Review Volunteer Jennifer Patton Peru Cusco Health Care Program
1- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country?
The entire staff were very supporting during my time in Peru. My ABV coordinator gave us great and useful advice, Beatriz even took us out for desert!
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
Program: It was very flexible and adaptable. If there was an issue it was taking care of right away.
Host Family: They were very welcoming. Not once did they make me feel like a stranger in their household.
3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?
Program: Having little free time between volunteering and Spanish classes, but in the end it was all worth it.
Host Family: It was difficult communicating with the grandparents due to my lack of Spanish.
Country: I would say having little knowledge of speaking Spanish. It was an eye-opening experience not being able to communicate with other people.
4- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)
1. Bring sturdy + comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking.
2. Bring small snacks to eat between meals or buy at the local mall.
3. Brush up on Spanish. It helps to learn important verbs and nouns, trust
me. you’ll be happy you did.
4. The hospital can always use donations. It helps to bring gloves,
stethoscopes, vitamins, even pens!
5.1-Other things volunteers should know before coming here:
a. If you’re traveling and checking your bag, you must check it again in the
Lima airport. I made the mistake of not checking it in Lima, and lost my
bag for a day.
b. If you plan on visiting Machu Picchu go towards the end of your trip. This
way you have gotten use to the altitude difference in Peru.
c. If you plan on visiting Machupicchu go towards to the end of your trip.
This way you have gotten use to the altitude difference in Peru.
d. There are many places to buy souvenirs and even windbreaker jackets. So
try to leave room in your bag for these things.
6- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):
Traveling 4,000 miles away from home independently made me reluctant, but my desire to attend this program outweighed my anxiety. The experience I have received out of this program has improved the way I think towards my medical profession. It has given me a new confidence I did not posses before. Gaining knowledge in a foreign language and culture has provided an amazing opportunity to experience life from a different perspective. The ABV program has allowed me to assist in a hospital with taking blood, giving injections and have the privilege to interact within a foreign community. It is my dream as a future Physician assistant to travel the world and administer medical care emotionally and physically to those in dire need. The ABV Program has graciously afford this opportunity to experience first hand. I am extremely grateful and pleased with this experience and I look forward to new future endeavor with A Broader View.
7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security, friendliness, quality others:
Perfecto! Everyone was great. The meals provided were delicious. I never was homesick because the host family made me feel like I was at home.
8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Program: Definitely volunteering at the Health Center.
Host Family: Sitting around the table and talking about each other’s days.
Country: Walking around Cusco learning and experiencing the culture.
9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
I called ABV various times and they were always willing to answer any questions.
9.1- What do you think about the reservation system online?
I think it worked out well for me.
9.2- Who did you find Abroaderview website
Website “volunteering as EMT”
10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes, of course. I would be more than willing to speak with other volunteers.
