Has anyone volunteered abroad?

[raynbabe07]

A group of girls in my nursing program are seriously considering going for a 6 week volunteer trip to Honduras this summer. We would be working in a health clinic/hospital in an underserved area. There is a program called Volunteering Solutions, which is the cheapest we've found. It includes housing with a local family, and 3 meals a day. There are lots of testimonials on their website, but I was just wondering if any of you have done something like this, and how was your experience?

[Katalina511]

MCGNurse,

Yes, the volunteers are from all over the US (even a few from abroad too). I travelled before I started the program and then found my own way to Xela, but a lot of my friends did the airport pickup/staying with the hostess, Maria and said it was really easy. Pop Wuj definitely accommodates to the students and wants to help you. If you take the Galgos bus from Guatemala City to Xela, the station is literally around the corner from the school so that's easy. Then your host family comes and picks you up from the school to take you home. Just email Pop Wuj and they'll help you with whatever you want.

As far as safety goes, be smart. This means don't be out alone at night (We always had guy friends walk the girls home at night), don't have your money/valuables visible or easily accessible, take out just what you need from ATMs so you're not carrying a ton of money around, don't stumble around drunk and vulnerable, and just make smart choices. Yes, it can be dangerous. As "gringos," we are targeted as being rich Americans so it is possible to have your stuff stolen, pickpocketed, or even be mugged. But truly, if you're smart, you'll be just fine!

[MCGNurse]

Thanks for the super fast reply! How was your host family? Was it only 1 student to 1 host family, or did more than 1 student stay with a family?

[MCGNurse]

PS- altogether, how much did you pay? I know its about 250 a week + 150application fee. But is there any other fees we will need to consider? (plane, food, buses, tuition for schooling?)

[Katalina511]

My host family was GREAT! I was the only student in the house (full house, like 10 people in the family ages 2-80!). I think a few other students had 2 students to a host family, but typically it was 1 student to 1 family.

It was literally $1,000 for the 4 weeks (plus the $150 application dee). This included all meals, my own room with the host family, and the daily one-on-one spanish lessons. Outside of that, there's the plane ticket and bus ticket to get to the school, and any side trips etc. you may do on weekends. It's pretty cheap to travel there, so a little money goes a long ways which is really nice!

[HJaneF]

This sounds so awesome! I want to work in India

[2jjames5]

What are other organizations that people would recommend interning or volunteering through?

[studentbear, CNA]

I volunteered for a week in Costa Rica last winter through International Volunteer Headquarters. The cost I paid included lodging with a host family and 2 meals per day, plus support from the local office/coordination with my placement. I was placed at a clinic/nursing home type environment for those with HIV/AIDS. I would definitely recommend it! I learned a lot and the company provides a lot of info so that you're aware, safe, and prepared. They have placements all over the world and the cost is very affordable.