Role of Volunteer
As a medical volunteer in Guatemala, your insight and medical expertise is strongly valued in the underdeveloped healthcare industry of Guatemala. The project is perfect for both healthcare students and professionals. During the project, you will assist NGOs, hospitals and clinics with routine daily activities: administering medication, tracking patients' medical histories or healthcare campaigns. The healthcare industry in modern-day Guatemala is less than developed, often offering substandard facilities to its ailing citizens. Volunteers can expect to observe and interact with patients and medical professionals in many activities ranging from administrative duties of reception areas to nursery support and everything in between.
Volunteers in any of the above projects are involved in various activities such as:
- Observing and supporting healthcare professionals by shadowing doctors
- Public outreach and education
- Supporting healthcare professionals (as dictated by individual experience/qualifications)
- Organizing and developing educational seminars
- Educating the general population on topics related to healthcare
Assisting pre-established healthcare programs (health clinics, non-profits, NGOs)
Skills/Qualification Needed
To participate in medical volunteering in Guatemala project, you must have beginner to intermediate knowledge of Spanish. If you cannot speak Spanish, we recommend enrolling in our Spanish Language Studies program, which can run simultaneous to your volunteer project or immerse in this program for a week prior to your project. However, a basic level of fluency is required to begin.
Interested volunteers must have certification or proof of experience in a medical field, such as a medical student ID, EMT or paramedic certification, or nursing or physician’s credentials. Due to the health risks involved, volunteers who are not properly trained in healthcare cannot support this project.
Volunteer in Guatemala: Project Locations and Free Time Options
Global Crossroad’s volunteer in Guatemala program is based Quetzaltenango, Guatemala Quetzaltenango. The city is also known as Xela (pronounced SHAY-la), it is the second largest city in Guatemala. Situated at the southwest of the country, the surrounding department has a variety of landscapes extending from the cold highlands to the warm Pacific coast. There are numerous volcanoes, hot springs, valleys, mountains, rivers. The region provides a harvest of numerous products such as coffee, wheat, fruits and vegetables, as well as sheep and cattle breeding. The classical, neoclassical and Italian renaissance styles are apparent in the buildings and the houses which have been built during the past century and the beginning of the 20th, with volcanic stones by artistic "Quetzalteco" masons. Xela is also well-known for its abundance of volcanoes, mountains, and hot springs as well as other natural beauty and experiences.
Guatemala’s eco-diversity positions the country as a global “biodiversity hot spot”. Natural adventures abound in Guatemala and many activities are available for day trips or longer excursions. The terrain is diverse including mountains, rain forests, jungles and the highlands. Popular activities include eco-tours, mountaineering and water based sports. There are many adventurous options as well as calmer activities for the non-thrill seekers. Many hours can be spent in the streets of Antigua or biking through the surrounding areas. Cultural diversity can be explored in restaurants, markets and museums.
