Guatemala Quetzaltenango (Xela) Pre Medical/Therapy program

Program Description

This is a great volunteer opportunity for pre-med or pre-nursing undergraduates since you will be placed in a medical center. This will allow you to broaden your understanding and gain valuable experience to help you to your career goal. Volunteers will be working with a local organization that supports healthcare and physical recovery as a necessity for all people. They offer rehabilitation options to the local community including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, hydrotherapy, and also specific education for children and adults. They treat patients who have been in accidents and others who were born with disabilities.

Volunteers can work in a variety of therapy areas. For volunteers who already specialize in specific fields like physiotherapy, then you will be placed in that section. Volunteers without prior experience can assist in any field that interests them, including psychology. You must be proficient in Spanish. If you are not, then you should explore our Language and Cultural Immersion Projects so that you can learn Spanish as you volunteer.

Volunteers must arrive in Guatemala in the morning since the last bus to Xela leaves at 3PM. We do not include an overnight stay in Guatemala City as a part of our program cost. You also must arrange your departure from Guatemala City for after 2PM.

Volunteer Application Process

Research your flights, the program location and determine your desired start dates. ABV program fees are based on 7 night increments (example 1 month is 28 nights = 4 weeks).

When you have your travels plans decided, click the APPLY ONLINE button on the ABV home page. Log In and create your own personal profile.

Fill out the application form in its entirety. This includes uploading your resume/CV and completing the online questionnaire. Incomplete (or inactive) applications will be deleted within 7 days of receipt. If you have any doubts, call or email the ABV office to verify your application was actually received by us.

Upon submission of your completed application, expect an email confirmation from ABV within 24/48 hours. Follow the instructions provided and Log In to your personal profile.

Read and Sign the online Volunteer Service Agreement, and the Participants Contract. Follow the payment instructions to pay your US$120 deposit.

After paying the US$120 deposit you will be emailed an Orientation Guide, the Pre-trip check list and your invoice. Log in to your profile for updates.

Bookmark the ABV Log In. This is your main source of information: flights, travel insurance, payment deadlines and project details. If you have any questions, ask us!

Highlights

Work in a variety of fields in physical therapy
Help those who have been disabled recover
Gain valuable experience in the field
Immerse yourself in a new culture

Qualifications

In order to provide you with the very best service, we require that you read our policies. At the bottom of the online application you will be required to check the box that you have read and understand the terms and conditions of volunteering with A Broader View (ABV).

- You must be 17yrs old to participate. Children accompanying their parent/legal guardian must be 12yrs old.
- Travel insurance and medical coverage is not included in the program cost. These are the responsibility of the volunteer. Volunteer Card Insurance (US$45)
- ABV is not responsible for loss of property, personal injury, illness, accident, delay or expense sustained by the volunteer while participating in our program.
- ABV and its agents are not responsible for any financial obligations or liabilities the participant may incur including damages to property, or injury to others while participating on this program.
- ABV is not responsible for the cost of extra activities (sightseeing, language class etc) incurred during the course of your program. Daily transportation costs are the volunteers’ responsibility, although we try to confirm accommodations within walking distance to work site or bus transportation (very cheap in each country).
- Volunteers agree to follow the laws of the host country, the policies of the community in which they volunteer, and/or the rules of the host family, failure to do so will result in the termination of your program and forfeiture of all program fees.
- A non-refundable deposit of US$120 is required along with your application. Program costs paid in US dollars only. We begin the confirmation process once the deposit is received. Final payment is due 45 days prior to departure. Volunteers agree that no part of the program fee is refundable once the program has commenced.
- Cancellations must be received in writing. No refunds are issued for cancellations received less than 45 days prior to departure.
- Prices on the website are subject to change without warning. Once the deposit is received, the program fee cost is guaranteed and will not change.

Volunteer Types

What`s Included

Program Schedule:

Program starts and ends in Guatemala City
Airport meet and greet in Guatemala City.
Monday to Friday volunteering: 35-40 hours per week
Weekends free to sightseeing
Typical shift work can be: 8:00am - 3:00pm
Support: Local ABV Director support 24/7 during placement
Departure: Transfer to Guatemala City airport

Not included:
Flights to Guatemala. Visas and/or entry-exit fees. Vaccinations. Local Transportation. Travel & Health Insurance. Laundry and Internet