Volunteer Programs

Once you have selected a program, please complete the online enrollment form. We will review your application and if you are selected, we will send you a link to Classy where you will register with a $100 non-refundable deposit, which counts towards your total program fee and formally enrolls you in the program. From that point forward you can use your Classy campaign to fundraise. You will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to prepare for your trip. One month before your trip, you will receive an invitation to a pre-departure call during which we discuss the final details of your trip and answer any questions you might have.

ROMP's 2023 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.

You are responsible for purchasing your own round-trip airfare for your program. For all Guatemala programs, you should arrive at Guatemala City La Aurora International Airport (GUA) by 2pm on the first day of your program, and you can leave the same airport anytime on the last day of your program. For all Ecuador programs, you should arrive at Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) by 11:30pm on the first day of your program, and you can leave the same airport any time on the last day of your program.

Volunteers are welcome to bring their own tools if they desire, but all programs are fully-equipped in-country with the necessary tools, materials, and components.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Guatemala uses the Quetzal (pronounced ket-sal). Conversion is about 8 quetzals to $1 USD. Ecuador uses the USD. Makes everything very easy!

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.

Detailed packing lists will be provided to you once you are enrolled. Volunteers should pack comfortable, casual clothing for use in the clinical activities - scrubs and/or t-shirts are welcome, closed-toed shoes are a must in the clinic. For all Ecuador programs, volunteers should pack some clothes for cool mornings and evenings, and for all Guatemala programs volunteers should pack clothes for warmer, humid weather. Bring a swimsuit and flip flops, as well as an outfit to go-out in, and active wear for the excursion part of the trip. Weather may vary, it’s smart to bring a raincoat. Volunteers should bring sunscreen, bug spray, and any medicines they need for the duration of the program.