Quick Facts
Program code
GL-VOL103
Category
Volunteer Work, Social Work, Health Care
Country
Guatemala
Location
Antigua
Program start
year round, start and end dates are flexible
Minimum duration
2 weeks
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Program details
Even in the health care systems of modern nations, there always seems to be a lack of helping hands. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that the health care situation in a country where the poverty rate reaches about 60% is even more challenging, as is the case in Guatemala. Behind the idyllic holiday façade of the tropical rainforest, ancient ruins, and enchanting landscapes, there is the reality of Guatemala: poverty and individuals in serious need of medical treatment. Here, your help is needed most.
Through this volunteer work project in Guatemala, you can actively support a medical facility in Guatemala and give sick locals your time and affection. Depending on the projects’ needs, you will work either in a bigger medical home or in a small community health care center. Although you can discuss your preferences with us, the placement is ultimately dependent upon availability. The health care centers care for people from the communities surrounding Antigua.
Usually, they have two doctors – one in the morning and another in the afternoon. Since the centers are a shelter for people from the surrounding areas, doctors treat all kinds of diseases and ailments. Usually, they also offer a selection of medications at low prices. A different placement is within the medical home. This is not a hospital, but rather a home for poor people with diseases. Many of the 500 patients are abandoned children, people without family and financial resources, or sick individuals that are recovering from or preparing for surgery.
The areas for volunteering are broad. You can volunteer, for example, in the ward for malnutrition, children with disabilities, the elderly, and/or the ward for babies and children.
This project is especially suitable for medical students and nurses.
Tasks
Depending on the location, you can support a larger hospital with several hundred patients or a small health center with only a few doctors. There are plenty of ways to help in both cases. On the one hand, your tasks can be social involving caring of and supporting the patient, but you can also get involved in the medical area.
The focus when working with people is primarily on care and attention. This means that you take time for the patients, talk to them and listen to them, play with the children and do activities with them that make them forget their illness or disability for a certain time.
If your knowledge is sufficient, you can also help with medical treatments. This includes administering medication, weighing and measuring babies and toddlers, measuring temperature and other tasks. You can also educate patients about issues such as hygiene, health, nutrition, etc.
Your working day usually starts at 8 a.m. and you work around five hours a day. If you want, you can also help in the afternoons in the hospital and be there for the patients.
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
For our volunteers, two different living options are available in the beautiful city of Antigua:
Homestay:
An important part of our volunteer work projects in Guatemala has always been to provide an intense glimpse into the everyday life and culture of the host country. Therefore, our volunteers in Antigua live in homestays so that they immerse into local customs, taste authentic meals, and experience the daily life of a family in Guatemala. You will quickly realize how much your Spanish skills improve each day. Our homestays are carefully screened and selected, and many hosts have years of experience with foreign guests.
In addition to a hospitable accommodation, you will receive three meals a day. You will be provided with a single room, while the bathroom can be private or shared. The homestays are located in Antigua.
Guest house:
Alternatively, if volunteers wish to live amongst other foreigners visiting Guatemala, we can provide accommodation in a nice guest house. This accommodation features a single bedroom and access to a kitchen for self-catering. There is internet in the guest house.
Location
Antigua is a beautiful colonial town in the south of Guatemala about an hour from the capital, Guatemala City, and surrounded by perfectly shaped volcanoes. Antigua is one of the most visited places in Central America. The city is famous for its Spanish colonial buildings, picturesque courtyards, interesting markets, beautiful churches and a colorful labyrinth of streets. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage since 1979. Antigua is located in the highlands of Guatemala at about 1,600 meters above sea level.
Antigua has an abundance of tour operators and agencies that offer exciting tours to all parts of the country. Whether you want to get to know the jungle, the Mayan culture, the Pacific coast or you are looking for cultural activities, in Antigua you are guaranteed to find someone who organizes exactly what you are looking for.
Antigua has an average daily temperature of 20 °C all year round, while the nights are quite cool. The rainy season is from June to October, the dry season from November to May.
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your volunteer work in Guatemala, we advise you to take a Spanish course before the program starts. This gives you the opportunity to slowly get used to the language, culture and mentality.
You can book your Spanish course in Guatemala directly with us!
Requirements
- Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Guatemala!)
- Minimum age 18 years
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
- Criminal record check
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by our partner organization in Guatemala located in Antigua.
Costs & Services
Our volunteer work in a Health Care Center in Guatemala includes:
- Single room in a Homestay or a Guest House
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner (only homestay)
- City tour through Antigua on your first day
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- Orientation upon arrival
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Costs when living in Homestay
(single room with breakfast, lunch, dinner except on Sunday)
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 685 (minimum stay 2 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 145
Costs when living in Guest House
(single room, no meals incl.)
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 760 (minimum stay 2 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 180
Additionally, you can book:
- Airport pick-up in Guatemala City US$ 40
- Spanish course in Guatemala
- Spanish courses in Latin America
- Travel Health Insurance
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Volunteer Guide
Find valuable information about volunteering abroad in our program guides. Find out about all the benefits, possibilities and challenges, that a stay abroad offers you. Read more about the great opportunities that South America Inside has at your disposal.
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