Christina volunteers in HIV prevention in Guatemala
What led you to volunteer abroad and how did you get involved with our volunteering program?:
I wanted to do something meaningful before starting a new job, so I looked for a way to combine learning Spanish with volunteering overseas. That’s how I found this program. With my background in Biology and experience in the pharmaceutical field, I was drawn to a healthcare-focused project where I could apply what I knew while learning from a new environment.
Can you tell us about your placement and the work you did there?:
I joined Association IDEI — Investigation, Development and Integral Education — a non-profit organization that supports human development in Guatemala’s Western Highlands. They run programs in health, education, and research on TB and HIV, all with strong community involvement. I worked alongside their local team on HIV prevention and testing, visiting rural communities around Quetzaltenango. Later, I helped at a two-day regional meeting that brought together different groups to discuss the progress and challenges of local HIV response efforts.
How was your experience working with IDEI and living in Guatemala?:
IDEI impressed me deeply — their commitment, optimism, and teamwork were inspiring. I was actually their first international volunteer, and they made me feel welcome from day one, patiently guiding me through the work even though my Spanish was quite limited at first. Outside of volunteering, I stayed with a host family, which helped me experience Guatemalan life up close. The warmth of the people, the culture, and the beautiful landscapes made the whole experience unforgettable.
My time in Guatemala changed the way I see both community work and cultural exchange. I gained a deeper appreciation for grassroots health efforts, improved my Spanish far beyond what I expected, and built friendships I’ll never forget. The lessons I learned through IDEI, my host family, and my travels will always stay with me.
