Make a REAL Difference in Global Healthcare

This experience exceeded any expectation I had to begin with. I decided last minute that I wanted to participate in this program and I was very quickly accommodated for. When I arrived I was warmly greeted and properly introduced to the work that I would be participating in. I was taken to my home stay where I was introduced to the family I would be living with for 2 week. They were extremely friendly, accepting and welcoming as I entered into their home. The food prepared for me was delicious, their helpfulness was impeccable and I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable in any situation. I frequently got a phone call from the coordinator checking up on me to see how my day was and to assess if there were any problems that needed solving. I felt like I was treated respectfully and I never came across any issues. Living with a local family I was able to engulf myself in the culture and everyday routines and rituals that they followed. They made me feel as If I was apart of their family. I feel fortunate to have been placed with such a kind, giving, and heartwarming family.
I partook in a few different placements during my stay. For the first week I participated in maternity clinics, a dental clinic, home visits, and the school for the blind and deaf. The second week I was placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) at a provincial general hospital. I was taken to my site and picked up afterwards; so I never felt lost or overwhelmed with directing myself around a new city. Each placement had friendly staff that allowed me to observe, assist and learn. I was thoroughly taught about the healthcare system in Sri Lanka and the medical care available. I feel as if all of my goals were obtained from this trip. This once in a lifetime opportunity provided me with more than I could have asked for.

I volunteered in Hanoi, Vietnam for two weeks last semester. I worked at a day care for disabled children during the week days and traveled on the weekends. I have to say, it was one of the best experiences of my life. Spending time with the children was, although challenging, very rewarding. Despite living in poverty and suffering from mental and/or physical disabilities,the kids were so optimistic and lovely to be around. I grew really attached to them and miss them everyday. Overall, living in Vietnam for those two weeks was such an unforgettable experience. The people are so kind, and the culture so unique. I loved exploring the city, eating delicious cuisine (the cook at the volunteer house made such good food), and getting to know my fellow volunteers. The members of the program staff were so welcoming and helpful, making me feel at ease. In addition, I felt very safe in the city. I even learned how to take public transportation by myself which was an accomplishment for me considering I tend to be terrible at navigating around new places. I would 100% recommend this trip and program to anyone looking to help out in South East Asia.

I volunteered in a Medical placement in Cusco, Peru for one month through Love Volunteers. My family stay was an excellent experience and my "family" was very experienced in taking in travelers. That said, the cooking was all authentic Peruvian food and Spanish was the principal language throughout my stay. While my family members were accommodating, they also encouraged me to speak Spanish and helped me immensely with my knowledge of the local culture. My work schedule in the clinic was very flexible (though I had heard of some that were less flexible) and I was able to work mornings or afternoons or both, if I wanted. I also took Spanish classes for two weeks during my stay, which added immensely to the value of my experience. I had time on evenings and weekends to travel about, visit ruins, meander through the markets, and even see some of the nightlife. As for safety, I only gave an 8/10 because I had two friends whose passports and bags were stolen in the town of Cusco, but personally I did not have any trouble with my things. I would highly recommend this organization - they are relatively cheap by comparison, AND your money goes to the families who take you in, with very little (if any) going to the organization. Your experience will be what you make of it, but Love Volunteers gives you all of the tools you need to enjoy your trip. I have not had one regret about my choice to go with them!

My trip to Cuernavaca, Mexico was amazing because it was a volunteer abroad program that specialized in alternative health and medicine. I had the chance to meet and stay with a host family that treated me like their own family member. My volunteer experience allowed me to be immersed in the Mexican culture and promote a healthy lifestyle in the community. My host family took me around the city to visit historical cathedrals, see beautiful architecture, shop, and try delicious Mexican food. I also participated in many other exciting sight-seeing adventures such as; walking through breathtaking underground caves (Grutas de Cacahuamilpa), swimming in the natural hot springs, hiking through the breathtaking Tepoztlan city, and roaming through ancient archaeological ruins (Xochicalco).

I spent my volunteer time working at a Natural Health Center where I was instantly greeted by a friendly staff that made me feel comfortable and welcomed. The natural health center helped the community enhance their health by selling healthy foods, supplements, and vitamins. The center also provided spa services and vegetarian cooking classes. The natural health center is important to the community because they offer health seminars and yoga classes. These services support a healthy lifestyle, health prevention remedies, and alternative health/medicine. My NGO also introduced me to an Aztec healer that gave massages, read my pulse, and gave me insight about my health and personal life. One of my fondest memories was being able to go into a sweat lodge it was remarkable to experience Mexican tradition, spirituality, and medicine.

A typical day started off with me being greeted by my host mother then I would join everyone downstairs to eat breakfast. The food was so delicious and my host mother made me something new and fresh every single day! Then I would walk through the town about two blocks always with a host family member to make sure I arrived safely at the house of my NGO. Then, I would take a taxi to the health center and begin my volunteer activities. I would do yard work, pass out flyers, assist customers, help cook, file papers, or clean the center. Sometimes there was extra time and I got the chance to take advantage of the spa treatments with an excellent discounted rate. Next, I would usually either travel to the city of Cuernavaca with my host mother or my NGO. I will never forget riding in the car through a small country town in Mexico and seeing the farm animals, clothes, stone buildings, and happy people mingling in the roads. We stopped in this town and spent 20 pesos to do a zip-line over a gorgeous canyon, it was absolutely amazing. I also loved being in another culture it is so exciting to walk through the busy markets, eat another culture’s food, and interact with local community members.
Being a part of a great cause is a rewarding and meaningful experience. Love Volunteers is different from other volunteer abroad programs because they personally make sure you are safe and allow flexibility within their program. One advantage of LV is that all of the profit goes to the host family so the money can directly support the community. This is a special life changing trip that serves as a personal growth opportunity and also builds international friendships. My host family were generous, hospitable, kind, and very accommodating people, not once did I feel unsafe with them. Although, we did not speak the same language we seemed to bond and care for each other. Mexico was a self-fulfilling experience because I helped a community and at the same time got to travel to a beautiful country.

My 4 weeks volunteering in Zambia was by far the most rewarding experience of my life. I worked at Maramba clinic in Livingstone and stayed in a guesthouse not far from the clinic. Livingstone is very accessible via the Airport and there are several flights to Livingstone from Johannesburg. I flew with One Time airlines, a budget airline company, and I found the flight to be comfortable. Ivor, who is the volunteer co-ordinator in Zambia, is very welcoming and insures that all the relevant arrangements was done.

Work: Maramba clinic is a very busy clinic and help is always needed. The clinic offers a wide range of services and thus you never get bored of working at the clinic. The personnel at the clinic are very friendly and the patients really appreciate the help provided by volunteers.

Accommodation: There are numerous types of accommodation ranging from a hotel or staying with a host family. I stayed in a guesthouse that provided 3 meals a day. The manager of the guesthouse is very friendly and helpful.

Livingstone: With a rich history and the Victoria Falls near by, you will not run out of things to do over the weekends. The town is very clean and restaurants serve the most amazing meals. If you are in Livingstone you must try a drop scone at Wonderbake and the local Nshima dishes at food place. There is a shopping complex that sells everything you need and the prices are reasonable. Bungee jumping is also a must. Oh and don't forget the Livingstone museum.

Getting around: Taxis are the best way to get around. These taxis are blue in color with red number plates. Just make sure you do not get over charged (Ivor can help with this). There are also a list of tariffs in the taxi, so just ask the driver.

I found Livingstone to be very save, but I do not recommend that you walk around alone at night.

All in all this was by far the best way to have spent my holiday. I made
allot of friends and learned great life lessons. If you want to make a difference in someones life while having allot of fun... Zambia is the place to go!!!