The prep for our trip was well thought out. I´m sure each mission brings with its own set of challenges. I do think that if there are certain supplies that are intensively utilized it would be nice to highlight those so that they can be procured ahead of time. In addition, we had a nice variety of toys and such for the children. Hopefully, that can be maintained for future clinics.
I honestly feel that providers who will be participating in missions in Guatemala need to understand that no matter how well a clinic is planned, things happen. There needs to be an understanding that flexibility and adaptation to any situation are key. You just need to take a breath, reevaluate and move forward.
I really enjoyed doing the popup clinics in rural areas. I met the most wonderful, appreciative people.
The host family was very welcoming and made me feel welcome from my first hello. The coordinator was fabulous. Being here in Xela, she kept us on track and was extremely knowledgeable about the area. Our translators ... invaluable. Without them, my job would have been difficult.
We were kept in the loop from the very beginning. Sarah's enthusiasm is phenomenal. The ability to keep 13 health providers satisfied was a tough position and she handled everything with a smile and grace.
Thank you for letting me be a small part of the mission in Guatemala!
A Broader View Volunteers Corp
We arrange short-term international mission trips and long term volunteer projects in South America, Africa and Asia. Designed with flexibility and customized attention with volunteer options in African orphanages, teaching English, medical and dental volunteering, HIV awareness projects, conservation in national parks, animal welfare, environmental and community development.
Everything operated as planned. ABV was very efficient in providing all the information I needed to know. The Honduras coordinator was my host and made sure everything ran on time, and that I was always taken care of. If he wasn’t available to escort me somewhere, his son, Heber, was present. My orientation to the hospital was smooth and efficient.
They were extremely caring and welcoming. His wife, Jackie was so kind and an incredible cook. He connected me with a family friend, Henry, who took me on a hike through the jungle during one of my days off of work at the clinic (highly recommend). I was also provided Spanish lessons from his niece, who was a wonderful and diligent teacher.
The hospital was a great experience, as I was able to interact with several HIV patients, as well as their staff. If you plan on going to La Ceiba, try to bring as many medical supplies as you can.
Keep in mind that it is a third world country, so don’t be shocked when you can’t drink the water or flush toilet paper. I highly recommend taking some time to go on a hike during your off days or going to a beach to explore the country’s natural beauty.
If you work in healthcare and are wanting an overseas clinical experience, I highly recommend ABV. They are efficient, organized, and take great care of you. I literally didn’t have to organize anything besides my flight. It was probably the easiest trip I’ve ever had to plan for because everything was taken care of by ABV. Be prepared to be immersed in the culture, and have a life-changing experience.
My experience was amazing. When I got there, Maria Elena was waiting for me right outside the exit entrance of the Cusco airport. She welcomed me with a big hug. She let me sleep a lot on my first day so that I could get used to the altitude. Then she took me out and showed me all around Cusco and where I needed to go and what I needed to know. I started my first day at the clinic and I loved it. The kids were adorable and everyone there was able to accommodate me and help me learn what to. My Spanish classes were great as well. I learned so much great history of Cusco, and I learned a lot of Spanish. I also spent time at the orphanage which was great. All of the girls were so sweet and they loved that you were there which really makes you enjoy it. The food is amazing. You are kept very well fed, and everything tastes amazing. I felt very secure. The area itself was very safe, and there was a gate that was kept locked at all times in front of Marias so there was no way someone could get in. It was very safe. When it comes to clothing, it depends on the time you are coming. It is good to have a good regular jacket because it is still pretty chilly there at night. A good pair of tennis shoes also go a long way. When it comes to travel, be prepared to struggle at Lima airport. When you get there you are normally pretty tired and it can be challenging to figure out but it is possible and once you get through security, it is very easy. Bring more money than you think you need. It is better to be safe than sorry. When it comes to personal items, bring travel sized everything, and you can buy things when you get there.
There was someone waiting for me when I got off the plane in San Jose. From that point on, they continued to cater to everything I needed: making me three meals a day, arranging for transport to and from the volunteer site (animal rescue center), helping to arrange trips on my free time (weekends), doing my laundry, keeping the house and our rooms sparkling clean and always checking in to make sure we had everything we needed and that our volunteer experience was everything that we envisioned.
To immerse yourself in a different culture and try something completely different with the strong support of A Broader View is a life-changing experience I would recommend to anyone. Oliver and Sarah were so accommodating and compassionate to me when I had to switch my plans at the last minute due to the illness of my mother. They bent over backward to make sure I was taken care of as did the local coordinator. What an amazing adventure in Costa Rica!
ABV helps take your talent and skills and create a special experience where you can share what you love and what you´re best at sharing. As a dancer, it was so meaningful to share my passion of dance with this community, this is our second trip in Guatemala with Abroaderview.
I felt the support was superb. I didn´t feel annoying or hesitant to ask ANY question. The atmosphere that was created was there to support this trip and to ensure I was clear to what was happening from the moment I decided to book the trip.
The host family was once again, incredible. Accommodating in every way possible. They were patient with my Spanish level and made sure I was understanding and improving day to day. The food was delicious and it was important to see what a family in Xela´s life is like to expand my mind.
The loveliest thing I experienced was how welcomed we were at the volunteer sites. Sometimes I felt hesitant to show up and disrupt the schedule or flow of another communities flow, but both locations welcomed us with open arms and were supportive in allowing our group to engage.
Coping with the schedule on top of dealing with heavy emotions was some what difficult. The women´s shelter is welcoming, but the girls are dealing with extremely horrific situations that is beyond my understanding. It took self care and boundries as far as bedtime, prompt nutrition etc, to be able to be there for them and not feel depleted.
The highlight of the trip was the performances with the afterschool program and the women´s shelter. It was so nice to build a movement vocabulary that we all had in common and to connect via those ideas. It was stronger than words and very forcing.
