Medicine Volunteering in Guatemala

Medical and healthcare projects provide volunteers the opportunity to work in hospitals, clinics, assisted living, and other healthcare facilities. They work alongside doctors, nurses, therapists, and other medical professionals. Depending on your medical experience and Spanish language skills, you’ll have a number of responsibilities including shadowing a doctor or nurse, assisting with general check-ups, running medical campaigns, assisting with vaccinations, assisting with triage, taking blood pressure and other vital signs, organizing patient records, preparing materials and equipment, and assisting during mealtimes. This program is available all year round and new programs begin every Monday. It’s designed to take place for as short as 1 week and up to 1 year. NOTE: This program qualifies for 3-4 university credits via our School of Record. Volunteers must be over 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian. They need to present background checks and proof of medical insurance. A placement in health projects requires notarized documentation of your medical school, nursing school, or other medical credentials.

Take a medical internship in Antigua, Guatemala, and widen your Spanish language skills! Throughout the duration of this internship, interns will acquire hands-on medical experience; however, specific tasks will be determined by the interns’ education level and previous Spanish language skills. Due to the nature and placement of the internship, interns will primarily work in Spanish, allowing them to add a wider breadth of medical terms in their vocabulary! This internship also offers medical students a broader understanding of global healthcare and patient care systems. To be eligible for this internship, participants must be a pre-med, medical, or nursing student or must have some form of alternative medical license. Interns/Volunteers can take advantage of a variety of free activities sponsored by the local team, such as salsa classes, cooking lessons, a language and cultural exchange program, and more! They also have the ability to take time off for personal travel, engaging in activities such as hiking, visiting historical and cultural sites, and even have the chance to visit a family-owned coffee farm! On this program, the opportunities are endless.

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

South of Mexico, Guatemala is a mountainous region that combines ancient Latin cultures with more modern North American influences. Some parts of the country have a real European feel about them, with all the old colonial buildings lining the streets (such as in Antigua). Guatemala also boasts a wealth of jungle to explore, stunning mountains, and historic towns. Despite the poverty and unemployment in Guatemala, the locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming to visitors. Programs include: - Childcare Support - English Teaching - Stray Dog Rehabilitation - Community Healthcare & Nutrition - Cultural Immersion - Community Construction - Eco Farming & Agriculture - Medical Clinic Internship - *Christmas & New Year Holiday Internships: - Human Rights Internship - Medical Internship - Education Internship - Micro-Business Internship - Hospitality & Tourism Internship - Special Education Internship - Veterinary Internship - Dental Internship

Volunteer in Quetzaltenango – Help Out, Stand Out Ready to do something meaningful during your trip? Volunteering in Quetzaltenango (also known as Xela) allows you to connect with local communities and make a meaningful difference, while gaining unforgettable experiences along the way. There are tons of local projects here that need your help. Whether you’re into working with kids, supporting women, protecting the environment, or helping in healthcare, there’s a project that fits you. You could find yourself teaching in schools, helping in a shelter for teen mothers, reforesting the highlands, or supporting women’s textile cooperatives. Most projects require a minimum stay of 2 weeks, and since many people you’ll work with don’t speak English, a basic level of Spanish is necessary. Not quite there yet? We’ve got your back with online Spanish lessons to get you ready before you go. Volunteering in Guatemala isn’t just a way to give back—it’s an experience that will challenge and inspire you. If you’re open-minded, motivated, and ready for something real, Xela is calling.

Classic Service Learning Trips (SLTs) are week-long, immersive educational journeys to Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Tanzania. During these trips, volunteers actively collaborate with local communities on various development projects, including constructing homes, improving access to clean water, and participating in mobile medical clinics that provide essential healthcare to underserved areas. These trips offer a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the communities that MEDLIFE supports, allowing volunteers to witness firsthand the challenges faced by those living in extreme poverty. By working side by side with locals, volunteers not only gain invaluable insights into global health and development but also contribute directly to impactful projects that foster long-term, sustainable change. Beyond the hands-on experience, SLTs encourage participants to reflect on the role they can play in addressing global inequities. The trip fosters empathy, awareness, and ignites action, empowering volunteers to join the MEDLIFE Movement and advocate for a world where poverty no longer limits opportunities.

Volunteer with Local Hope Guatemala in a meaningful program that goes beyond service. Gain a life-changing experience through cultural immersion as you work alongside our local staff and connect with children, adults, and seniors in Xela AID programs. Visit families in their homes, hear their stories, and explore the surrounding area. We’ll match your skills and interests with one or more programs designed to foster self-reliance. Training is provided in areas such as: • Montessori Preschool • Study Center • Computer Lab • Special Needs Support • Medical, Dental, or Optometry Clinics • Sports Activities • Food Insecurity Relief • Leadership Training • Adult Literacy • Environmental Programs • Senior Services • ESL or English Practice This Build-Your-Own program is ideal for individuals or groups seeking a custom itinerary. Stay at our modern Eco Guest House with breakfast included. Optional add-ons include meals, immersive volunteering, curated cultural activities, local excursions, and round-trip transportation from Quetzaltenango airport or city.