Honduras Volunteering: A Comprehensive Step by Step Guide

Travellers Quest
Volunteer in
Honduras
A Comprehensive Step by Step Guide to Volunteering in Honduras

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Getting started - volunteer in Honduras
Welcome to Honduras
Why you should volunteer in Honduras
What are some popular volunteer projects available in Honduras?
Where are some popular places to volunteer in Honduras?
Which is the best season to volunteer in Honduras?
3
4
5
5
6
Chapter 2: Choosing your Honduras volunteer program
How you can select the best organization to volunteer with
Which organizations offer the best volunteer opportunities in Honduras?
7
8
Chapter 3: Getting ready to volunteer in Honduras
Visa, passport
Vaccinations
Air ticket
Raising funds
Suggested books to read
Packing advice and tips
Gifts for projects
10
10
10
10
11
12
12
Chapter 4: Information you must know about the project
Project details
What to expect when volunteering in Honduras
Learn about your host family
Local support
Make the final call
13
13
14
14
14
Chapter 5: Arriving and Volunteering in Honduras
How to make your volunteer in Honduras experience rewarding
Safety while volunteering in Honduras
Do’s and don’t in Honduras
Culture shock
Things to do in Honduras
15
15
16
17
18
Chapter 6: Completion of project & follow up
19
Chapter 7: Most frequently asked questions from volunteers
21

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CHAPTER 1: Getting Started
Welcome to Honduras
Blessed with beautiful natural resources, includ-
ing tropical islands, mountains, forests, rivers
and lakes, some of the best snorkeling and div-
ing in the world and an abundance of colorful
wildlife, Honduras is a country rich in nature,
culture, history and amazing people. From cities
to nature and islands to ruins; Honduras is wait-
ing to be discovered.
However rich the country is in natural resources
Honduras is a developing country and has been
suffering with political, economic, social issues
and disasters for many years, As a result the
support of volunteers in a range of different ar-
eas including education, healthcare, community
development, construction and conservation
is much needed. A volunteering experience in
Honduras will not only be of great benefit to the
Honduran people but also a life changing and
eye opening experience for any volunteer.
Why you should volunteer in Honduras
Photo Credit:originalvolunteers.co.uk

Photo Credit: intercoined.com
Landscapes: Honduras really is a tropical para-
dise. Soft white sand beaches fringed with co-
conut trees, the warm waters of the Caribbean
ocean, rugged mountains, jungles and ancient
ruins all make up its beautiful landscapes.
Adventure: From relaxing on the beaches and
taking a dip in the warm waters, snorkeling or
diving amongst some amazing coral reefs, to
trekking through the jungle, visiting indigenous
tribes, whitewater rafting and kayaking or
exploring the character of the towns; Honduras
has an adventure for everyone. If you are keen
on diving Honduras is said to be the cheapest
place in the world to obtain your PADI diving
certification.
Affordability: While many Latin American
countries are becoming increasingly popular
tourist destinations, which inevitably leads to a
higher cost of living, Honduras currently remains
relatively inexpensive. The local public buses
are cheap, so you will find getting around and
exploring the country will not break your budget
and you can still pick up a good meal for only a
few dollars.
A country in poverty: Honduras is a country
where around 65% of the population lives in
poverty. Although it is working on developing its
economic situation, Honduras needs help from
volunteers to assist in building and strengthen-
ing the country’s communities, facilities, re-
sources and overall living standards.
You will stand out from the crowd
As a volunteer in Honduras you’ll always be that
little bit different, but that’s not a bad thing.
People will look to you for help and support,
and some will be keen to share their culture and
life stories. Make the most of standing out from
most others – after all, you may never have such
an experience again.
You will have the opportunity to leave a posi-
tive impact: When you volunteer in Honduras
you will be working with communities and peo-
ple who are in desperate need of assistance and
support. Whatever area you decide to volunteer

in, you will have a positive impact on the devel-
opment of Honduras and its people.
Opportunities for cultural immersion and
Spanish learning: A volunteer placement in
Honduras will present many opportunities for
you to get to know and immerse yourself in the
colorful cultures and traditions of the Honduran
people and Garifuna cultures, while learning the
Spanish language.
What are some popular volunteer projects
available in Honduras?
Childrens’ Projects
Children’s Projects in Honduras exist to educate
children, provide them with opportunities to
learn invaluable life skills, offer medical as-
sistance and generally provide children with a
healthy, fulfilling lifestyle with resources and
facilities for them to enjoy. Volunteers in these
projects can be involved in teaching, spending
time with the children, constructing facilities
for them to use or providing medical assistance.
English Teaching Projects
English Teaching Projects in Honduras are set up
to deliver English language classes to children
and young people across Honduras - in schools
and community centers. Volunteers on these
projects will be involved in teaching English lan-
guage lessons, helping with homework and pos-
sibly taking part in extra-curricular activities.
Health Projects
Due to poor health services in Honduras, health
programs have been set up to provide medi-
cal support and care to people in impoverished
communities. Volunteers for most of these pro-
jects will need to have some experience working
in healthcare and medicine, and may also need
an intermediate level of Spanish. Volunteer
tasks often include: conducting checkups, clean-
ing wounds, research work, dispensing medicine
and general assistance.
Coral Cay Conservation
Honduras has a rich marine and coral reef life,
and many local communities depend on this nat-
ural resource for their livelihood. Coral Cay con-
servation projects have been set up to maintain,
manage and protect it from being damaged. Vol-
unteers in these projects will undertake a range
of tasks which include data collection, research,
and educating the community on how to sustain
the coral reef.
Where are some popular places to volun-
teer in Honduras?
La Cieba: Located on the northern Atlantic
coast and surrounded by jungles, mountains,
rivers and beaches; this port city is Honduras’s
tourism capital. It offers a vibrant atmosphere
and is fast becoming a modern day city with
Photo Credit: lovevolunteers.org

malls popping up and businesses starting to
flourish. Volunteering in La Ceiba gives you a
good base, from which to explore its beautiful
surroundings in your free time.
Popular volunteer projects in La Cieba are:
teaching and education, orphanage projects,
childcare, medicine and healthcare.
Tegucigalpa: Located in the highland valley, the
capital of Honduras -commonly referred to as
Tegus - is a city to be explored. Enjoy colonial
architecture, stunning surrounds, good museums
and a vibrant café and bar scene, but be aware
that crime rates can be quite high after dark, so
you will need to keep your wits about you at all
times.
Popular volunteer projects in Tegucigalpa are in:
education, medicine and health care.
Utila: One of the beautiful tropical islands
which makes up the Bay Islands of Honduras and
located in the Caribbean Sea about 29km from
the mainland, Utila is a little island paradise
surrounded by a stunning coral reef with an
abundant marine life. Although small in size the
island of Utila is rich in cultural experiences,
nature activities and potential adventures.
The most popular project in Utila is in reef con-
servation.
Roatan: Is the largest of the Bay Islands of Hon-
duras and boasts a relaxed and laidback island
lifestyle, complimented by stunning beaches,
warm Caribbean waters, and an abundance of
wildlife, fantastic snorkeling and diving and
friendly locals. The four main towns in Roatan
are Coxen Hole, French Harbour, Punta Gorda
and West End. Volunteer here and experience a
true Honduras island experience.
Popular volunteer projects in Roatan are: day
care center work, medicine and healthcare,
education, local interest projects and nature
conservation.
Which is the best season to volunteer in
Honduras?
The most popular time for tourism in Hondu-
ras is either December to February or July to
August, however with a tropical climate pretty
much year round there’s no bad time to visit.
October is the rainy season and November can
be prone to hurricanes, so you may wish to
avoid those or prepare for rain. The best season
in terms of volunteering will depend on the type
of project you are doing as some only accept
volunteers at certain times of the year. It’s best
to check with your organization and project on
the dates available to you.

CHAPTER 2 : Choosing Your Honduras Volunteer Program
Photo Credit: frontiergap.com
So you have chosen to undertake a volunteer po-
sition in Honduras, but with so many volunteer
organizations offering similar projects it can be
difficult to choose the best one. When invest-
ing your time and money in such a valuable
experience you want to know that it is provides
value for money, and that your final decision is
the right one. Remember that a good company
will always look professional, provide you with
support and will have a great reputation in the
industry. Here are a few tips to help you select
the best one for you.
How you can select the best organization
Quality website
Look for a website that is professionally de-
signed, easy to navigate, includes pictures of
volunteers and projects, and provides suffi-
cient details of the projects available, the fees
charged and what these fees cover.
Things to look for:
• Reviews or volunteer forum spaces/commu-
nities
• Any recognition awards for industry experi-
ence
• Easy to find contact details
• A 24 hour telephone emergency line and/or
online support
• Photographs of volunteers and projects
• The company’s story, mission and goals
• Clear, concise, correct and up to date details

Industry experience
Their years in the industry, number of coun-
tries/projects offered and number of volunteers
placed on projects can be a good indicator of
a company’s experience and reputation in the
industry. With a professional and reputable
organization these figures should not be hard to
find. Additionally, look out links to any media
recognition they have had for their work.
Social Media
Social media plays a big role in influencing
people’s decisions these days and a profes-
sional company is likely to use a variety of social
media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and
Instagram. These provide great opportunities
for the company to share details of their pro-
jects and success stories, as well as interact
with previous, current and potential volunteers.
When choosing a company check how often they
use social media, what kind of things they post,
the level and type of interaction between staff
and posters and whether or not these accounts
are up to date. Following the companies you are
interested in is a good way to get a feel for how
they work.
Reviews
A good company is likely to have a high propor-
tion of positive reviews from past volunteers, so
use reviews as a good indicator of the profes-
sionalism and quality of support and valuable
experiences that the company provides for its
projects and volunteers.
Value for money and supports local programs
Volunteer programs can be quite expensive, so
when choosing the right project you want to be
assured that you will not only be receiving value
for money but also that a portion of your money
will go towards supporting local NGOs, projects
and host families. You should be able to find this
information on a reputable company’s website.
Safety for volunteers is assured
When volunteering in a developing country like
Honduras you will want to be sure that the
organization will not send you to any areas of
danger, and that safety for volunteers is para-
mount to them. You also need to be confident
that they will be there to provide support and
assistance if there are any issues.
Who are some of the best volunteer or-
ganizations in Honduras?
Here are some of the best organizations for pro-
viding quality and professionalism in volunteer
projects across Honduras.
Original Volunteers (UK)
http://www.originalvolunteers.co.uk/
Established in 2006, Original Volunteers are
committed to providing incredible volunteer
experiences in 20 countries to over 3000 volun-
teers each year. They work with over 100 unique
volunteer projects, and create volunteer place-
ments which are affordable, ethical and tailor
made to suit each individual. They also provide
a buddy system where you can connect with
other volunteers who could be working on the
same project as you.
Original Volunteers offer a 4 week volunteer
project in Honduras in conservation and general
site assistance. Program fees for this project
start from $375.
Love Volunteers (New Zealand)
http://www.lovevolunteers.org/
Working in 35 developing countries around the
world, Love Volunteers have been providing
participants with rewarding opportunities since
their launch in 2006. They are committed to

providing grass roots experiences which not only
benefit communities in need, but also provide
life changing and personal growth experiences
for their volunteers.
Volunteer projects in Honduras offered by Love
Volunteers include: childcare, HIV/AIDS care,
healthcare, special education and teaching.
Projects are based in the city of La Ceiba, and
program fees start from $440 for a one week
volunteer placement.
COINED (Latin America)
http://www.intercoined.com/
Since 1971 COINED have been the specialists
in providing volunteer and cultural immersion
programs in 14 developing Latin American coun-
tries. They provide volunteers with authentic
cultural experiences while supporting Latin
Americans in areas of need to create a better
quality of life.
COINED offer Honduras volunteer projects in
the areas of: social and health projects, the Red
Cross, childcare and orphanage aid and disabled
care. Projects are based in the city of La Ceiba,
and program fees for a 2 week volunteer place-
ment start from $645.
Frontier (USA)
http://www.frontiergap.com/
With over 25 years of experience in the volun-
teer industry, Frontier are committed to provid-
ing development and support to impoverished
and deprived communities through building
positive relationships and partnerships with
local NGOs and communities, while providing
positive, quality and safe experiences for their
volunteers.
Frontier offer volunteer projects in La Ceiba,
Honduras, in the area of health and teaching.
Program fees for a 4 week placement on this
project start from $2145.
United Planet (USA)
http://www.unitedplanet.org/
Established in 2001, and working in up to 35
countries around the world, United Planet offer
volunteer experiences which are authentic, im-
merse participants into a new culture, and are
based on an applicant’s personal passions and
interests, while providing invaluable support
and assistance to communities in need.
United Planet offer 6 month volunteer place-
ments in Honduras in the areas of education,
social work and healthcare. Program fees start
from $8995.
Photo Credit: intercoined.com

CHAPTER 3 : Getting ready to volunteer in Honduras
Photo Credit: unitedplanet.org
Once you have applied and been accepted into
your volunteer program in Honduras it is time
for you to start your pre-travel planning. This
includes finding an affordable plane ticket,
gathering all essential documents which make
you eligible for entry, and checking out any
health and safety concerns specific to the coun-
try you will be volunteering in. Below is a guide
to help you with these tasks.
Visa
A tourist visa valid for up to 90 days will be
granted upon entry at the airport or border
crossing for citizens of Australia, Britain, Cana-
da, New Zealand, South Africa the USA and most
Western European countries, provided a valid
passport is shown. Extensions to visas may be
obtained at an immigration office for $20USD
and will grant you an extension of another 90
days. This however can only be done once. Most
other nationalities will need to apply for a visa
from the Honduran embassy and obtain it before
entering into the country.
Passport
All non-Honduran nationals entering Honduras
will need a passport with at least 6 months va-
lidity from the date of entry.
Vaccinations
It is vitally important for your health while
traveling and volunteering in Honduras that
you have all required vaccinations, as health

and hygiene standards may be very different
from what you are used to, and medicines are
not as accessible. Prevention is always better
than cure, so be sure you consult with a medi-
cal professional and discuss the best ways to
stay healthy and reduce the risk of illness while
traveling and volunteering in Honduras.
The most important vaccination to get is teta-
nus. The vaccination is valid for 10 years so
check when you had your last one and have a
booster if required. If you cannot remember
when you had your last one it is safer to get a
booster just in case. Other recommended vac-
cinations are hepatitis A & B and typhoid. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a
useful site for information on health and safety
in Honduras so be sure to check it out.
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/
traveler/none/honduras
Air ticket
When searching for your flight to Honduras, use
the following as a guide to find the best deal.
Check which airport is best for you. There are
direct flights into Honduras from other Central
American countries and the USA. Most flights
will arrive into San Pedro Sula or Tegucigalpa,
however there are also a few direct flight from
the USA which fly direct into Roatan
Be sure to check where your placement is and
work out which is the best airport for you in
relation to your project.
▪▪ Check all fare rules: cancellation, change
and baggage fees. Cheaper fares often
charge higher fees for these.
▪▪ Sign up for deal alerts from airlines and air-
fare booking search engines.
▪▪ Check to see if entry or departure taxes are
included. International departure tax if you
fly out of Honduras is $38USD, to be paid at
the airport.
▪▪ Be flexible with your travel dates and times,
and book in advance.
Raising funds
Volunteering abroad is such a wonderful experi-
ence, but it can be an expensive undertaking.
There are however ways in which you can raise
money for your experience. You could get onto
online sites like eBay and start selling all those
things that you don’t need or use any more, or
alternatively have a garage or car boot sale.
You could ask for donations from friends, fam-
ily, work colleagues, neighbors or community
groups. There are also online sites which are set
up to raise money for projects, causes, volun-
teering experiences or not for profits. You can
set up a profile and campaign for your cause and
raise money through such online platforms. Most
of these are easy to navigate and you can eas-
ily create your campaign and get the funds to
support your cause and volunteering experience
rolling in.
Some online sites for campaigns are:
https://www.crowdrise.com/ and
https://fundrazr.com/
Suggested reading
Volunteering in Honduras will be an experience
like no other. It is a country of beauty, adven-
ture and culture however it is also a country
of poverty, crime, political unrest, economic
and social issues. Therefore it is important to
do some reading up on the country before you
leave.
Grab a guide book and read up on destinations,
safety advice, and things to see and do.
Some recommended guide books are:
▪▪ Lonely Planet – Honduras & the Bay Islands
▪▪ Fodor’s – Honduras & the Bay Islands
▪▪ Moon Spotlight – Honduras Bay Islands
▪▪ Approach Guides - Maya Ruins of Tikal, Co-
pan & Quirigua (Travel Guide to Guatemala &
Honduras)

Some recommended literary readings are:
▪▪ The United States, Honduras, and the Crisis
in Central America - by Donald E Schultz and
Deborah Sundloff Schulz
▪▪ How the Maya Built Their World : Energetics
and Ancient Architecture by Elliot M. Abrams
For traveling to Honduras it is strongly suggested
that you read up on current events and safety.
Here are some recommended sites:
https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-
list-of-countries/honduras/
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/eng-
lish/alertswarnings/honduras-travel-warning.
html
Packing advice and tips
▪▪ Passport and travel documentation (travel
insurance, itineraries, important contact
details)
▪▪ Waterproof bag or ziplock bags to keep your
small items protected from rainy weather
▪▪ Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes
▪▪ Bathing suit and towel
▪▪ Snorkeling equipment - if you are an avid
snorkeler and like to use your own equip-
ment
▪▪ Lightweight, easy to breath and quick dry
clothing suitable for hot weather, including a
rain jacket
▪▪ Sweater or jacket for central highland areas
▪▪ River or reef shoes
▪▪ Camera, memory card, cables, chargers
▪▪ Travel adapter
▪▪ Sunscreen and insect repellant, Band-Aids,
antiseptic cream
▪▪ Any required medications
Gift for project
It is recommended that when you volunteer
you give a small gift as a token of appreciation.
Some suggested gifts are souvenirs which are
unique to your country or hometown, which will
be little mementos and reminders of you for
them when you leave. If you are working with
children than learning resources, stationery,
books or games are strongly recommended.

CHAPTER 4 : Information You Must Know About the Project
Photo Credit: shhkids.org
Before you leave your home country make sure
you have all the vital information you could
need about both Honduras and your volunteer
project.
Here are a few things that you may wish to ask
about or check on.
Get detailed information about your project
and know what you can expect while volun-
teering.
This is vitally important to help you prepare
properly, so ask about the following:
• Name of project
• Where your project is located, address and
contact details including: phone, email,
website details
• What you are required to do on the project
(duties, job roles, responsibilities)
• Hours of work, including starting and finish-
ing times and any breaks
• What your daily work schedule will look like
• What you are expected to wear for your
project
• Any rules, regulations or guidelines which
you will need to adhere to
• Who you will be responsible for and who you
will need to report to
• How many people you will be responsible for
• How you will get to and from the project
Learn about your host family
Your host family will be an important part of
your volunteering experience in Honduras, and

before you leave it is a good idea to try and
familiarize yourself with them and find out as
much about them, their house and their routines
before you meet them in person. Exchanging
photographs is one way to build a connection,
along with asking about the following:
• How many members there are in the family,
and how many you will be living with?
• What are their names, ages, gender and fam-
ily status?
• Have they hosted any volunteers in the past?
• Will you have a private or shared room?
• Do you have any access to the other rooms
of the house i.e. lounge/kitchen area to do
your own cooking or laundry?
• Whether you will be living with any other
volunteers
• What meals are provided and what time they
will be served?
• Whether or not they speak any English
• Religious beliefs and cultural values
• Will there be any opportunities for cultural
immersion programs or Spanish language les-
sons?
• Are you able to invite guests/friends over?
• Do they have any house rules which you will
need to follow and respect?
Get connected with local support
Before you leave your home country it is im-
portant to find out if there is any local support
available for you once you arrive in Honduras,
in-case any problems or issues may arise with
your project or host family. Before you leave be
sure to contact your organization and obtain all
details for your in-country support. If they have
an office where you can visit, be sure to get the
address, along with details of their website (if
applicable), contact phone numbers and email
address.
Make a final call before leaving
• Before you depart for your volunteering
adventure in Honduras make a list of ques-
tions which you feel still need clarifying or
answering and call your organization to ask
them. This will give you peace of mind that
everything is in place for your arrival and
volunteer placement.
• Ensure that they have received all your flight
details and that all details, (airline, flight
number, date and arrival time), are correct.
• Make sure that there will be someone to
meet you at the airport - confirm your meet-
ing place and how you will identify them.
• Make sure that staff from the main and in-
country office have contact details for both
you and your family, in case of any emer-
gency.

CHAPTER 5 : Arrive in Honduras and Volunteering
Photo Credit: barefootatlas.com
Volunteering in Honduras will be an eye open-
ing experience, one which will send you on a
journey of emotions as you take in the beauti-
ful sights of the country’s rich natural resources
alongside the poverty, poor living conditions,
and the economic and social problems. Hon-
duras is a country in need of serious help from
volunteers, and whatever area you volunteer
in your assistance and time will be greatly ap-
preciated. At times you may find it dishearten-
ing, however overall you will find each positive
impact you have on an individual or community
will be heartwarming and rewarding.
How to make your volunteer experience
rewarding
Research and Consideration
When you choose to volunteer in Honduras it is
important you to understand the social issues,
economic situation, political system, history and
culture of the people before you go. Honduras
has faced many issues over the years, and it is
important to understand that it is a develop-
ing country where safety issues are still quite a
concern. Before leaving it is important that you
read up on these and find out as much about
what the country has been through and is cur-
rently going through, so you have a greater com-
prehension of what to expect when you arrive.
Know your expectations
Knowing what is expected of you while under-
taking your volunteer position in Honduras and
staying with your host family is important to

prepare yourself mentally and physically for the
role and responsibilities which lie ahead. Know-
ing what to expect helps you have a rewarding
volunteer experience.
Enjoy your experience and take pride in giving
back
Part of having a rewarding experience is to
enjoy what you are doing. Make the most of
your volunteer experience in Honduras by being
passionate and dedicated to your project and
cause. Enjoy what you are doing, from the daily
chores to interacting with the locals. Get to
know the people you work with, undertake all
duties with positivity and enjoyment and take
pride in the impact you have on giving back,
helping and assisting those in great need.
Understand the limitations of a developing
country
It is important to know that when volunteering
in a developing country like Honduras you are
going to find things very foreign and different
from what you are used to in your home coun-
try. Understanding the differences in quality of
living, transport facilities and even the type of
food available in the supermarket, and learning
to embrace the differences rather than com-
plain about them will help you to have a posi-
tive and rewarding experience.
Do not expect to see changes immediately
When volunteering in Honduras it is important
to understand that you are not likely to see
changes immediately. Like everything, change
takes time, and just because you can’t see the
impact that you are having on communities or
individuals straight away it does not mean that
you are not creating change. In fact every little
bit helps contributes to the process and under-
standing this will enhance your experience.
Raise any issues or concerns
Once in Honduras, if you run into any issues or
situations with your project or host family it is
important that you raise these issues with your
organization or in-country support straight away,
so that it can be resolved as quickly and effi-
ciently as possible. If you decide not to raise the
issue until you get back it could have an impact
on your experience, creating negativity for your
entire trip.
Learn the language
Being in a foreign country and not knowing the
language can be difficult and have an impact on
your overall experience. To make the most of
your volunteering opportunity try to learn some
of the language before you go, and utilize every
opportunity that you have once in Honduras to
practice and improve your skills.
Safety while Volunteering in Honduras
Safety is paramount when you decide to vol-
unteer in Honduras. There are high crime and
violence rates in many parts of the country, and
it is important that you are well informed of the
possible safety concerns and keep up to date
with current issues and travel warning to ensure
you have a positive experience in Honduras.
Before you go it is vitally important that you
read up on the current travel warning advice
from sites such as the ones below, and take
proper precautions to ensure personal protec-
tion while traveling and volunteering in Hondu-
ras. Make sure you know what parts of the coun-
try are safe and which areas are best avoided,
to minimize safety concerns.
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/eng-
lish/alertswarnings/honduras-travel-warning.
html
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/
Advice/Honduras
• Before you leave make sure you do thorough

research to help prepare yourself
• Check that the city, town and region that
you will be volunteering in are considered
relatively safe
• Be sure to obtain contact details for all
emergency services, your embassy and local
support contacts
• Ensure that your organization has the correct
contact details for you and your emergency
contacts
• Invest in a good travel insurance policy
• Give a copy of your itinerary, passport and
other travel documents to a family member
or close friend and provide them with your
contact details
• Notify your bank of your travel plans in case
your card is stolen or subject to fraud
• Notify your mobile service provider if you are
going to continue using your sim card while
abroad
• Register your travel plans with your embassy,
links to some are below.
Australians - https://orao.dfat.gov.au/pages/
default.aspx
New Zealanders - https://register.safetravel.
govt.nz/login
US Citizens - https://step.state.gov/step/
While in Honduras
• Always be aware of your surroundings
• Never bring any unwanted attention to your-
self
• Keep valuables concealed at all times
• Don’t provoke any situations
• Always use registered taxis
• Try and travel in a group
• Take note of landmarks and signs to help if
you get lost
• Don’t trust everyone
• Apply common sense, if something doesn’t
feel right leave the situation immediately
• Find out where local authorities are located
(police, hospitals, information centers)
• Know what to do and who to contact in case
of an emergency
• Always carry around a copy of your passport
and visa. (Do not carry original documents
day to day.)
• Dress appropriately
Do’s and Don’ts in Honduras
DO
• dress appropriately and conservatively (espe-
cially if you are female)
• respect and get to know the culture
• try to learn the language and talk to the
locals
• show dedication for your project and be
friendly to the people you work with
• (for women) Ignore catcalls and avoid mak-
ing eye contact when talking to males as this
may give them the wrong intention.
• arrive early to catch local buses if you want
a seat
• be aware of your surrounding areas and your
belongings at all times
• keep plenty of small change in a purse as
many shops are unable to change large bills
• carry toilet paper or tissues with you
DON’T
• wear shorts unless you are at a beachside
location or resort
• take photos of people before asking
• expect to find the same things you do in your
home town
• disrespect the nature or culture of the peo-
ple
• provoke anyone or create scenes which may
lead to trouble
• lose sight of why you are volunteering
• judge others
• leave Honduras without experiencing the
true gems of the country and its people
Cultural Shock
Experiencing cultural shock when traveling to
a foreign country is normal, especially when

traveling to a developing country where tradi-
tions, living conditions and environments are
completely different from what you are used to.
Acknowledging and adapting to these conditions
is an important part of your volunteering experi-
ence in Honduras. Here are a few tips that may
help you prepare for, and perhaps either mini-
mize or bypass the issues which are associated
with culture shock when in Honduras.
Be informed
Before you leave read as much as you can about
safety, politics, economics, laws, customs and
traditions in Honduras. Watch documentaries,
read travel blogs on the country and seek out
information from past volunteers who have
volunteered there. This will give you a bit of an
insight into the possible situations you may en-
counter when you embark on your volunteering
adventure in Honduras.
Learn the language
Being in a foreign country can be hard at the
best of times, but not knowing any of the lan-
guage often makes it harder. Even if you know
just a little of the language you will find it
easier to get by, and it will minimize some of
the confusion and angst that comes with not
understanding anything being said around or to
you.
Get to know the locals
Part of embracing a culture and a country is
getting to know the locals. They are the most
valuable source in getting to know a country, its
beliefs, customs, cultures, tradition, history and
attitude. Becoming friends with locals helps you
to integrate into a community and start living
like a local, find the best places to hangout, the
cheapest places to eat and provides access to
community events.
Remember why you are volunteering in Hondu-
ras
Part of overcoming culture shock is to remember
why you decided to volunteer in Honduras in the
first place. The most likely reason is you wanted
to make a difference, have a positive impact on
the lives of others in less fortunate situations.
This focus can help you embrace difference
rather than fighting it.
Things to do in Honduras
Honduras and the Bay Islands provide many op-
portunities for adventure and discovery. Here
are some suggestions of things to do:
• Visit the tropical islands which make up the
Bay Islands.
• Get your PADI diving certification. Honduras
is one of the cheapest places in the world to
obtain this certification.
• Snorkel and scuba dive many of the beautiful
coral reefs, or swim with whale sharks.
• Get to know the locals and the Garifuna
culture.
• Explore the varied landscapes of the country.
• Learn the local language.
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of
Rio Plátano Biosphere Reserve and spot the
abundant wildlife.
• Relax in a hot spring, explore a cave or go
rafting.
• Discover Mayan history at The Copán Ruins
Archaeological Park.

CHAPTER 6 : Completion of Project and Follow-Up
Photo Credit: littleangelsofhonduras.org
After you return from volunteering in Hondu-
ras it is a good idea to share your experiences.
Maybe you have kept a blog that you can make
public, or feel you could write an article about
your experiences. Tell the world about the coun-
try as you see it, what impact you had on creat-
ing positive change, your project, the people,
the highlights, the lowlights and how the expe-
rience of volunteering in a developing country
had an impact on you.
Sharing your experiences not only informs peo-
ple of what you did, but it also raises aware-
ness for your cause/project and the importance
of volunteering in Honduras. It helps you share
your journey with friends and family, but also
reaches a greater audience, and can be a valu-
able resource for inspiring others or providing
valuable information for future volunteers. Be
sure to take lots of photos while you are away,
especially of the project, the people who you
work with and those in local communities. Pic-
tures help to bring stories to life.
It is also important to provide your organiza-
tion with post-project feedback, both positive
and constructive. Organizations are continually
looking to improve existing programs as well as
develop new ones, so your feedback is a valu-
able tool to them. You could also write a review
of your experience, as these are great resources
for volunteers of the future.
If you are passionate about your project and
volunteering and want to help out in the future
join an online volunteer community and a few
forums, so you can be available to help any peo-
ple with any questions they have on volunteer-
ing or Honduras.

Lastly, don’t lose sight of the reason you origi-
nally volunteered, which was to support a cause
or people who needed your help. There are
many ways you can continue to do that after the
placement is over. You could provide donations,
send supplies, host events and generally raise
awareness of your cause. There are also many
online sites where you can create campaigns
and send the proceeds to your cause. Some ex-
amples of these are:
https://www.causes.com/
http://www.globalgiving.org/

CHAPTER 7 : Most Frequently Asked Questions From Volunteers
How will I get from the airport to my host family/volunteer house?
On arrival in Honduras you will be greeted at the airport by a local representative, who will take
you to your accommodation provider. Double check that you have provided your organization with
all your flight details, so there will be somebody to meet you at the airport.
Will there be support from staff in country?
In most circumstances yes, there will be in-country support for you. Contact your organization
prior to leaving to get their contact details.
How many other volunteers will be participating with me?
The number of volunteers that you will be working with at any one time will depend on the project
you have chosen. Some have a fixed limit; others may take volunteers on a rolling basis so you’ll
meet several sets of people. Ask your organization about the intake of volunteers at any one time
on your specific project.
If I volunteer with my friend can we be placed in the project and housed together?
In most instances there should be no problem placing you and your friend in the same project or
accommodation facility. If you would like to volunteer with your friend then please notify your or-
ganization during the booking process, so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Are meals and housing provided?
Most volunteer programs include accommodation and some meals in your program fees. Accom-
modation is usually with a host family and 2-3 meals a day. In some places you may be staying in a
hostel and need to organize your own food. Be sure to check with your organization about what is
actually included in terms of meals and accommodation.
Will my host family be able to speak English?
Not all host families in Honduras will speak English. If you think this will be a problem you should
notify your organization so that they can find a suitable accommodation option for you. If you have
a basic understanding of Spanish you could get by with that.
Can I travel to other cities during my days off?
Yes, on your days off you are encouraged to make the most of your volunteering experience and
enjoy exploring the country. You will need to check schedules when you arrive to see what you can
do and where you can go in relation to where your project is located, and the amount of time you
have off from your placement.

Do I have to bring my own bedding?
If you are placed in accommodation at a hostel or with a host family than bedding will be supplied
for you.
What if I don’t speak the native language?
In Honduras many volunteer positions require you to speak some Spanish so check with your or-
ganization and the projects on what their requirements are. It is recommended that you take some
classes before you go, or sign up for one on arrival if you do not have any Spanish language knowl-
edge to help you get by.
How will I get to my project every day?
Getting to and from your project each day will depend on where it is located. Some projects may
expect you to make your own arrangements, while others may provide transportation for you.
Check with your organization for full details.
Can I speak with a volunteer who has worked on my project?
Many organizations now have volunteer communities or forums on their websites where you are
able to post questions and a previous volunteer will respond. If this isn’t something your organiza-
tion provides you could ask if they have contact email addresses for ex-participants.
What kind of food will I eat while I’m there?
If you are staying with a host family in Honduras than it is likely that you will be served traditional
Honduran food; breakfast usually consists of scrambled eggs with beans and tortillas, while for
lunch and dinner you can expect rice and beans with grilled meat and tortillas. On the Caribbean
coast seafood is quite popular.
How many hours per day will I be volunteering?
In general most volunteers work around 4-6 hours a day, however this will depend on the project
you are participating in. Get full and current details for your project from your organization.
How much money do I need to bring?
Travel costs, groceries and eating out are relatively inexpensive in Honduras. You can get a decent
sit-down meal for a couple of dollars. and if you are placed in a host family you will not need to
buy many meals. Unless you plan to travel around a lot you should be able to get by on around $40
a week.

This free eBook is just written to help volunteers. So please use this book just as a general reference or source
of information. We cannot guarantee the validity of information as changes in the field can be sudden. As it is
impossible to provide a definite or authoritative guide it is vital you verify information directly with a relevant
and up to date source. We cannot be held liable in any way for damages caused should you choose to overlook
this advice.

Honduras Volunteering: A Comprehensive Step by Step Guide

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Honduras Volunteering: A Comprehensive Step by Step Guide