I was particularly struck by the human spirit, the dignity and the will of survival in people from all walks of life. I am so happy to have had the chance to experience this before medical school.
- Du Nguyen, Tulane University School of Medicine, Spring 2010 participant
Community Projects
Volunteer work is an integral component of the Student Immersion Program, as it provides students with the opportunity to utilize and sharpen the Spanish skills they have acquired thus far and interact with Guatemalans in an intimate setting, resulting in some of the most profound cultural experiences. Students participate in a number of Guatemalan run projects that are locally designed and developed to provide the aid most needed. These organizations rely on voluntary support to reach their goals every year, and greatly appreciate the help provided by Somos Hermanos students.
Students spend a total of 6 weeks volunteering with one or more Guatemalan-run organizations. Somos Hermanos is committed to matching students with volunteer projects they are passionate and enthusiastic about. We offer a variety of projects for students to choose from:
Health Care
All participants volunteer and shadow in a primary health care center, clinic or hospital for a minimum of 2 weeks so that they can better understand the different doctor-patient relationship and perceptions in health care, and become familiar with medical terminology in Spanish.
Health and Nutrition Education
General Health: Students may choose to participate in health education outreach projects for elementary school children, adolescents, or women's groups. Topics range from basic hygiene to sexual health and HIV/AIDS. Additionally, most health education classes focus on nutrition, one of the most serious problems in Guatemala.
Nutrition: The United Nations children's fund, UNICEF, reports that Guatemala has the worst malnutrition problem in Latin America, even higher than the 35.2 percent average in Africa. Guatemala UNICEF representative Manuel Manrique said the effects of malnutrition on child development are like "a life sentence," because it "compromises their health, their ability to learn, and their growth." Participants help educate elementary school children, women, and families about how to eat a well-balanced diet using the resources that are available to them.
Hospital Patient Companion Program
Spending time in the hospital can often be lonely and difficult, and a little bit of company can truly lift a person's spirits, especially in countries like Guatemala where patients often spend months in the hospitals alone as their families often don't have the means to visit them. Students participate in recreational activities with long-term patients or just talk and get to know them. This is also an excellent way to practice your Spanish and make a lasting cross-cultural bond.
After-school Education
This program formed in response to the limited access to quality basic education. Student volunteers teach elementary students for a few hours a day in a subject that they feel comfortable with. This could be science, morals and ethics, art, English, computers, etc...
School, Health Clinic and Home Construction
Students participate in one weekend-long construction project during the program, to help construct a school, health clinic, homes, or fuel-efficient stoves in rural and impoverished areas of Guatemala. These projects provide students with the rare opportunity to experience life in some of the most isolated communities in the country. As they work in solidarity with Guatemalans, students make unforgettable cross-cultural connections.