Nuevas Sonrisas: FAQ

Q: What is a trip like?
A: Here is a narrative description of a typical trip.

Q: When is the next trip?
A: Our yearly trips occur in the first half of March, arriving in Guatemala City on a Saturday and departing from there 8 days later on Sunday.

Q: What is the cost?
A: The trip fee is $475 which includes accomodations, meals, and local tranportation. Airfare, which can range from approximately $500 to $1000, is the responsibility of the volunteer.

Q: Do I need to speak Spanish?
A: Not necessarily. Some roles require it, some don’t. Providers who don’t speak Spanish work with assistants who do.

Q: Is financial aid available?
A: There are several full and part scholarships available to Spanish speakers, dental providers and qualified dental students. When you fill out an application, please indicate your interest in a scholarship, and a team member will gladly contact you.

Q: Where is the work done?
A: In a small city in the southeast of Guatemala called Santa Catarina Mita, (locally known as Catocha).

Q: Is Guatemala safe?
A: Not all of Guatemala is safe, but the area we travel to is. We have been going there for over a decade. The people are friendly, welcoming and helpful, as is the municipal government. We keep ourselves up-to-date on travel advisories issued by the State Department.

Q: How taxing is the work day? I’m not a kid anymore.
A: The five days during which we run the clinic are a little intense and can be physically tiring. However, many of us get Social Security and have back problems. So, taxing, yes. Crazy, no.

Q: What is the lodging like?
A: We stay at a local hotel arranged by the municipality. Most days we have hot water. The rooms are shared by two or three volunteers.

Q: What is the food like?
A: Our meals are traditional Guatemalan dishes prepared by the hotel kitchen with an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables. We try to meet our volunteers’ dietary needs and accommodate vegetarians, although sometimes alternatives are limited.

Q: What about medical care?
A: We appoint a medical officer who travels with us. There is a 24/7 medical clinic in town and a well-stocked pharmacy. The team also provides travel insurance that includes medical coverage.

Q: How do I apply to volunteer?
A: Please fill in and submit our online application.