Medical and Healthcare Volunteer Program in Guatemala - Antigua

I was so hesitant about this experience because it is SO out of my comfort zone. But it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Being immersed in another culture and working along side them was such an amazing experience and I learned so so much even from my short time of being there. I think I grew so much as a person from this experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested. Even if you are hesitant or nervous to do it, I’d say go for it. So many of the other volunteers feel the exact same way and there is so much support from IVHQ and the local team.

I think the biggest things I gained from this experience was learning Spanish, being emerged into a new culture, and helping people in a way I've never before. I would say stay open to any opportunities that come your way.

I feel that I gained a new understanding of healthcare in the developing world and the various health issues faced by individuals who struggle with socioeconomic and environmental insecurity. As I was able to practice a lot of the history taking and physical examination skills I learned in medical school, I definitely think this is a great program for a medical student looking to gain experience in a foreign environment. The only piece of advice I would give to someone prior to joining this program is to try to brush up on their Spanish as best as they can, as I certainly had to put my Spanish knowledge to the test while working in the clinic.

The biggest impact my volunteering trip has on me was the range of people I met during the volunteering. It was sometimes really distressing at times to see how some patients could not afford some basic healthcare or water and I really struggled with this initially. However, I had learnt some invaluable skills by taking into consideration of this and trying to adapt their treatments so that it was more easily accessible for them.

To anyone still hesitating, I would say you should definitely just go for it. I was really scared and nervous beforehand, but after I got there I had no regrets. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment I was there for. The volunteering, Spanish lessons were so useful and Antigua is just such a beautiful place to be in as well. I thought 4 weeks is too long but it was the perfect amount of time and I could have stayed there for longer as there is just so much to do there outside of the volunteering too. Also as a solo traveller I felt completely safe throughout!

My favorite moment from volunteering was the profound impact of doing good and giving back. I was assigned the medical project and I had to keep an open mind of what I was going to experience during my time in Guatemala. I felt helpless that I couldn’t reach the hundreds of locals living in the town I volunteered in, but I was so incredibly happy and appreciative of those I helped! Establishing a friendship among the team at the clinic, and the local team, ensured that I was able to perform at my very best during my time there.

Growth begins outside of your comfort zone! It establishes a different, yet positive perspective, and self-awareness about yourself. You aren’t alone, everyone you meet is also on that same path - whether they are new to volunteering abroad or new to volunteering. There’s a sense of community from everyone you meet that it makes these volunteering abroad experiences so memorable and special!

I have over 18 years of nursing experience and still learned as much as I did in nursing school. My nursing expertise was greatly utilized by the team but I was still happy to see things that I never encountered before. Working in the clinic is the definition of true public health service to those underserved. Your heartstrings will be pulled and you'll remember why you entered the nursing profession in the first place.