Helath care volunteer in Honduras Past Review
By Skyler S (Health Sciences General, Gettysburg College) - abroad from 03/12/2017 to 03/19/2017 with
Volunteer Honduras La Ceiba: PreMed/Nurse/EMT Program
This program also allowed me to gain so much more hands-on experience than I would have been able to get in the U.S. I was able to take vital signs and assist in wound cleaning. I also observed C-sections and many other surgeries. All of the doctors were welcoming and thankful for our help. They were also willing to explain what they were doing and why.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to volunteer in Honduras at the local hospital and clinic. Everyone in the ABV program really wants you to have the best experience possible. This program also allowed me to gain so much more hands-on experience than I would have been able to get in the U.S. I was able to take vital signs, assist in wound cleaning and help at a "health fair". I also observed C-sections and many other surgeries. All of the doctors were welcoming and thankful for our help. They were also willing to explain what they were doing and why. There is no doubt that I would recommend this program to anyone who is thinking about pursuing a career in the health care field. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Rafael was a wonderful host during my week in Honduras. He drove us to and from the hospital each day to ensure our safety and was always open to hearing our questions and concerns. I'm really grateful for everything he did to make sure I was having the best experience possible. This trip would not have been the same without him. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Rafael and his family made me feel at home in La Ceiba. I never felt unsafe during my volunteer experience. I was very grateful that Rafael took the time to drive us to and from the hospitals each to day to make sure we got there and back safely. The meals were delicious and I always had plenty to eat. |
| * Food: |
I was surprised by the amount of food I was served while in La Ceiba. Although breakfast and dinner are considered smaller meals compared to lunch, I always had plenty of food to eat! Especially rice and beans! The food was delicious! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I stayed with a local host family and had meals with other ABV volunteers |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Observing my first C-section was definitely the most memorable part of my experience here |
| * Safety: |
Very safe house and neighborhood, gated house |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Rafael was a wonderful host during my week in Honduras. He drove us to and from the hospital each day to ensure our safety and was always open to hearing our questions and concerns. I'm really grateful for everything he did to make sure I was having the best experience possible. This trip would not have been the same without him. |
Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
5 |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | no extra expenses |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 3 years in highschool |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | download a Spanish translator on your phone so you can easily look up words you don't know. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I should have stayed longer |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
