Guatemala offers a free public healthcare network accessible to all residents, but many communities still face challenges in accessing medical care. As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference by assisting in health centres located in both rural and urban areas around the vibrant city of Quetzaltenango. These clinics provide essential services such as doctor consultations, vaccinations, and general health check-ups, all free of charge to the local community. Services are available during the day, giving you the chance to explore the local culture and stunning landscapes in your free time.
Your role on this project will depend on your background and interests, offering a range of exciting opportunities to gain hands-on experience in healthcare:
Have specific skills or interests? Let us know, and we can tailor your experience!
Your workday will typically start from 8:00am to 12:00pm. You’ll be assigned to a department where you'll work for the week or longer. This could include the pre-consultation department (taking vital signs before patients see the doctor), baby pre-consult (measuring weight and height before vaccinations), family planning (administering contraceptives), or shadowing a doctor during consultations.
From 12:00pm to 2:00pm, you’ll have a lunch break, where you can return to your homestay. The staff also takes lunch during this time, and there are fewer patients.
From 2:00pm to 4:00pm, you can continue working at the project. If you prefer, you can work only in the mornings and take Spanish lessons in the afternoon.
If you're interested in working on weekends or evenings, that’s also an option (not compulsory). Evening shifts typically run from 4:30pm to 10:00pm.
Mijs vrijwilliger in Guatemala
Het heeft mij doen inzien hoeveel hulp er nodig is op ieder klein plekje op de wereld.
Anouk in Guatemala
Als je in de juiste tijd gaat zie je bijna elke dag wel baby schildpadjes die je dan mag vrijlaten op het strand wat echt super schattig is!
Marleen in Guatamala
Met name het vrijwilligerswerk ga ik missen!!!
You’ll work from approximately 8am to 12pm and from 2pm to 4:30pm. The afternoon shifts are optional, for example, you might choose to take Spanish lessons during your first few weeks. If you’d like to work evenings or weekends, that’s also possible. An evening shift typically runs from 4:30pm to 10pm.
You’ll be working alongside the medical staff in the clinics.
You’ll need an intermediate level of Spanish for the medical projects. It’s also helpful to be familiar with Spanish medical terminology. You can take a few lessons on-site to get comfortable with the terms.
This project is open all year round.
In Guatemala, you’ll stay with a local host family, the perfect way to experience the daily life and culture of Guatemala. Living with a family also helps improve your Spanish through regular practice. You’ll have your own bedroom, and typically share the bathroom and other facilities with the family. Three meals per day are included, and the host family will do everything they can to make your stay unforgettable.
The health centre in the city is about a 20-minute walk from the town centre. The rural health centre is located on the outskirts of Quetzaltenango and is accessible by public transport or on foot.
If you have a bit of extra space in your bag and would like to bring something for the project, they’ll really appreciate it. Please check with us in advance for a list of useful and needed items.
We’ll pick you up from Guatemala Airport and take you to your host family. If you arrive before 1:30pm, Hugo will meet you and take you to the bus station. If you arrive after 1:30pm, you’ll stay overnight at a hostel, and Hugo will collect you the next day to bring you to the bus station. From there, you’ll take the bus to Quetzaltenango (Xela), where our local contact will meet you upon arrival.
Have a look at the optional trips to see all the amazing things you can do in your spare time! We’ve got some incredible excursions for you to enjoy. And since you’re already in such a beautiful country, it’s the perfect chance to explore even more.
If you’re not yet confident in your Spanish, you can choose to learn the language locally. Not only is this a unique experience, but learning from native speakers is the best way to pick it up. In Guatemala, you can choose between private and group lessons.
Your local contact in Guatemala is Petra.
For this project, we are looking for volunteers who want to contribute to healthcare in rural and urban health centres around Quetzaltenango. You’ll assist with various medical tasks such as consultations, vaccinations, and health monitoring.
This project is suitable for volunteers aged 17 and over.
Interest in Medicine: A passion for medical care is essential. Experience or studies in medicine are a bonus.
Initiative and Proactivity: It’s important to work independently and take initiative.
Patience and Empathy: Be understanding and patient when working with patients.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respect for local customs and traditions.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Be prepared for varying conditions in Guatemala.
Communication Skills: Strong communication is important for working alongside local staff.
Team Spirit: Collaboration is key.
As a volunteer, you’ll work mornings from 8am to 12pm and afternoons from 2pm to 4:30pm. You may be placed in departments such as the Family Planning Clinic, vaccination rooms, or pre-consultation areas. There are also opportunities to take on extra shifts in the evenings and weekends.
Your time in Guatemala offers great opportunities for personal and professional growth while experiencing a vibrant new culture.
If you have a passion for healthcare and are ready to commit to a rewarding and challenging environment, then this project in Guatemala is a great fit for you. Together, we can make a lasting impact on local healthcare.
We completely understand that having your child volunteer overseas can feel like a big step. In fact, it’s often just as exciting for parents as it is for the young person themselves, and sometimes even a little more nerve-racking. That’s why we want to reassure you that your child is in good hands.
Since 2004, we’ve been supporting volunteers and have guided many young people through meaningful international experiences.
We take safety seriously. That begins with carefully selecting our partner organisations, volunteer projects, and host families. Every placement is thoroughly checked to make sure it meets our high standards for safety, support, and ethical practices.
Our experienced and caring local contacts are always there to support volunteers throughout their journey. From clear pre-departure preparation to personal assistance during the project, we’re available to help whenever needed.
We believe strongly in open communication. You're always welcome to contact us with any questions or concerns. We’re here not only for the volunteers, but for their families too.
You can feel confident knowing we are fully committed to creating a safe, supportive, and positive experience. Your child’s wellbeing, safety, and overall happiness are our top priorities.
If there's anything you’d like to ask or talk through, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Warm regards,
The Volunteer Worldwide Team
2 weeks of volunteering: $1399
3 weeks of volunteering: $1845
Each additional week $299
*All prices are in AUD.
Online introductory meeting
Information package about Guatemalan culture and customs, including a checklist to help you prepare (insurance, money matters, travel tips, etc.)
Pre-departure training
Assistance with obtaining a Certificate of Conduct (VOG)
Access to our online community
Help with your visa application
Support with booking your flight (on request)
Transfer from the bus station to the project site
On-site introduction
Help with visa extension (if needed)
Guidance throughout your entire stay
Accommodation in the volunteer house
Three meals per day
Evaluation session
Certificate (upon request)
Opportunity to stay active in our WhatsApp community
Memories for life!
Flight ticket
Vaccinations
Visa
Certificate of Conduct (VOG)
Travel insurance
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