IVHQ Healthcare and Medical Volunteering in Guatemala

Okey. I learnted about new country, met new people and connected with them. It was my first experieces like a volunteer in abroud. So I had more funny time. Also I went to trips and I discovered new places. I learned how is it in another country works in medical program.

I had an amazing time volunteering with IVHQ Guatemala in their medical and healthcare program. I found the application process to be very easy and straightforward forward. Also, IVHQ staff contacts were provided for questions before and during the trip. It was an amazing way to see a new country from a lens other than just being a tourist.

This was truly one of the best experiences of my life. I got to meet the most amazing people. My whole perspective on life changed. I realized how privileged I was. Everything went very smoothly and I felt extremely safe.

Volunteering through IVHQ is a safe way to travel due to support from both IVHQ and the local organization. It allows an opportunity to experience another country, language and culture with confidence that you still have support if you need it! I’ve done 2 programs now, and would not hesitate to go again!

Volunteering with IVHQ in Guatemala was an experience I’ll always appreciate. I worked in a geriatric clinic, seeing patients every day, and it was both challenging and incredibly fulfilling. The work was hands-on, and I felt like I was actually contributing rather than just observing. Some days were tough, but getting to know the patients and seeing the impact of even small gestures made it all worth it. The local staff was supportive and really made an effort to involve volunteers in meaningful ways. IVHQ had everything well-organized while still allowing us enough flexibility to learn and engage. Outside of volunteering, getting to experience Guatemala—the culture, the people, the food—made the whole thing even more special. I’d definitely recommend this program to anyone interested in healthcare, volunteering, or just wanting to do something meaningful while immersing themselves in a new place.

My favorite moment was educating patients about their health and how they can play a role. It's so easy to treat the health concern in the moment, but educating them about the tools they need to lead a healthy future was a major highlight of my time in the clinic.

IVHQ's service, passion and commitment to their partner communities is incredible. As an IVHQ volunteer, you get the chance not to just contribute your skills to their programs, but to learn a great deal about the local community and local needs. Our group was able to provide basic medical attention to eight communities in just a week's time, and IVHQ accommodated our desire to perform additional needs assessment for potential engineering projects during our time. Our homestay was amazing, and our host mom was an absolute sweetheart. Without a doubt, I would push my friends (and anyone considering) to volunteer with IVHQ, as it's bound to be one of the best experiences of your life.

I worked at the Alotenango clinic for three weeks this summer. It was unbelievably awesome! I shadowed the doctor and even got to do my own consultation. For the next three weeks, I worked at the clinic in San Lucas, right outside of Guatemala City. I worked in the Pre- consulta area, where I weighed people, took PB and height and checked glucose levels. Both clinics gave me a huge understanding of the Guatemalan health care system. I am so thankful for being placed here too! IVHQ was super easy to work with, and it was actually pretty inexpensive compared to other volunteer programs out there. Definitely highly recommended!