Health Care Volunteering in Lima, Peru

Definitely the Mobile Clinics have been a very nice experience, extremely rewarding. We have learned a lot together with other doctors in all stations. This has been a truly rewarding and beautiful experience. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0Uptc5tlaD/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=91c71cdd-e0bb-4f79-b3fc-32e9af8f7de3

Here we’ve learned a lot about different medical systems in Peru and how patients have different needs than the ones we were used to. I think gaining some more cultural competency is huge for our future career in medicine. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzwyWehhFa8/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=497e53fe-6189-46ca-a590-bfc1996988b6

The way of life of individuals is different in every country, so I already had some background knowledge of what an SLT is like, but every SLT is unique and special in its own way, offering new experiences and learning opportunities each time. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5RCpMvMN2V/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0095e7cf-600a-46b5-9ecf-222ce6488c26

Going on a MEDLIFE SLT is more than just like a talking point in an interview. I think it’s something that shows your true passion because you’ll find that here you’ll learn more than just how to do medical work and dental work, you’re also going to learn about the problems in a community and what true mission work is. https://youtu.be/3RMNIGO30so?si=W54Fy-ErQmjnJ5Kl

If you’re thinking that you want to go just do it! It’s easy to get caught in book work, textbooks and you’ll not get the same experience as you will just reading about the things that you can do than actually going out and doing them. Go out! Get those referrals, fundraise and then come and do the work. It’s an amazing experience. https://youtu.be/BHHzVKCcTC0?si=8hB7q1ZwPNMztlaT

I found it really incredible attending this Service Learning Trip. I really recommend it because it is a very eye opening experience. If you’re thinking of joining MEDLIFE and you’re afraid of coming here alone don’t worry, I made new friends and I’m sure we’ll stay great friends after the program. https://youtu.be/_CQsNngRmQc?si=hbsDOwuKOTCnEAuu

I think that being involved with MEDLIFE has given me so many amazing opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise have had as a pre-health student. It has definitely confirmed my passion for medicine and strengthened my commitment to pursue a career in healthcare. https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cy6WCteLZXH/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=630afaa2-8769-4715-b8b5-e46ad23b6264

I will be heading off to Med School in a couple years so not only will this provide job shadowing and volunteer hours but also better me as a person and prepare me for what’s ahead in my medical career to be the best person I can be for my patients and the people around me. https://youtu.be/ySXhbM48-TE?si=Fwe9w6Hjpd0wwPsO

I’m aspiring to be a PA and being on an SLT has allowed me to gain a lot of experience. The MEDLIFE movement aligns with a lot of my goals in healthcare caring for people especially in low-income communities and I think that just being a part of MEDLIFE really helps you to aspire to achieve all those goals and help people in an impactful and achievable way. https://youtu.be/4tU_H4nUrRI?si=E6AUJrST-KLfsFCF

Besides the really neat aspect of touching people’s lives and helping others, coming to an SLT is also really good for a president like myself in a leadership role. Med Schools love seeing that leadership or even just being a part of MEDLIFE shows leadership. It shows initiative and Med Schools really like that. https://youtu.be/h15_J-pGU00?si=RJt-QmwEuOiSnWgN

I felt so welcome there, the whole team in Lima were amazing! The actual volunteering was great and seems to have a real impact on those we were helping. The program was a lot of fun and I had a great time with all the people I met there. Lots of people came and went when I was there so I met loads of new people! I was able to do a wide variety of volunteering including a soup kitchen, painting and sanding a fence and house, childcare and helping in a carehome. We also had a lot of free time where we were able to spend exploring the local area which was incredibly cool and interesting!

It was an eye opening experience for me. Discovering that basic health care, screening or even basic health workshops is a luxury it was utterly shocking. But I learned about the health disparities the population faces. Types of health care facilities government provide and had a chance to visit health and prevent centre. I would recommend anyone to want to start their journey in health care or medical care. It also deepened my culture humility. One of the best experience i had in 2025. I also had chance to provide infographic that i had for the population such as what is balance diet, how to wash hands, how to brush teeth, wonderful opportunity to grow professional and personally as well. Apart from professional experience i met amazing people over the span of 2 weeks, great people form different part of the world. We atleast had one meal together, before going to bed watch Netflix most of the days and go for walk. It was one of the best time i had.

IVHQ offered excellent pre-departure support, highlighting travel safety throughout the online modules. The preparation checklist was easy to follow, as well as the instructions for the airport pick up once you arrive in Lima. Everything felt organized and well-coordinated with the local team, who were also very kind, responsive and supportive throughout my stay. Will be returning for another project.

The preparation checklist was an excellent resource. The local coordinators were absolutely excellent I cannot sing their praise loudly enough. They consistently looked out for us, helped us in any way they possibly could, and were always kind and approachable. The dog shelter is amazing and the people there are passionate and dedicated. I really looked forward to going to my volunteer placement every day and felt that I really built relationships with the shelter dogs. I loved spending time with them, and looking after them, and I think that the local staff do an amazing job with managing the volunteers.

It was my first volunteering experience abroad and I was so excited about the trip. I was really happy with IVHQ support services. They handle everything perfectly; from the moment I arrive to the host country to the moment I leave. The host program picked me up at the airport and from then, they provide continuous support. I did the construction project, which was awesome and lot of fun. The materials for the work were provided and the coordinator of the project is skillful and kind. During the weekends, I had the opportunity to travel around the country and explore the area. I had the opportunity to travel to Cusco and to climb the Machu Picchu and the Rainbow Mountain. The accommodation and the food provided by the host program were really good. For me, the best part of the experience is meeting other volunteers from all around the world and sharing good memories. I would definitely come back anytime soon and I highly recommend to have your lifetime volunteering experience with IVHQ!

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] responded to this reviewNovember 15, 2018

Hi Vincent, thank you for taking the time to share such a wonderful review about your time in Cusco! It's awesome to hear that your first time volunteering was so memorable and that you were able to enjoy a mixture of volunteering and sightseeing. We would love to have you join us again soon! Courteney - IVHQ Program Manager.

It was a great experience and I got to be involved in the culture and learn new things about Peruvians. I thought the local team in Peru did an amazing job and the in-house coordinator was really on top of the ball. I highly recommend this program to any one who wants a more affordable option. I do suggest bringing more money than you think you'll need just because I know I ended up spending more than I thought I would.

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] responded to this reviewNovember 15, 2018

Hi Kayleen, thank you for taking the time to share your experience in Cusco! It's sounds like you had a wonderful experiencing the Peruvian culture. We would love to have you join us again soon! Courteney - IVHQ Program Manager.

I could not have imagined a better experience. From working with kids to exploring, it all was amazing. I specifically loved being able to do things I would never normally do-paragliding, sand dunes, hiking 4600 meter peaks, taking tiny crowded buses everywhere, dancing with locals. It was all so special and fun! And I loved seeing the love and care that the mamas provided in the orphanages. It felt good to be able to support them. The local staff was so supportive and attentive. Plus getting ready for the program, the website/profile, and correspondence was super professional and attentive too. I felt ready for the trip when it came around and felt safe and secure the whole duration of my stay.

Volunteering in Lima was a life changing experience. I know this is the cliqué thing to say, but it honestly did change my life. Volunteering allows you to remember, in case you've forgotten, how lucky you are. Others are much more unfortunate than you are. Being able to give your time and effort to help others is so full filling and life enhancing. I feel in love with helping others, and now, even being back home, I´ll continue to volunteer with kids with special needs and I´ll never stop doing it. IVHQ provided me with much more than just a volunteering program. Volunteering with IVHQ is an amazing experience because they link you with a honest and reliable local organization. People from all over the world come to volunteer and because of this you will be able to make the best friendships ever. You might just know some people for a few weeks and still make friendships to last a life time. I volunteered for 2 months and loved it! I would really recommend this amazing experience for anyone who's willing to go out of their comfort zone and whose ready to help others! do it, you won't regret it.

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] responded to this reviewJuly 31, 2018

I appreciate you leaving this amazing review about your time with IVHQ volunteering in Lima, Isabel! Hearing that this volunteer program changed your life is very heartwarming and the fact that it has inspired you to continue giving back to communities by volunteering back home is the perfect result. We often hear from volunteers that they have made lifelong friendships by volunteering on IVHQ programs so that is certainly great to hear that this was true of your experience too! I hope you continue to venture out of your comfort zone finding opportunities like this one in Lima and all the best for the future! ^Aydan - IVHQ Lima Program Manager

Traveling to Peru and working with Tarpuy Sonqo resulted in two unforgettable, humbling, educational, and incredibly enjoyable weeks and I would go as far as to say these were two of the best weeks of my life. I was able to explore Peruvian culture and have tourist experiences all while volunteering in the medical program with the kind people of Pachacutec. Our host family was amazing and I made friends who I am still in contact with to this day. Thank you IVHQ!

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] responded to this reviewJuly 31, 2018

It is definitely great to hear that you had a fantastic time on the Peru - Lima Program! It sounds like you struck the perfect balance between giving back by volunteering and experiencing a beautiful culture like that of Peru. I know that your work in Lima was very much appreciated and that the medical assistance you provided the people of Pachacutec was well needed. All the best for the future Juliana! ^Aydan - IVHQ Lima Program Manager

IVHQ was the absolute best program for a first time volunteer. They were with me every step of the way and couldn’t have been more helpful. We had free time too the sightsee and explore the city. I can’t wait to do another one with them!

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] responded to this reviewJuly 19, 2018

Hi Sarah! Thanks for sharing your review with us, it sounds as though you've had a fantastic time on the program. We look forward to having you join us again sometime soon. ^Jordan - IVHQ Community Manager