Volunteering with Abroader View (ABV) was an amazing experience. This was my second volunteer assignment with them in Uganda at Good Hope Orphanage. Sarah, the director in the U.S., is very thorough and responds quickly to questions. They also give you detailed information about your location and helpful hints before you go, like what to pack, ideas to maximize your time there (like prepping activities ahead of time if you'll be teaching, etc.), what to expect with your living conditions, the culture, and so much more. Once in Uganda, I felt like I had sufficient support from the field coordinator when I had questions or needed help with something, like getting transportation for a day trip on the weekend. It definitely helps if you are independent, flexible, and a self-starter because you may be the only volunteer while there and there isn't a lot of structure as someone may be used to in America. It was a life-changing trip and the work I accomplished felt like it made a difference in the community. It was great to go back and continue to foster the relationships with the people I had worked with two years ago and help out in so many different ways. I'm so thankful for everyone who helped make this an incredible experience, from the coordinators in the U.S. to those on the field, to the headmaster at the orphanage, the kids, and the Ugandans I stayed with at the compound. Go on a trip with ABV - it's totally worth it and it'll change your life! They are a great non-profit!!
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9.3 / 10
after 60 Reviews
Based on overall, support & value average ratings
Program website: http://www.abroaderview.org/
Program:
Location:
Posted: February 14, 2012
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
8
By: Melanie Tabakin
Age:
33
I had the most amazing volunteer experience in Honduras. The work felt incredibly valuable and I honestly believe I made a difference when I was down there.
A Broader View was a wonderful company. They got me signed up for my trip on a very short notice and for an incredibly competitive price. I knew that I would be able to contact them if I needed anything and that they would be able to help me right away.
They have great educational materials for people traveling abroad. In Honduras specifically I felt well prepared for the trip I was about to embark on.
There was a miscommunication when I arrived in Honduras and there was no one to pick me up at the bus station. Everything turned out fine but I would say it is absolutely necessary to have a working cell phone with international contacts before you even leave for your trip. This would have saved me some worry and frustration. Get a cell phone before you leave, seriously.
ABV was sure to email me and check in with me while I was volunteering which was very nice. They are a trustworthy source and I would definitely use them again if I were to volunteer in the future.
Program:
Location:
Posted: January 9, 2012
Overall:
8
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: katers728
Age:
28
I had been researching many different options for volunteering abroad and knew immediately that A Broader View was who I wanted to use. Going by myself, my biggest selling point was that they have project coordinators in country and basically every potential worry was taken care of--you get picked up and dropped off at the airport, your home-stay and meals are included, and you get to choose when you go, for how long, and which project you want to do.
I couldn't choose between programs, so I decided to do back-to-back trips to Honduras and Costa Rica. All my questions were answered fully (and believe me, I had a lot), the costs were broken down so there were never any hidden fees, and they are linked with other helpful travel sites for things like airfare and travel insurance. They also give you plenty of information and travel tips before you leave.
In both projects, the coordinators were very helpful. ABV also has an emergency line that you as the volunteer or family members can call if something happens. My mom used this to ensure that I arrived safely in Costa Rica from Honduras since my flights were delayed I was unable to call home. I spent most of my time in Honduras and though I had a set work schedule, it was still flexible enough that I was able to travel the country on the weekends with other volunteers that I met.
I would definitely recommend ABV!
Program:
Location:
Posted: January 5, 2012
Overall:
9
Support:
10
Value:
9
By: am4854
Age:
22
I'm writing this as the mother of a 17 year old who recently spent 3 months in Cuzco, Peru with A Broader View (ABV). From the very beginning i was 100% satisfied with the level of communication and preparation between ourselves and Sarah (one of the owners of ABV). Sarah always promptly and fully answered all my questions. And, trust me, i had many questions before sending our daughter to Peru for 3 months! Once our daughter arrived in Peru we talked with her on a regular weekly basis and it was very apparent she was having a wonderful experience. I would recommend ABV highly to anyone looking for a volunteer abroad program and certainly would not hesitate if our daughter decided to volunteer again through ABV in the future.
Program:
Location:
Posted: December 9, 2011
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: Sandol
Age:
56
I had an amazing time in Peru with ABV. A Broader View was incredibly helpful every step of the way and made me feel completely comfortable in country and while preparing to leave. ABV is a small non-profit and we spoke to the head of the whole operation every time we had a question. The responses were always incredibly prompt and informative, which my mother especially appreciated as I'm only 17 and my three months in Peru were my first time away form home. She was sent emails frequently, and even on the first day she was notified that my plane had landed before I even had a chance to call. I had an adviser in Cuzco, the city I lived in, who checked up on me frequently and made sure I was doing well at my volunteer sites. I could contact her if I had any problems with just about anything in Peru and the volunteer sites she set me up with were great. I worked in a school and an orphanage and I had a great time. I felt like I was doing good work and I liked the people I worked for. ABV was one of the cheapest programs I looked at, which worried me at first, but I didn't feel like it was lacking in any way. I lived with a wonderful Peruvian couple and always felt comfortable and safe in their house, and the staff of ABV in America made the whole process as easy as possible. ABV doesn't arrange trips or have a set program to immerse their volunteers in the local culture, so for people who are looking to volunteer without the structure that often comes with these programs, ABV is a great choice. They provided just the right amount of support. I also really enjoyed living in Peru. Cuzco is a beautiful city and there were many things to do and places to go. I had amazing time and I would recommend ABV to anyone.
Program:
Location:
Posted: December 8, 2011
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: Kristi
Age:
17
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