My volunteer trip to Belize was one of the most memorable and amazing things I have ever experienced. You are allowed to be independent, while receiving support both from your in country organization and ABV via email. I was very happily surprised that after about two days in Belize, an email came from ABV seeing how our arrival went and that they were there to keep in touch with.
One of the concerns before the trip was from my parents (I am only 18, female, travelling with another 18 year old female) was travelling alone in Central America without a group or a definitive contact phone number. However, throughout our entire trip, we were able to email home from the orphanage and it is also worth looking into buying an unlocked cell phone at home and then buying an international sim card in an airport in the States. Being able to text home and have a phone in case of emergencies brought a lot of peace of mind, especially for our parents.
The other volunteers at the orphanage (6 of us in total) were also so great, and with your few days off, it is definitely worthwhile to make an overnight trip to San Pedro, visit Altun Ha, and go cave tubing. Ask the orphanage director for lots of information about accommodations in San Pedro, and rides to Altun Ha and the Caves River Branch. The staff at the orphanage were so kind to us, and seemed to really appreciate our work.
Bring a clothes line!!! You only need about a weeks worth of clothing items because you have access to a washing machine, but no dryer! There is a clothes line outside, but one for your room is nice for towels, etc. Powerbars are also a good idea, as well as rubber work gloves.
The kids at the orphanage were amazing to work with, by the end of the two weeks you get really attached to them and leaving was the hardest part for sure... This location definitely needs more than a two week stay, although 2 weeks is just enough time to get to know the schedule and everyone s names and your way around town well!! Time goes by too fast.
Overall, ABV was such a pleasure to work with. Our phone calls were always returned promptly, email replies came within 24 hours, and having them check up on us both during our trip and after we arrived home was very professional and made us feel well looked after. Cost wise, THIS TRIP WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY! I paid for the entire trip on my own (flights, program fees, insurance etc) and never regretted anything. I was very conscious of my spending there (I took $200 US) and was able to get along for water, food, the few days off, and a few small souvenirs without a problem.
I very highly recommend this volunteer experience. It gave me such a refreshing outlook on my own life, I felt safe and looked after while I was there, I really cannot say enough good things about this project and ABV.
You ll have to experience it for yourself!! :)
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