Volunteer Name: Matthew Crissman
Project Location: La Ceiba, Honduras
Volunteered at: Teaching School
1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
The coordinator was amazing and had a lot of things planned out for us to do and was very helpful with anything questions and concerns I had.
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
At the program: how everyone helps each other and if I needed something someone helped me and was very willing to do what needed to be done.
About the country: The absolute beauty of the mountains and the ocean being right beside each other and how the clouds were suspended above the mountain.
3- What was most difficult to experience?
At the program: Mostly not knowing exactly how to help with certain things because I am not trained in that field of work.
At the accommodation: There was nothing that was not that difficult.
The country: The heat was different than were I had just been at where it was cold and the climate change.
4- Any tips for future volunteers…
Clothing: I would suggest packing shorts and short sleeved shirts.
Donations: I think mostly where I was at just money would help because most places can not afford to pay for construction.
Weather: It really depends where you go, but in La Ceiba it is hot and humid a lot and there is a lot of sun.
4.1-Other things volunteers should know:
a.- I would say just be expected for anything your plans may change at any moment.
b.- Also be respectful to whoever you stay with because they may ask you to stay there again if you go back.
c.- The communication to back home may be a bit difficult because of internet problems but it will still work.
d.- The most important to me is just have fun and do whatever you can to help out.
5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), don’t leave blank:
My experience here in La Ceiba Honduras has been amazing for my first time being out of my home country. The school was full of nice respectful children and I had a lot of fun playing with them and I would love to come back someday.
6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security?
I would say it has been quite excellent because they always ask me if I want food and I had a nice place to sleep at and kept me comfortable while I was in the home.
7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Program: On Saturday, when we went to a city and helped out people with medical things and seeing how that different group of people live.
Country: I have to say where I worked at because of all of the children they seemed really happy and excited to have volunteers and people come and hug them and be around them.
8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat): I am not sure because my mother did most of the communication for the trip.
Website Information: The website has a lot of good references and advice and tips for other volunteers.
9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes I would speak to other ABV volunteers about their experience and my own as well.
10 – Can you tell us how did you find or know about A Broader View?
My mother did the research for this trip mostly and I just helped out with looking at where I wanted to go and did research on the website and also elsewhere.