Frequently Asked Questions - Primeros Pasos
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Where can I stay and how much will it cost?
The cost of lodging depends on where you stay. In Xela, there are options for every budget. Here are a few:
What is the weather like year-round?
During the summer, weather in the highlands is generally sunny and dry, with warm days and cool nights. Rainy season lasts from May to October. The temperature in Xela ranges from 25F-77F (-3C-25C) from November to April, and 50F – 82F (10C-28C) from May to October.
Can you recommend a good language school?
We do not recommend a specific Spanish school; we have a list of the ones that donate money to the clinic. We suggest looking at www.xelapages.com to see a list of schools available in the area.
About how much a week can I expect to spend on food? Are there any other expenses I should budget for?
If you are staying with a family, expect to spend next to nothing on food—three meals a day are included in the cost. Otherwise, the cost of food will depend on whether you buy groceries and cook at home or go out to eat frequently. Groceries are relatively cheap, unless you choose to buy imported American products. Restaurants cost from $3 a meal on the cheaper side to $10 at the nicer ones.
Many foreigners travel during the weekends, either on their own or with one of Xela’s touring organizations. If you plan to visit cities and towns outside of Xela, be sure to budget for transportation, food and lodging.
Who can I contact with questions?
Jessica Ohana González, director
5400-6279
info@primerospasos.org
What will happen as soon as I arrive in Guatemala City?
After passport control and baggage claim, you will exit through the front entrance, where there are airport taxis with fixed fees to take you to any part of the city, including a bus terminal or hotel. Be sure to visit an ATM machine before leaving the airport. Exchange rate is about 7.50 quetzales/US$1.
How much will transportation cost from Guatemala City to Xela?
First-class buses cost $6. Transportes Alamo leaves 7 times daily between 6:15 am and 5:30 pm. Transportes Galgos leaves at 8:30am, 2:30pm, and 5:00pm while Linea Dorada departs at 8:00am and 3:00pm. As well, Fuentes del Norte leaves 6 times daily between 5:00am and 7:30pm. The trip takes a little over 4 hours. Also, the local “chicken buses” will take you to Xela for about $3.50, if you’re willing to sacrifice comfort for price.
What are the safest times of day to travel?
It is safest to travel between 5 am and 8 pm, when it is still light out. If you arrive in Guatemala City after 6 pm, it is recommended that you stay the night there. There are several bed and breakfasts near the airport—this one is family-run and particularly comfortable:
Patricia’s Bed and Breakfast—$12 per night
5402-3256 patriciabb@intelnet.net.gt
19 calle 10-65, Zona 13 Aurora II
How long a typical day is at the clinic and how much free time can I expect to have?
We generally arrive at the clinic at 8:30 am and leave at 1 pm. The afternoon is free to take Spanish classes, hang out in cafes, read in the park, or explore the city.
Can I contact past or present volunteers with questions?
If you’d like we can send you addresses of past volunteers from you area.
What sort of backgrounds/experience do health educators have or need?
Volunteers who wish to work as health educators should have an advance level of Spanish and enthusiasm towards working with kids. No prior teaching experience is necessary.
How many volunteers do you generally have working at the clinic at any one time?
The number of volunteers varies from month to month, usually ranging from 15 to 20. Some volunteers stay for a few weeks, some for several months. Between October and December, the clinic does not accept new volunteers since the load of work diminishes a lot.
What would happen if I got sick?
In the event that a volunteer gets sick, all the clinic’s resources are made available to them, including medical examination, stool or urine sample analysis, and medications. In the event of a more serious illness, Xela has a full service public hospital as well as several private hospitals that provide emergency care.
What types of clothes should I bring?
Bring light, comfortable clothes for the summer months, and a raincoat and sweatshirts for the rainy season. Keep in mind that very few people here wear shorts—pants are more common, even in the summer. It does get cooler in winter evenings so sweaters and warm clothing are a good idea, especially in December and January. Comfortable shoes are also highly recommended as there is a lot of walking to and from schools.
Will I need to get vaccinations before I come?
You won't need anything if you spend your time in Guatemala City and the highlands, but people may want to get prophylactic meds at home if they plan to go to the coast or Tikal). Malaria is low risk in the highlands so preventative medication is not a priority.
As a medical student or doctor, will I need special medical indemnity insurance?
No. must medical students check with their schools for this. Also any forms that may need to be fill out prior or during your time here.
As a medical student or doctor, what level of Spanish is necessary in order to practice safely?
Medical volunteers must be able to communicate in Spanish at an advanced level. In some cases, translators will be provided for medical and dental professionals with beginner or intermediate Spanish. This will be determined based on the needs of the clinic.
What sort of illnesses do you generally treat at the clinic?
At the clinic we usually treat skin infections, intestinal infections and parasites, respiratory infections and most common preventable illnesses.