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Brilliant 4.71rating (174)
  • Reduced Inequalities

Health Care and Social Work Assistant

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Ignite your passion for cultures and countries beyond your own. You'll gain invaluable insights into the world's rich tapestry, nurturing your curiosity for international diversity.
  • Get out of your comfort zone! See the world and other realities. Get more passionate about helping people in need.
  • Grow as a person by broadening your intercultural skills

Highlights

  • Ignite your passion for cultures and countries beyond your own. You'll gain invaluable insights into the world's rich tapestry, nurturing your curiosity for international diversity.
  • Get out of your comfort zone! See the world and other realities. Get more passionate about helping people in need.
  • Grow as a person by broadening your intercultural skills
  • Improve your Spanish while working with the locals up close
  • Visit amazing places in a country that is famous for its interesting history and ancient traditions
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    In a country where the poverty rate reaches >50%, one can imagine that the help of volunteers is much needed. Become a volunteer and support this project in Guatemala!

    In a country where the poverty rate reaches over 50%, one can imagine that the help of volunteers is very much needed. If someone looks at the other side of the country, away from the great tourist attractions and historical sites, it quickly becomes clear that a volunteer program is really in the ...

    About the program

    In a country where the poverty rate reaches over 50%, one can imagine that the help of volunteers is very much needed. If someone looks at the other side of the country, away from the great tourist attractions and historical sites, it quickly becomes clear that a volunteer program is really in the right place in Guatemala. You can do meaningful volunteer work with great social impact.

    Depending on your skills and expectations, you will either be placed in a larger nursing home or in a smaller health care center in a community. You are welcome to tell us your preference, but the placement will be as needed and available.

    The medical centers provide attention to poor people from the communities around Antigua. They usually only have two doctors - one who treats in the morning and another who is available to patients in the afternoons.

    The work in the nursing home can be completely different. It is not a hospital in that sense, but rather a home for impoverished people with discomfort. Many of the approximately 500 patients are abandoned children, people without a family or without financial means or sick people recovering from or preparing for surgery. The stations where you can volunteer are e.g. malnutrition, children with disabilities, the elderly and / or the ward for children and babies.

    Typical day

    Depending on your program you either support a hospital with several hundred patients or a small health center, which has only a few doctors. Your tasks may be of social nature, e.g. the caring and giving assistance to the patients, or may have medical character for volunteers with experience in ...

    Typical day

    Depending on your program you either support a hospital with several hundred patients or a small health center, which has only a few doctors. Your tasks may be of social nature, e.g. the caring and giving assistance to the patients, or may have medical character for volunteers with experience in this area.

    The emphasis in working in this project is above all caring for the patients . 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, to make them forget their illness, pain or problems for a certain time.

    If you have medical studies, you can also help the doctors and nurses. This include administering medication, weighing and measuring temperature in babies and toddlers and other tasks. In addition, you can educate patients about topics such as hygiene, health, nutrition, etc.


    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.

    Free-time activities

    In your spare time, there are many different activities to choose from, such as visiting historic sights and museums around the city of Antigua. This wonderful colonial city is a real gem and offers plenty of touristic activities. Many volunteers also go to local bars and restaurants to socialize ...

    Free-time activities

    In your spare time, there are many different activities to choose from, such as visiting historic sights and museums around the city of Antigua. This wonderful colonial city is a real gem and offers plenty of touristic activities. Many volunteers also go to local bars and restaurants to socialize with friends. On the weekends you can take day excursions to get to know the amazing surroundings.

    Among the most interesting things to do:

    1. City tour Antigua
    2. Handicraft markets from indigenous people
    3. Lake Atitlan
    4. Archeological sites (e.g. Park of Copan)
    5. Nature and Volcano
    6. Thermal baths of Kawilal
    7. Tradicional market of Chichicastenango
    8. Visit to museums of indigenous cultures like the Maya
    9. Bird watching tours
    10. Outdoor sports like climbing, hiking, Canopy, biking, 4x4 tours, etc.
    11. Visits to Chocolate and Coffe productions sites
    12. Tikal, the biggest Maya ruins (weekend trip, at least 3 days)

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak Spanish (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    at High School level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    CV and Volunteer Questionnaire

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Medicine studies or experience in the health care sector are a plus.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Single room in a Homestay
    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner (from Monday to Saturday)
    • 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
    Program fees include a US$ 100 donation to the program site.

    Airport pick-up in Guatemala City can be added at an extra cost.

    Accommodation

    An important part of our volunteer programs has always been to provide an intense glimpse into the culture of the host country. Therefore, our volunteers live in homestays. Living with a local hosts will allow you to experience the country in the most authentic way possible. You can immerse into local customs, taste typical meals, and experience the culture and traditions first-hand. 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 our international volunteers.

    You will be provided with a single room, while the bathroom can be private or shared. 

    Food & Beverages

    The volunteer program includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner (except on Sunday). Special dietary requirements can be accommodated but have to be informed to us in advance.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at La Aurora International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. We assist you to find cheap flights to Guatemala. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Guatemala provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Guatemala you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Guatemala. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The volunteer work can be joined throughout the year. The start and end date can be set flexible, according to your availability and travel plans. Ask our experienced staff to coordinate your participation in this meaningful volunteer project.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $393 per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 24 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
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    Location

    Americas > Central America > Guatemala > Antigua

    Meet your project coordinator

    Marion
    174
    reviews
    4.71
    Brilliant
    2003
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: Spanish, English, German
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    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Health Services  >  Medical Training in Guatemala
    Contact Marion
      Good response rate
    Spanish, English, German

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details