Volunteering with IVHQ in Guatemala was an experience I’ll always appreciate. I worked in a geriatric clinic, seeing patients every day, and it was both challenging and incredibly fulfilling. The work was hands-on, and I felt like I was actually contributing rather than just observing. Some days were tough, but getting to know the patients and seeing the impact of even small gestures made it all worth it.
The local staff was supportive and really made an effort to involve volunteers in meaningful ways. IVHQ had everything well-organized while still allowing us enough flexibility to learn and engage. Outside of volunteering, getting to experience Guatemala—the culture, the people, the food—made the whole thing even more special.
I’d definitely recommend this program to anyone interested in healthcare, volunteering, or just wanting to do something meaningful while immersing themselves in a new place.
What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Hiking two volcanoes in 24 hours was one of the most intense things I’ve ever done. After a brutal 10-hour trek up Acatenango, we finally reached base camp, exhausted and freezing. The entire place was covered in thick fog, and we could hear what sounded like thunder rumbling through the mountains. It was unsettling, especially because we couldn’t see more than a few feet in front of us—just knowing there were steep drop-offs nearby made it even worse.
At some point, our guide casually mentioned that it wasn’t thunder—it was the sound of Fuego erupting. That was the moment it really hit me that we were camping next to an active volcano. Later that night, when the fog cleared, we could actually see lava shooting into the sky. It was surreal. The exhaustion, the altitude, and the sheer intensity of the whole experience made it something I’ll never forget.
