Go and Volunteer Abroad - and Select A Broader View Volunteers! Back in August 2017, I was extremely fortunate to identify a wonderful non-profit volunteer organization, A Broader View Volunteers (ABV), in my desire to perform my first orphanage volunteer work in Ghana Africa. They connected me with a very special group of people from a refugee camp in Ghana who stole my heart. I fell in love with the children and consider those running the orphanage/ school very dear friends. At the end of my assignment, a poignant life changing experience, I was counting down the days to return which occurred August 2019. From my first trip onward, I stay connected with these remarkable people to support them financially and in many other ways as their needs are many. To present day, ABV continues to be instrumental and supportive of my requests on behalf of this orphanage. Over and above both assignments that ABV very effectively prepared me for, they have been a true partner that continues to support of the many needs that this orphanage has on behalf of many beautiful children. I am so fortunate to have found ABV and will always be grateful that they placed me exactly where I belonged.

VERY TRAUMATIZING EXPERIENCE I volunteered in BeliZe a week before Christmas of 2019, and my project was suppose to last for two weeks. My mission was abruptly cut short after only being in the orphanage for three days, due to being sexually harassed by their male orphanage director and being eaten alive by bed bugs. From the minute I was dropped off at the volunteer house, he was making inappropriate comments and looking at me inappropriately. He was a married man, propositioning me, and I felt extremely disrespected. The second day, some little girls in the orphanage came up to me and made some pretty disturbing comments regarding him, being inappropriate. I felt extremely uncomfortable, and since I was the only volunteer there, I didn’t feel safe. To make matters worse, I was being eaten alive by bed bugs. I’ve traveled all through Africa, volunteering, I know mosquito bites when I see them. I had marks all over my body, despite using the proper sprays..and was only being bitten in my bed. So I reported him to Agatha, and she was very compassionate and apologetic to me. They fired him immediately, but I left Belize because I was in a foreign country, alone, and the integrity of my mission was already compromised. I had spent so much money to be there, and to try to make a difference in the children’s lives. A couple of weeks later, I hadn’t heard Anything from Sarah, until I reached out to her first. She emailed me practically blaming me for the incident. She offered me a partial refund, which was disappointing. My program was $995, plane ticket $789, took unpaid time off from work then I spent more money leaving early. For her to deny me a full refund, and charge me for the three days that I was there like it was some hotel was distasteful and showed me that she is more concerned with money then anything. During my stay I didn’t eat the food because I had become sick after the first meal, and I was bitten by bed bugs in the living counters. Even a hotel would offer their guests a FULL refund. I understand that it’s not the organizations fault for how the inappropriate director behaved. However, how Sarah handled the situation was very disappointing, and I will not be supporting her organization in the future.

Life Changing Experience Two of my colleagues and I wanted to spend some time giving back in the world. ABV matched us to the right experience in a children's home in Belize, they helped us with our documentation, they educated us on cultural expectations and the communication between our group before, during and after the trip, was top notch. We have since been to the same home over 25 times in the last five years, it was a life changing experience. Sarah and her team continue to support the home and our efforts, we are so appreciative.

I volunteered at an orphanage in Belize I volunteered at an orphanage in Belize through A Broader View. My experience was fantastic! When we decided that we wanted to volunteer at an orphanage, all research that I did suggested we use A Broader View to facilitate our trip. We were looking for an English speaking country & somewhere to make a difference with children. A Broader View's website and recommendations made it easy for us to connect with the orphanage in Belize - which was the perfect fit!! After going through the approval process, they very accurately let us know what to expect for our trip & we had a life changing experience in Belize at the children's home. Our housing was comfortable, meals were healthy, the staff was accepting & supportive, and the children are amazing. In the 10 day trip, we felt like we made a difference at the orphanage through time with the kids & work around the orphanage. It was fun and rewarding. A Broader View made all of it possible. Very grateful that we decided to use A Broader View for our trip!! Thank you!!

I recently returned after spending two… I recently returned after spending two months in India as part of the ABV program in Jaipur. I was challenged every day by new ways of doing things (in a good way). Sushila, the director of the Care Center, found lots of ways to put my skills to use including an organized event to showcase students exhibiting safe childhood performances of dance and skits. The support provided by ABV staff was truly amazing. So much more than I could imagine. I have seen others in different programs with different support and I can tell you ABV staff does a terrific job. They guided and helped me throughout my stay. I was extremely happy during my stay in Jaipur. The ABV staff and their pre-trip information were spot on.