Abroaderview

This experience is one of my favorite life experiences thus far. It is my second time traveling abroad alone. I was in Chile doing a homestay and working in an ophanage for 3 months. I had the most amazing family that I was placed with. They were great about showing me around, helping me out, dealing with my food allergies. I loved where I worked and it was extremely difficult to say goodbye. I always tell people to search for a program that really gives you what you, as an individual, need to have a good time abroad. Keeping an open mind and being flexible are the 2 most important tools you need, even more important than speaking the language. I definitely came across more than a few obstacles but my family was great in helping me through. While looking for a program I asked a lot of questions and recieved answers quickly but once I arrived I felt it was really up to me to figure things out and make the most of my trip. (but again, that is part of choosing to do a homestay). I had the phone number for the in country coordinator but I really relied on my family to help me out. That being said, it all really depends on who you are as a person. For me personally, I am glad I chose this program as my second trip abroad. I wanted to ease myself in. I was able to go into this with some experience under my belt. But I found this far more rewarding in terms of cultural immersion and creating new relationships with different people. My goal was to really test my boundaries and I suprised myself as to how much I pushed myself. I 100% grew as a person and I created some very strong bonds with people I met. I've found that you really get back as much, if not more, of what you put in.

My volunteer trip to Belize was one of the most memorable and amazing things I have ever experienced. You are allowed to be independent, while receiving support both from your in country organization and ABV via email. I was very happily surprised that after about two days in Belize, an email came from ABV seeing how our arrival went and that they were there to keep in touch with. One of the concerns before the trip was from my parents (I am only 18, female, travelling with another 18 year old female) was travelling alone in Central America without a group or a definitive contact phone number. However, throughout our entire trip, we were able to email home from the orphanage and it is also worth looking into buying an unlocked cell phone at home and then buying an international sim card in an airport in the States. Being able to text home and have a phone in case of emergencies brought a lot of peace of mind, especially for our parents. The other volunteers at the orphanage (6 of us in total) were also so great, and with your few days off, it is definitely worthwhile to make an overnight trip to San Pedro, visit Altun Ha, and go cave tubing. Ask the orphanage director for lots of information about accommodations in San Pedro, and rides to Altun Ha and the Caves River Branch. The staff at the orphanage were so kind to us, and seemed to really appreciate our work. Bring a clothes line!!! You only need about a weeks worth of clothing items because you have access to a washing machine, but no dryer! There is a clothes line outside, but one for your room is nice for towels, etc. Powerbars are also a good idea, as well as rubber work gloves. The kids at the orphanage were amazing to work with, by the end of the two weeks you get really attached to them and leaving was the hardest part for sure... This location definitely needs more than a two week stay, although 2 weeks is just enough time to get to know the schedule and everyone s names and your way around town well!! Time goes by too fast. Overall, ABV was such a pleasure to work with. Our phone calls were always returned promptly, email replies came within 24 hours, and having them check up on us both during our trip and after we arrived home was very professional and made us feel well looked after. Cost wise, THIS TRIP WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY! I paid for the entire trip on my own (flights, program fees, insurance etc) and never regretted anything. I was very conscious of my spending there (I took $200 US) and was able to get along for water, food, the few days off, and a few small souvenirs without a problem. I very highly recommend this volunteer experience. It gave me such a refreshing outlook on my own life, I felt safe and looked after while I was there, I really cannot say enough good things about this project and ABV. You ll have to experience it for yourself!! :)