Volunteer Name: Kaitlin Himle
Project Location: Cusco, Peru
Volunteered at: Clinic
1- How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
TERRIFIC! My local coordinator was always checking in with me, making sure I was alright. She also gave a tour of the city, and helped me set up my weekends.
2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
The difference in health care – extremely dirty clinic, just completely different than you would expect a clinic to be.
3- What was most difficult to experience?
Medical staff not washing their hands, or wearing gloves. Washing hands is the number one thing to prevent infection, and the spread of germs.
4- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)
Bring lots of hand sanitizer to carry with you. Cusco gets extremely cold in the evening, so pack a few sweatshirts. Remember your Spanish/English dictionary, and a notebook to write important things down.
4.1-Other things volunteers should know:
Machupicchu is amazing! Definitely a place to visit while in Cusco.
5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):
This has been an amazing experience. It was everything I hoped it would be and more. I learned about the Peruvian culture and grew as a health care provider. I also was able to study Spanish and will continue to when I get home! This is not going to be my last trip through A Broader View. I will be back next summer!
6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e: host family, on- site, shared)
GREAT! They were welcoming and treated me like family.
7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
A little boy I was helping in the clinic gave a huge hug and kiss on the cheek. The family was extremely grateful for my help.
8- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
WONDERFUL! Answered all my questions and returned phone calls / e-mails within 24 hours.
9- Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers
Of course!!
