Once in a lifetime experience

VAW is more than just a volunteer trip. It's going out there and seeing the underdeveloped world for what it really is. I visited the impoverished population of San Pedro La Laguna in Guatemala and for two weeks I was able to make a difference. VAW does a great job helping you and your team set up medical clinics with doctors from Guatemala in various towns around your area. I was able to shadow the doctors and see pathologies that don't usually exist in the US. And I learned so much about meds because one part of the clinic is a pharmacy and you are given a prescription by the doctor to fill for the patient--so you learn a lot about the different types of drugs and what they're used for. And on top of that, you're given the opportunity to learn how to use real sphygmomanometers and stethoscopes to take blood pressure of patients and other vital signs. VAW medical clinics are really hands on and open your eyes to a world outside the US. I have to say that this is by far the best experience I've ever had in my life and it has really gotten me interested in working as a doctor in global health.

And another great thing--after the days of clinics are over, you are given days to travel around with your team to amazing locations wherever you go. I visited Guatemala so I was able to go to the Mayan Ruins at Tikal, zipline through the rainforest, and best of all, water rafting and cave diving in Semuc Champey!!!