iHelp Globally

iHelpglobally is by far the best thing I ever chose to do. I have been on two trips with them to Peru (September 2013) and Guatemala (March 2015) and each trip was extremely unique and rich in both the experiences and the friends I made. I was one of the volunteers on iHelpglobally's second or third trips ever and I was absolutely amazed how unbelievably organized the entire trip was. As a pre-health student, I have a lot of friends who have travelled through various organizations and it seems like my experience was one of the best and I can't wait to see how this organization will grow!

I got to put a lot of what I learned in class to actual use and I loved getting to dust off my Spanish. Everyone on the trip from the people we work with to the people we serve, is incredibly kind and compassionate and I've never felt so accepted. The service time is balanced with just the right amount of excursions. The excursions are incredibly fun and unique and ranged from sand boarding to camping to exploring caves. I cannot wait to go on another trip with iHelpglobally!

This was an amazing experience. I had the goal of attending medical outreach like this when I become a physician in the future, but I could not have known how medical outreach really was until I went to this trip with iHelpGlobally. This trip solidified my decision of becoming a physician and servicing people who need healthcare. Touring Peru with half of the time seeing patients gave me a new perspective of healthcare in underserved area and what public health problems needs to be solved. The providers are very helpful and engaging with students and patients at the same time. It was both educational and impactful.

Become friends with people who aren't your age. Hangout with people whose first language isn't the same as yours. Get to know someone who doesn't come from your social class. This is how you can see the world. This is how you grow. - Unknown

Every time I encounter this quote I think of my two trips to Peru with iHelp Globally. As a pharmacist, it is my job to keep the people in my community healthy and happy. Traveling to Peru in 2014 and 2015 not only allowed me to continue the work I love, but it gave me the opportunity to show a younger generation how easy it is to make a big difference in the world.

I will be the first to admit that these missions with iHelp Globally were somewhat selfish on my part. The travel and experiences are unforgettable. I love to travel with those who know the land, know the people. Also, I have to admit that planning and completing a trip like this rejuvenates my soul. When I see how little it takes to bring healthcare to a neighborhood in need, I feel recharged to take on all the obstacles at my home and workplace. Every clinic day, I welcomed the next challenge, knowing that as a group, we could overcome anything through brainstorming and with our imagination. I hope these days didn't discourage the other members but inspired them as well.

Traveling this way make me feel young and alive! Volunteering and mentoring gives me purpose and makes me feel grateful for everyday. Thank you iHelp Globally!

I didn't quite know what to expect when I signed up for the program, but I'm incredibly glad that I went! I learned so much about healthcare in rural communities, met very talented healthcare providers, and made an amazing group of friends. Not to mention learning Spanish on the spot. IHG has taught me that even the smallest actions we take to help people in need can leave a profound impact, which I personally experienced each day in my interactions with our patients, seeing their smiles and hearing "gracias!" I hope to return again one day as a healthcare provider and make an even greater impact (:

I traveled with IHG for the first time in 2012 while I was a student at UCLA and considering making the transition from studying anthropology to a career in medicine. I went for several reasons: to travel, to experience different cultures, and to see if I was cut our for the medical field.
Starting from the moment I stepped off the plane, I had an amazing experience whether I was boding with new teammate, learning how to take vital signs, or interacting with patients. After that first week in Lima, I knew that I had found my calling and when I got home, I began the transition to becoming a Nurse Practitioner.
I encourage anyone who is interested in the medical field, to make this trip. I guarantee it will change your life for the better.