Program Reviews

I would recommend this trip for any pre-health student because of the opportunities you can explore. I was involved in the Veterinary program and I can honestly say it was the most eye-opening experiences of my life. I was able to personally help with surgeries and do consults for many dogs and cats. I have no idea where else you'll be able to be so involved and learn the amount of information I did in only two weeks. It was a life-changing experience for me and I want more than everything to go on another VIDA trip. You'll also form close friendships with your fellow trip members because you share a common purpose and I can guarantee you'll absolutely not want to leave!

The program was run very well! The interpreters were great to work with as well as the doctors! Lester and Amy were outstanding! I wish though we could have done a few more fun things on our rec days like go to a beach for a day or something like that

Doctors challenged us to think critically in solving problems as well as allowed us to do many hands-on things that enhanced our learning experience. The ability to diagnose patients helped us learn the uses of different medicines and how they impacted people in different situations based on pregnancy status, age and other medical issues.

There are no words to describe how positive an impact this VIDA trip had on myself and the poor communities in Guatemala. The six clinic days were the most rewarding days I've ever experienced in my entire life. One lady walked two hours up a mountain just to get her teeth cleaned because she couldn't afford a dentist. Another man had a blood sugar level of 28, which is extremely high and I didn't know someone could function at this level. Unfortunately he couldn't afford medicine so he was so thankful that we could provide a free referral for him. We experienced tuberculous, Down's syndrome, fractures, and Lupus. There were a lot of common cold cases but no matter the specific case, the hands on patient experience (2 or 3 students with an interpreter and patient) was incredible. It confirmed by beliefs that I want to be a nurse practitioner. The non clinic days were fun too. We did ziplining, a boat tour, and got a explore Antigua which was beautiful. This trip was definitely worth all the money and time put into it.

This was honestly the best two weeks of my life. You get so much patient interaction and form close relationships with medical doctors from which you learn a LOT. You also get to see gorgeous parts of Guatemala and experience lots of different aspects of the culture. All of the staff was awesome and I'd go back in a heartbeat.

Interacting with the locals and making new friends were wonderful. You walk away with the irreplaceable feeling that you have helped someone, no matter how small the difference. This is the first time I've ever been out of the country and I can't wait to leave again, hopefully on another VIDA trip.

The communities we served at was a reality check for us as volunteers. We should feel privileged and blessed, but not better than those we helped. It was eye opening, just because the people we helped live their lives so differently.

Never though I would get so much hands on experience and have the chance to help so many animals in need. Absolutely amazing experience!

I definitely learned a lot. The vets were amazing, really took the time to explain everything and make sure we had a chance to learn and try everything we wanted to.

We were given the opportunity to carry out consults, give vaccines, prep for surgery (inserting catheters, endotracheal tubes under vet supervision), and even assist during surgery while the vets explained exactly what was going on.

It was also really great to be able to interact with the people. Staying with our homestay families and seeing how different their lives are was really an eye opener! I could not have asked for a better "mom" in the homestays!

Overall wonderful experience. You won't regret it if you choose VIDA!!

The trip was a fantastic, life changing experience :) Got to try new food, make new friends and experience how people live in Nicaragua by living with homestays. I learned quite a lot from others, the vets, and from my own mistakes. Will definitely come back again in the future!

I thought this trip was fantastic. overall definitely a great experience that is making me want to come back every year! At first, I was a bit skeptical of the minimal amount of review for the clinic days and the homestays. But it turned out that we had more than enough help from the staff that it was a smooth transition.