Healthcare Project
Project At A Glance |
Location: Quetzaltenango
Start Point: Guatemala City
End Point: Aurora International Airport , Guatemala City
Duration: 2-12 Weeks
Hours: 20-30 Hours per week
Food: Local meals 3 times a day
Room: Local host family
Date: First and Third Monday of each month |
Being immerged in the often outdated healthcare industry of a still-developing country can often be an overwhelming but ALWAYS eye-opening experience. While healthcare professionals attempt to keep pace with the advances of modern medicine, there are massive amounts of Guatemalans who cannot even afford simple healthcare. IFRE's volunteer projects in Guatemala are able to place interested individuals on the front lines – witnessing healthcare from an often intimidating point of view.
Volunteers in Guatemala 's healthcare projects can expect to supply healthcare professionals with not only the “know-how” of their previous training (no matter how in-depth or basic), but also their proactive attitude and ability. With various diseases thought obsolete or remedied by Western standards, the citizens of Guatemala face shortage of supplies (whether it be limited flu shots or something as simple as antibiotics). Volunteers are greatly welcomed in these projects to impart both their time and skills to the crippled and ever-so-demanding healthcare industry of Guatemala .
Skills/Qualifications
Only medical students or professional can join this project. You should be able to furnish some proof of previous medical field-related experience or expertise will be allowed an increased level of contribution/participation. While Spanish is preferred it is not required. IFRE offers free Spanish lessons to participants volunteering in Guatemala . All volunteers are encouraged to be flexible, patient and adaptive.
Volunteers' Responsibilities
 Volunteers participating within the capacity of a medical/healthcare volunteer in Guatemala will have various duties depending on education, skills, experience, and qualifications. Volunteers are not permitted to perform major diagnoses or surgical duties. Usually, volunteers will assist doctors – usually within the capacity of an assistant. Volunteers can expect to perform the following duties: measure blood pressure, body temperature, record patients' height, weight, etc. Volunteers may also provide much-needed assistance in various health “camps,” distribute medication, provide tips to patients regarding proper health, nutrition, personal hygiene, sanitation as well as providing general counsel to in-need Guatemalans. Qualified participants may also assist in treating minor wounds and ailments as well as record-keeping. Additionally, assistance may be needed in supporting various healthcare campaigns addressing numerous illnesses and conditions affecting the population of Guatemala .
Room/Food
Volunteering in Guatemala allows volunteers to experience the culture as well as the remarkable history of Guatemala while effectively improving Spanish-speaking skills through genuine immersion. Volunteers will stay with a host family for the entire program where they will be provided with three (3) meals a day with the occasional “to go” lunch for times when volunteer projects require that participants be away from their host families during midday. We provide supervision during your home stay and also in your volunteering project. Detailed housing information will be provided before volunteers arrive in Guatemala . |
