GUATEMALA
GLOBAL HEALTH IN THE LAND OF THE MAYA
Work alongside Guatemalan doctors in a rural school to support public health access for indigenous communities. Immerse yourself in Guatemala’s diverse cultures, traditions and history at the heart of the Mayan Empire
Program Overview
On this program, you will be immersed in public health and sanitation projects based in the heart of a rural indigenous school. Work alongside local medical professionals and, with their guidance, gain field experience by supporting communities with limited access to healthcare. Receive training from professionals and earn CPR certification.
You’ll be captivated by the fascinating Maya heritage and splendid Central American landscapes. And while a focus on healthcare and medicine is at the core of this program, every GLA experience also includes adventure! Zipline through Guatemalan mountains and journey across the sacred and awe-inspiring Lake Atitlán.
On GLA’s Guatemala: Global Health in the Land of the Mayaâ„¢ program you will:
- Gain hands-on healthcare experience in a rural Indigenous school
- Be trained by medical professionals, learn basic first aid and get CPR certified
- Shadow medical professionals and observe best practices in healthcare
- Learn traditional weaving techniques from master artisans and sample local delicacies at a chocolate museum
- Venture across sacred Lake Atitlán, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world
This program was a finalist for the 2024 Go Abroad Innovation Awards in the category of Innovative Volunteer Abroad program!
Program Menu
GUATEMALA
GLOBAL HEALTH IN THE LAND OF THE MAYA
Sample Itinerary
Let’s take a sneak peek at what your program experience might look like this summer! Please note that the order of activities may differ for each program session. The details provided here represent a general outline of what you can anticipate, though community service projects and activities are subject to change based on the needs of our local community partners, cultural celebrations and traditions, weather conditions and the specific requirements of the student group.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at La Aurora International Airport, where GLA staff will greet you. Travel to the colonial city of Antigua, meet your group, and share your first authentic Guatemalan dinner.
Day 2: Orientation & Mayan Wedding Ceremony
Our first full day begins with orientation: learning Guatemalan cultural norms, reviewing the GLA Code of Conduct and team-building games. We’ll then dive into local culture by meeting Maya women who will share the traditions of a Maya wedding ceremony. You’ll also try your hand at making tortillas and see how coffee is traditionally roasted.
Day 3: Lake Chicabal & Clinic Training
Explore Maya cosmology on a visit to a sacred mountain and Lake Chicabal, where a local Curandero will lead an ancient ceremony. In the afternoon, take part in a workshop to prepare for our first community clinic, learning from medical professionals and practicing basic medical phrases in Spanish and Kaqchiquel.
Days 4-7: Medical Clinics, First Aid, CPR Course & Adventure
Spend four days assisting local medical professionals with free health checks in an indigenous community, rotating through stations like triage, pharmacy and hygiene. You’ll also earn CPR certification. After service, take part in cultural activities such as weaving, chocolate making and salsa dancing, while reflecting on the impact of public health initiatives.
Day 8: Ziplining
After four days of service, it’s time for adventure! Go ziplining through the Guatemalan mountains, take in stunning views and share laughs with new friends. In the evening, enjoy dinner followed by Mentor Group sessions and leadership activities.
Days 9–10: Two-Day Excursion
Head to Lake Atitlán, the sacred lake of the Maya and one of the most beautiful in the world. Enjoy a boat ride to a nearby village, explore artisan markets and relax at a lakeside hotel for the night.
Days 11–12: Service Wrap-Up & Mayan Culture
After two days of adventure, return to the school to assist medical professionals with patient registration, vital checks, doctor consults and dispensing medication gaining firsthand insight into the importance of accessible care. In the afternoons, enjoy cultural activities and a visit to natural hot springs, followed by evening reflection groups.
Days 13–14: Antigua & Departures
Depart Xela for Antigua to explore the colonial city, shop for souvenirs and visit an organic coffee plantation. Enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate your time in Guatemala. The next morning, after breakfast and goodbyes, head to the airport with GLA staff assisting your departure. ¡Buen viaje!
Program Map
GUATEMALA
GLOBAL HEALTH IN THE LAND OF THE MAYA
Community Service
Shadow and assist local medical professionals as they provide free health checks, basic exams and assessments. Learn firsthand the importance of providing free quality care to communities without access to healthcare. After a bit of learning, put your new medical Spanish into practice by accompanying qualified professionals as they offer medical care!
Hands-on Learning
Gain exposure to various healthcare settings as you deepen your understanding of how political, economic and environmental disparities shape global health. Explore key challenges rural communities in Guatemala face, including limited access to healthcare and public health initiatives. You’ll also confront the complex issue of preserving indigenous culture in a rapidly modernizing world. Under the guidance of medical professionals, you’ll receive first aid training and get certified in CPR.
Your experience won’t stop there. You’ll visit an organic coffee plantation, learning directly from master artisans about traditional Guatemalan arts like weaving. Dance to the rhythm of salsa, sample sweet treats during a Guatemalan chocolate class, and fully immerse yourself in the local culture by participating in a traditional wedding ceremony. To top it all off, you’ll meet with a local shaman — an experience you will never forget!
Adventure
Take a short hike to Laguna Chicabal, a serene crater lake nestled in the caldera of a volcano, where you’ll uncover the mystique and natural beauty of Guatemala. Soar by zipline through the mountains, taking in breathtaking views. Wander the cobblestone streets of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire its colonial architecture. On a two-day excursion, spend the night along the shores of sacred Lake Atitlán.
Lodging & Meals
Home Base is an enclosed compound located in the mountainous city of Xela, providing students with a tranquil and peaceful environment. Students stay in gender-segregated rooms and have access to shared bathrooms with both hot and cold water. The harmonious atmosphere and shared common spaces foster a strong sense of community among students and staff.
GUATEMALA
GLOBAL HEALTH IN THE LAND OF THE MAYA
Dates & Tuition
14-Day Program
2026 Session Dates
July 02 – July 15, 2026
Program Details
Tuition Includes All In-Country Expenses
Airport pick-up/drop-off
In-country transportation
Lodging
3 meals per day
Professional full-time staff and experts
24/7 parent support hotline during program
Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
Pre-departure materials and support
Educational materials
An application fee and $600 deposit are required
to hold your spot on-program.
Backed by our 5-Point Safety Systemâ„¢
GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Recommended by Students and Parents
“My experience in Guatemala was absolutely amazing & without a doubt life-changing. I learned so much about myself as well as people of a very different, but very beautiful culture. Initially, I was really nervous because I didn’t know a single person going on this trip but I was quickly comforted; the GLA mentors as well as the other students welcomed me with arms wide open & eyes filled with excitement. We were sharing an experience that would turn into a story to tell for the rest of our lives.”
Sydney D. | Student | 2015
GUATEMALA
GLOBAL HEALTH IN THE LAND OF THE MAYA
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