General Impression
Overall Rating: / 10
This was my first time doing a volunteer vacation. Both my daughters are interested in the medical field and I wanted to make sure volunteer opportunities were safe. Love Volunteers communicated with me throughout the program. Our host family was very hospital and helpful in our first venture. I wish we could of stayed longer but I work. I became more comfortable with the system set up and the schedule as the days went on. My daughter was able to maneuver around the streets and be aware of her environment. In fact she loved it so much that she plans to go next summer.Country
The country of Oaxaca, Mexico is beautiful. It's people are diverse and hospitable. Like any country,including the United States, you have to be careful and aware of your surroundings. There was a festival while we were there called the Guelaguetza which we enjoyed after our duties at the clinic were completed. The more I travel I realize that the majority of people in the world have the same issues, hopes, and dreams for themselves and their family. I enjoyed conversing with my host family.physician Dr. Mendoza-Ramirez, and Josephine Vasquez regarding the differences and similarities of the healthcare system, I plan on going back as one week seemed to go by so fast. As far as the other aspects of the country we walked a lot and enjoyed the cultural exposure and education regarding the population and history.
Project & Staff
Martha was our contact person in Oaxaca, Mexico which our host introduced us to in person on our arrival. Our host Mercedes was amazing. She sat with us at breakfast everyday and practiced Spanish with us. We talked about family, our clinic experience, and society as a whole. She prepared beautiful breakfasts for us and woke us up on time for our last day at clinic which we almost missed. She even let me read some of her children spanish books. The house was beautiful and decorated well. We had everything we needed. The physician and staff were also helpful and let us help as much as was permissible and based on our experience. They taught us the system at the clinic. I see the disparity in the supplies provided to the clinic including medication. It was amazing to me that they wasted nothing. They were careful with supplies and were proactive in treating their patients. For example, Josephine would always ask the parents about their vaccine records even if the child was the one who was brought in. Dr. Mendoza-Ramirez would take time to educate the patients regarding contraception, diet, and medication. It was apparent that both had established a great report with the community in Los Lomas.
Tips
One tip for Volunteers I would suggest is to make clear your expectations to Love Volunteers as well as your skill base. I think this will help with having realistic expectations. In addition stay more than one week. I believe we were more into the rhythm of things after the third day and before we knew it our time was over. Another tip for volunteers is to let the staff know that you are willing to not just observe but also do things like clean, make posters, and do work that will benefit the clinic or staff.