Come Volunteer with Us!
ROMP is an international non-profit organization dedicated to delivering functional, high quality prostheses and rehabilitation to underserved people with amputation. We offer support throughout their mobility journey, helping them to reclaim their autonomy and re-immerse themselves into society. ROMP operates permanent clinics in Guatemala and Ecuador. Our volunteer programs play a key role in ROMP's annual impact goals. Volunteers work alongside ROMP staff and local practitioners to provide prosthetic care to our most vulnerable patients, exchanging knowledge and skills.
ROMP 2025 Volunteer Program Dates
Dates | Location | Program Focus | Enrollment Status |
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February 21st - March 2nd | Guatemala | Focus on vacuum, suction, sealing systems | Enrollment Open! |
February 21st - March 2nd | Ecuador | Enrollment Open! | |
May 16th - 25th | Ecuador | Innovation Program | GMU Engineering ONLY |
May 30th - June 8th | Ecuador | Innovation Program | CSU Engineering ONLY |
July 4th - 13th | Guatemala | Focus on microprocessor knees | Enrollment Open! |
August 1st - 10th | Ecuador | Enrollment Open! | |
October 10th - 19th | Guatemala | Focus on upper extremity | Enrollment Open! |
Volunteer Program FAQs
- What is the process of signing up?
- How does my program fee work?
- What does the fee include and exclude?
- How do my flights for my program work?
- What tools, materials, or components should I bring?
- How do I pack components for ROMP?
- If I bring ROMP components, how do I get my luggage fee waived or reimbursed?
- Do I need a VISA or vaccinations to travel?
- Should I get trip insurance?
- What currency is used in Guatemala and Ecuador?
- How much cash should I bring?
- What should I pack?
- What happens if I have to cancel my trip?
- What happens if ROMP has to cancel my trip?
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What is the process of signing up?
After selecting a program, please complete the online application using this link. We will review your application, and if selected, you’ll receive a link to QGive where you can register with a $200 deposit, which goes toward your total program fee and secures your spot in the program. From that point, you can use your QGive campaign to fundraise. You will receive a confirmation email with preparation instructions for your trip. One month before departure, you will be invited to a pre-departure call to discuss final details and address any questions you may have. Additionally, we will add you to a WhatsApp group chat where you can ask questions and receive updates as your departure date approaches.
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How does my program fee work?
ROMP charges all volunteers a program fee of $1,800, which covers in-country transportation, lodging, meals, components, and operating expenses.
Through QGiv, you can set up a fundraising campaign to help cover your program costs. Invite your family, friends, and colleagues to make tax-deductible donations through your QGive campaign or by sending a check to ROMP at the address provided below. Any funds raised beyond the program fee will be donated to ROMP to support more patients.
If you decide not to fundraise via QGiv, the full program fee must be paid by one month prior to departure. You can send your payment via check to Range of Motion Project at the address below, ensuring that your name is included in the memo line.
Range of Motion Project, NFP
1474 South Acoma Street
Denver, CO 80223
It is your responsibility to raise or pay the full program fee at least one month before departure; failure to do so will result in your exclusion from the program. We do not make refunds under any circumstance; if you cancel your participation, we can only issue a note of credit for use in a future program.
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What does the fee include and exclude?
ROMP's 2025 Volunteer Program fee is $1,800 which covers all in-country transportation, lodging, food, components, and operating costs for the week. The program fee does NOT include your airfare, alcoholic drinks, snacks outside of group meals and any shopping/ activities on your excursion days.
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How do my flights for my program work?
You are responsible for booking your own round-trip airfare for your program.
For all Guatemala programs, please ensure you arrive at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City (GUA) by 7:00 PM on day 1 of your program, and you can depart from the same airport at any time on day 10.
For all Ecuador programs, you should arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito (UIO) by 11:30 PM on day 1 of your program, and you can leave from the same airport at any time on day 10.
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What tools, materials, or components should I bring?
All programs are fully equipped in-country with the necessary machines, tools, and raw materials.
Each volunteer will be asked to carry a small load of components in their luggage for use during the program. We encourage volunteers to inquire with the ticketing agent about the possibility of waiving baggage fees for these humanitarian items. If this is not an option, ROMP will reimburse volunteers for the cost of one standard checked bag. Please keep in mind that you should adhere to airline baggage weight restrictions, as overweight bags can incur significant fees.
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How do I pack components for ROMP?
Most volunteers will be asked to carry a small load of components and supplies in their luggage for use in the program. We will send you a box before your trip. Open the box and repack all components in a regular suitcase or duffel bag. You can pack them with your personal items if you have room.
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If I bring ROMP components, how do I get my luggage fee waived or reimbursed?
When you get to the airport to check your luggage, please let the gate attendant know that you have “assistive devices and medical supplies”. Thanks to the ADA they cannot legally charge you for your luggage and should waive the baggage fee.
If they do not, please keep your receipt and ROMP will reimburse volunteers for the cost of one standard checked bag. Please remember to stay within airline baggage weight restrictions. -
Do I need a VISA or vaccinations to travel?
No, with a US passport, neither country requires a tourist visa or any action before your travel. You do need an up-to-date passport and please make sure your passport does not expire within 6 months of travel.
No vaccinations are required to enter Guatemala or Ecuador though we highly recommend getting the Covid vaccination. Recommended vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. -
Should I get trip insurance?
It’s strongly suggested that you purchase trip insurance for your time abroad with ROMP. This will help cover any unforeseen circumstances like canceled flights, lost bags, illness, etc. However, all insurance policies are different, so we strongly recommend that you read the conditions of your insurance policy before traveling. We also recommend that you arrange insurance for your trip as soon as possible after booking with us, in order to make sure that you have coverage in place.
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What currency is used in Guatemala and Ecuador?
Guatemala uses the Quetzal (pronounced ket-sal). Conversion is about 8 quetzals to $1 USD. Ecuador uses the USD. Makes everything very easy!
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How much cash should I bring?
We recommend that you do not bring large amounts of cash (we recommend $100 or less in cash). You will have access to ATMs in the country and most businesses take credit cards. You will not need a lot of cash as your trip fee will cover the day to day expenses. If you’d like to purchase snacks or drinks outside of the group meals, you can. If you plan on bringing credit/debit cards, we recommend you give your bank a call and let them know that you'll be abroad and where you'll be.
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What should I pack?
Detailed packing lists will be provided to you once you are enrolled. Volunteers should bring comfortable, casual clothing suitable for clinical activities; scrubs and/or t-shirts are encouraged, and closed-toed shoes are required. Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit and flip-flops, as well as an outfit for outings during the excursion portion of the trip.
For Ecuador programs, pack clothes for cooler temperatures.
For Guatemala programs, pack clothes for warmer temperatures.
Bring sunscreen, bug spray, and any personal medications you may need throughout the program. -
What happens if I have to cancel my trip?
If you can no longer participate in the program you have enrolled in, please notify us via email at volunteerprograms@rompglobal.org. We do not make refunds under any circumstance; if you cancel your participation, we can only issue a note of credit for use in a future program. We always recommend that volunteers purchase flights that can be rescheduled in case of unforeseen changes in plans.
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What happens if ROMP has to cancel my trip?
There have been occasions when ROMP has had to cancel trips due to significant national or international issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and instances of political instability. If your program is canceled for any reason, we will provide a credit for all funds you have paid or raised up to that point, which can be applied to any future program.
Our Impact Since 2005
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Prosthetic Devices Delivered
5,740
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% increase in walking ability from delivery to 3 month follow up
49
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Patient Visits
19,459
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% of ROMP patients are working at the 12 month follow up
72
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Years Breaking Barriers
19
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% of patients reporting living below poverty line of $6.85/day
94