Volunteer Name: Olin Martin
Project Location Cusco, Peru
Volunteered at: Clinica Salud
1- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country?
Amazing! Staff went out of way to make sure that assignment was well coordinated and expectations were exceeded.
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
Program: The differences in healthcare between Peru and the US.
Host Family: How above and beyond the welcome was.
Country: How little English is spoken.
3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?
Program: Language barrier.
Host Family: None
Country: Language barrier
4- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)
1. Make sure you really brush up on your Spanish.
2. Plan trips well in advance.
3. Don’t hesitate to ask for help
5.1-Other things volunteers should know before coming here:
(thats not in the orientation guide)
a. none
6- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):to
I am a new nursing student with marginal Spanish so this was a very challenging experience for me, which is what I was hoping for. I was not expecting an education in how to become a better nurse but an introduction to different ideas in medicine as well as opportunity to help however I could. I got all this and more! My Spanish is 10 times better, I observed how the health care system here works and I saw people who were grateful for the care they received, something lacking in the US.
7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security, friendliness, quality others:
I loved staying with Maria Elena. She makes a point to make you feel like a part of her home. Never felt unsafe although people must remember to keep their wits about them. Food was amazing!
8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:
Program: The gratitude of the patients.
Host Family: Maria Elena always making sure that the program experience was what I was hoping for.
Country: Lago Titicaca!
9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Sarah was great on making sure I was prepared and had everything I needed.
9.1- What do you think about the reservation system online?
Very easy to use!
9.2- Who did you find Abroaderview website
Google
10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Absolutely!
