Description

Begin your journey in Antigua, the ancient Spanish colonial capital of Central America and Mexico. Volunteers spend the first day walking cobblestone streets and learning about the vast history of this ancient capital. After a visit to Antigua, we continue overland, up into the Mayan highlands where we set up our mobile clinic.

There are hundreds of languages spoken by the indigenous people of the highlands - a different language in each area. Spanish is spoken as a second language only brought by the Spaniards when they conquered the area in the 16th century.

Immersed in local culture, volunteers spend six days in the highlands, providing much-needed care to Mayan children. Smiling mothers in colorful local garb wait patiently outside the clinic. Children eagerly await their turns and report all the details to the kids just arriving.

Evenings are spent with fellow volunteers, enjoying the local food and culture. They are often the only foreigners in town! After a week of complete immersion, volunteers return to Antigua where they have the option of enjoying a weekend of activities (including hiking up to a live volcano) or continuing independently on their own travels.

Highlights

*Providing first time dental care to indigenous children of the Mayan Highlands
*Being immersed in the local culture of the Mayan people
*Visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site
*Helping hundreds of children live a healthier life
*Being a part of something greater than yourself

Qualifications

There are no special qualifications for non-dental volunteers for the project. Non-dental volunteers will help to run the clinic, manage patient lines, provide oral hygiene instruction, assist a dentist(if interested) and manage the master records for the clinic.

In addition to non-dental volunteers we also need Dentists, Hygienists and Assistants to work in the clinic.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

GDE volunteers are open minded and energetic. They are interested in being part of a volunteer program that really makes a difference in peoples lives. They are young and old - they form life long friendships with other volunteers on the trip and they come back again and again to help children in need.

Age Range

18 - 85 years old

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Guest House

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 12-16

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 to 2 weeks

Global Dental Expeditions's Mission Statement

Global Dental Expeditions brings free dental care to impoverished children of Nepal, northern India, Vietnam and Guatemala in partnership with local organizations. Volunteer dentists, hygienists, assistants and non-medical volunteers deliver treatment and preventive care in dental clinics that serve children in schools, orphanages and remote villages.

Year Founded

2002