. It was definitely good to have a shield of awareness when traveling abroad, but I felt pretty safe. The locals, retailers, and doctors all really helped dispel the myths.
3. What was most difficult to experience?
At the program: Working anywhere from 8 to12 hours was pretty difficult. It was fine once you got into a rhythm but the enjoyment factor of the journey declines as a result.
At the accommodation: Cold showers in the morning were difficult. The food was served in pretty small portions and plan to buy snacks during your stay and ask for more food if needed.
The country: Nothing really
4. Any tips for future volunteers…
Clothing: Bring 2 towels if you can, Hiking Sandals and Flipflop, at least 5-7 scrubs so that you can scrub into surgeries, hats, sunscreen, bug spray
Donations: Fabrics
Weather: Hot and rains
4.1. Other things volunteers should know:
a.- Download google translator it is one of the greatest assets you will have during this trip
b.- Bring in groups of 50% Spanish speakers and 50% non Spanish speakers, really makes it more rewarding.
5. Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), don’t leave blank:
I have had a great time during my stay here. The whole program was very organized, and yet we were given the freedom to explore. Learning from the doctors was helped by the fact that some of them understood and spoke English.
6. How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security:
Being a vegetarian I was very grateful for the host family working around that. Meals, consisted with a lot of rice and beans, which was fine with me, but does start to get boring. Meals are also a bit small, during dinner time so do plan to snack. Security was never a issue, just make sure to stay low-key and stay in groups that can speak Spanish.
7. What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Program: Watching a c-section
Country: Being in such close proximity to a National Park and deserted islands, like Roatan is just amazing. The mountains, the views really make this a great place to do a medical mission trip.
8. How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat): It was really just handled by our leader, didn’t really communicate with ABV that much.
Website Information: The warning given by ABV about the country was helpful. I also liked the lists of things that are good to pack during the trip, really helped me adjust well.
9. Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Sure.
10. Can you tell us how did you find or know about A Broader View?
Our organization leader told us about the opportunity. The cost was cheaper than anything we had seen and we saw great reviews/stories and decided to apply.