Travel, Volunteer, Learn
Travel, Volunteer, Learn
“Kalan Kuxtal” comes from the Maya K’iche’ language and means “Guardian of Life” or “Protecting Life“. It reflects our mission to provide compassionate, culturally sensitive healthcare to underserved communities in Guatemala.
This elective combines clinical training, cultural immersion, and community service. Students gain hands-on experience in primary care, work directly with Guatemalan physicians, and engage in meaningful service-learning that fosters professional growth and cultural humility.
The Tufts Global Health Elective in Guatemala is a 4-week rotation, with full-time clinical and community activities Monday through Friday.
The program runs from January to April of every year. Students should apply at least 3 months before their preferred start date.
This elective is open to 4th-year Tufts University medical students (MD or MD/MPH) with an interest in global health, primary care, and underserved communities.
No. Spanish proficiency is not required, though it may enrich the experience.
Clinic days run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Students participate in patient intake, supervised assessments, case discussions, EMR documentation, pharmacy support, and health education activities.
Students take active roles under supervision: conducting histories and physicals, presenting assessments and plans, assisting with patient counseling, and supporting outreach and education.
Students report directly to licensed Guatemalan physicians. Oversight and mentorship may also be provided by Tufts faculty (ask your faculty lead)
You will see patients of all ages from low-income families living in rural and peri-urban underserved communities.
Students encounter chronic conditions (hypertension, diabetes, arthritis), infectious diseases (respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections), and maternal/infant health concerns (malnutrition, normal pregnancy and its complications, infant routine check-up).
Once a week, the students, a community leader and the physician, will go to visit patients unable to attend the clinic. Most likely, you will have to walk around the community to reach these patients. Home Visits are meant to highlight the social determinants of health and allow for community-based care.
Yes. All clinical activities are supervised by Guatemalan physicians.
Ongoing feedback from supervisors.
Midpoint and final evaluations of clinical performance, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity.
A final reflection session.
Program evaluations shared with Tufts as needed.
No. This is a student elective rotation, not a continuing education program.
The program is based in Santa Lucía Milpas Altas, Sacatepéquez, Guatemala, about 30 minutes from Antigua and 1 hour from Guatemala City.
Yes. Students receive safety orientation and work under close supervision. Emergency contacts and protocols are in place. Guidance is provided on transportation, food, water, and hygiene practices.
Housing is not provided. Kalan Kuxtal shares a housing information packet with trusted student-friendly options near Antigua and Milpas Altas.
Reliable shuttles and taxis are available from Guatemala City to Antigua, with local options to reach Milpas Altas. Transportation recommendations are included in pre-travel materials.
Meals are not included. Antigua has a wide range of safe, affordable dining options. Orientation includes guidance on safe eating practices.
On weekends, students can explore Antigua’s colonial landmarks, local markets, coffee farms, and volcano hikes.
Sacatepéquez enjoys mild weather year-round, averaging 70–80°F (21–27°C) during the day, with cooler evenings. Rainy season runs May–October.
Dress code for the clinic: business casual with white coat or you may wear scrubs. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes. Medical equipment is provided by Kalan Kuxtal; however, if you want, you can bring your own. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a rain jacket are recommended. A detailed packing guide is provided pre-departure.
The total fee is $650 USD for the 4-week rotation.
Clinical supervision and mentorship.
Program coordination and orientation materials.
Community outreach activities.
Certificate of completion.
Pre-travel and on-site assistance.
Students pay separately for flights, housing, transportation, meals, insurance, and personal expenses.
Funds support clinic operational costs, supervision, community outreach, and educational resources.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Antigua and major towns. Local shops and transportation often prefer cash. Students should bring both cards and cash (USD/GTQ).
Currency can be exchanged at the Guatemala City airport (we do NOT recommend it, the exchange rate is not favorable). You can also exchange money in local banks, and exchange houses (better rate). ATMs are also available in Antigua.
Residents face barriers such as limited access to healthcare, poverty, chronic diseases, and health literacy challenges.
The clinic depends on ongoing support for medicines, supplies, and volunteer participation.
Kalan Kuxtal Guatemala is a registered nonprofit in Guatemala. While not a U.S. 501(c)(3), official donation receipts are issued by the Guatemalan Superintendency of Tax Administration.
Kalan Kuxtal uses an electronic medical record (EMR) system adapted to the local context to ensure accurate, secure, and confidential documentation.
Yes. Students may schedule a virtual pre-travel meeting with Kalan Kuxtal staff to ask questions and prepare.
Send us an email to: [email protected] and tell us all about your questions, we will respond as soon as possible.
Write to us directly through the Messenger chat and we will assist you as soon as we can. Please note that sometimes our waiting time may take a little while. Apologies in advance!
You can contact us by calling to (+502) 2220-3064. Keep in mind that there are surcharges for international calls. If you reside outside of Guatemala, we recommend you our other communication channels.
Complete the contact form below; select the topic you want to consult and send it. We will respond to you via email to the address you enter.