The Guatemalan government must approve all medical volunteers before they can work at the Hospitalito or they must obtain a Guatemalan medical license (good for two years). We will work with you to make sure you complete the process. View the requirements. Note: To reserve your volunteer spot and be included in the schedule, we need to receive all of your paperwork two months in advance so we can send to the Colegio Médico for review and approval. This includes: • Copies of your: ◦ Diploma* ◦ Specialty Diploma* ◦ Medical license* (should not expire before your volunteer dates) ◦ Residents must include a letter from their university supervisor. *These documents must be notarized. The packet must also include a document identifying the notary as a public officer constituted by law.
FAQ Category: After you’re accepted
No shots are required. However, all medical volunteers should be current on the following vaccinations: • Hepatitis A • Hepatitis B • Tetanus • Typhoid In addition, it is recommended that volunteers have a recent TB skin test (within the past year). Those volunteering for a long period of time should consider a prophylactic rabies vaccination Malaria is not an issue due to Atitlán’s altitude. Check the CDC website for more information on recommended vaccines and preventive medicines.
You will have 90 days in Guatemala starting with the day of your arrival. If you plan on staying longer, you will need to visit the immigration office in Guatemala City, where you can pay $10 and get an extension of an additional 90 days. After your first 180 days, you must leave the country for two nights, after which you can start the process again.
You will receive an acceptance and confirmation letter from the Hospitalito. Please note that you must have this letter before coming to Guatemala. We are not able to accommodate volunteers who show up without making prior arrangements, nor are we able to allow clinicians to work in the hospital if they have not been accepted or had their work dates confirmed. All accepted volunteers are required to read the Hospitalito Atitlán Volunteer Orientation Manual prior to their arrival in Santiago Atitlán. A digital copy will be sent to you with your acceptance letter. After reading it, please sign your confirmation letter, scan it, and return it to us via email
Guatemala can be very inexpensive. However, there are good restaurants and tempting items to buy that can upset even the best-planned budget. Restaurant meals run between $3 and $10 for breakfast and lunch and more for dinner. The trip across the lake to Panajachel or San Pedro costs around $6 round-trip. If you watch your spending, prepare food at home, walk or take the Q3-5 transportation around town, you can get by on about $50 per week (excluding housing). However, you should budget more if you are bringing a family. We have a few ATMs in town so you can take out cash while in Santiago.