I went to Nursing school after spending a semester in Mexico and realizing how much basic health care was needed in poor communities. It was an eye opener to realize how a bar of soap would have such a powerful effect on preventive health care.
I returned to the U.S. and have been a nurse for decades. Finally it was time for me to fulfill a lifelong dream to be of service out on the wider world and improve my Spanish skills in the process.
Fortunately I found NGOAbroad and Ann McLaughlin. With her help we zeroed in on the kind of experience I wanted and the opportunities out there. Ann connected me with the Sacred Valley medical clinic in Peru.
It was excellent in all regards. The Sacred Valley is a beautiful and fascinating setting. The Medical Director/Doctor really appreciated my help and the fact that I could speak Spanish. The clinic is located in the town, but the Quecha people walk for hours from the surrounding villages to get to the clinic.
The volunteer co-ordinator in Peru was charming - very gracious and helpful. I stayed with her parents. They taught me some Quecha and included me in their lives.
The director of NGOAbroad, Ann, was equally helpful. I appreciated how she endured my crazy nursing hours as we coordinated this placement. The time and individual attention she provides is outstanding.
Would I recommend NGOAbroad to others? Absolutely. I have told several friends about it. I am eager to try out some of NGOAbroad's other medical placements in future years.