Tanzania

Abroader view offered great support both on site and away. With my time in Tanzania, I got to see first hand the HIV epidemic, and get more clarity into the daily struggles of those battling the disease. I also got insight into the current perception of HIV and got to see how the hospital structures their organization to best serve those infected.

The country was beautiful and many of the people were awesome to work with.

I would suggest bringing light pants and a t-shirt for most days. It gets cold at night so bring a few heavier shirts.sweaters. As far as shoes go, it is very dusty. I brought sneakers that I threw out upon completion of the program. Light boots might also be a good choice.

The most positive surprise I experienced was getting to interact with the older kids, who were really cool and independent. The accommodations were a lot of fun because of the constant flow of people coming through. The country so lively with a very young population. People are very social, and spend a great deal of time outside interacting with neighbors and friends.

Thank you guys again for the experience.

I spent 2 weeks in Tanzania volunteering at an orphanage in Moshi, a little town just under Mt. Kilimanjaro. My experience was phenomenal in every way - the people, the culture, the nature, the work. Before the trip, Nish from the Dallas office was helpful in getting me prepared, answering my questions on packing list, vaccinations etc in a timely manner. He quickly connected me with my in-country coordinator Mama Alice, and by speaking with her directly before I left for the trip made me feel more comfortable knowing what to expect. I was picked up from the airport by a driver Mama Alice sent and was immediately welcomed into the house when I arrived. During my stay, there were 4 other volunteers at the same house, including one volunteer working at the same orphanage with me. Everybody came home and ate dinner together every night sharing our days and engaging in interesting and meaningful conversations learning about each other's cultures and ways of thinking. I definitely felt at home staying with these amazing friends at Mama Alice's house. Mama Alice was a great host mom - always checking up on me and making sure I was adapting well into the new lifestyle in Tanzania.

The orphanage I volunteered at was founded by Catholic nuns and there were around 51 orphans. I worked mostly with the toddlers playing with them, singing and dancing together, feeding them, as well as helping with changing their diapers and tucking them to bed. They are the most adorable and sweetest children; I just wanted to give them all the love that I have while I was there. Watching some of them learn how to speak and smile more even just from the short two weeks I was there made my heart so full. I definitely want to go back to visit them sometime in the near future. There were a couple other volunteers from other programs working at the same orphanage - we all became good friends and explored Moshi together during our free time.

During my 2 weeks in Tanzania, I also went on a safari to Tarangire National Park - saw lions, leopards, lots of elephants, zebras and wildebeests. I also did a day hike to the first base of Mt. Kilimanjaro and spent a day relaxing in a natural hot springs. Overall, I had an amazing experience doing meaningful work, got to meet really amazing people - both locals and other volunteers, and explored Tanzania and crossed off some major items on my bucket list. I would absolutely recommend IFRE and Tanzania if you are looking for flexible and affordable volunteer experience in a beautiful and friendly country.

At home, I work as a nurse in a busy emergency room in Boston MA. I am used to seeing and caring for people that are sick and people that may be dying of a chronic illness. It was very challenging for me to be around people suffering and dying from HIV/AIDs and not being able to provide them with the care I am used to. The practice of medicine is very different in Tanzania since there are limited supplies and resources at your disposal. People are required to be much more self-sufficient, even when gravely ill. I had to adjust to the fact that just because it is not what I am used to, does not mean it is wrong. I had to respect cultural norms and learn to do what I could within my means for the ill individuals I encountered.
Traveling to Tanzania for volunteering I had no expectations. I had never volunteered in a foreign country and I had never traveled to such a place alone. This was a wonderful experience for me. Not only did I meet some pretty amazing people (local Tanzanias’ and other volunteers) but I also learned a lot about different cultures that will leave a lasting affect on me. Some useful tips for other volunteers are:
Packing: Wear layers. Tanzania Arusha is breezy in the mornings but gets very hot in the afternoon. At dusk it gets very buggy, so it is nice to have long sleeves/pants on. Dress respectful according to the culture, cover your shoulders and don’t wear short shorts. You will most likely stand out as a foreigner, you don’t need to draw more attention to yourself with your clothes.
Understand you can’t change everything in the limited time you are there. There are things that you are going to see that are really challenging to stand by and watch, like the extreme poverty, hunger and illness of people and animals. You can’t fix it all, you can temporarily help people but you have to be realistic that this is a way of life for some people in Tanzania.
Try and learn Swahili before traveling to Tanzania. Many people do speak English, but it is common to run into people that only speak Swahili. So it will help you get around, meet locals and enjoy your time
Bring your own first aid kit, medicines, bug spray and sunblock. These are things that will be helpful while your traveling and may be challenging to find while your away.
If you would like to donate clothes, food or house hold goods, i would recommend bring a second piece of luggage. Most airlines will allow an extra luggage if you are volunteering.
Be careful and cautious traveling alone while in Tanzania. You should not run into any problems if you use caution; however here are some warnings: a lot of people will approach you and try to sell you things, do not follow people that are trying to lure you to stores. Do not agree to a taxi/bota bota ride if you do not agree on a set price and they do not know where you are going.
Google Maps does work in Tanzania, i found it very useful in making my way around
Dala Dala’s are affordable and easily accessible, just make sure you know the name of the area you are going to. If you have any issues the Dala Dala drivers will guide you to the correct bus if you ask.
You will be charged more for things at the market if you are a foreigner. Try to learn the local prices for things.

I volunteered at KCMC in Moshi Tanzania for about 4 weeks and have been placed at the house of the country coordinator Mama Alice. She has been a wonderful host through out my stay and is the kindest most loving person you can imagine. I can recommend anyone to stay at her place and spend time with her family at her beautiful house. We were served 3 meals per day all cooked by Elizabeth. Mama Alice and her son Frankie will help you with everything you need and they always take their time to make your stay the best possible. I hope one day I will return.