Rural Clinic Supporter
Coordinator | Hannah
Coordinator | Hannah
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
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.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+
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:
- Provide free, quality and compassionate healthcare to the people of the Sacatepéquez region
- Improve the health and long term wellbeing of some of the most impoverished people in the world
- Improve the future prospects of entire indigenous communities
- Provide a cross-cultural experience for both volunteers and local populations
How you can help
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:
- Conducting health and hygiene workshops in rural schools
- Helping doctors by measuring patient’s vital signs
- Helping doctors and nurses with daily tasks at clinics
- Helping in state pharmacies to provide service
- Participating in medical outreach campaigns if one coincides with service time
- Teaching indigenous families in rural areas about basic health measures and nutrition
Typical day
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!
Free-time activities
Antigua Guatemala is a city in the central highlands of Guatemala famous for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque influenced architecture as well as a number of spectacular ruins of colonial churches. Antigua Guatemala means "Ancient Guatemala" and was the third capital of Guatemala. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Antigua is a growing tourist destination in Guatemala as it is close to Guatemala City but is much calmer and safer, with more tourist oriented activities. Central Park (Parque Central) is the heart of the city and is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. It is also possible to take buses from Antigua to many parts of Guatemala, many travel agencies offer shuttles to the main touristic places: Monterrico beach, Atitlan Lake, Coban, Lanquin (Semuc Champey), Tikal or even Copan in Honduras.
Swimming
Hiking
Sports
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (fluently)
or Spanish (intermediate level)
required
Medicine, Med-School, Pre-Med Students at University level
Emergency Contact and Resume
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Volunteers on this project will need at least an intermediate understanding of Spanish in order to communicate effectively with patients and staff. Naturally, all applicants must also have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
from
09:00
- 16:00
What's Included
- Airport pick-up on arrival
- Orientation & full safety briefing
- Accommodation
- 24/7 local support network
- Project placement & onsite supervision
- Breakfast & dinner provided
- Return airport transfer
- registration fee included
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!
- Project Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Project Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival Airport: La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala City, Guatemala (Code: GUA)
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.
Limited access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. We assist you to find cheap flights to Guatemala.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Guatemala provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Guatemala you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Guatemala.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
This project is available year-round and programs typically start every 1st and 3rd SUNDAY of each month. Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2 - 4 weeks
Program fees
2 weeks
(min. stay)
$888
3 weeks
$1,028
4 weeks
(max. stay)
$1,228
Average fees
$376
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Love Volunteers
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with Love Volunteers during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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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.
$376/week
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