Language and volunteer opps. in central/south america

[eflwon]

I will be aplying to med school this august and am planning to spend about 5 months in central and south america before i attend (assuming i even get in). I really want to practice in latin amreica when i am older (at least for a period of time) so i am planning to go to a language school to pick up spanish and and do some volunteering to help and out and get a "glimpse" of the health situation around there. I am planning to stay in Antigua, Guatemala to do my language course and eventually make it down to Argentina.

I would greatly appreaciate any advice. From must sees, where the best hospital/clinic volunteer places might be, to travel tips. Also if anyone knows of great language schools, anywhere in that region.


thanks alot

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[flipflops81]

I am planning on doing the same thing, though I want to practice in South Florida, not South America. I am planning to submit my applications as soon as possible (by June 15) so I get mt interviews out of the way. After I've interviewed/ been accepted (hopefully), I plan to volunteer in the Carribean/ South America. My church is involved in a clinic in the Dominican Republic, so I'll probably go there. I recommend trying to go through a religious organization, because they will often send you for free. I know there are some programs that have stipends as well. Ask your school's study abroad office and career center for information as well. Good luck in your applications and in your travels!

 

[caffeine37]

I am planning on doing the same thing, though I want to practice in South Florida, not South America. I am planning to submit my applications as soon as possible (by June 15) so I get mt interviews out of the way. After I've interviewed/ been accepted (hopefully), I plan to volunteer in the Carribean/ South America. My church is involved in a clinic in the Dominican Republic, so I'll probably go there. I recommend trying to go through a religious organization, because they will often send you for free. I know there are some programs that have stipends as well. Ask your school's study abroad office and career center for information as well. Good luck in your applications and in your travels!

Which religious organizations do this? Do you mean specific churches? I was trying to figure this out... I'm Catholic, but I don't think there are any Catholic programs abroad. Please let me know if you know of anything...or any other programs that would take me even if I wasnt part of that religion...

 

[caffeine37]

no reply..?

 

[J.opt]

I don't know of specific organizations. Usually religious congregations plan their trips independently. I bet Catholic Charities has an abroad aid program, try contacting them (or contacting your local church).

 

[MackieDog]

I don't know of specific organizations. Usually religious congregations plan their trips independently. I bet Catholic Charities has an abroad aid program, try contacting them (or contacting your local church).

A good place is: Mountain Movers Missions International based out of Danli, Honduras

http://www.geocities.com/clinica_eya/

Kathy Rubio is the director and is very nice! It was a great experience and highly recommended

Oh and you don't have to be religious to go ...

 

[stevemc]

Maybe a bit late for the OP, but there is a list of grass-roots (no fees)
volunteer programs in South and Central America here:
www.volunteersouthamerica.net

Some are specialist medical:
www.f-h-n.org (Ecuador)
www.aktenamit.org (Guatemala)

There are lots of street-kids programs as well (see the above site for details)
that would give you a feel of health situation over there.

Steve

 

[hoyaslude]

Has anyone heard of their summer medical Spanish program. I want to go but I would like to hear first hand what it is like. Thanks for your help!