Healthcare in Guatemala

  Guatemala

Quetzaltenango

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Year-round

Description: According to the World Health Organization, 20 percent of Guatemala's people lack regular access to health services. This underserved population is largely poor, rural, young and indigenous. Chronic malnutrition and inadequate health education remain major problems, especially among the rural indigenous communities. Health professionals such as doctors, nurses, and midwives are greatly needed to fill this gap. Healthcare volunteers work within local hospitals and aid organizations to reach out to impoverished urban and rural communities. Volunteers assist local doctors, provide preventive health education, and work directly with patients from local communities.

Highlights: Upon arrival in Guatemala, participants are met at the airport and given transportation to their volunteering location. They will receive an orientation that will familiarize them with the town and the surrounding area, Guatemalan culture, and their volunteer program.

Participants will stay with local Guatemalan host families. Host families are very welcoming and enjoy having visitors stay with them. All host family accommodation includes 3 meals per day. Living in a host family setting is the best way to practice your Spanish, and participants frequently make friendships that can last a lifetime.

Qualifications: Volunteers are required to be doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives, health care professionals, or currently-enrolled medical students. Medical licenses (if applicable) should be up-to-date. A copy of relevant documentation may be required. "Pre-med" students are not usually eligible for this program.

At minimum, intermediate Spanish language skills are also required.

Cost in US$: Please see our website

Experience Required: yes

This program is only available to trained health professionals.

Typical Volunteer: World Endeavors volunteers are people from all backgrounds who are looking for a life-changing experience abroad. Our participants are of all ages and come from countries around the world. We seek to match volunteers to projects that best suit their interests and abilities in order to maximize their experience and their impact on their project.

Age Range: 18 and older.

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Guatemala Independently

World Endeavors's Mission Statement: World Endeavors is a provider of unique international volunteer, internship, and study programs. Our mission is to become a catalyst for positive change in our community and the world through quality international programs.