TESTIMONIAL

“I volunteered at this clinic for patients with psychological problems during my volunteer program in Cusco. I was extremely impressed by the staff in the clinic and the methods they used for psychological care.

I mainly volunteered with patients with organic mental disorders, learning disabilities and schizophrenia. I assisted in the classroom, encouraging the patients to listen to the psychologist in charge, and explaining instructions in a more simple way. I also was enthusiastic to them about the work they were doing or the pictures they were drawing. I also assisted with general tasks such as giving out snacks at food time or drinks when they needed.

I visited the nurse in the clinic a few times to look through the patients’ folders and speak about things such as what medications they were on, and what difficulties they have faced in their lives in the past; and this I found really interesting.

For a few days during my volunteer project I also worked in the addiction block, where I came across people with drug and alcohol addiction, gambling addiction and also eating disorders. I listened in on some meetings that a clinical psychologist had with the group of patients, and learnt a bit about the group therapies that take place.

Overall, volunteering in Peru was a very different experience to what I have come across before and parts were also very challenging. But I definitely learnt from the experience and now have some things that I can take away with me for my future career”.

“I enjoy the volunteer program. My first impressions are positive. I like the volunteer project,and also Rio de Janeiro. I am very excited! Thank you for everything, Latin America”.

"I really enjoyed my time in Venezuela. After having toured around the country to see the beautiful and diverse nature of the Andes, the wetlands of the Llanos, the rainforest in the Amazon and the beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, I started my volunteer project in Santa Elena de Uairén. This town is located near the Brazilian border and is situated on top of the mountain with beautiful views.

The local assistance of the staff in Venezuela was excellent. The volunteer work was very diverse and it was great to get to know the kids and their environment. They were all very sad when I finally went home.

I highly recommend this volunteer project in Venezuela to future volunteers. If you show initiative you are sure to have a great time and get a lot out of your experience. I also suggest you to plan some extra time to travel around Venezuela, as it is a beautiful country!”