Medical Professionals and Medical/Health Students

Minimum Spanish level: High intermediate or advanced

We accept fully licensed practitioners hoping to volunteer their time, medical residents, 4th year (US or equivalent other) medical students, and other health students (dental, nursing, PA) in their final year of studies. Clinical roles include consultation observation, case presentation, medicine distribution, support in mobile clinics and the nutrition program, and if qualified, individual consults. Clinical volunteers will work together with other foreign and Guatemalan medical volunteers, in addition to a Guatemalan lead doctor. You will have the opportunity to work with and get to know our team, patients, and communities. Medical volunteers should have a high intermediate or advanced level of Spanish (low intermediate is okay for only observation).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any costs associated with volunteering?

Primeros Pasos is a grassroots, low budget organization that relies on the generosity of our volunteers and supporters to provide quality health care at the clinic.  Our programs depend on donations, both monetary and in-kind. We ask all volunteers to fundraise the equivalent of 300 USD on behalf our organization before their arrival so that we may continue to provide medical and nutritional services to the communities of the Palajunoj Valley. This goal can be met either by fundraising or collecting supplies or a combination of the two. As a volunteer, you will become a representative of Primeros Pasos and by fundraising not only will you contribute directly to supporting our programs, but also raise awareness about our crucial work in the Palajunoj Valley.

We are not currently able to provide housing for volunteers, but can recommend a few wonderful places to stay and learn while you visit Xela!

Are there any age restrictions?

Primeros Pasos does not accept volunteers under 18 years of age. We do not have an upper age limit, however all volunteers must be in good physical shape: able to walk mid-long distances, able to stand for hours of work, etc. This can be discussed on an individual basis.

Can I volunteer remotely?

Yes, you can! You can support development, communications, social media, and some of our ongoing special projects. Please submit an application and we’ll figure out the best role for you.

Do you offer internships or research opportunities?

Yes. Please see the description above.

What is a typical day at the clinic?

Clinic life varies a lot, depending on what role you are supporting. The clinic provides consultations from 8:30 to 1 pm, and we ask volunteers arrive a little early to be prepared for opening. The clinic is a little outside Xela and it takes about 45 minutes to get there via bus or walking. Nutrition program volunteers typically start and end a little earlier as they are traveling to various communities with our nutritionist. Afternoons are free for other activities, Spanish classes, etc but volunteers are also welcome to volunteer in the afternoons with our general or development directors.

What services does Primeros Pasos offer?

Within the three main programs--medical, dental, and nutrition--Primeros Pasos offers a wide variety of affordable healthcare options to members of the Valley communities, including primary care medical consultations and treatments, dental consultations and treatments, prenatal care, chronic illness care, affordable pharmaceuticals, laboratory services. Through our community outreach, we also provide mobile clinics in 4 primary schools, nutritional recuperation in 4 high-need communities, and health education workshops.

I wouldn’t say my Spanish is intermediate yet - can I still volunteer?

Definitely! As a small Guatemala-based NGO with a staff of only 9 people, we have plenty of work you can support. Even if you are still a beginner speaker, you can volunteer with our development director supporting development, partnerships, communications, social media, or ongoing special projects that support the clinic’s programming. You will still have opportunities to get to know our patients and communities.

Positions that require direct patient or community interaction do require an intermediate or advanced level of Spanish, a bit of speaking confidence, and the ability to recognize when you aren’t communicating perfectly, so that a language barrier never compromises our patients’ care or understanding.

Is there a minimum or maximum time commitment?

We ask for a minimum commitment of 4 weeks (20 business days in clinic) for all volunteers. There’s definitely no maximum! We occasionally have volunteers that stay 6 months to 1 year and basically become a member of the team! We have some exemptions in the form of university partnerships and group projects that support remotely for a longer amount of time and visit us once a year. If you’re interested in forming a partnership, please contact development@primerospasos.org.

Where do I stay in Xela?

There are many options for you to live in Xela. Host family stays are an incredible way to better understand Xela and are typically made through a Spanish school, and rooms in shared houses, hostels, and short-term apartments are fairly easy to find in the central parts of the city.

What am I expected to wear?

General volunteers are expected to look professional in respectful, modest, and clean clothing and to represent Primeros Pasos well. Medical professionals and upper level students are allowed to wear full or partial scrubs or coat. Volunteers heading into the communities will want a sturdy pair of shoes. Please do not wear leggings, shorts, open-toed shoes, or revealing clothes of any kind to clinic.

What is Xela weather like?

Quetzaltenango has two main seasons: rainy and dry. Rainy season is from May to November, and dry season lasts from December to May. It can get cold year round (but definitely more so in Dec-Feb), so please bring layers and warm clothing. The highlands are definitely a lot cooler than the majority of Guatemala, so please consider your other travels when packing.