VIDA Medical, Dental & Veterinary Programs in Guatemala
Join VIDA in Guatemala as a volunteer in their field clinics! Experience the culture and history of Guatemala, its beautiful mountains and gorgeous southern coast! VIDA Programs in Guatemala are typically 1-2 weeks in length.
Participants in the medical programs will gain experience working with patients while learning basic medical examination techniques. Volunteers will work alongside a staff of licensed doctors to provide communities with the services they need. Volunteering with VIDA will give you a chance to learn more about public health and experience the rich culture of Guatemala.
There are also opportunities for volunteers interested in dentistry to help facilitate mobile dental clinics. Volunteers can shadow experienced dentists. Depending on their level of experience and education in dentistry, volunteers may even have the opportunity to perform procedures under the supervision of mentors.
Visit the VIDA website to learn more about medical volunteer programs in Guatemala!
Reviews
90%Overall
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90%Overall
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I had a terrific time on this trip. I learned so much, not only about patient interaction, but about disease and medicine itself. The staff was patient, knowing that each student was at a different level in their education, and always teaching with every opportunity. I felt safe, but not smothered by the trip leader. Every problem that happened on the trip was handled wonderfully by the leader. Activities were planned during our time off so we weren't wandering aimlessly, but free time was also given.
Critical Feedback:
More time to get to know the staff outside of clinics would have been nice.
100%Overall
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I went to Guatemala not expecting much, but what I experienced while I was there was beyond anything I could have imagined. The VIDA staff was wonderful and all of the people that went on the trip were amazing. I arrived there not knowing any of the other volunteers personally and we all left as good friends. I would go on this trip again tomorrow if I could.
100%Overall
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The only bad part of the trip was when nine students got Salmonella from eating pink hamburgers in Antigua. Also a different student lost his passport. Both situations were handled really well by the staff. The rest of the trip was amazing. It made me appreciate what I have. In Guatemala toilet paper can't be flushed because of the bad plumbing system. I love the people there. They are so much more friendly and accepting than Americans. I had fun ziplining in Panajachel and going to the bars in Antigua. Edo was a great team leader, Luis was a great assistant team leader, the doctors were fantastic, and the interpreters became good friends. If you have a chance to go on this trip, do it, no matter the cost, because it's worth it, even if you don't know if you are for sure going to med school or dental school. JUST DO IT!
Critical Feedback:
More meals with VIDA maybe, it's hard to find good meals on your own. Also, more time to settle in when we first arrive.
90%Overall
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I came to VIDA with a few goals in mind, but those goals changed by the end of my trip. I used VIDA to possibly make my application stronger for medical school, but when the trip finished my heart stayed in Guatemala. The culture immersion was fun to see and the clinics we went to were very eye opening. It made me realize how comfortable and good we have it in the United States, compared to others living in developing countries. Everyone has their own insights and passion about serving others, but my heart never left Guatemala due to the things I've seen. I am already thinking about doing another trip with VIDA in the next coming up years (if time and money permits). Some areas of Guatemala may be more dangerous than others, but our team leader warned us before doing anything. This is actually a great benefit to the trip, because it shows how living in another area is so different from living in America. Some of the people I served in the clinic made me cry because it's sad to realize how hard they have to work for their food, not to mention their chances of seeing a medical professional for help.
Critical Feedback:
I wished we had more time to spend with our staffs outside of clinics too. It would be great to get to know them better outside of clinic because everyone was very welcoming. I felt like we didn't have enough time to mingle with the staffs to get to know them at a better personal level.
90%Overall
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The trip was surprisingly organized. I felt safe the entire time. I can't explain how much I learned during the clinics, it was well worth every penny! The recreation activities were also very fun, there is something for everyone to appreciate.
Critical Feedback:
I would have liked the clinic days more spread out if possible. Having 3 clinics in a row, twice throughout the trip is exhausting.
90%Overall
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Traveling with VIDA is one of the best decisions i've made it my entire life. I've met so many new people, expanded my interest in new cultures and languages, and received the most applicable skills through clinic days that I would never have had the opportunity to receive in the States. I love it so much!
90%Overall
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Going in, I knew that volunteering in Guatemala would be different than my previous 2 VIDA adventures (both to Costa Rica and Panama). I was fortunate enough to be the coordinator of one of the first trips to Guatemala, and within a couple days, we could see why VIDA has reached out to these communities. We worked predominantly in rural communities where there was little access to adequate healthcare facilities and the standard of living was quite low.
Patients were coming into clinics because they were poor. Not poor in the sense that they were coming to clinics looking for money, but poor in the sense that patients were coming with diseases of the poor. We saw a lot of cases where patients had parasites, simply because the water in their area was contaminated. We had a case where a patient couldn't afford to keep her child and could not afford an abortion, so she had it illegally done. As a result, not all of the placenta was removed, and because of the tissue's aggressive nature, it turned cancerous and invaded the walls of the uterus.
Every time someone asks me about VIDA, I tell them that it's more than slapping band-aids on people's skin and more than brushing someone's teeth. On VIDA, you're dealing with patients with real and serious illnesses that need attention. But just as important as helping the communities was the impact that VIDA left on its volunteers. At the end of every trip, when I listen to feedback given to me by volunteers, I always hear people tell me that before VIDA, they weren't sure if medicine/dentistry was right for them, but after two weeks of volunteering, they knew this was their calling.
Personally, the biggest impact VIDA has left on me was a sense of how privileged I am to never have to worry about things like boiling my clothes, or worry about not having enough to eat. Sure I've heard and seen things about poorer nations around the world, but to actually experience it is a whole different matter. My experience with VIDA has really put everything into perspective. While we stress about school and exams, others in Central America and around the world are struggling to put food on the table. So whenever I'm stressed in school, I reflect on my VIDA experiences and realize that even in school I am lucky, and that many of the patients I saw would gladly switch places with me if they had the chance.
The experience I have gain from VIDA is invaluable. And what is extremely striking is how close to home these communities are to us. I can hop on a plane and within 4-5 hours, I can go from a first world to a third world nation. It truly is unfortunate how you don't have to look far to see poverty. Even within our own countries we have communities in need, and VIDA has inspired me to further my community work back home and help in any way I can.
Please feel free to read more on our experience here:
uwovida.blogspot.com
70%Overall
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I went to Guatemala last August as part of a school group to set up and run medical and dental clinics.
The first day we landed and were taken to an amazing 5-star hotel in Guatemala city. Here we got to meet the staff and had our orientation. The next day we departed to Antigua where we met our home stay families. We stayed with them for 5 nights. I was placed in a home with a wonderful family who took us in and made us feel very welcome. Even though our home stay family spoke English, they spoke to us in Spanish forcing us to practice the language.
Our first 2 clinic days took place in a rural village 45 min from Antigua. We set up shop in a house volunteered by a local. I believe by the end of the first two days we had tended to around 200 patients. The first clinic day was frightening since I had no clue what to expect. However, as the day progressed, I began to become more and more comfortable. In these few days, I had my eyes open to the conditions in other parts of the world. And I began to understand that the world I was living in back home, is not a reality for the majority of the world's population.
Our 3rd clinic day took place up high in the mountains- another village. None of us were aware that we were heading up to the mountains so most of us were unprepared, wearing only tee-shirts under our scrubs. The cold was unbearable, but nevertheless we pushed through and got to work. I remember children walking in with their traditional clothing consisting of shirts and skirts and wondering how they endured the harsh conditions up in the mountains. I guess they were in fact acclimatized to it. You would think being from Canada, that I would have been better able to handle the conditions.
We spent one night in Antigua going out to the local bars and clubs with the entire group. The next morning, we took a tour of the clonal city and went to visit an orphanage just north of the city. I have to say I was very impressed with the quality of the orphanage. However, I was told it was because it was one of the best in the country and that the conditions of others are a lot worse.
We then packed up our bags, said goodbye to our home stay families and headed off to panajachel. This city borders one of the most beautiful lakes in the world- lake Atitlan. We stayed in a hotel together as a group this time, so it was fun as we were able to hang out and talk amongst each other. The next day we headed up north 15 min to a small city to run a clinic. We set up shop in their medical center. Now when I say medical center, I mean an open space with benches where we could attend to patients. We were only here for one day, so we needed to work quickly to ensure we saw everyone who was waiting in line.
The next two clinic days took place in another city, on the other side of the lake. It was in some sort of complex with multiple rooms- I cannot remember what the exact structure was used for. I remember the area bordering the lake with an astounding view. It was during the last clinic day, that I had an opportunity to work the Pharmacy helping one of the doctors give out the drugs prescribed to the patients.
During the trip, I encountered many emotional challenges along the way. The fact of the matter is it was heartbreaking to see these individuals lacking basic medical care. I mean here in Canada, if your sick with a bacterial infection, no big deal, go to the doctor and get antibiotics. On top of that I have insurance, so the drugs are covered for as well. However, it is not as easy for these people. Drugs cost money and most of the individuals we tended too did not have the funds to cover such costs. There were some cases, that even we could not help them- instances where the doctors suspected that they had cancer and informed them that they needed to go to the hospital ASAP. Those were the hardest cases to deal with because, you could see the happiness from their faces fade away as they were being informed of their possible condition.
Although the trip was emotionally challenging, it was also uplifting in many ways. These people have a sense of resilience, one that was passed on to me during my time there. The way they thank you after you have treated them, is truly humbling and made the trip worth it in the end.
These two weeks changed the way I view the world and have taught me to cherish and appreciate what I have been given. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to embark upon a life changing journey.
100%Overall
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I had the best time in Guatemala! I really felt like I was able to make a difference in the lives of those I helped whie I was there. The VIDA staff were all knowledgeable, patient, and great to work with. I always felt like I i good hands and safe in the cities we visited. The price seems to be a lot but with all of the experiences and work that I got to do, it was well worth and I would go back and work with VIDA again and again!
100%Overall
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I was on the Vet Team in Guatemala. I learned soo much on the trip especially with the hands-on experience!! The scenery is breath-taking...literally. We walked around a town on one of the clinic days. It was a life-changing experience to see how other people live their lives on so little, but are completely happy. The staff is extremely nice, fun, and willing to meet the needs of their volunteers. The friends I made on the trip are friends for life. I would recommend volunteering with VIDA to any of my friends on those career paths and will definitely be going back!
100%Overall
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Volunteering with VIDA in Guatemala was an incredible experience. You get to explore a new country, and learn a lot about local culture. The VIDA staff prepares you well for your clinic days-which are amazing. You get to interact with the locals, take medical histories, and even play with the kids. Overall I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in volunteering while discovering a new country, regardless of whether you are interested in pursuing a career in the medical field or not.
100%Overall
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I went into this experience with a lot of expectations, and I'm happy to say that the trip was WAY beyond everything I had hoped for. I learned a lot under experienced doctors and the very fun-loving staff, and had some unforgettable moments with the patients and locals. This trip helped me realize that the medical profession is right for me and is the reason I'm so motivated towards my goal of becoming a doctor now. I would give anything to be back in Guatemala now, it was truly an amazing experience!
100%Overall
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My trip to Guatemala was a life changing experience. I had an opportunity to directly speak with and help treat various patients in different underprivileged communities. The staff, my group, and everyone we met along he way were so nice, helpful, and caring. I wouldn't trade this experience for the world. I learned about many tropical diseases as well as how to talk to a patient and make them feel comfortable. It really help put thigs into perspective for me. I love helping people and really enjoyed the opportunity to help these people but realistically I learned as much about myself through these people as I was able to help them.
100%Overall
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I volunteered on a medical trip, and it was an invaluable experience. The patients were wonderful and so friendly. The doctors were super nice and eager to explain diagnoses and diseases. I learned a lot and I really felt like I was making a valuable contribution. All of the VIDA staff were very helpful and fun to work with. The activities were well planned, as well. They are placed in between clinics for a mini break. Our activities were a tour of Antigua, which was so interesting, and ziplining, which was just incredible. My only suggestion: bring jeans and a sweatshirt, because some areas of Guatemala are chilly!
100%Overall
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I went on the medical trip to Guatemala and it truly changed my whole outlook on life. I realized more than ever that I want to be a doctor. I ended up writing a final paper for one of my classes about Vida and how I would expand the organization. The best part of the trip for me was getting to interact with the patients. I am planning on going on another trip next spring. I would strongly recommend Vida!
100%Overall
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This was my first time visiting Guatemala, but not Central America. I felt like my time with the VIDA group allowed me to not only get the veterinary experiences I was going for, but also to get a great immersion into the local culture. They took many precautions to inform us on how to be safe and which foods not to eat, so my experiences in the cities and with the people were all really insightful and enjoyable.
The veterinary work was amazing! Getting to experience a clinic like that performing hands-on surgeries was only trumped by the huge impact I could tell we had on the people in the communities we visited.
Over all, AMAZING experience!
100%Overall
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This was my second trip to Central America with VIDA and I am proud to say it was better than my first. The overall organization was great and I enjoyed the atmosphere the veterinarians and leaders provided. The leaders and veterinary assistants were always available to help during clinics. One thing I enjoyed was that during the last clinic, we were told to research more in depth one thing we found during clinic and talk about it with the group. I enjoyed this because for the rest of my life, I will always remember my cases of ascites and the causes and treatments.
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Alumni Interviews
Meet Casey Bloechl, VIDA - Guatemala alum
Casey Bloechl is a 19 year old female from Elcho, Wisconsin. She attends the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire and she is working her way towards a major in Psychology. From January 9th to January 17th she travelled to Guatemala City, Antigua, and Panajachel, Guatemala. After the trip she decided that she wants to add more Spanish into her education. She also decided to continue pursuing dreams of medical school. She enjoys reading, watching movies, making friends, and she is an adrenaline junky.
GO: Why did you decide to volunteer with VIDA in Guatemala?
Casey: I knew I wanted to travel, but I didn't want to go away for too long, and I couldn't afford anything too expensive Doing something with medicine was important to me, because I am young, and I am still trying to decide what I want to do with my future. With medicine at the top of my interest list, this seemed like a great opportunity to help me decide.
GO: Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Casey: We would wake up, eat breakfast, load the bus, and drive to the city where we would set up our clinic. Once we arrived we would set up the pharmacy on tables and find a room where we could interview and examine patients. During this examination we asked questions about the patient's medical history and we took weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate. Other physical examinations that volunteers were allowed to conduct included urinalyses and glucose tests. One day I listened to a babie's heartbeat inside the stomach of a mother.
GO: What made this experience unique and special?
Casey: This volunteer opportunity is unique because the group of people that work for VIDA know how to do their job really well. On days when we weren't volunteering we got to go ziplining, and also out on the town to restaurants and bars. We also took a dance class one night, and had a really good time.
GO: How has this experience impacted your future?
Casey: Personally: I appreciate being able to put toilet paper in the toilet, I appreciate the extensive amount of food available in the US, and I try to meet everyone with an open heart, the way the Guatemalans did to me. So, I am just more appreciative in general. I also learned how to travel safely and how to barter.
Professionally: I learned that I enjoy working with patients, I like to have variety with my job, nothing repetitive, and I learned that it is good to network from people everywhere.
Meet Jessi Coryell, VIDA-Guatemala alum
Jessi Coryell is from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States and currently attends the University of Minnesota: Twin Cities. She has volunteered with VIDA twice in the past two years. Her first trip was December 27th, 2011 - January 9th, 2012, and her second trip was on the exact same dates the following year, from December 27th, 2012 - January 9th, 2013. She is studying Animal Science with an emphasis in Pre-Vet, enjoys the Spanish language, and hopes to travel to every country in Central and South America after Graduation.
GO: Why did you decide to volunteer with VIDA in Guatemala?
Jessi: I decided to volunteer abroad with VIDA in Guatemala for the second year in a row because of the amazing opportunity it provides. For my first trip to Guatemala, my eyes were opened in a way I thought was not possible. Not only was I able to strongly participate in the Veterinary clinics, but I was also very culturally submersed. Working directly with the people and communities of Guatemala was the most exciting and eye opening experience I have ever had.
Also, traveling and volunteering with the VIDA program has been a part of the University of Minnesota's Pre-Vet club for over 5 years now. I was fortunate enough to have been able to participate in the past two trips, and have full intentions to participate in many more.
GO: Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Jessi: Each activity day varies quite a bit. I remember on my first trip, we participated in a historical and interactive tour of the city of Antigua which then led to a tour of the Jade museum of Antigua. We learned about the history of Guatemala's government, as well as some history of the Mayans. On another day, we traveled by boat to a small town called San Pedro where we hiked to the top of a mountain, which the locals call "Nariz Indio" or "The Indian's Nose". On my second trip we went platform jumping into Lake Atitlan off of a 35 ft platform. Then later in the day, we traveled to a small town called San Lucas where we visited a Women's Conservatory and learned about the process of spinning cotton and dyeing clothing using plants, fruits, and vegetables. At the end of that day, we went zip lining where we saw monkeys, waterfalls, and the most beautiful view of Lake Atitlan that you could possibly imagine.
GO: What made this volunteer abroad experience unique and special?
Jessi Coryell: This volunteer experience is so special to me because of the amount of hands on work that is allowed. Between practicing sterility in a surgery or assisting in surgery by taking vitals and drawing up drugs, you are doing things that an individual of my status would not be able to do in the states. Although you are assisting in these surgeries, you are ALWAYS under Veterinary supervision, so there is never a need to be nervous or worried. This also gives you the opportunity to ask questions at every step of the way.
The medical staff that is on the trip also made both of my trips unforgettable. The approachability and patience of each and every staff member that we worked with is what allowed for me to grow and learn so much. Participating in these trips also allowed me to be proud of what I choose to do with my life. Knowing that we are coming into these communities and educating the people of animal health, and how animals should be treated and respected is the most rewarding feeling.
GO: How has this experience impacted your future?
Jessi Coryell: Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to be a Veterinarian. But as college continues and graduation gets closer, the stress can sometimes be overwhelming. Going on these trips has helped me see that all of the hard work and determination will someday soon pay off. VIDA trips have helped solidify what I want to do with my life. Also, assisting in surgeries opened my eyes to the surgical side of Veterinary Medicine.
Another way these trips have impacted my future plans is the cultural submersion that occurs while traveling. In high school I studied Spanish for all 4 years, and really enjoyed it. When I traveled to Guatemala, I often times caught myself blurting out Spanish anywhere I could, especially with the locals! My passion for learning and understanding the language grew immensely, and I have full intentions of now studying the Spanish language. I have hopes of becoming fluent, and travel around Central and South America after graduation! The culture and language has greatly impacted my life!
Meet Sonam Maghera, VIDA-Guatemala Alum
Sonam Maghera, 20 years old, is a student from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Sonam volunteered with VIDA from August 13th, 2011 to August 25th, 2011.
GO: Why did you decide to volunteer abroad with VIDA in Guatemala?
Sonam: This trip provided me with the unique opportunity to witness health care in areas of the world I have not travelled to. I've never had the chance to travel anywhere outside of Canada or the United States and thought this would be an amazing opportunity to not only travel but help others at the same time. There is something extra special about going down in person to help out; getting to see the difference you make first hand.
GO: Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Sonam: As a volunteer, we had a variety of jobs throughout the day. First off, we would set up and pack up the clinics. This would include gathering chairs, taking out supplies, setting up the pharmacy etc. The clinics took place in houses and public buildings offered to us by the citizens of the village. After setting up the clinic area, we would work in groups seeing patients and their families. Our main responsibility was to take their vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, weight etc) and patient history. A translator was provided to each group through which we could communicate to the patient. Once we had gathered the vitals and history, we would call over one of the working doctors to overlook the information and provide the patient with a diagnosis and a prescription, if required. If the patient was prescribed medication, they would be able to obtain their medication free of charge from our pharmacy. Aside from seeing patients, each volunteer had an opportunity to work in the pharmacy with a doctor filling patient prescriptions. A typical clinic day would look as follows.
GO: What made this volunteer abroad experience unique and special?
Sonam: It was the people! The VIDA in program in Guatemala was well run and organized, however, it was the people who made this experience one I will never forget. I grew so close to not only my fellow students, but to the staff accompanying us (doctors, translators and trip leaders). I remember the endless jokes being passed around in the bus on the rides to and from the clinics, waking up at 4am with some of the staff to see the sun rise over lake Atitlan while dancing until 3am in Panajachel the night before. It didn't feel like there was a distinction between student and staff, but rather everyone came together as one unit and enjoyed being in each other's company. Believe it or not, a year later, I'm still in close contact with many of them.
GO: How has this experience impacted your future?
Sonam: This experience was an eye opener to say the least. During my time with VIDA in Guatemala, I first handily got to experience the consequences of inadequate health care. I was exposed to severe illnesses such as breast cancer in a man, an arrhythmia in a twelve-year-old girl and the end stages of leukemia in a seven-year-old boy. I specifically remember an older woman who came into the clinic complaining of severe stomach pains thinking she had a minor infection.
After assessment, we discovered that she had also been rapidly losing weight and vomiting frequently. Due to her presentation, the doctor believed that she may have gastrointestinal cancer and informed her that she needed to go to the hospital immediately. As the patient was being informed, I saw the smile on her face fade away and the look of worry emerge in her eyes. I found myself in that moment, wishing that I had the knowledge and ability to treat her. Although these realities were emotionally challenging, I was inspired by the resilience of these people and I left with a heightened sense of reality and sensitivity. It was during this trip I began to understand what it feels like to make a difference, to give people hope, to be a doctor!
Meet Brooklyn Leitch, VIDA volunteer alum
Brooklyn Leitch is a student at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota. Her VIDA trip to Guatemala was March 3-11, 2012.
GO: Why did you decide to volunteer with VIDA in Guatemala?
Brooklyn: I decided to volunteer with VIDA because I wanted my spring break to be a learning experience. VIDA was a wonderful opportunity, in more ways than one. As a pre-med student, the medical experience was invaluable. I am also a Hispanic Studies major, so it was amazing to be able to use and grow my Spanish skills with patients, and to learn about another culture. Most importantly, I wanted to contribute and volunteer in a way that really mattered.
GO: Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Brooklyn: On clinic days, we ate breakfast as a group and then climbed into the vans to travel to the clinic sites. The views along the drive were always incredible. Upon arrival, we helped set up the pharmacy and split into groups to see patients. Usually, there were two volunteers and an interpreter in each group. Also, one pair of volunteers worked the pharmacy. By the end of the trip, we each had done one shift (morning or afternoon) in the pharmacy.
When seeing patients, volunteers started with asking and recording background information (name, age, etc.), and previously diagnosed medical conditions. Then the patients would describe all of their symptoms and concerns. After taking vitals, we would call in the doctor and make our report. After the first day, this usually included our diagnosis and choice of treatment. The doctor would agree, or further examine the patient and explain what we may have missed. After clinics, we had case discussions and then evenings off to explore.
GO: What made this volunteer experience unique and special?
Brooklyn: This experience was unique because it combined volunteering and a bit of vacation. The activities on our two days off were fantastic. First we had a tour of Antigua, and then we ziplined near Lake Atitlan!
Furthermore, clinic days were almost more fun than our days off. Guatemalans are such friendly people, and they really appreciated the clinics. The kids go crazy for stickers!
Also, the VIDA staff was exceptional. I especially appreciated the doctors. They were very knowledgeable and happy to explain diagnoses and the pathophysiology of diseases.
GO: How has this experience helped you grow personally and professionally?
Brooklyn: My experience with VIDA has made me eager for more. I am hoping to volunteer with them again before I graduate. In addition, it affirmed my desire to volunteer internationally after I become a doctor. Seeing the difference that we made...it's just so important to help if you can, in any way you can.
Further Info
About VIDA
Volunteer abroad with VIDA in Central America! With VIDA, you have the opportunity to gain experience in three main fields: medicine, dental health, and veterinary medicine. As a volunteer with VIDA, you will work with local professionals in these fields in Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Working with coordinators from the field, VIDA volunteers work to set up mobile clinics to provide easily accessible services to the people and animals of communities in need. Whether you are an aspiring health-care profession or just have a passion for helping others, VIDA will provide you with a meaningful service-learning experience.
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I was so worried to travel down to Central America and I thought I was getting myself into something I would regret, but as we progressed into the trip in Guatemala, I realized this is something I want to do again. I enjoyed spending time in the clinic helping all of the people that came to get dental help. I liked how the dentists I shadowed wanted to teach me something while I watched what they did. I learned more from the 4 clinic days than I did by shadowing dentists here in the USA. The friendships I made on the trip were strengthened by the experiences that we endured together. Not everything on this trip was perfect, as 8 of my travelers got Salmonella, but this experience makes you realize that there is a whole world out there to be discovered. I am happy to have helped the people I helped. I really feel like I made a difference in their lives because VIDA gave me a chance to interact with them and learn about their lives. This trip has ignited the flame in me to really work hard to get into Dental School so that I may help others in this world.
Critical Feedback:
More time for interaction with the people and children that come to the clinic, I never got to really hang out with them.
Have places to eat in mind for us, rather than just have us walk around and find a place.