Join a medical internship in Guatemala and gain practical experience in the field. Interns are placed in assisted living facilities, small local clinics, or hospitals. During your placement, you will always work directly with a staff member, assisting or observing them in their tasks.
Note: Tasks vary based on the needs of the medical facility. Expectations should remain realistic, as independent work may be limited for those with medical qualifications from other countries. In some cases, shadowing staff may be the primary role.
You’ll receive ongoing support from in-country coordinators, though they will not be present at your placement daily. This requires independence and strong leadership skills.
Spanish Language Requirement
As most local clinics are Spanish-speaking, an intermediate level of Spanish is mandatory. Support from in-country coordinators is available but limited to certain times. A Spanish proficiency interview will be conducted prior to your program to ensure your skills meet the requirements.
Schedule and Working Hours
- Work Hours: 4–6 hours per day, Monday to Friday.
- Spanish Classes: 1 hour daily, Monday to Friday.
- Additional Tasks: Preparation or planning may be required outside work hours.
- Weekends: Free for relaxation, exploration, or independent tasks.
Dress Code
Professional attire is important in Guatemala. Even in warm weather, avoid beachwear in the city. Dress neatly and modestly, covering shoulders and knees. For medical placements, scrubs are required, and a clean, professional appearance must be maintained.
Recommended Items:
- Scrubs
- Disposable rubber gloves
- White coat
- Antibacterial soap or sanitizer
- Stethoscope
- Blood pressure cuff
Transportation
Internship placements are located in the Antigua area. Walking or using local buses is the most affordable option, with travel times ranging from 20 to 60 minutes each way. On your first day, a representative will accompany you and provide instructions for your daily commute. Costs: Local buses: Approximately Q8 (around $1) per trip. Taxis: More expensive; budget approximately $5 per day if preferred.
Deliverables
All interns must submit weekly journals and a final project.
- Practicums (<8 weeks): A 10-20 page paper or a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.
- Internships (≥8 weeks): Both a 10-20 page paper and a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.
Final Deliverables Should Include:
- Overview of the medical facility and your role.
- Organisational review.
- Sector analysis comparing the host and home country.
- Challenges faced and solutions.
- Outcomes and results.
Spanish Classes
Interns receive 1 hour of Spanish lessons daily, Monday to Friday, tailored to their skill level and schedule. Classes emphasize relevant vocabulary and immersive interaction, with instructors speaking Spanish exclusively to enhance language acquisition.
Maximizing Your Experience
Your success in this program depends on your initiative and adaptability. Expect cultural and structural differences in the workplace, including language barriers, work hours, and management styles.
Key Factors Influencing Your Role:
- Level of training and expertise.
- Spanish proficiency.
- Initiative and interpersonal skills.
- Program duration.
Take a proactive approach to make the most of your internship and ensure a rewarding experience.
Location
Projects are located in and around the city of Antigua. Which was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. This is a popular tourist spot due to the pretty colonial buildings and ancient ruins. From the streets and rooftops, you can even see volcanoes towering over the city. Antigua’s Central Plaza has plenty of restaurants, shops, markets, and regular cultural events, making it an exciting city to call home.
Project Tasks
- Conduct physical exams, including measuring vitals, height, weight, and gathering medical histories.
- Assist with processing and interpreting laboratory tests.
- Observe and assist during patient consultations and medication prescriptions.
- Observe or perform procedures like injections, sutures, and suture removal.
- Support obstetric check-ups, consultations, and family planning services.
- Assess patients’ physical and neurological development.
- Prepare and sterilize medical equipment and materials.
- Organize and update patient medical records.
