Along with our individual Quests, United Planet also coordinates group volunteer trips abroad. We work closely with groups to customize volunteer experiences around the globe, helping groups of healthcare students and professionals find meaningful work in clinics and hospitals in Tanzania, Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Chile, Ghana, and Romania.
Recently, a group of pre-medical and other pre-professional healthcare students from Arizona State University’s Alpha Epsilon Delta Club traveled to Peru on a Healthcare Quest. When they came home, Jon, the group leader, spoke to us about the group’s amazing experience. During their Quest, these future healthcare providers gained invaluable insights into healthcare in another country and enjoyed learning about Peruvian culture.
Like all students participating in a Healthcare Quest, the Arizona volunteers spent most of their time observing in the clinic. Jon found the observation truly useful. It was eye-opening to see firsthand how the healthcare system works in another country. The students learned about both the challenges and successes of healthcare in Peru. A Peruvian physician came to speak with the group about the Peru’s health care system and was proud to show them two advanced Peruvian clinics.
In their four days of volunteering, the volunteers spent time in many different areas of the clinic. The director even allowed them into the maternity ward, where they observed ultrasounds and evaluations of newborn babies. They also witnessed three trauma cases at the same time–a burn victim, a motorcycle accident victim, and an intoxicated man with a head trauma–an experience that pre-med students would rarely have in the States.
Even though the volunteers mostly observed, they still had opportunities to make connections with the patients. One day, a special needs child came into the clinic with his mom. Jon could tell that the boy needed something to play with while waiting for the doctor. Jon had just the solution: he gave the boy a toy basketball he had brought along. The boy was delighted with the gift, and it made his wait so much more enjoyable! Ian, another group member who has a phlebotomy certification, was able to help give vaccination injections.
The Arizona group enjoyed exploring the city and participating in activities and excursions to learn more about Peruvian culture. The local community warmly welcomed the group. Local businesses even gave them discounts for being volunteers! The volunteers took Spanish lessons where they learned medical terminology–Jon was amazed at how much progress they made in just three two-hour sessions and did not find the language barrier much of a problem. One of their favorite activities was visiting a nice restaurant where they learned how to cook a Peruvian appetizer. They also enjoyed their salsa lesson at a local salsa club. The highlight of their whole trip was their excursion to Machu Picchu. They explored Aguas Calientes, a beautiful little town, enjoyed the hot springs in the morning, and hiked up the spectacular Huayana Pichu with an amazing tour guide.
Their trip ended with a great farewell dinner organized by Manfred, our in-country coordinator, who Jon reported was really helpful throughout their Quest. Overall, the volunteers from Arizona State University had a fantastic time volunteering in the healthcare clinic. Jon only wishes that they could have volunteered longer!
ABOUT UNITED PLANET
United Planet is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. Established in 2001, United Planet offers volunteer abroad, virtual internships, internships abroad, gap year volunteering, and global virtual exchange in more than 40 countries.
