Guatemala Quetzaltenango (Xela) Pre Medical/Therapy program

This is a great volunteer opportunity for pre-med or pre-nursing undergraduates since you will be placed in a medical center. This will allow you to broaden your understanding and gain valuable experience to help you to your career goal. Volunteers will be working with a local organization that supports healthcare and physical recovery as a necessity for all people. They offer rehabilitation options to the local community including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, hydrotherapy, and also specific education for children and adults. They treat patients who have been in accidents and others who were born with disabilities.

Volunteers can work in a variety of therapy areas. For volunteers who already specialize in specific fields like physiotherapy, then you will be placed in that section. Volunteers without prior experience can assist in any field that interests them, including psychology. You must be proficient in Spanish. If you are not, then you should explore our Language and Cultural Immersion Projects so that you can learn Spanish as you volunteer.

Volunteers must arrive in Guatemala in the morning since the last bus to Xela leaves at 3PM. We do not include an overnight stay in Guatemala City as a part of our program cost. You also must arrange your departure from Guatemala City for after 2PM.

Volunteer Application Process

Research your flights, the program location and determine your desired start dates. ABV program fees are based on 7 night increments (example 1 month is 28 nights = 4 weeks).

When you have your travels plans decided, click the APPLY ONLINE button on the ABV home page. Log In and create your own personal profile.

Fill out the application form in its entirety. This includes uploading your resume/CV and completing the online questionnaire. Incomplete (or inactive) applications will be deleted within 7 days of receipt. If you have any doubts, call or email the ABV office to verify your application was actually received by us.

Upon submission of your completed application, expect an email confirmation from ABV within 24/48 hours. Follow the instructions provided and Log In to your personal profile.

Read and Sign the online Volunteer Service Agreement, and the Participants Contract. Follow the payment instructions to pay your US$120 deposit.

After paying the US$120 deposit you will be emailed an Orientation Guide, the Pre-trip check list and your invoice. Log in to your profile for updates.

Bookmark the ABV Log In. This is your main source of information: flights, travel insurance, payment deadlines and project details. If you have any questions, ask us!

Work in a variety of fields in physical therapy
Help those who have been disabled recover
Gain valuable experience in the field
Immerse yourself in a new culture

English, Spanish