The program
This life-changing project was created with the goal of supplying essential medical treatment to the most vulnerable in society. Based in the highlands of the Sacatepéquez region, volunteers will be working with the indigenous populations of the area, people who have been marginalised from society and are among some of the poorest people in the world. Unable to afford healthcare otherwise, and without an adequate state system, these communities are in urgent need of assistance. Volunteers will find that their help is greatly needed and appreciated by all. The level of volunteer responsibility and involvement will vary depending on the volunteer’s experience in a medical and healthcare related field. Volunteers enrolling in this program can however expect to work in a hands-on environment in a rural medical post alongside other doctors and/or nurses. They will assist local staff to treat patients and also conduct field research where required.
Goals of this Project:
Volunteers are crucial to the health and wellbeing of the indigenous communities these projects serve. The healthcare program would be unsustainable with the volunteer assistance of international medical personnel who willingly give their time, enthusiasm and knowledge. This program is suitable for doctors, medical students, volunteers with an interest in the health field, physiotherapists, dentists, and volunteers with proven experience in nutrition. Due to government regulations, all volunteers must have medical certification. The healthcare posts are located in different towns across the Guatemala highlands where the majority of residents are from Mayan descent. It is also very important that volunteers are able to fluently communicate with their medical supervisor and patients, therefore a high intermediate level of Spanish is required. Spanish lessons can be arranged; however, it is advised that participants already have an existing understanding of the language.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
A volunteer’s work day on this project will generally last between 4 and 6 hours and while we ask all volunteers to be flexible in this regard, a typical daily schedule is likely to go something like this:
7:00am Breakfast with host family
8:00am Walk or bus to project site
8:30am Pre-start meeting with project supervisor
9:00am VOLUNTEERING DUTIES
A tea break and lunch break will be fitted in during the day, but often the timing of breaks will change based on the needs of the local staff and number of volunteers on hand.
1:00pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES
4:00pm Debrief with project supervisor
4:30pm Walk or bus back to home stay
6:00pm Dinner with host family
Evenings Free time to relax or explore the sights and sounds of this beautiful region!
Upon your arrival in Guatemala, you will collected at the airport (or bus station) by a member of the local project team and taken to your accommodation. Here you will be welcomed by your host family and settled into your new surroundings.
On Monday morning you will be collected and taken to the local team offices where you will receive a full project and safety orientation. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have. You will then be taken to your projects site where you will be introduced to the onsite project team, ready to start work. Easy!
Volunteers in Guatemala will stay with a local Guatemalan family which is a great way to be immersed in the culture. All families have been fully vetted by our local team and have experience hosting international volunteers. The home-stays are in safe neighborhoods, and are within a 15 to 25-minute walk or 5 to 10-minute bus ride from the project sites. All families have been fully vetted by our local team and have extensive experience hosting international volunteers. Depending on the time of year it may be necessary to share a room with other volunteers, but private rooms are often available upon request (additional fees may apply). Volunteers will be provided access to a shared bathroom. Host families are often happy to wash clothes for volunteers for a small fee to cover the additional electricity, though mostly volunteers will use a local laundromat. Wifi is available at most host family houses, however we ask volunteers to remember access to this service is a privilege and may be limited at times. A multitude of internet cafes are available throughout Antigua.
Breakfast and dinner will be provided throughout the placement, including weekends. Guatemalan food typically centers on the key ingredients of corn, chillies and beans. A traditional dish is tamale which consists of a starchy corn-based dough wrapped in a leaf and steamed. The sweets made in Guatemala are well known, containing condensed milk, nuts, fruit and honey, they are considered a delicacy. Volunteers in Guatemala have the opportunity to savor these and other delights in the homes of ordinary local people famed for their friendly dispositions.
Rural Clinic Supporter
Work with the indigenous population in this hands-on project and provide them with urgent healthcare. Assist doctors or nurses and participate in outreach programs.
$281/week
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