I first came with ABV to Xela in 2014 for two weeks to volunteer in the Centro de Salud and instantly fell in love. Two years later when I started PA school I came back with 10 of my classmates and faculty. This year we came back with 22 people! Everyone who comes to Xela wants to come back. I have so much love for this city and hope to come back again one day.
1. How would you describe/rate the support provided by our in-country Coordinator?
The coordinator is absolutely wonderful. This trip would not have run as smoothly as it did without her. I cannot say enough good things about her.
2. What is your favorite memory of your trip?
Volunteering at our Jornada Medica, taking blood sugars and checking blood pressures. We diagnosed a lot of patients with diabetes and provided them with medication. It felt wonderful to help these people.
3. What was most personally challenging aspect of this program for you?
The most challenging aspect of the trip was communicating in Spanish. Although I consider myself proficient, I wish I could be more fluent and interact more with the locals. Next time we will hire a couple of translators.
4. Any tips for future healthcare volunteers… (clothing, supplies, packing etc)
Definitely brush up on your Spanish before your trip!
5. Personal Paragraph (Volunteer Program Testimonial):
I first came with ABV to Xela in 2014 for two weeks to volunteer in the Centro de Salud and instantly fell in love. Two years later when I started PA school I came back with 10 of my classmates and faculty. This year we came back with 22 people! Everyone who comes to Xela wants to come back. I have so much love for this city and hope to come back again one day.
7. Would you recommend this program?
Absolutely
8. As an ABV alumni will you speak to others interested in volunteering in Xela?
Yes.