Volunteer Name: Craig Brent (Australia)
Project Location: Colombia - Cartagena
Volunteered at: Social Welfare
Volunteer in Colombia
What was your favorite memory of this trip?
The trip to Rosario island and playa blanca. With my spanish I went to those places by myself and made Friends with local colombians.
What was the most difficult thing you experienced?
The heat and the language barrier, as I was living with local people in Cartagena, not surrounded by tourists.
What was the one thing you wished you were better prepared for?
I wish I brought gifts for the kids from Australia. If you want to give something for the kids, Ask Abroaderview for a list of possible donations.
Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, sightseeing etc).
Insect repellent, go sightseeing and visit playa blanca and rosario islands. Spanish lessons are very useful. Bring a phrase book or a dictionary if you don’t speak the language. Bring sun cream and try to wear light colors and light clothes.
How would you describe/rate your experience working with the ABV staff in the USA?
5/5. The website made it so easy. It showed me ítem by ítem what I needed to do. Just follow the ABV account guidelines and steps. And check your emails daily for new updates.
How was the local ABV Director and the support provided in-country?
Just perfect. Watch my video on the youtube channel
Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):
My ABV volunteering was an amazingly rewarding experience. I spent two weeks with colombian children learning about their lives. I also had plenty of spare time to be a tourist. My host family were just like my family and made the experience so much more authentic.
I would recommend an ABV program to anyone.
Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes.