Program Reviews

Volunteering in Belize with A Broader View was probably one of the best experiences of my life. Just like everyone would be if they came to a foreign country alone, I was nervous that something would go wrong or I would find the experience too difficult. With the support of the local coordinator, her staff, ABV in the USA, my volunteer location and the people of Belize, I was the happiest person ever. I got to volunteer as well as learn the unique history of Belize, and the indigenous people. The USA and Belize have so many differences, but by coming to Belize I have a new appreciation for happiness. Seeing the kids of the orphanage go to school with big smiles on their faces reminded me that happiness isn’t based on the things that you have, but rather what you make of it!

The maternity project in Mongolia was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed working in several different settings and exploring the city of Ulaanbaatar and the beautiful sites surrounding it. The Mongolian culture is open and friendly and I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable. The other volunteers were great too, and it was fun to meet new people from all over the world. I recommend this project to all volunteers that have the qualifications.

My experience volunteering was extremely positive and I had a wonderful time at the children’s orphanage. The staff I met were friendly and willing to help. My language immersion was a great experience and I learned a lot very quickly which was a huge help in navigating Costa Rica. My host family went above and beyond to assist me throughout my program and I am so grateful for all they did. Overall I was extremely pleased with my program and felt very supported throughout.
The most positive experience during my program was the rewards of volunteering and the feeling of being able to give back whilst simultaneously becoming immersed in a foreign country and experiencing all that Costa Rica has to offer.
Be to be prepared to be out of your comfort zone. The best experiences I had in my program were the ones that I had never experienced anything like before and was not afraid to get involved in. Definitely take initiative throughout your program, although you are in a foreign environment be proactive in making your program the best it can be so you don’t have any regrets.

I am 18 years old and choose to volunteer in Nepal to experience a new culture and country and impact the lives of people from underprivileged country. I did the pre-nursing program to gain a greater experience in the medical field. While I was here I got to view future being put in and taken out, medical professionals giving medicine & taking vitals, simple dressings, and an endoscopy. I did not spend much time here, but the longer you stay the more they will teach you. I did enjoy experiencing a healthcare setting much different than one and the US. While at the hospital we got to explore around and new doctors and nurses in the EP, general ward, and pathology lab, so it was nice having a little priority. The country itself was amazing and very different than the one I am from. I loved getting to explore and learning about the country. Everyone here was very welcoming. I even got the inviting to have lunch at a nursing student’s home. The host family was also very welcoming and did a good job of making us feel safe and at home.
If you have time I would take a weekend to go near Pokhara, I personally did not have time to leave the Kathmandu area because I came for a short amount of time. There are also several great areas to visit around the Kathmandu area that I got to experience.

I am impressed with the Costa Rica program. Initially, I was stressed out about going through with the program due to financial reasons, but I am so glad I did not back out. This was an opportunity of a lifetime and I loved every minute of it (even the "rough times" ;) not rough at all). I've met so many people from all around the world and developed connections with them and the locals. I learned a lot about turtle conservation and leading teams in hands-on field work. If possible, I would love to return to Costa Rica to visit everyone and help out again.
The location of the program is a nice little town that has shops and plenty of places to eat (if you want to have other options). There is wifi at the accommodation, although it is a little spotty. The meals are good, but are certainly repetitive. It is easy to go into town to get additional snacks and things you may want (bug spray). Don't be scared about traveling alone, Abroaderview really takes care of all the logistical things that may stress you out in a foreign country. That was a really good benefit of volunteering with them. The locals are really nice and there's plenty to do and places to travel to in your free time. Your sleep schedule will definitely be off though since most shifts are during the night.
The accommodations were great. We were provided with three meals a day, which accommodated dietary needs pretty well (I'm vegetarian). I always felt safe and secure. The doors were locked from 9pm to 6am, so there was no need to worry about any strangers coming in (not that I would have thought about that anyhow). Mosquito nets were provided if we did not have them, which was great because the one I got was not at all what I thought it was.
I would tell other volunteers to pack a lot of cut up t-shirts and a lot of swim suit bottoms. I wish I had brought more of those things and kept out any warm clothing. I think one long sleeve and maybe on pair of sweat pants of pj pants is more than enough for warmth. Also, a pair of flip flops or Chocos and an old pair of sneakers that you don't mind getting dirty or wet (for hikes) are good footwear. I brought hiking boots which were unnecessary and ended up getting ruined.
The USA support was great prior to travel. My e-mails were always answered very promptly and I was able to communicate with staff when I had a possible emergency the day that I flew out.

I enjoyed the experience in Costa Rica. It was truly an eye-opening, once in a lifetime opportunity. I would love to do more projects around the world like this. I met so many amazing people from around the world, and learned so much about ocean conservation and sea turtles. I cannot recommend this enough. You will not regret going through with this project.
The best memory was when I was helping a mother turtle that was nesting, and another turtle came from the ocean and came right up to me! I was so shocked that a turtle trusted me enough to come to me. She decided to have her front flipper touching me, and started to dig her nest. For me, it was the most beautiful moment. I would have never expected something so amazing to happen.

Before I left for my travels earlier this year I completed the necessary training to receive my EMT certificate in the states. After some searching online, I found this opportunity and thought it would be a great way to combine my travels with my newly learned skills.
The pre medical program was a fantastic way to experience a different hospital environment in a place with limited resources. I had the opportunity to observe the ER general OPP multiple endoscopies, the path lab and 4 surgeries during my 3 weeks.
The bedrooms and common space provided were both very nice in areas to stay for 3 weeks. Enough space was provided even with 7 volunteers, the volunteer house is very big and safe.
And I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed everything about Nepal. Its challenges, its food, its people made it an amazing experience and I want to return very soon.

This experience was a difficult one, personally, since the day before I flew to Ecuador my grandmother passed away. I then had to spend the next six weeks in another country, away from my family, and living with a new family. Despite such personal tragedy, my overall experience with the project at the Hospital was a learning experience I will never forget. The hospital staff was beyond friendly and willingly to show me knowledge in the medical field. I spent my time working in the Emergency and Pathology departments. One department completely different from the other, yet still just as interesting. I am one of those science-lovers that enjoyed going to project every single day and never wanted to miss a day of work, there were even more days than not that I would work late just to see one more patient or to finish collecting one more sample. I was a volunteer first, I was there to work, all the traveling and extra activities came after my work. I guess I was just lucky that I enjoyed my work too!
I do believe if I had not suffered such great personal loss right before my trip my overall experience would have been even better. Quito is a beautiful city with incredible people and culture. There are things in life that are beyond our control, but you do not need a reason to help somebody else. I recommend that if given the chance you take some time to volunteer and travel.

I loved my Peru medical volunteer experience. It was a great way for me to go out of my comfort zone and experience a new country! Volunteering in the clinic was so rewarding and was a great way to be truly immersed in the culture! I would definitely do it again!
I loved my accommodations! They were very comfortable and the host family was amazing. The food was excellent and I always felt very safe. Everyone was extremely friendly and was always willing to help.
The support I felt in country was awesome! Beatriz was always available when I needed her and showed me how to get around. She was very helpful when things changed and was always willing to help.

My experience was more than I expected. I enjoyed every second of it. Learning at the clinic, meeting people and enjoying helping out. I fell in love with the city of Quetzaltenango and the people, so much so that I´m considering studying here and develop my medical career as a pediatrician in Guatemala.
The moment I got to the host family, I felt very welcomed by the family and comfortable. The host mom was very attentive about me going out, eating well and took good care of me when I got a cold. The girls were very nice and I got along with them like I had known them my whole life. The whole time I was there I never felt unsafe or unwanted.
At the medical center I was able to go around in the different “clinics” they have. I helped in the HIV clinic, family planning, pharmacy and pediatrics. I was surprised that I was able to do so much, including injecting birth control shots. I learned a lot more here than I thought. My favorite memory was getting to see the doctor suture up a man´s eyebrow. I was able to learn the stitching technique, as well as helping him out.
The coordinators were very helpful and easy to reach in case of an emergency. The office was nearby, which was easy because I could meet up with them and also make payments for weekend tours. The organization of the weekend trips was very reliable and I felt very comfortable going places.
The support in the US was amazing. I asked the online operator lots of questions and concerns and always got a reply back fairly quickly. When I called, the lady who picked up made me feel really safe about my decision to come to Guatemala, and I felt very encouraged. Wonderful experience.