Challenging and Rewarding Physiotherapy Work Experience in Guatemala!

  Guatemala

Antigua

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Dates: Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Description:
MAKE A DIFFERENCE to healthcare in Guatemala!! In a wonderful town in Guatemala, you will have the rare opportunity to share your physiotherapy skills adn qualifications with those who need your help. Your donated time and skill set will be crucial to those you are able to help while in Guatemala. The people and places you visit in this country will forever be yours and you will be so much appreciated in this project.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Centre where you'll assist works to better the lives of approximately 70 children who have physical and/or mental handicaps. The patients here are taken care of by general staff, nurses, doctors, dentists and physiotherapists.

The centre is looking for people qualified in physiotherapy to assist them with their daily work. You'll most likely assist and shadow the physiotherapists while they work with the children and you may help to care for the children, including feeding them, giving them baths, and possibly even assist with cooking or with the laundry. You are here as an assistant physiotherapist, but you must be prepared to muck in with other activities too!

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON YOUR PROJECT:

Whether you're an adventure-mad extreme sports enthusiast or a nature-loving bird-watcher, Guatemala's awesome unspoilt natural habitat will have something for you. The extraordinary terrain around the volcanoes and caves provides the perfect setting for mountaineering and caving (spelunking) whereas the fast-moving rivers are ideal for boating, white-water rafting and windsurfing, with Lake Atitlán also popular for diving. There's also a nearby turtle sanctuary.

Besides this you can also find ample opportunity to go mountain biking, bathe in hot springs surrounded by lush green jungle, or indulge your passion for nature in one of the country's national parks.
Travellers' placements are very flexible and you can combine this project with any other Travellers project, either in the same country or in different countries.

WHAT YOU"LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT

=> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into undiscovered Central America.
=> New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
=> An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
=> The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them
=> And maybe best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

Highlights:

OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY...

"Antigua is absolutely STUNNING. I cannot stress how stunning it really is. I wish I could zap you all here just so you can see it for yourselves."

"I really feel that I was very well informed and it was as I expected. I met many volunteers there and have to say that of them all I was the best prepared for my stay in Guatemala. I also feel that the team were in constant touch with me and answered all my concerns and queries immediately. As an older volunteer with a family, it was importnat that I had support, which I certainly did. THANK YOU VERY MUCH for making it so much easier. I was very happy with every aspect of my stay."

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD

Accommodation with host families means that Travellers volunteers get to eat, sleep, work, socialise and generally live like a Guatemalan. Local family homestays enable you to fully experience the local culture from the inside. Many of our volunteers remain friends with their host families long after they leave Guatemala and in some cases they return to the country later especially to visit their family. Some homestays are more like small hotels, which can accommodate between 1 and 10 volunteers at any one time. Many offer the option of single or shared rooms, and generally houses within the same town are in close proximity with each other. The accommodation is comfortable, with a 'western-style' bathroom.

All of your meals will be provided from Monday to Saturday, leaving you free to sample local eateries on Sundays. Expect to develop a taste for corn tortillas, tostadas and tacos in plentiful supply! Although it could be said that the emphasis with Guatemalan food is more nutritional than culinary, western and international dishes are also easily available in Antigua. Although Guatemalans are big on eating meat, we can easily cater for vegetarians.

LOCATION

With majestic volcanoes rising out of lush green rainforest, highland villages steeped in tradition and vibrant, spirited people, Guatemala put quite simply is a magical destination! Beautiful Antigua, where all of our placements are based, is arguably the most picturesque city in Central America, characterised by a mellow, yet distinctly international feel. The local residents are warmly referred to as Green bellies or panza verde due to the abundance of avocados that grow in the region.

Antigua's splendour is protected by three giant guardian volcanoes Agua, Fuego and Acatenango, providing a stunning setting which attracts thousands of visitors every year. Antigua is one of the most popular places in Central America to learn Spanish so you are bound to meet lots of other students and travellers!

WHAT TO DO NEXT

=> Talk to us - We're here to help you.
=> Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
=> If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you'd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
=> It's as easy as that.

Qualifications: To participate in this project you must be qualified in physiotherapy adn have a intermediate knowledge of the Spanish Language. Some internships don't require any qualifications or experience and some others would prefer some experience. Please speak to us so that we can help you choose the placement that is right for you and will give you the most beneficial experience. All placements do require you to have initiative, adaptability and patience (and a good sense of humor helps!)

Cost in US$: Varies depending on length of placement, but starts at 895 USD for 2 weeks.

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required: yes

Volunteers must be qualified in physiotherapy and have a intermediate knowledge of the Spanish langauge. All our internships vary in experience required. Some don't require any qualifications or experience and some others would prefer some experience. Please speak to us so that we can help you choose the placement that is right for you and will give you the most beneficial experience.

Typical Volunteer: These placements would suit people who want to improve their knowledge and skills in their field, learn about a new culture, boost their resume to kick-start their career, and who also want to have a structured placement at the same time as having an exciting travel experience. Patience, adaptability and initiative definitely an advantage.

Age Range: All projects available from ages 17/18- 70 and beyond!

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement: Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded: 1995