STARTING: Any day / all year round

DURATION:

REQUIREMENTS: Intermediate level of Spanish

 

Project Summary

Volunteer in Peru, helping in clinics and hospitals that provide care to low-income local families. While healthcare professionals attempt to keep pace with the advances of modern medicine, there are massive amounts of Peruvians who do not have access to basic healthcare. Nativos Project volunteer program in Peru is looking for interested medical/healthcare professionals to support the often-intimidating front line of medicine and healthcare in our developing country. Nativos Project partners with clinics and hospitals that specialize in rehabilitation for children, general medicine, gynecology, pediatrics, obstetrics, neurology, dental, family medicine, psychology, counseling, social work, physical, occupational rehabilitation and more. For volunteers interested in a career in healthcare or medicine, this program provides a great opportunity to gain professional experience, provide medical attention to impoverished patients and explore Peru’s mix of Andean, Incan and Spanish cultures. As a volunteer working in clinics and hospitals, you will have a rewarding, life changing and valuable experience as you promote healthy lives for local Peruvians.

Skills / Qualifications

Intermediate knowledge of Spanish is preferred. If you do not speak Spanish, we suggest you enroll in our Spanish language course to make your stay more rewarding – both for you and for the people you help. Applicants interested in joining our volunteer health program can participate with or without experience. Those without experience must be able to observe medical procedures and emergencies where minor surgeries or blood may be involved. Those who possess healthcare certification, such as an ID as a medical student, EMT, paramedic certification, nursing, physical therapy, midwifery or physician's credentials can participate accordingly. Nativos Project requires a copy of your resume, clearly documenting credentials and education, before arrival. Project placements will also require an official copy of credentials. Volunteers must be proactive, patient, responsible, enthusiastic and passionate about healthcare.

Volunteer Responsibilities

As a volunteer working in the medical/healthcare project in Peru, your responsibilities will depend on your level of training, certifications and licensing. All clinics and hospitals seek to use a volunteer’s skills when possible, though often they are creating a learning environment for you.

As a volunteer with or without experience, you can observe the work of doctors and nurses and help them according to your skills in the medical field. Volunteers with specialties will be able to help in their specific fields. The clinics may also provide basic trainings for volunteers with less experience. Again, depending on qualifications and experience, volunteers carry out duties such as:

  • Assisting with lab work
  • Helping in the pharmacy
  • Helping with triage
  • Providing basic care
  • Observing the work of nurses or doctors
  • Carry out daily administrative tasks
  • Taking patient details
  • Measuring vital signs such as blood pressure, height, weight
  • Distributing medicines
  • Performing basic first aid
  • Helping with medical procedures
  • Assisting incoming patients
  • Providing assistance in the in-day emergency room
  • Partnering with local doctors
  • Qualified doctors can diagnose and treat patients based on their certification and specialty

Frecuently Asked Questions

  • How Far Is The Project From The Accommodation? How Do I Commute?

You will stay in a typical Peruvian home with a host family. The project is about 20 to 30 minutes by public bus from your accommodations. We generally use public transportation in Cusco, however, if you wish there are taxis available for about $3 USD a ride.

  •  Where Are They Placed; In Clinic Or Hospital?

All medical clinics are placed in the city of Cusco about 20 minutes by bus from your host family. Your local coordinator will provide you with all directions on the day of your arrival in Cusco. She will accompany you the first day to your project to ensure you arrive accordingly.

  • What Are The Requirements To Join The Program?

Volunteers need to speak at least intermediate Spanish when working at the medical clinic. Most doctors and nurses in Cusco do not speak any English. We recommend volunteers participate in the Spanish language group class offered in Cusco. Furthermore, it is recommendable to have interest in the field of medicine and an education in some level of medical treatment.

  • Do We Get Hands On Experience At This Project?

Hands-on experience during the Healthcare Project in Peru depends on the volunteer’s engagement, their knowledge of the Spanish language, and their experience in the medical field.

  • How Many Hours A Day Do We Need To Work?

Volunteers work approximately 4 hours per day at the medical clinic. If there is an unforeseen surgery and you are interested in observing, you may stay longer.

  •  Is Healthcare Available All-Round The Year? If Not, When Does It Close For How Long?

The medical project is available all-round the year with the exception of Christmas and public holidays.

Any Important Information You Want To Share About This Project?

It is important to respect that in Peru the workflow may vary from the one that you are used to in your home country. Volunteers within the healthcare project need to have an open mind to experience a new culture.

Room / Food / Supervision

Nativos Project manages your living accommodations in Peru. In Cusco, most volunteers live with a host family. Our host families are socially respected and experienced hosts of international volunteers. They have strong interest in our volunteer's safety and well-being and demonstrate this with caution and care. Host families will prepare two meals a day for volunteers consisting of local ingredients and foods traditional of Peru. Our host families do not offer laundry services, but some will happily take up the task for a small fee.

Throughout the volunteer project, our local staff stays in contact with volunteers either with face-to-face visits or via email/telephone. Volunteers are always welcome at our local office in Cusco-Peru. If project placement is local, we request that volunteers stop by the office once a week to keep us posted on how they are doing with their home stay and project. If project placement is very far, then our local staff members maintain communication by either email and/or phone and try to visit every week if possible.

What is include in the price?

  • Airport pick up
  • 20 hrs medical Spanish private lessons (If a student wants to continue, they will be able to continue group or private Spanish lessons)
  • Accommodation
  • Food(2 meals per day breakfast, lunch or dinner)
  • Staff member welcome and pick-up on arrival
  • Support and 24 hour back-up from our local staff
  • Salsa classes
  • Cooking and pisco sour classes
  • Donation for the organization you will work with
  • Basic City tour of Cusco
  • Cusco’s map
  • Visa support (if applicable)

Prices do not include:

  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Medical insurance
  • Costs of transportation between the homestay/apartment- volunteering place