Location:

Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Program Type:

Intern Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Year Round

Work Types:

Medical, Social Sciences

Program Overview

Program Description:

Every woman deserves access to reproductive health care and midwifery services. Travel to Guatemala for 10-weeks to understand foundations in reproductive health throughout the life cycle. In a group of 2-4 students working alongside local midwives, you'll gain entry-level skills and knowledge of the normal reproductive cycle, women’s health from menarche to menopause, gentle birth techniques, water birth techniques, contraception and sexually transmitted infections.. This is your opportunity to build authentic relationships with the local community as you evolve your role of humble observation and service learning. You’ll also participate in rigorous academic study via our cutting-edge online classroom technology for the duration of the course.

Become a global maternal health leader! In this international leadership training course you will… 1. Become deeply integrated with the daily operations of a clinic serving low-resourced communities in the community of Ciudad Vieja, Guatemala (near Antigua). 2. Engage in personal reflection and critical dialog about cultural humility and working with healthcare clients from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. 3. Explore reproductive rights for every woman, and gain hands-on experience with the provision of services. 4. Learn about cultural birth practices from traditional Maya midwives in Guatemala, and about the professional midwifery model currently evolving in Guatemala. 5. Gain experience with Spanish for maternal health care professions. Coursework is lead by a team of instructors, including local professionals, Birth Institute faculty, and visiting facilitators, representing a diversity of backgrounds and experiences.

Earn a Certificate of Completion for this Global Maternal Health Leadership course! Build your resume with this incredible opportunity to learn through active observation, volunteer service and direct engagement in a community setting.

Setting Description:

Guatemala is a small, culturally rich Central American nation situated between El Salvador and Mexico. Guatemala boasts an exquisite landscape – from rolling forested hills shrouded in mist, to timeless cornfields, to the steep volcanic mountains bordering ancient Lake Atitlán. The Maya people live simple yet colorful lives against this beautiful backdrop, and many embrace their cultural heritage through indigenous dress and practices. You'll live and learn in a safe and welcoming environment where health services are provided for women by women, in a respectful and confidential manner without discrimination. The clinic strives to treat the woman as a whole person, in an environment where she feels safe to express, think, and make decisions for herself.

Cost:

$5,500, including book study, apprenticeship with an international midwife, group learning, and housing. Transportation and food not included.