Volunteer Name: Luke Edwards
Project Location: Cusco, Peru
Volunteered at: Medical Center
1- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country?
Beatriz met and exceeded all expectations.
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced? Name 2
Program: The number of photos in ABV t-shirts
Host Family: They own a Vegan Restaurant, they have rules about when you can use Internet in the house.
Country: How easy it was to organize a tour w/o a guide.
3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?
Program: Sanitation does not seem to be a priority at the clinic.
Host Family: Internet restrictions – cold showers.
Country: Not knowing Quechua.
4- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)
1. Buy a phone w/a real keyboard – or just buy a Sim card to put in your phone – unless your phone is locked.
2. Don’t eat cheap food – Increases your chance of getting sick.
3. The mall has everything you need in case you forget anything.
4. Bring donations – We def made use of gloves, of sanitizer, toilet paper.
5.1-Other things volunteers should know before coming here:
(thats not in the orientation guide)
Don’t forget your Student ID – Tourist Ticket is half price.
My most expensive meal was $40.
6- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):
Be friendly. Be helpful. Take it slow. Learn Spanish. Go for walks. Travel on weekends.
7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security, friendliness, quality others:
The family was fantastic. I never felt unsafe. In general, the people are not as friendly as the people in New Orleans.
8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:
Program: Feeling like I made a difference at the clinic.
Host Family: Hanging with the family playing/listening to music and telling jokes.
Country: Traveling with or without a guide – Puno, Las Islas, Tipon, Pikillacta, Salineras de Maras, Moray…
9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Response was already prompt.
9.1- What do you think about the reservation system online?
Easy other than there was confusion about the price b/c there were two different prices listed on the web site.
9.2- Who did you find Abroaderview website
Greg volunteered previously.
10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Only other LSU students.
