GPGT042726
April 27- May 5, 2026
Winter General Meeting
Vida Volunteer is a 501c3 registered organization in the US that strives to make a positive difference in underserved communities with little to no access to healthcare through high-quality Service-Learning Trips in Central America. ��Our program is designed to promote health, ensuring a long-lasting impact in our partner communities while offering students the chance to develop both intercultural & leadership skills in a real-world context.
What is Vida?
To become leaders in the Health Promotion Movement through a service-learning experience in Central America.
To promote human and animal health by bringing together the efforts of communities, students, and the local healthcare systems.
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Mission
Vision
quick facts about Vida Volunteer
The Vida Experience
Why Guatemala?
Guatemala is the biggest country in Central America. Unfortunately, it also sets a record by having one of the highest disparities between rich and poor as well as one of the highest poverty levels worldwide, with 54% of the population living below the poverty line in 2006 and 54% in 2011. According to USAID, Guatemala has the fourth highest rate of chronic malnutrition in the world, and a large prevalence of diabetes and heart disease. Despite the urgent need, it is estimated that basic health services meet less than half of the rural population needs.
Depending on the program, you'll work with Guatemalan physicians, dentists, and veterinarians in rural, underserved communities that have no access to basic health, dental nor veterinary care.
Guatemala is rich in culture, which enhances the learning experience as students will have the opportunity to become familiar with Mayan customs and traditions. Therefore, recreational and cultural activities such as the visits to the Iximche Ruins, the Weaving Association and the Antigua Colonial City tour are undoubtedly highlights in our itineraries.
YOUR ITINERARY
Our work model empowers and educates our partner communities with the goal of increasing health literacy in rural areas. We are committed to providing follow up care to each of our communities at least three times per year so even if you are with us for a week or two, you will have a long lasting impact. You will receive a more detailed itinerary as we get closer to your trip dates but in the meantime, this set up helps visualize how your trip will be set up.
Clinic Days
We support rural communities with little to no access to these services. All clinics are supervised by local licensed doctors, dentists and veterinarians. Clinics are held in community centers, churches or schools where we will provide much needed services to underserved communities.
Veterinary
Program
Dental
Program
Medical
Program
Cultural Immersion
While working with local staff members and in rural communities, you will have the opportunity of learning about other cultures, languages, and new ways of life. This unique experience will help us obtain multicultural knowledge and will help us put own life in perspective, creating more compassionate individuals, something that is essential in the world we live in today.
*Recreational activity options depend on route, group size and availability
Recreational Activities*
Our trips are perfectly balanced to ensure some recreation time between clinic days. You will have a chance to explore amazing places of interest that are known for their natural or cultural value. Zip-lining through tropical forests, Beach Days, Volcano hikes... These are just a few of the wondrous activities you can expect!
Programs available
Medical Program
Patients
Provided care to over 111,000 patients since 2008
111,303+
5000+
We dedicate over 5,000 hours yearly to initiatives that encourage people to take charge of their health.
Hours
145+
Mobile Clinics
We set up 145+ mobile clinics each year.
Who can participate?
Students preparing for professional schools in health-related fields and individuals that are interested in pursuing health-related fields.
As a Medical program participant you will:
Veterinary Program
Patients
Provided care to over 89,000 patients since 2008
89,000+
1200+
We spay/neuter an average of 1200 dogs and cats per year
Spay/Neuters
150+
Mobile Clinics
We set up 150+ mobile clinics each year.
Who can participate?
Pre-vet students, upper level veterinary students and recent graduates
As a Veterinary program participant you will:
Dental
Program
Patients
Provided care to over 61,400 patients since 2008
61,400+
2400+
We provide over 2400 free dental procedures per year in 58 rural communities
Procedures
50+
Mobile Clinics
We set up 50+ mobile clinics each year.
Who can participate?
Pre-dental & dental students, as well as all others who are interested in the field of dentistry and are looking to become well rounded, culturally competent professionals.
As a Dental program participant you will:
Trip Details
”I took my Vida journey on the medical team to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. This trip was truly the trip of a lifetime and a simple description can do the adventure no justice. I very much recommend a trip with this organization as they were extremely organized, accommodating and welcoming. The team leaders were wonderful and engaged the whole team in the local culture. The most rewarding experience from this trip was of course the clinic days and family visits. Helping the local communities was heartwarming and eye opening at the same time” (T. Clarke, Vida Alumni)
Meet & Greet
Our staff will be waiting for you at the airport on your Arrival Day and we will host a group Welcome Dinner to get to know each other before the clinic days.
Lodging
We only work with reputable hotels that meet our safety requirements. You will likely have 1 or 2 roommates that will be with you throughout the entire trip.
Orientation Day
One of our lead (physicians, dentists, veterinarians) will deliver a full-day orientation to go over the Student Manual, Clinic Protocols, and tasks.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Program cost:
What’s included?
200 USD registration fee + 1,740 USD (~2,638.40 CAD)
How to register:
*Passport information and insurance are not required when submitting your application but will be requested at a later day once the trip is closer. Make sure to contact your current insurance provider to confirm your coverage, in case you already have international coverage, you can use your current insurance for the trip.
**Once your application and registration fee is submitted, Vida will send you a letter of confirmation via email within the next 12 business hours. NO EXPIRIENCE IS REQUIRED TO REGISTER.
All links are available in the linktree in our instagram
CODE
VIDAVENTURE
Until Feb 27, 2026
Contact us