GoAbroad

Medical Volunteer Programs Abroad | Work in Guatemala!

$735Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
4.6 / 5Overall Rating
35Reviews
2003Year established

Program Overview

Make a lasting impact in Antigua, Guatemala, while gaining valuable clinical experience!

Healthcare Programs

Healthcare volunteer programs are open to participants who are not yet licensed, including students exploring or completing training in healthcare-related fields. Typically based in assisted-living facilities and community care settings, volunteers provide support appropriate to their experience and abilities, such as companionship, assisting with daily routines, meals, mobility, and general well-being. All volunteers work under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals and within their assigned scope of responsibility.

Medical Programs

For licensed healthcare professionals and medical students in their final 2 years of medical school, Maximo Nivel offers more advanced volunteer placements in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Participants work alongside local doctors, nurses, therapists, and medical teams, gaining supervised clinical exposure appropriate to their qualifications while adhering to local regulations and professional standards.

Academic credits are available through Maximo Nivel’s official School of Record.

Ready to dive deeper into this program?

Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.

See program details

Program Highlights

Earn transferable academic credits through Maximo Nivel's official School of Record.
Improve your Spanish language skills with daily immersive language classes.
Work with your schedule: join for 1 to 52 weeks with flexible start dates every Monday.
Maximize your journey beyond the clinic by pairing your healthcare placement with once-in-a-lifetime experiences—including Surf School and PADI Scuba Certification.
Enjoy seamless logistics with an inclusive host family stay (including daily breakfasts and dinners), airport pickup, walking orientation, and 24/7 on-site emergency assistance.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Wifi Costs
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
In-Country Transportation To & From Project
Required Equipment
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
In-Country Orientation
Academic Advising
Assistance Booking Travel
Training
Language Lessons
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Micro-Credential(s) / Certification(s)
Course Materials
Letter of Recommendation
Academic Credit
Certificate of Completion
Emergency Support

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Antigua, Guatemala

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat
  • Group living
  • Guest House
  • Home-stays
  • Independent living

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 7-12 Months

Starts At

  • 1 week: $735

Payment Terms

  • Payment Plan
  • Upfront Deposit
  • Changes Allowed

Refund Policy

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about MAXIMO NIVEL

4.6
35 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
20
4
15
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Day to Day Life
4.9
Program Administration
4.7
Community Engagement
4.6
Volunteer Placement
4.6
Health & Safety
4.6
Living Situation
4.3

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-20 of 35 reviews

AJ DhillonCanada · June 2026

Dental Misson Trip

I really enjoyed this misson trip. I am very grateful that I was able to volunteer my skills and time and provide care for underprivileged individuals. It was very fulfilling! The time spent was very scheduled and the program in its entirety was very well planned and laid out.

Nickolas ClarkUnited States · May 2026

Fantastic Learning and Serving Opportunity

Things ended up just about as good as I could have hoped. I was a dental volunteer and helped a dentist 8am to 11 or 12 in the afternoon. Lots of extractions and fillings, good shadowing time, and eye opening to Guatemalas oral health culture. My experience was much better because I speak spanish, and could ask lots of questions and truly know what was going on. My homestay family was great, and I apreciated being able to stay with people in the volunteer program that were new like me. A couple things to improve is that I did not know I would only be volunteering for half the day. If you want to learn spanish in some of the classes they have in the afternoon, that would be perfect. But I just ended up planning things to do on the fly to pass the time and explore. I also know that not all dental volunteers were as lucky as me, and did not see as many patients.

vanessa figueroaUnited States · May 2026

Medical Mission Trip

went for medical mission trip and was placed at elderly clinic within a daytime program. The staff and patients were welcoming and showed their gratitude. Was a great experience. Would recommend to do it

Jessica LambUnited States · September 2025

Great experience !

Maximo Nivel was an amazing experience ! This was my second time with them. They are an amazing support system the entire time you are traveling. You will have everything you need for a safe trip. My volunteer placement was at an elderly day care where we assessed the residents and kept them company. I would definetely book through Maximo Nivel again.

Dominique ChaviraUnited States · July 2025

It was amazing!

This was an amazing experience that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish! Everything exceeded my expectations, and I truly felt immersed in something special. From the moment it began, I was captivated by the atmosphere, the people, and the energy. It’s clear that a lot of care and thought went into every detail, which made the entire experience feel both meaningful and memorable. I absolutely recommend this to anyone considering it—it’s one of those rare opportunities that leaves a lasting impression. I believe everyone should have the chance to experience something as fulfilling and enriching as this. Whether you’re looking for personal growth, adventure, relaxation, or simply something new and exciting, this truly delivers on all fronts. What stood out most to me was how genuinely enjoyable it was. I found myself smiling, learning, and feeling more connected the entire time. It’s not every day that you come across something that makes such a positive impact. I can definitely see myself doing this again in the future, and I already can’t wait to return! Thank you to everyone who made this possible—your passion and dedication shine through in every aspect.

Brooke PrysiUnited States · December 2023

Very memorable and enjoyable!

I loved my volunteer experience. I felt immersed in the culture and made a lot of friends. I felt like I was making an actual impact in the community. I would definitely do this program again!! Love Máximo!

Elizabeth ReddUnited States · December 2023

Amazing

Loved it!!!! Everything about it. The medical clinic was eye opening- the clinic experience has honestly changed my perspective on so many aspects in medicine. I wanna come back in the future to the exact clinic with meds, supplies, vitamins, etc. for the clinic. This is because patients come and there’s not much we can do for them because it’s not there. We even went out to the pharmacy in Antigua afterward and multivitamins were like $30 USD which was so insane (can get them in the states for so much cheaper) but we bought those, ibuprofen, and eyedrops for tomorrow then will go buy other stuff for clinic Friday. But yeah so we are definitely doing the most good where we are with what we have but are inspired to do MORE when we come back.

Photos

Selena NguyenUnited States · January 2023

Gave me a nice experience!

Loved working with the kids and getting to see smiles on their faces. I have been able to understand how difficult the nurses jobs and can now appreciate them. Maximo Nivel was a great and wonderful opportunity!

Yanil RamirezUnited States · October 2022

Great time with Maximo!

My time with Maximo Nivel in Antigua Guatemala has been a life changing experience. I was able to partake in the medical volunteer experience which allowed me to immerse in the culture of the people of Antigua and also put into practice the medical knowledge I have obtained. The program is very organized and walks participants through every step in order to be successful and have a great time. One of my favorite things was the friendliness and support of everyone at Maximo Nivel. From the people in the front desk, serving coffee, teaching spanish, everyone asked how we were doing and if we needed anything, and greeted us with warmth. I was able to meet a lot of people from different parts of the world who also have a passion for obtaining cultural humility. In all, I am grateful for this experience and I recommend it to others!

Mikaela KhvangUnited States · March 2022

Incredible experience!

I am so grateful for my time in Guatemala! Wonderfully caring staff that ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. Accommodations were lovely with amazing food and host family. Antigua is such a beautiful city with so much culture and food! So many welcoming people. I feel so lucky for the people I have met here. Although I have only been here for one week, I have made lifelong friends here and I will miss my time in Antigua dearly.

judy smithUnited States · January 2020

San miguel anos viajos

my experience working as a nurse was very gratifying. i received much support from ingrid the nurse at the facility as well as the other people who worked there too. they were very gracious in helping me with my communication with the clients as well as the support from maximo nivel. my clients were so sweet and appreciative of any little thing that i helped them with. it was difficult to leave this facility as i came to care for everyone there.

Joshua BenckerUnited States · October 2019

Intern for two agencies

I was an intern through Maximo Nivel at two agencies, one was a start-up tourism agency and the other was an established NGO. I learned so much from each internship, and stayed very busy. I started with one internship, but began to run out of things to do. I approached Maximo Nivel about adding more work and they immediately found me another amazing opportunity. They are very careful to assure that all is going well with Spanish classes, home stays, and whatever program you may choose to be a part of. There are many free activities that Maximo Nivel gives to all attendees that are wonderful opportunities to meet other students/ volunteers, my favorite being the weekly cooking class. I chose to work in Guatemala, which is a gem of a country that deserves more attention; take advantage of this opportunity and sign up with Maximo Nivel.

Caroline PUnited States · September 2019

All students in healthcare should work on this project

As a nursing student who is graduating in December, I was given the opportunity to work at Mis Anos Dorados in Jocotenango. I was able to perform full physical exams, administer medication and injections and build a relationship with the patients. Practicing my skills in a different environment was extremely beneficial and I believe will make me a better nurse with a new perspective. One thing I would recommend would be to brush up on your Spanish and take a class while you are working on this project. I felt as if my background and continuing education in Spanish were extremely helpful. This placement gave me a lot of autonomy as a student and I felt challenged which is the exact reason I wanted to go on this adventure. I am so thankful for my experience. I am hoping to come back in the near future and work on the same project. I had such a wonderful time.

Josh IrwantoCanada · May 2019

Enriching first-time experience!

As this was my first volunteer abroad experience, I could not be more satisfied and enriched by this wonderful experience. I was enrolled in the medical project in Antigua, Guatemala for one week. Through staying at a local homestay, I felt like I was immersed in the local culture with a wonderful host family. This experience also allowed me to meet with other volunteers which were some of the most amazing people! The medical project was at an elderly community home which provided autonomy and many opportunities for me as a healthcare professional. Interacting with the local elderly was something I will never cease to forget. Overall the support from Maximo Nivel was outstanding. The staff provided friendly and knowledgeable tips to make you feel safe and guided through this process. I would highly recommend this enriching experience to anyone!

Photos

Dalyn DavisUnited States · March 2019

Such a great experience

I absolutely loved working with Luis at Madre Teresa Clinic in San Miguel Dueñas. I felt so welcomed and appreciated the whole week. Luis was so patient with me since I know little to no Spanish and allowed me the opportunity to learn by doing glucose testing for the patients that would come into the clinic. The whole atmosphere was so enjoyable and made me so excited to wake up at 6 to go help him do vitals and see patients. I will definitely come back to work you all and Madre Teresa Clinic.

Kate WeilUnited States · March 2019

I met so many great people and learned so much!

I loved my placement with Luis, he was so patient and kind. We had a great time working and learning from him. I can't wait to come back to visit and volunteer. My Spanish improved in such a short amount of time! I had so much fun exploring Guatemala and trying new foods.

Rocco De AsisUnited States · March 2019

Medical mission in San Lucas

I had a really great experience and got to directly treat patients in underserved populations. I was able to use the skills I learned in medical school to provide healthcare to those who would not have had access otherwise. The staff was very helpful and accommodating and sufficiently prepared us for what to expect. The living situation was great and we were able to meet people with other projects and from other places all around the world. It was quite an eye-opening experience and I would definitely recommend it!

Andrew NguyenUnited States · March 2019

Antigua, medical mission trip

Overall, I had a great time in Antigua. I highly recommend it for those seeking a different cultural experience and stepping out of your comfort zone. The staff and support are friendly, supportive and helpful. We had any we had answered and were very accommodating when it came to projects or housing. The project was at a elderly center versus a typical clinic, however after speaking with the project staff, my group and I were able to take vitals, speak with patients, take histories and learn some physical therapy techniques.

Amanda Rose FiniUnited States · February 2019

Guatemala

Had an amazing time during this trip. I was a little apprehensive going into it, but once I got there I had one of the best times of my life. My fiends and I did so many different excursions that were scheduled by the program. All were very safe and the tour guides were so informative.

Aya EidUnited States · January 2019

Best decision ever!

I was worried about traveling alone but Máximo has done a great job at answering my questions before departure. I instantly made friends because the people are extremely friendly and ready to help. I cannot begin to explain how amazing my placement was. I came in with an open mind and it has truly paid off. I was extremely nervous because my Spanish is limited but everyone tries to accommodate. I spent 2 months in an adult daycare where we did daily check ups (BP, sugar levels, and temperatures). We also assisted the nurse in administering medications and completing physicals.

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025
GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Volunteer Abroad
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Language School
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer Abroad
People’s Choice Award 2023 Finalist
Top Rated Language School 2022
Notable Mention 2021 - Gap Year
Top Rated Organization 2021 - Volunteer Abroad
Innovative TEFL / Teach Abroad Program 2021 Finalist
Top Rated Teach Abroad Organizations of 2020
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organizations of 2020 Notable Mentions
2019 Notable Mentions
NAFSA
ALTO - Association of Language Travel Organisations
GoAbroad Top Language Program 2018
GoAbroad Top TEFL Certification Program 2018
GoAbroad Top Language School 2018

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