Frequently Asked Questions

Stonehill Extension Honduras volunteer Alex Flores '12 (far right) and the girls of the Marie Poussepin Center.

Q: Where will I be working?

A: Volunteers work at the Marie Poussepin Center, a 7-12^th grade school for girls who live in the surrounding mountain villages.

Q: What will I be doing?

A: Volunteers work as teachers/tutors at the school. There is a wide range of subjects taught such as English, Math, Science, Civics, Social Studies, Art, or Music. The courses you teach will depend on what grade you are teaching. You will also teach afternoon workshops which may include gym classes, art classes, theater classes, reading workshops, or class reviews. You will also bring your students to work at a local farm once a week.

Q: What is a typical work-week?

Monday:

Arrive at Center at 8:00, help the students arrive, and begin classes at 10:00. Lunch and other activities are the same as below.

Tuesday-Thursday:

Friday:

Same schedule as above, but students only have 2 hours of class, and leave the Center at 12:00, after their lunch and chores. Volunteers have lunch with the Sisters and then return home.

Q: Are there vacations or breaks during the year?

A: Typically, there is a weeklong break during Holy Week, a week in June and a week in September.

Q: Can I travel during the year?

A: Yes, you can travel during your vacations. During this time, we encourage volunteers to explore other parts of the country. In fact, we provide volunteers with a $500 stipend to assist with in-country travel expenses. Volunteers are discouraged from traveling home during breaks. However, if there is a death in the family or other emergency, volunteers are permitted to return home for a mutually agreed upon length of time at their own expense. Family and friends are encouraged to visit, however, this must not interfere with your work duties.

Q: What is the dress code?

A: Casual. Jeans are acceptable, pants, skirts (please be mindful of length), dresses, capri pants, etc. NO shorts and no miniskirts.

Q: Is there internet access?

A: Yes. However, there is a bandwidth limit that cannot be exceeded and sometimes the Internet is out of service.

Q: Do I have to bring a lunch to work?

A: No, lunch will be provided for you at the Center.

Living:

Q: Where will I live?

A: You will live in a home located approximately 10 minutes away. Volunteers ride their bikes to/from the Center.

Q: Is there internet access in the home?

A: Yes

Q: What does the home include?

A: The home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms; a kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, stove and an oven; a dining room; and a living room with a television. The yard includes a small garden, a mango tree and a pila for washing your clothes. There is usually a dog at the residence. The neighbors are known and friendly.

Q: How do I get my meals?

A: You eat lunch and dinner at the Center from Monday-Thursday. Breakfast is at your home. Dinner on Fridays and all meals on the weekends are prepared in your home. Volunteers are provided with a monthly stipend to cover the cost of food and incidentals.

Q: Is it safe for me to leave the home in the evenings or on the weekends?

A: It is recommended that you travel in pairs at all times. Volunteers should be back at their home before dark. However, if traveling with trusted friends, it is possible to have dinner in the evening with friends and neighbors.

Medical Care:

Q: Will I have access to medical care while I'm there?

A: Yes. All medical issues would be taken care of by the Sisters. They will determine if your needs can be addressed at the Clinic, the local hospital, or if you need services in the capital. It is important that if you take any medicine on a regular basis, that you bring it with you, because you may not be able to procure it in Honduras.

Q: Will I have access to dental care while I'm there?

A: There are dental groups that come to visit throughout the year. If you need dental care, you can work out an appointment with one of those visiting groups.