Program Reviews

I volunteered to gain a better understanding of day to day Chilean life, improve my Spanish and learn traditional children songs and games. I achieved all three and will have a pen pal relationship between the nursery school in La Serena and my Spanish speaking pre-k in Minnesota

I wanted to thank A Broader View for your flexibility in letting me extend my stay in service. I am deeply grateful and I want to thank Lone for arranging my volunteership at the nursery school. It has been a valuable experience and I have formed lasting ties with the teachers there.

Two days before I was scheduled to leave for my trip, I had a sledding accident. The doctor at the hospital said I would be unable to travel for a few days so I had to delay all my flights. The ABV USA staff was unbelievably accommodating despite the difficult situation – they contacted my host families, arranged new rides from the airport and changed my Galapagos flights (all free of charge).

My favorite memory of this trip was visiting Isla Isabella. I only spent two days on the island. However, in this short time I had the opportunity to visit the volcanoes, see flamingos, snorkel with sharks/manta rays/sea turtles/sea horses and enjoy the island’s bizarre yet breathtaking volcanic landscape. I definitely recommend visiting the other islands. I was initially on the fence about the trip (it’s not cheap) but it is definitely worth it.

Don’t stress out about your level of Spanish proficiency. The host families are accommodating and understanding. They help you improve your Spanish without criticizing your ability.

The local ABV coordinator was extremely helpful. She helped me changed my Galapagos flights (without a change fee) and took care of me when I returned from the Galapagos with a fever.

I had a wonderful experience in Ghana. ABV handled everything and made me feel very safe and welcome in the Kpando. The host family was kind and welcoming, and truly enjoyed having us as their guests. The trip was enlightening in many ways and very fulfilling. I cannot wait to return and be with the beautiful people of Ghana again!
Use the packing list provided by ABV, it covers almost everything you need! A few things I would add: baby wipes, portable fans, and a small backpack. Also, consider bringing electrolyte replacements, such as Gatorade packs to mix with water, because the heat will dehydrate you very quickly! I would recommend going to the market in town on market days (every fourth day). It is a great place to buy delicious foods and unique souvenirs, and to experience the beautiful culture of Ghana. The market was one of my favorite places to visit! If you’re looking for a short trip, try traveling to the beautiful Wli Falls on the weekend. It was a 1-hour taxi ride away and made a great getaway.
My favorite memory was on the first day that we arrived to do wound care for an elderly woman with a chronic wound. She was so thankful that we had come to help her, and her husband actually lifted his hands and praised God for our being there. They were so grateful! This very humbling and rewarding experience truly made me feel like I was making a difference in her life.
Also, the children of Ghana truly made an impact on heart. I have many wonderful memories of their smiles and giggles! 



This was my second trip with A Broader View, the first to Colombia. Nicaragua is an experience...one not to be missed. But remember that Nicaragua is the second poorest county in the Western Hemisphere and creature comforts aren't always available. On the plus side, everyone involved with the program was very helpful and thoughtful. And I was pleasantly surprised how positively the young people at the project interacted with me. And now I have a third trip with ABV Peru Cusco, will update the review with that trip as well.

I have used ABV on two occassions. My daughter and I originally went through them in June of 2013 to visit the orphanage in Belize. Then, my daughter returned again in December of 2013 by herself and again used ABV. Obviously, we felt very comfortable since we used them twice.

Sarah was very helpful. Initially, I had many questions and I spoke with her by phone as well as exchanging many emails. She was very helpful and always quick to respond. The instructions we received were thorough and contained all the necessary information.

We knew what to expect when we arrived at the orphanage. We were told ahead of time what our days would be like. Both my daughter and I had wonderful experiences. I would recommend ABV for any of their programs.

This was the best experience of my life. The ABV team was really helpful both in the USA and in-country. I was very prepared for the trip. It was really easy to get settled and used to the new surroundings. There was never a time that I felt uncomfortable or unclear on travel instructions or anything. Definitely going to go back some day!

The experience working at the orphanage was pretty incredible. The kids there were so of the most mature kids I’ve ever worked with, they are also the sweetest kids. I think the environment for the kids is incredible kind and what their doing is absolutely amazing. Something else that really impacted me was David, he was one of the sweetest guys ever and I think what he is doing is amazing and needs to be recognized on a global scale.

If you plan on climbing Kilimanjaro make sure you do your research and then bring clothes for the trip, I know one volunteer was going to climb Kilimanjaro and it was a huge hassle for her to deal with the companies and getting equipment

I hope to go back to Tanzania as soon as I can. Even though I didn’t get to spend as much time with the kids as I would have liked, I just went for 2 weeks. I still managed to create a bond with many of the children and it was really hard to leave. Arusha in general was a phenomenal place. I loved the atmosphere and felt completely comfortable the whole time (after my initial shock to the change in smells, sights, and sounds – which I realize is completely normal). I loved the mentality in Arusha, how friendly everyone was and how it seemed everyone was there to help anyone – no matter what. I think we could use a little of that mentality over here in North America where everyone is doing their own thing and in their own heads. Pencils!!! The kids really need pencils and pens! A lot of them, their parents can’t afford to buy them more so they have these tiny little bits of lead they try to write with. Also, pencil sharpeners… I think it would be great if someone brought those ones that you can nail to the wall so the whole class can use – little individual ones are easy to lose and cause ruckus in class when kids try to share them. Erasers too – a lot of the kids’ erasers were done on their pencils and they didn’t have any extras and would have to disrupt the one kid in the class who had an eraser. Maybe that paint that turns into a chalk board when you paint it? The chalkboards are so covered in chalk that they are hard to read. Also, chalk for teachers for the board would be good too – when I was there they were using big thick chalk, in all sorts of colours, and it was so had for the kids to read – even if someone can bring those chalk protectors (metal cases for using chalk?) it prevents it from breaking and getting chalk everywhere. Things here in Canada seem, to me, quite trivial now (I need to get over that so I can continue with my planned route of education.) That’s the thing too though, I appreciate education tenfold and even basic things one learns without realizing it (basic computer knowledge etc). I have learned to appreciate the small things. Whereas before I knew I ought to appreciate, and tried (and even thought I succeeded), but now I actually can, and know I am. I also appreciate time a lot more, too and I don’t sweat the small stuff as much anymore.

Volunteering abroad had always been a dream of mine and it felt like the perfect time to do so. I found ABV and it caught my attention and offered my ideal location, an orphanage in Tanzania. After arriving I was a little lonely and scared but the first day that I entered a classroom at the Center I knew I was in the right place. There are no words to describe how amazing the children there were, their love for each other and for life was so inspiring especially considering how much they have been through. I was able to help teachers correct work and assist in teaching the children math and English as well as play with the kids at their break times. I found my cheeks hurting everyday from smiling so much while I was at the center. The children honestly changed my life, they opened my eyes to what real happiness and appreciation is. There is no doubt in my mind I will be volunteering again in Africa very soon and hopefully pursuing a career in teaching or social work now. The Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Ongorogoro Crater, Via Via, the Masai Market, and the hot springs were all incredible and memories that I will hold forever but the volunteering alone made my trip extraordinary. The ABV staff in the USA was extremely efficient. Every email that I sent out with questions involving initially signing up to last minute tips were answered within a day. I also received reminders of what documents I was missing and many attachments on the culture and general information that I found to be very helpful.

I volunteered to gain a better understanding of day to day Chilean life, improve my Spanish and learn traditional children songs and games. I achieved all three and will have a pen pal relationship between the nursery school in La Serena and my Spanish speaking pre-k in Minnesota I wanted to thank A Broader View for your flexibility in letting me extend my stay in service. I am deeply grateful and I want to thank Lone for arranging my volunteer-ship at the nursery school. It has been a valuable experience and I have formed lasting ties with the teachers there. Sincerely, Ana Louise Miranda.