Check the Schedule for upcoming trips, join one.

Summer 2026 Opportunities with GHI

10-Week Community Medicine Research Training - Summer Internship ( 23 May -1 August 2026.) 

Early Bird Discount Deadline: 10 April 2026, 11:59 PM. Save $500 for early registration. 

Spend the summer on Lake Atitlán, living with a host family while supporting Asociación K’aslimaal and Hospitalito Atitlán. Participants will contribute to qualitative research projects, build research skills, and gain hands-on global health experience. For some students, this work has even led to publication. Independent student projects will need to provide funds for their research costs, coordination, translation, supplies, or materials if needed. Penn GHI research projects include necessary research coordination, translation, supplies, and materials. Students are expected to walk between sites, personal use of tuktuks or taxis is at the individual student expense

Photo Credit: Muni Santiago Atitlán 2022
Photo Credit: Muni Santiago Atitlán 2022

 

Summer Global Community Health Immersion Week (July 19–26, 2026) 

Early Bird Discount Deadline: 5 June 2026

Celebrate the Feast of Saint James while learning about Tz’utujil Maya culture and health. Participants will:

  • Visit local cofradías (religious brotherhoods)

  • Join in town processions and celebrations

  • Volunteer with Hospitalito Atitlán

This week-long program offers a meaningful way to learn about global health and collaborative partnerships—while experiencing Santiago Atitlán’s biggest annual festival. A memorable mid-summer adventure that broadens perspectives and builds connections.

 

Join the next Spring Break Global Community Health Immersion Week

March 2027 (6-13 March 2027)- Spring Break, Elementary Education, and Community Clinics

Join GHI for our 22nd Annual Spring Break Trip!  March 6–13, 2027

Designed for college-aged participants, this immersive experience introduces students to the Tz'utujil Maya community of Santiago Atitlán and the Lake Atitlán region. Highlights include:

  • Learning about local food traditions and cooking practices
  • Volunteering with an elementary school partner
  • Supporting Hospitalito Atitlán through rural primary care clinics
  • Exploring community medicine alongside Guatemalan professionals

The trip blends cultural learning with hands-on volunteer activities in both education and health. Participants will also enjoy a day on Lake Atitlán and a day in the colonial city of Antigua.

Special opportunities:

  • If the coffee harvest is still underway, join local farmers for a morning of harvesting coffee cherries.

  • Arrive two days early to connect with Guatemalan university students before the trip begins.

This year’s trip will be led by Drs. Bream and Siddiqui. Contact GHI to learn more or to register!

Early Bird Discount Deadline: 31 January 2027, 11:59 PM. Save $500 for early registration.