Guatemala is located in Central America and is best known for being the home of the brilliantly architectural Mayan people. Neighbored by Mexico to the north, Belize to the east, El Salvador to the south, and the Pacific Ocean, this country contains a full spectrum of geographic diversity. Due to the rich and fertile soil of Guatemala, more than 15 percent of the countries GDP is dedicated to agriculture. As a result, its citizens are largely spread out throughout the country, many living in rural regions far away from the cites and main hospitals. As a result, this a large reason for the county’s poor health care services ("Guatemala." WHO.ORG). Guatemala has had a history of political instability and only recently has it begun traditional democratic presidential elections. This has been considered one of the main reasons for its poor economic growth and subsequently lack of funds towards health care.
San Pedro La Laguna
San Pedro is a small town along the shores of Lake Atitlan. With its variety of available activities such as horse back riding, zip lining, and kayaking, San Pedro has recently become a popular tourist destination. Nonetheless, poverty among its citizens is still widely prominent and their access to physicians and medical care is borderline non-existing.
Cost
Program fee: $1650 Includes:
Food and lodging
In country transportation
Transportation to and from the airport
Work with a local NGO
Gain valuable international medical experience
Explore the cultural and natural beauty of the host country.
Daily project support and contact
Orientation
Adventure and cultural experiences
24-hour support staff
Productive volunteer work
Volunteers live in communities with a VAW office and other volunteers
Providing medical care and Implementing public health projects!
Our club is enthusiastic about not only providing medical care to the local rural towns surrounding San Pedro, but also implementing sustainable public health projects that the locals can continue to benefit from even after we leave!
Making a difference while making lifelong friendships!