Health Projects in Guatemala

  Guatemala

Quetzaltenango

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: all year round

Description: Especially in rural areas in Guatemala, there are few health care facilities and even fewer people who are aware of health problems and basic health care solutions. The majority of people are treated in the overburdened public hospitals, as access to larger, better-equipped hospitals is limited to the wealthy and to major cities.

These health care projects in the Guatemala volunteer program give volunteers a truer understanding of the issues and challenges of health care in Guatemala. Our partner in Guatemala runs a small clinic in a rural village just outside of the city of Quetzaltenango. Volunteers built the clinic in 1999 and now a doctor and nurse paid by our partner open the clinic in the mornings from Monday to Friday in service of the community.

Volunteer work will vary depending in the skills and interests if the volunteer. Volunteers may be called upon for tasks ranging from observation to assistance to carrying out procedures as a qualified health professional. Volunteer tasks may range from taking blood pressures and temperatures to performing first aid and distributing medicines. In addition, there is an opportunity not only to participate in, but also plan and carry out mini health campaigns or conferences in the community and primary schools. These campaigns involve topics of: health education, basic prevention, nutrition, and sanitation.

Another option is working in the General Hospital in the city of Quetzaltenango. Volunteer tasks are similar to those listed above.

These Guatemala volunteer projects are located in the department of Quetzaltenango.

Medical volunteers must have some proof of qualification as a health professional, medical student, or nurse, such as an identification card or certificate of course completion.

Qualifications: you must be either a medical student or doctor or nurse.

Cost in US$: please inquire for more information

Salary / Pay: volunteer job

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: The two-week Spanish Language and Cultural Orientation training course is required for volunteers who are not fluent in Spanish. For volunteers who are fluent in Spanish, the one-week Cultural Immersion Program is required. No Spanish required for mini-Adventure program.

Age Range: 18 or above

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Global Crossroad's Mission Statement: Global Crossroad offers many remarkable and challenging volunteer, internship, mini-adventure, and cultural immersion opportunities to interested international volunteers in marvelous countries such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, Mongolia, Ghana, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Kenya. Our unique programs are creative and exciting, as they engage volunteers in breathtaking journeys. Here, a volunteer can become involved in service projects while they explore remote villages. A volunteer can also learn a wonderful new heritage as the Global Crossroad provides language training courses and cultural tours.

Year Founded: 2002