Service
Through Mobile Clinics and Development Projects you help bring accessible medical care, health education and safer homes to the communities you visit.
Overview
Not charity — a service learning trip
Service Learning Trips are retreats where you disconnect from distraction, reconnect with purpose, and learn the mindset and skills required to serve ethically and sustainably. They are the beginning of a lifelong journey, not the end.
Environment
Service Learning Trips are created with sustainability in mind. This trip takes you to a leading destination in ecotourism, and you may have the opportunity to participate on a reforestation project.
Education
Learn the historical, political and economic factors shaping families' realities, and deepen your global-health knowledge by shadowing professionals.
Life-changing
Eye-opening experiences and human connection renew your passion for a world free from the constraints of poverty.
Flip the switch — same week, two very different mindsets
VoluntourismMEDLIFE Service Learning
MEDLIFE Service Learning
Listening to community needs and acting responsibly to support sustainable, culturally sensitive and community-led change.
- Communities define the project; we follow their lead
- Students support licensed local professionals, never replace them
- Follow-up visits, patient records and long-term projects
Voices from students
What students say about their SLT
Hear from students, teacher and parents who have already been in the field with MEDLIFE.
“I believe that my SLT experience contributed to lasting change. We collaborated with local healthcare professionals to take care of the healthcare needs of their local communities — not by imposing external solutions. Working on development projects like the renovation project and creating safer spaces will continue to benefit the community long after we depart from Guatemala.”
Isamin Dalan
Student, University of Ottawa
“I went to Lima, Peru last year and I'm here in Antigua, Guatemala this year. I keep coming back to learn more about their communities and to help decrease the health disparities that we see here. MEDLIFE avoids dependence and instead promotes empowerment by educating our patients and encouraging them to work with us on the community development projects.”
Alison
Student, Wayne State University
“One thing I've learned health-wise on this trip is how to do a blood sugar test — it was my first time doing it. The highlight of the trip so far has probably been the dental station, as I've met a whole lot of nice people there and talked to a lot of the patients who all seem really happy and nice.”
Sam
SLT Student, Guatemala
“Whether you're just joining or coming back, this movement is truly an incredible opportunity. Hi, my name is Fatima and I'm from Wayne State University. Through my involvement, I hope to leave a lasting impact with sustainable health and education that encourages communities even after we leave. What MEDLIFE has to offer truly can't be taught from a textbook or from a class, but rather provides you with real world experiences. I wish more people knew that sustainable global health doesn't involve quick fixes, but rather long-term partnerships and community involvement.”
Fatima
Student, Wayne State University
Quick check 1 of 3
What are the three pillars of every MEDLIFE Service Learning Trip?
About Antigua
Where you're going
The beauty of Guatemala's landscapes and cultural richness often masks the poverty affecting many of its residents. Despite being a popular tourist destination, a significant number of Guatemalans live in poverty, with rural and indigenous populations facing the most severe conditions — limited access to education and healthcare, scarce job opportunities and high income inequality. Tourism brings economic benefits, but they are not uniformly felt, leaving many families outside tourist areas without real improvement in their living standards.
Location
Antigua, Sacatepéquez, in Guatemala's central highlands · about 1,500 m (5,000 ft) above sea level · roughly a 1-hour drive from Guatemala City (GUA) airport.
Guatemala population: ~18 million · Antigua: ~45,000
Open larger mapCapital
Guatemala City
Groups fly into La Aurora (GUA) and transfer to Antigua.
Language
Spanish
Spanish is spoken in all communities — a phrasebook is included below.
Currency
Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ Q)
Approximate exchange rate: $1 ≈ 7.5 GTQ. Carry small bills.
Altitude
~1,500 m (5,000 ft)
Mild highland climate — much gentler than Cusco's altitude.
Climate
75–80°F (24–27°C)
Little to no rain between December and April; evenings can be chilly.
Context
Poverty behind a tourist gem
Rural and indigenous communities face the most severe conditions.
Common health issues we see
Malaria, Dengue and Chikungunya are prevalent in Guatemala, transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain and sometimes rashes. These conditions can become severe if not treated promptly, but are preventable and treatable.
Another mosquito-borne disease present in Guatemala. Many infected people show no symptoms, but Zika can have serious consequences for pregnant women as it can cause birth defects. It can also be transmitted through sexual contact.
A significant concern in rural Guatemala, transmitted by the 'kissing bug'. Chagas can cause long-term cardiac and digestive issues if untreated. Symptoms may be mild or absent at first but can become severe over time.
A bacterial infection spread through water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, contracted through cuts, abrasions or mucous membranes. Symptoms vary and can resemble other illnesses, making diagnosis challenging.
Quick check 1 of 3
Where is Antigua located?
Your week
What we'll do together
1Engaged Education Reality Tour
Learn directly from local leaders about the social, cultural and systemic factors shaping their communities.
2Mobile Clinics
Shadow licensed local professionals and gain real-world insight into community-centered healthcare.
3Development Project
Work alongside locals on a hands-on community project — installing fuel-efficient stoves, building safe homes, or renovations — then celebrate the results at an inauguration with the community.
4Reflect & Connect
Evening discussions that deepen understanding of global health, equity and ethical service.
5Cultural Excursion
Optional Saturday excursion to Lake Atitlán to explore its tranquil beauty and the vibrant culture of its Mayan communities.
Sample itinerary
This itinerary is a sample and may change based on community needs, weather, and logistics.
Day 1 · Saturday
Arrival to Antigua
Arrive at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. A MEDLIFE representative will greet you and guide you to your accommodation. After some rest and settling in, you're free to explore. Meals aren't provided today, but nearby restaurants offer delightful dinner options.
- 9:00 AM – 2:00 PMTransfer in
Day 2 · Sunday
Walking Tour & Orientation
Join your Trip Leader for a walking tour of Antigua and receive an introduction to the city, its culture, and local life. Become familiar with useful locations and recommendations for your stay. Later, attend an orientation covering the week's schedule, safety recommendations, personal protective equipment, and an introduction to MEDLIFE Mobile Clinics. Meals are not included today.
- MorningWalking tour of Antigua
- EveningOrientation · PPE distribution · week & safety briefing
Day 3 · Monday
Reality Tour
Visit MEDLIFE partner communities to learn about the historical, cultural, and socioeconomic factors shaping daily life in Guatemala. Through community visits and conversations, gain a deeper understanding of poverty, housing conditions, healthcare access, education, and the challenges faced by rural and Indigenous families. Through community visits and conversations with MEDLIFE staff and local leaders, gain the context needed to understand the week's Mobile Clinics and development projects. Return to the accommodation for a MEDLIFE presentation and Mobile Clinic station assignments.
- 8:00 AMBus & Reality Tour of partner communities
- 1:00 PMLunch, then return to the hotel
- 5:00 PMPost-clinic activity · 6:00 PM dinner
Day 4–6 · Tuesday – Thursday
Mobile Clinics
Support local healthcare professionals at a Mobile Clinic held in a different community each day. Upon arrival, help unload supplies and prepare the clinic before receiving training at your assigned station. Rotate through two areas during the day, assisting with non-clinical tasks, educational activities, patient organization, and clinic logistics while observing consultations. Participants may also help provide oral-health education and support children at the Toothbrushing Station. After lunch on the bus, move to a second station before helping pack up the clinic. Evening activities include post-clinic learning sessions or free time in Antigua. Expected Patients: 50–80 per clinic Station Not Included: Dental
- 6:00 AMBreakfast
- 7:00 AMDepart for the community (1–2 hour bus ride)
- 8:00 – 9:00 AMUnload supplies, training & clinic begins
- 11:40 AMLunch on the bus
- 12:00 PMSecond station rotation
- 2:00 – 3:00 PMPack up & return to the hotel
- 5:00 PMPost-clinic activity
- 6:00 PMDinner
Day 7 · Friday
Development Project & Inauguration
Work alongside local families and community members on projects such as home construction, sanitation initiatives, school renovations, or fuel-efficient stove installation, depending on current priorities. Be prepared for hands-on activities such as mixing cement, painting, assembling materials, or preparing the project area. After completing the work, join the community for an inauguration celebration, followed by a final debrief and reflection.
- 7:00 AMBreakfast
- 8:00 AMDepart for the project site
- 9:00 AMProject activities begin
- AfternoonInauguration celebration, final debrief & lunch
Day 8 · Saturday
Optional Day Trip
Optional full-day Saturday excursion: the Lake Atitlán Cultural Journey — sail across the lake beneath its volcanoes and visit the Mayan villages on its shores, with time for local markets and lunch. For more information on our Guatemala extras, email trips@medlifemovement.org.
See the full-day itinerary- Full dayLake Atitlán Cultural Journey
Day 9 · Sunday
Departure
Continue exploring Guatemala or head back home after a week of service and learning. Depart Guatemala anytime between 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
- 12:00 PM – 6:00 PMTransfer out
Quick check 1 of 3
Which activity happens on Day 2, before the mobile clinics start?
Mobile clinic
Clinic stations
Stations may vary with community needs and group size. Patients return to Education between specialists, and Pharmacy is always last.
Tr
Triage
The first station patients visit. Here we collect contact information, basic medical history and vitals for the physicians to use during consultations.
What will I be doing?
- After the triage nurse does patient intake, take the patient history form and fill in the vitals section.
- Measure height (Talla/HT), weight (Peso/WT), blood pressure, heart rate (FC/HR) and temperature (TC/Temp). BMI is optional.
- Blood pressure is NOT taken for children (any patient with a niño history form).
- Star the patient's information if diastolic pressure is above 90, or temperature is above 38°C (100°F).
- Guide patients to the waiting area at the Education Station and hand the form to the Education participant.
Recommendations
- Divide and conquer: one person on BP and heart rate, one on temperature, one on height and weight, one escorting patients.
- Spanish speakers can ask the triage nurse whether help with intake is needed.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Blood pressure | Presión arterial |
| Arm | Brazo |
| Bag | Bolso |
| Hat | Sombrero |
| Shoes | Zapatos |
| Jacket | Chompa |
| Scale | Balanza |
| Tape measure | Cinta métrica |
| Thermometer | Termómetro |
| Alcohol | Alcohol |
| Cotton | Algodón |
| Medical record (adult / child / dental / OB) | Ficha médica de adulto / niño / dental / OB |
Ed
Education
A space for health education on oral health, and more. It also serves as the waiting room between stations.
What will I be doing?
- Stamp every history form with the education stamp — a form must be stamped before the patient is seen at a medical station.
- Keep patients and their forms in order of arrival, using the number written at the top of each form.
- Redirect patients returning from a specialty station who still have other consultations.
- Support the education nurse by recording laboratory test results when applicable.
Recommendations
- Patients with high blood pressure or fever from Triage are prioritized to see the doctor immediately.
- Never send a patient to Pharmacy until every consultation circled on their form is complete.
- Families are treated as a single unit — all members finish their consultations before Pharmacy.
- The nurse leads the actual education sessions; your main job is order and patient flow.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Educational brochures | Trípticos |
| Stamp | Sello |
| Urine test | Examen de orina |
| Blood test | Examen de sangre |
Dr
General Medicine
The major station where doctors address individual medical issues and identify patients who need follow-up care.
What will I be doing?
- Listen and observe the patient's needs; MEDLIFE staff circulate to translate diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Spanish speakers may be asked to assist with translation.
- Stay attentive to the education area where patients wait for an available doctor.
- Guide patients back to Education if they have other consultations, or to Pharmacy only when all consultations are complete.
Recommendations
- Wait until the consultation is finished before asking questions.
- Be cordial with every patient and avoid side conversations.
- These are private medical consultations — no photos allowed.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Tongue depressor | Bajalengua |
| Flashlight | Linterna |
| Stethoscope | Estetoscopio |
| Pharmacy receipt | Recetario |
| Medicines | Medicinas |
Ob
OB/GYN
Addresses gynecological issues including breast exams and cervical cancer screenings. Only female students over the age of 18 attending a Classic SLT may shadow this station. This is a service offered (but not shadowed) during High School SLTs.
What will I be doing?
- Help set up the consultation room, create a private space and sanitize the bed and area.
- Direct patients to the chair, protect their privacy and assist with changing into a gown.
- Observe the gynecologist during exams — students are not licensed and will NEVER perform Pap smears.
- When asked, hold the flashlight, hand over speculums, swab sticks and slides.
- Accompany patients to Education or Pharmacy afterwards, and alert Education when the room is free.
Recommendations
- Many women have never seen a gynecologist and may feel nervous or embarrassed — be polite and reassuring.
- Maximum 2 students in the room at a time; rotate if three are assigned.
- Exams can be graphic. Be mindful of your reactions.
- Always knock before entering and keep the door closed at all times.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Pap smear | Papanicolaou |
| Breast exam | Examen de mamas |
| Speculum | Espéculo |
| Spatula | Espátula |
| Specimen / sample | Muestra |
| Fungus | Hongos |
| Swab | Isopo |
Ph
Pharmacy
The final station, where prescriptions are filled. Data collected here helps MEDLIFE track medication and enroll patients in the Patient Follow-Up Program.
What will I be doing?
- Collect medical history forms in the order received and store them where the pharmacy nurse indicates.
- One person records EVERY medication dispensed so stock can be replenished for the next clinic.
- Read the doctor's receipt and fill prescriptions: each medication in its own labelled bag, all bags into one larger bag for the nurse to verify.
- Keep the line orderly so the nurse sees one patient at a time.
- Alert the nurse immediately if a prescribed dose differs from what is available.
- Make sure patients leave with the handwritten prescription and instructions.
Recommendations
- Read the data collection process as soon as you arrive at the station.
- Watch the medication form — some come as both pill and paste.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| One patient at a time | Un paciente a la vez |
| Please give me your prescription and registration form | Por favor, deme su receta médica y su ficha de registro |
| These are your medicines | Estas son tus medicinas |
| Thank you for coming! | ¡Gracias por venir! |
| Vitamins | Vitaminas |
| Prescription | Receta médica |
| Syrup | Jarabe |
| Pill | Pastilla |
| Paste / creme | Pasta / crema |
| Bottle | Botella |
Tb
Toothbrushing
Teaches children aged 3 and up about dental hygiene. Children need no history form, and this is the only station without a medical professional — be proactive.
What will I be doing?
- Set up a table and tent outside, away from the other stations, with toothbrushes, cups, toothpaste and fluoride.
- Keep an empty bucket for children to spit into and find a tap to fill your water bucket — never use the boxed drinking water.
- Register every child (name and age) on the registration sheet; exact spelling doesn't matter.
- Hand each child a toothbrush with paste and a cup, and demonstrate brushing with the giant mouth and toothbrush props.
- Offer fluoride: no food or drink for an hour and no milk for the rest of the day. Never apply fluoride to children under 3.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Toothbrush | Cepillo de dientes |
| Toothpaste | Pasta dental |
| Cup | Vaso |
| Water | Agua |
| Fluoride | Flúor |
| What is your name? | ¿Cómo te llamas? |
| How old are you? | ¿Cuántos años tienes? |
| Take a toothbrush and a cup | Toma un cepillo y un vaso |
| Brush your teeth in a circular form | Cepíllate los dientes en forma circular |
| Rinse your mouth | Enjuágate la boca |
| Don't drink the water | No tomes el agua |
| Spit out here / there | Escupe aquí / ahí |
| Wash your toothbrush | Lava tu cepillo |
| Now we will place fluoride on your teeth | Ahora pondremos flúor en tus dientes |
| Open your mouth wide | Abre la boca bien grande |
| Don't eat or drink anything for an hour | No comas ni tomes nada por una hora |
| Don't drink milk for a day | No tomar leche por un día |
Nu
Nutrition
A station focused on nutrition and healthy lifestyle education. Patients' measurements are taken here and professionals share personalized nutritional recommendations.
What will I be doing?
- Measure and record each patient's weight (Peso) and height (Altura) and note their size (Talla).
- Support the professional as they share nutritional recommendations and healthy lifestyle guidance.
- Listen and be observant of the patient's needs, and ask questions once the consultation is over.
- Guide patients back to the Education Station if they have other consultations.
- Guide patients to the Pharmacy Station ONLY if they have visited all medical consultations circled on their medical history form.
Recommendations
- Divide tasks: one person measures, one records the data, one organizes patients.
Useful phrases
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Weight | Peso |
| Size | Talla |
| Height | Altura |
| Nutritional recommendations | Recomendaciones nutricionales |
| Healthy eating | Alimentación saludable |
| Healthy lifestyle | Estilo de vida saludable |
Quick check 1 of 3
Where does a patient go first when they arrive at the mobile clinic?
Conduct & health
Rules and recommendations
Face masks
Beyond local laws and regulations, masks must be worn during Mobile Clinics.
Compulsory safety briefing
Upon arrival, all students attend an extensive safety briefing.
Illness during the trip
If you feel unwell or show symptoms of any illness, advise your Trip Leader immediately so you can get medical care.
Wash and sanitize hands
Hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer are available at every Mobile Clinic.
Respectful behavior in communities
- No photos during medical care or inside the clinic — patients are receiving medical attention.
- Do not leave your station. Alert your Trip Leader if you need a break so your spot is covered.
- The Trip Leader announces lunch and station rotations. Lunch is approximately 20 minutes long.
- Report missing utensils or materials from your station to the Trip Leader.
- Do not pet or feed animals — we cannot know if they carry disease or have a poor temperament.
General recommendations
- Do not drink tap water — it can make you sick.
- Be cautious with street food, especially meat; make sure it is boiled or cooked. Avoid street-sold juices, the water is not safe.
- Throw toilet paper in the trashcan provided. Local plumbing cannot handle paper and will clog and flood.
Quick check 1 of 3
Before taking a photo of a patient or community member, you should:
Preparing
Get ready for Antigua
A short checklist so you arrive confident, covered and connected before the clinic doors open.
Documents, visas & vaccinations
- Passport requirements
- Passport must be valid for at least 7 months after your arrival date (some destinations require this for entry)
- Visa requirements
- If you are not traveling with a U.S. or Canadian passport, you may need a visa to enter certain countries. It is your responsibility to determine whether a visa is required and make the appropriate arrangements before traveling.
- Vaccinations
- MEDLIFE follows CDC recommendations. No specific vaccinations are required, but you should follow all CDC guidance and consult your doctor. View CDC travel recommendations
Be sure to confirm any required visas or fees involved in your flight layover based on airport as well.
Flight information and timeframes
The attendees of the SLT are responsible for buying their own airfare. However, our team can help you in this process by providing a flight quote for your group. You can request a flight quote by emailing info@medlifemovement.org. Once your flight is booked, please make sure to add your arrival and departure information to your booking.
Airport: La Aurora International Airport (GUA), Guatemala City
Guatemala City, Guatemala — recommended timeframes
Arrival: Saturday, La Aurora International Airport (GUA) from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with transfer to Antigua.
Departure: Sunday, depart Guatemala anytime between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
If attendees arrive outside of the set time frames, they will be responsible for covering the cost of transportation to their site. If your flight arrives outside the timeframes listed please email info@medlifemovement.org. Remember that any additional nights and transfers that are added before/after your trip because of early or late arrival are not included in the Service Learning Trip donation goal, and will be at the cost of the student.
We highly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance, which will allow you to cancel for any reason. You can contact info@medlifemovement.org for more information about our insurance options.
Note that this type of insurance must be purchased within a short number of days of your initial registration, and cannot be added in the days leading up to your departure — reach out as soon as possible to access this opportunity.
Accommodation
A MEDLIFE Representative stays at your hotel for the duration of the trip. Accommodation details are shared with your group in the WhatsApp group before departure.
What's included
- Materials & ResourcesFor the Mobile Clinic & Project.
- Accommodation8-nights dorm room accommodation for 6 to 9 people, exclusively with MEDLIFE participants.
- Meals3 meals a day are provided Monday–Friday, along with breakfast provided on the weekends.
- TransportationTo and from the airport (within the established schedule), and to SLT activities.
- English-speaking Leader
- Safety equipment
- Travel health insuranceThe insurance requires a $250 payment as a deductible for coverage.
What's not included
- Flights
- Tips
- Pre-Post accommodation
- Optional excursions
- Weekend meals
- Cancellation insurance
- Room upgrades
- Transportation outside provided timeframes
What to pack
The average yearly temperature in Guatemala is 75–80°F (24–27°C), with little to no rain between December and April. Walking boots, mosquito repellent, sunscreen and a bathing suit are highly recommended — you'll spend time outdoors in a tropical climate. You'll be out and about most of the day, so bring a good backpack, sunblock, hat and sunglasses, plus at least one long-sleeve sweatshirt for chilly evenings. Mosquito-borne diseases are a concern in low-altitude tropical regions: consult your doctor about malaria prophylaxis, use bug spray with DEET and wear long sleeves and pants. The CDC recommends vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Rabies and Yellow Fever before traveling to Guatemala.
- Clothing
- Layers for cold mornings & warm days — jacket, fleece, breathable shirts, long pants, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. Modest clothing for community visits.
- Clinic wear
- Closed-toe shoes (required for clinic stations), a lanyard for your badge, and clothes you don't mind getting dirty.
- Altitude & health
- Coca tea or altitude-sickness medication if advised by your doctor, reusable water bottle, sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm, and basic personal medications.
- Documents & money
- Passport (7+ months validity), travel insurance info, $250 USD cash for the deductible, a credit card, and copies of key documents.
- Extras
- Power adapter (Peru uses Type A/B), portable charger, headlamp for early clinic days, a towel, and a small backpack.
What to donate
Many families travel hours to reach our clinics. Donations are handed directly to community members and stations — bring what you can, packed in your checked luggage.
- Vitamins and nutritional supplements for children and adults — new, unopened, and within their expiration date.
- Dental supplies: floss, fluoride, and child-sized toothbrushes for the Toothbrushing station.
- Hygiene kits: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and feminine hygiene products.
- Over-the-counter medicines (in original, sealed packaging): pain relievers, antacids, and oral rehydration salts.
- If you’re unsure what to bring or have items you’d like to donate that aren’t listed, please email info@medlifemovement.org and we’ll be happy to help.
Join the WhatsApp group
About 3–4 weeks before your trip, MEDLIFE adds you to a WhatsApp group with your Trip Leader and fellow students. It's where we share daily logistics, meeting points, weather notes, and reminders.
If you have not received a WhatsApp invitation at least 2 weeks before your departure, email info@medlifemovement.org with your name and trip dates so we can add you right away.
info@medlifemovement.orgWatch the summary video
A short message from the MEDLIFE team to wrap up your pre-departure training.
Quick check 1 of 3
You haven't received your trip WhatsApp group invite two weeks before departure. What do you do?
Optional extras
Explore immersion add-ons
Extend your trip before or after your SLT with your friends, chapter, or family, or add a SUNDAY experience on DAY 9, in the event of Sunday night flight departures. These trips are offered through Good Life Expeditions, a MEDLIFE partner travel agency whose profits support MEDLIFE projects in the communities we work alongside.
Antigua Saturday Experience (Day 8 of your SLT)Full day
Lake Atitlán Cultural Journey — Mayan Villages & Volcano Views
Explore Lake Atitlán's tranquil beauty and the vibrant culture of its Mayan communities. Join us for a day of discovery and immersion in one of Guatemala's most iconic settings.
Starts at $135.00 per participant.
Pre/Post SLT bundle4 days / 3 nights
Ancient Mayan Marvels Expedition — Tikal Immersion
Explore Tikal, one of the most important Mayan sites, and walk among its ancient temples and pyramids. Learn about its history and culture while surrounded by lush jungle.
Starts at $900.00 per participant. Available before or after your SLT.
Interested? Email info@medlifemovement.org or meet with a Good Life Expeditions advisor to add one of these to your trip.
High school students, families:
Book a meetingOUR PROTOCOLS
In case of emergencies
Save these numbers before you fly. If MEDLIFE staff aren't nearby, call or WhatsApp the Guatemala emergency line.
In destination or in transit
+1 (207) 553-3572 (WhatsApp, call or SMS)
Guatemala Emergency Phone · WhatsApp, call or SMS
Calling from North America
1-844-633-5433
MEDLIFE HQ Phone
What to do, step by step, if something goes wrong
- Contact your local emergency authorities.
- For non-urgent matters contact your Chapter, MEDLIFE HQ, or info@medlifemovement.org.
- Contact the Guatemala Emergency Phone.
- Find your Trip Leader or the MEDLIFE Representative at your hotel.
- Speak to reception.
- Contact the Guatemala Emergency Phone.
- Find your Trip Leader.
- Clinic nurses and doctors are available to attend to you.
- Find your Trip Leader.
- Contact the Guatemala Emergency Phone.
National emergency numbers
Police
110Fire brigade
122 or 123Medical emergency (Guatemalan Red Cross)
128Civil Defense (earthquakes, disasters)
119
Clinics & police
Police Station (Antigua)
You can typically find a police station near the central park (Parque Central), Antigua Guatemala
+502 7934-6600 / 110Clínica VitalMed (Antigua)
Carretera a Ciudad Vieja 80, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
+502 2339 9210Trawick International (insurance)
Inside USA: 833-425-5101 · MEDLIFE staff can assist with claims in-destination
+1 603 952 2686
Nearest embassies
Embassy of the United States (Guatemala City, serving Antigua)
Avenida Reforma 7-01, Zona 10, Guatemala City, Guatemala
+502 2326-4000Canadian Embassy (Guatemala City, serving Antigua)
Edificio Torre Internacional, Avenida Reforma 16-85, Zona 10, Guatemala City, Guatemala
+502 2363-4348British Embassy (Guatemala City, serving Antigua)
Torre Internacional, Nivel 11, Avenida Reforma 16-85, Zona 10, Guatemala City, Guatemala
+502 2324-2390
Insurance & cash
Emergency medical and evacuation insurance up to $250,000 USD with a $250 USD deductible once on a trip.
A doctor's visit to your hotel can be arranged if you feel unwell — typically $50–$100 USD, usually less than the $250 deductible. Staff or hotel reception can coordinate.
Bring $250 USD in cash beyond your spending money to cover the deductible, plus a credit card for emergencies if you have one.
Trawick International · 833-425-5101 (inside USA) · 603-952-2686 (outside USA)
Quick check 1 of 3
In an emergency during the trip, who do you contact first?
After your trip
Keep the momentum going
Take your experiences from the field and put them into action at home through MEDLIFE activities all year round.
Moving Mountains
Our fundraising campaign supporting day-to-day work in medicine, education and development. MEDLIFErs run Power Hours inviting contacts to donate — often with wild fundraising challenges.
Grow the Movement
Refer friends at other schools to start a MEDLIFE Chapter, encourage others to travel on a Service Learning Trip, and recruit new members for your Chapter.
Leadership activities
Volunteer locally with your Chapter, run for an E-Board position, or become a MEDLIFE Ambassador or Active Member to unlock discounts on your next trip.
Keep in touch
Follow us on social media and the blog, send photos and stories to media@medlifemovement.org, and tag us when you share what you saw.
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