Hosted by Vida Volunteer

Vida Medical, Dental & Veterinary Programs in Nicaragua

Read 53 reviews

Location

Nicaragua

Project Types

Veterinary Service

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Program Details

Language

English

Housing

Host Family Hotel

Last Updated: Apr 29, 2019

Last Reviewed: May 29, 2018

3 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Join Vida in Nicaragua with their veterinary volunteer programs. Vida currently offers 1-2 week long programs in Nicaragua for pre-veterinary and veterinary school students and recent grads.

Volunteers will work with experience bilingual volunteers and have the opportunity to assist in spaying and neutering as well as other hands-on surgical procedures. They will also learn recovery care procedures as well as how to administer vaccinations to both small and large animals. Gain practical experience in the field of veterinary medicine!

Learn more about Vida Veterinary Volunteer Programs in Nicaragua.

This program is currently not being promoted on Go Overseas by its provider. Check with Vida Volunteer for the most up-to-date information regarding the status of this program.

Video and Photos

Medical volunteers in Nicaragua

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Program Reviews

4.94 Rating

based on 53 reviews

Rating Spread Volunteer

5 rating 94.34%
4 rating 5.66%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Impact 4.9
Support 4.95
Fun 4.75
Value 4.8
Safety 4.95

Showing 1 - 8 of 53 reviews

Nicaragua is a beautiful place and I was able to see it and do great work by going with Vida. The healthcare disparities were not as prevalent and areas not as rural as when I completed the Guatemala program, but I had an enjoyable and rewarding experience. The homestay was a great set-up, and my family was so kind. This experience was an amazing way to have a hands on clinical experience in healthcare. Working with interpreters and physicians to interview and diagnose patients made for great work-days and I truly loved going to clinic. Everything was very safe, and clinics operated with the appropriate ethical standards of the US. This opportunity was unique and entirely worth the cost. It seemed a little expensive, but providing physicians and medication to impoverished rural communities while travelling abroad was worth the price! I would not be able to do work like this through other programs I know of.

What would you improve about this program?

Get translators who do not arrive late and drunk, like Rudy (MDNG122716 or similar trip code, over new years 2016-2017)

Nicaraguan Town image with mountains, dusty streets.

I have a whole journal of the amazing experiences I had on this trip. But in summary, the clinic days are extremely interactive, you learn an incredible amount from the amazing doctors that work with VIDA, you are surrounded by like minded-motivated-hard working people, you form many close relationships and you also learn a lot about yourself. Additionally, with all of the self-growth this trip provides you the opportunity to take advantage of, the staff here also make the trip an amazing time, and will do everything in their power to help each volunteer get the most out of the trip and have fun.

What would you improve about this program?

I was so blown away and touched by the experience that I have no ideas of how to improve it.

This three week experience was the best experience I have ever had. The VIDA staff are all exceptional and very well educated and helpful. I never felt unsafe at any time, even when we were not in the greatest parts of Nicaragua. Our personal leader was Amy, and I would recommend her to each and every person who has the chance to experience Nicaragua through VIDA. Each morning we had breakfast at our hotel, got on the bus that was always on time waiting for us, and did our daily activities (traveling to clinics, hospitals, preschools, health centers, etc). VIDA provided us lunch many of the days and then we had the opportunity multiple times to eat dinner as a group somewhere in Masaya, Nicaragua. The days were long at times but if there was ever a time where we felt that something that was planned was too much for us, there was never an issue making other plans. We were always VIDA's first priority, which was a wonderful feeling that I didn't think I would have traveling abroad. I hope to go back someday!

What would you improve about this program?

If I had to change one thing it would be having a more stable hotel to stay at. We moved hotels a few times and it was stressful each time because we needed to pack everything up each time. Each hotel we stayed at was a good experience, but having one or two hotels instead of three or four would be better.

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The trip to Nicaragua was absolutely amazing. The vida staff, doctors, and interpreters were fabulous and really helpful. I am really looking forward to going back to volunteer for Vida in the future!

What would you improve about this program?

N/a

We ran out of several medications, some of our most common ones, which made it tough to serve the communities best. Our trip leaders, Edo and Tagni, were fantastic. In addition, VIDA seems to have an exquisite knack for choosing amazing interpreters. The care, dedication, and professionalism shown by interpreters such as Rodrigo, Jorge, and Felipe on our trip were indicative of an organizational culture and process that promotes the right values.

What would you improve about this program?

See above regarding medications

As a pre-vet student, I need all the help I can get when it comes to gaining hands-on experience. This trip really exposed me to many new things and allowed me to participate in ways I never knew that I would be allowed to as only a pre-vet student. I learned so many things that I cannot even describe it all, you just have to go for yourself to see what I mean! I definitely want to go again in the future!

What would you improve about this program?

I wish we could have educated the community more about their pet's care and needs (such as cleanliness and grooming needs) as well as proper ways to restrain their animals. I was saddened when horribly matted dogs came in and we were able to shave them down, but the vets did not lecture the owners about the need to groom or maintain their pet's coat on a regular basis. We treated the animals but we did not educate the clients as much as I would have hoped.

I participated in the VIDA Veterinary Program to Nicaragua and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I was fortunate enough to be with an exceptional group of veterinarians, staff, and fellow students and that really made the program so much better for me! I learned so much about medicine, life in another culture, and about myself! To top it off, I made a great new group of friends. I couldn't have asked for anything better and will definitely be looking into taking another trip in the future! Possibly Costa Rica!

What would you improve about this program?

I wish we would have had a little more concrete information about everything that we would do once we got to Nicaragua. I was a little unsure about leaving the country when I didn't know much about my itinerary. However, everything turned out perfectly fine and I had a great trip in the end. But, more information upfront would definitely help put people's minds at ease.

I've taken two trips with VIDA for their pre-veterinary trips, and they are just amazing. I've gotten experience that I would have never received in the States and the staff members are so loving and fun that you never want to leave! I'm already planning my third adventure with them!

What would you improve about this program?

It would be nice to get a little more history of the country we are visiting.

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Brittany Pavloski

Program

Vida Medical, Dental & Veterinary Programs in Nicaragua

Brittany Pavloski is from Menomonee Falls, WI located in the Midwest in the United States. She attends school at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and graduates in May 2014! She currently works as a nurse intern at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare the Wisconsin Heart Hospital. She is a female and is 21 years of age. Her dream is to get her master’s degree and to work on a cardiac floor in a hospital. Brittany enjoys exercising, going out to eat, and spending time with her boyfriend, friends, and family.

Why did you decide to volunteer abroad with VIDA in Nicaragua?

Brittany: I have always wanted to study abroad somewhere out of the United States. There were many opportunities that I came across, but I always came up with an excuse for myself as to why I could not go.

When this opportunity came about, I was instantly excited and I knew it would be my last chance in my college career to study abroad. I did not hesitate once I signed up and am very thankful for the opportunity.

Tell us about one person you met.

Brittany: One person I met was Amy, the woman who was with us for our entire trip. She honestly made the trip worth it and helped us, and me personally, adjust to our surroundings.

If it were not for her, we would have not had as many great experiences that we had. She has the biggest heart and always put our group first.

She called ahead to restaurants to make sure they could feed us all and have it ready in a decent amount of time, she made sure we had cold, fresh water at all hours of the day, and she also was so much fun to be around.

What was the best moment of the entire trip?

Brittany: The best moment of the entire trip was being able to touch so many lives.

I personally loved going to public clinics. We got so much experience there and were able to help in so many ways.

We were thanked each and every day, multiple times a day for the help we brought the workers there.The smiles on those people’s faces will not be forgotten, and being able to make a difference like that makes the trip worth it.

What's something interesting about Nicaragua that the average person doesn't know?

Brittany: I did not realize how beautiful Nicaragua is.

On the days we were not working in clinical settings, we were able to explore Nicaragua. We went on a boat tour in Granada, hiked up a volcano, went and visited an active volcano, and many more things.

There are so many beautiful areas of Nicaragua that are must-sees for anyone who is going to visit the country.

Has your worldview changed as a result of your trip?

Brittany: Yes, I definitely feel that my world view had changed.

Going to Nicaragua was a culture shock for me. It was hard at first but I had to keep reminding myself of why I was there and how amazing this experience is for me.

I thought, before going to Nicaragua, that I did not take things for granted. I was wrong. Going to Nicaragua has made me a better person and I truly feel that I don’t take as much for granted anymore.

I have shared my experiences with many family members and friends and I hope that my story impacts them as much as it has changed me.

Stephanie Hart

Kristyn Hosmer

Brittany Pavloski

Alissa Rogol

Matthew Thompson

Olivia Brant

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Tell us a little about VIDA and your role at the company.

VIDA is a 501c3 nonprofit from Minnesota, USA. We work with volunteers from around the world to bring medical, dental and veterinary care to low resource communities in Guatemala, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. At VIDA, I am the Community Manager, so I am in charge of managing our website, blog, newsletters, Facebook, Twitter and online profiles. This helps us get the word out about VIDA and find more volunteers so we can continue to spread to more communities throughout Central America and help those in need.

How did you get involved in the volunteer industry?

Volunteering has always been an important part of my life. I am originally from Wisconsin, but moved to Costa Rica 7 years ago. Here, I didn't have many opportunities to do volunteer work, as I was going to school full time. When I graduated from college and was offered a job with VIDA in 2010, I knew that I had found the perfect organization to work for. VIDA has given me the opportunity to help those in need, and also travel throughout Central America while meeting amazing volunteers from around the world.

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What makes VIDA unique?

VIDA offers life changing experiences to those who are interested in studying medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine. We offer hands-on service learning opportunities in a controlled environment where students can learn from local doctors and help communities in need; but we also let the volunteers have fun outside the clinics! All VIDA Adventures include sight-seeing and cultural activities such as tours of historic cities, whitewater rafting, hospital visits, canopy tours, visits to historic buildings, etc., which let the volunteers learn and see more about the countries they visit.

In your experience, what characteristics make a good international volunteer?

A good international volunteer is someone who wants to take time out of their schedule to help those in need. A great international volunteer is someone who travels with an open mind, is prepared for anything to happen, and learns from every experience they face. International travel will open your heart and mind to many new experiences, and if you come prepared to accept and learn from these situations, you will get much more from your travels!

How do you ensure your programs are sustainable and mutually beneficial for you, the community, and the volunteers?

VIDA's main goal is to help the communities in Central America receive the medical, dental and veterinary attention they deserve. In order to obtain this goal, volunteers pay a fee to attend the trips. This fee goes towards paying for their accommodations while on the trip, but also pay for the staff, medications and equipment we need in order to run the clinics. In the future, we hope to apply for and receive grants within the US to be able to purchase more equipment in order to help more communities in need.

Location

Location:

Nicaragua

Currency:

Nicaraguan Córdoba

Weather:

Jan-Mar

93 F / 70 F

Apr-Jun

95 F / 73 F

Jul-Sep

88 F / 72 F

Oct-Dec

88 F / 70 F

Airports:

Augusto C. Sandino International

( MGA )

Nicaragua is a less touristed destination than some of its neighbors like costa rica, Belize, and Guatemala. Because of this, it is a relatively untarnished country with plenty of surfing spots, volcanoes, and divers paradises. Nicaragua is abundant in natural beauty and everything here comes with a smaller price-tag than other Latin American countries.

About Vida Volunteer

Vida Volunteer is a nonprofit organization that strives to promote human and animal health through empowering Service-Learning trips to Central America. We currently intervene through three main fields of work: Medical, Dental, and Veterinary, which are designed to promote health, ensuring a long-lasting impact while participants develop both...