Volunteer Testimonials
"My volunteer mission with FIMRC was an amazing, eye-opening experience.
I was able to work with other volunteers and doctors in order to
provide healthcare to some of the most amazing, beautiful children I
have ever met. Not only did I feel like I gave something to that
community in Alajuelita, but I felt that they gave something back to me.
I will forever keep my experience with FIMRC and Costa Rica close to my
heart." - Meghan, volunteered 2008
"The amount of hands-on medical work you're able to do is amazing. I never could've dreamed we would be able to do so much - from filling prescriptions to doing an exam alongside the doctor to translating for non-Spanish speakers - the experience was better than I ever could have dreamed of!" - Stephanie, volunteered 2007
"I loved everything about this trip; it opened my eyes to a new world. This trip confirmed my desires to study medicine and give back to those less fortunate! My host family was amazing as well!" -Sean, volunteered 2006
"I will always remember my stay in Costa Rica. I miss my homestay family and the clinic every day!" – Elise, volunteered 2007
"The program was truly amazing and it gave me a new perspective on health." – Manessa, volunteered Feb 2007
"Although my FIMRC experience lasted only 1 week, it changed my life. I look forward to working with FIMRC for many years to come." - Jeffrey, volunteered 2007
"My favorite part of the mission was prepping the patients to see the doctor. This is where your interpersonal skills are truly tested, especially if you do not speak the same language. Somehow the barrier gets broken down and you are still able to get to know the patients, have fun, and ameliorate their worries and boredom." – Anonymous, volunteered 2009
"This trip opened my eyes to the world around me! It changed my life!" – Boris, fall 2009
"It was a once in a life time experience! Everyone was so kind and inviting, and we had countless opportunities to get intimate and familiar with the people of the community. It really makes you feel like you’re making a difference. I’ll never forget this trip!!" - Rebecca, volunteered Feb 2008
"FIMRC was able to provide me with, hands down, THE best experience. It exceeded my expectations on all levels. My trip to Las Delicias will remain the most rewarding eight days of my life. I was able to form the strongest friendships with 8 other university students, one medical doctor, and two FIMRC correspondents, all of whom I still remain close with today! With an open-mind and flexibility, this trip will surpass all your expectations." - Ashwin, volunteered Feb 2008
"El Salvador was an amazing and life-changing experience! Not overrun with tourists, our volunteer group got to participate in local communities through clinic work and explore the wilderness of an amazing country! We climbed a volcano, jumped over waterfalls, explored sandy beaches and local markets, and had some amazing El Salvadorian food! We bonded with the local children, learned to vaccinate people, and bonded in ways that transcend verbal description! I had an amazing experience and would do it again in a heart beat!" -Emily, volunteered Dec 2009
"The best part of FIMRC Project Las Delicias was getting to know the community of Las Delicias. It felt like once you interacted with some of the residents, they remembered you and made sure they said hello the next time they saw you. Also, doing house calls and learning techniques for examinations without the latest technologies is very useful for future reference." – Armani, volunteered Dec 2009
“I love to travel and see other parts of the world. By spending part of my time volunteering (there was still plenty of time to see the area when not working), I got to see and get a feel for a place in so much more depth than any previous travel I've done. It was more enjoyable than just being a tourist. It's a cliché, but I got more out of it than I could possibly have given.” – Anonymous, volunteered 2010
“I had heard great things from a group that worked with the FIMRC in Uganda last year, so I modeled our (India) trip after what they did. We spent two weeks with (FOM) Sandra and about five days seeing historical/tourist sites, like Delhi anad the Taj Mahal. Our time with the FIMRC was easily the best part of our trip. The work you are doing there is very needed, and we were honored to help in a small way. We all loved playing with the children and will never forget our experiences with the FIMRC.
“The two weeks with the FIMRC was also the only part of the trip when we really got to know people from India, and become immersed in the culture, living and eating with people from India. Sandra in particular was incredible, and much more than a guide. We all feel like we now have a friend in India, and if she ever travels to the US, I hope she comes to stay with my family in Colorado. I completely agree with the comment two cadets made on the way home when they said, “Sandra was the best thing about our whole trip.”
“I will highly recommend my colleagues submit a similar trip to India next summer to experience the same things we did this summer with the FIMRC. Thank you so much for the incredible experiences, and please give my thanks and the thanks from all of the cadets, to Sandra, who made this a trip none of us will ever forget. It was an extremely worthwhile adventure.” – USAFA Cadet, volunteered 2010
"Volunteering in Nicaragua was a eye-opening experience. The clinic and hospital staff are superb. They immerse you in the experience, and learning is a large part of the process. The community is extremely safe and everybody knows everybody. Not to mention you're only a 5 minute walk to the beach. If I get the chance to volunteer again, I'm for sure going back to Nicaragua." -Anonymous, volunteered Jan 2010
"Not only did I have an awesome clinical experience in the clinic in Limon and the hospital in Rivas, Nicaragua, but I got a chance to be in touch with the community. We walked through their dirt-floor houses, we danced with the natives, we cooked tortillas with the village "mom", and I believe it was the most valuable and inspiring week that I have had in a long time. Thank you FIMRC." - Melissa, volunteered Jan 2010
"My time spent in Nicaragua is something that I will never forget. I was able to work with children, their families, and the youth within the community all while speaking a language that is not my own. I loved every minute that I spent in Nicaragua and would definitely love to go on another medical relief trip in the near future." – Daphne, volunteered Sep 2009
"I went to Nicaragua and it was a truly eye-opening experience. We did a lot of hands-on work in the community and had a lot of opportunity to learn about the people, the culture, and the healthcare system that is provided to the people there." -Gabriel, volunteered Sep 2009"This is truly a rewarding experience that you will get much out of. Without out sounding cliche, it's a once in a lifetime experience!" - Anonymous, volunteered 2007
"It was truly an amazing experience - nothing can put it all down in words. I can talk for days and days and it still would not do justice to the magnitude of what we did. I got to experience things that perhaps 3rd or 4th year medical students here MIGHT get to see. And to be in their culture and accept things the way they do - it was really very amazing." - Anonymous, volunteered 2008
"Our trip to Peru with FIMRC was the most memorable and meaningful trip I have ever taken. We were able to witness life-changing surgeries and care for kids who needed so much love. This is one trip I will never forget!!" -Allison, volunteered Dec 2009
"Our trip to Huancayo was spectacular. Our coordinator and host family were very sweet and supportive, which added tremendously to the experience. We learned a lot about the state of health care and illness in Peru, and even got the opportunity to witness a live surgery." – Anonymous, volunteered Jan 2009
"My FIMRC experience was completely amazing! The opportunity to interact within the community and play even a small role in people's health and well-being is something that will stay with me for years. I know that I will be a better medical professional because of the exposure I received and the projects I was a part of on my FIMRC trip." – Jessica, volunteered Dec 2009
"I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the Bumwalukani clinic and found it quite meaningful. I was impressed by the work the clinic does and found the FIMRC Field Operations Manager to be extremely capable in running the clinic and working with volunteers." - Anonymous, volunteered 2008"I felt I got to know a lot about and interact with the community, thanks to outings with staffers to another clinic, a hospital, a home being built, a dinner in someone's house, and markets - and just meeting people on the road/trails." - Anonymous, volunteered 2008
"A great way to experience rural Africa." -Anonymous, volunteered 2007
"My experience in Uganda was life changing. It was incredibly rewarding work and gave me a sense of fulfillment." – Anonymous, volunteered 2007
"You have an opportunity to be involved with an amazingly warm, welcoming community that is responsive and appreciative of all your efforts." – Anonymous, volunteered Dec 2009
