Volunteers and International Health Care Opportunities

The lifeblood of Shoulder to Shoulder is in its volunteers. We have great need for all types of volunteers with varied skills and talents.

Two-week Brigades: Volunteer for a group trip with fellow health professionals, dentists and teachers. Provide care to the poorest and contribute to the long term effort to improve the community. Spanish is not required. Generally participation in "brigades" are dictated by the affiliate or academic group running the particular brigade. Construction and bilingual translators are always needed on these trips. Read more in Volunteer information...

Long-term Rotations, (1 month or more): Shoulder to Shoulder welcomes volunteers of all sorts for longer periods of volunteering. Health care providers, dentists, teachers, administration and business skills in particular are needed. Spanish proficiency is required. Individuals staying for a period of 1 – 3 months may or may not be attached to a specific project. It is not desirable for a volunteer to stay for longer than 3 months without being (or becoming) attached to a specific program or project. Read more ...

Medical Rotations: We offer extensive opportunities for medical students and residents in international medicine during either the brigades or long-term rotations. Students or medical residents can receive program/course credit who stay for more than two weeks. You are overseen by our Honduran medical staff (as preceptors) during your time spent in Intibuca. See specifics in Volunteer Information

Career Opportunities: Doctors and health providers can work for one to two years in Honduras with Shoulder. Read more ...

Construction Trips: Construction volunteers of all talents are welcome for short or long term. Spanish is not required. Please contact Art Ranz at aranz@shouldertoshoulder.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?

• You are obligated to pay for your own airfare and weekly expenses related to your housing, local transportation and support which is covered with a weekly fee of $250 per week. Portions of weeks are not pro-rated but 2 days over or less are rounded down. You are responsible for paying for your own food costs and the costs of any hotel accommodations during the trip into or out of the country or in transit. Almost always at least one overnight hotel accommodation is needed on the way out. The hotels we use are general inexpensive ($40 per night), but safe.

Do all short term volunteers have to pay?

• The majority yes, but at times Shoulder to Shoulder seeks out people with particular skills who meet the priority needs of the organization and we will waive fees. This usually pertains to people who are staying for extended periods of time (3 months or more), fully qualified health professionals and grant or project managers. This rarely if ever, pertains to students.

What if I have a research project, masters or PhD thesis or special interest project that I want to do there?

• If your project helps Shoulder to Shoulder fulfill its strategic priorities the answer is usually yes and we can accommodate you. If the project falls outside our strategic priorities then we will need to become acquainted with the details and determine the support level it will need from our staff and communities. You must provide us with your final report, thesis or publication once it is completed.

What if my friend or significant other or family wants to come along?

• Generally this is discouraged unless the other person has a specific contribution. We will discuss it with you, but surprises are never welcomed. In terms of costs, no “family or group” rates.

If I am a student in the health professions, will I have supervision and can I receive an evaluation at the end of my rotation?

• Yes, we can provide that.

What are the accommodations like?

• There is a safe, fenced in compound with a night watchman. In Santa Lucia, you will lodge in a dormitory next to the clinic. There are sections for men and women. Each contains bunk beds, toilets and showers. Water is very limited so showers are short in duration. Electricity is present but often the power is out. Linens are provided. Mosquito netting is optional, but a good insect repellant with 30-50% DEET is recommended. The staff cook will prepare your meals but you must contribute to your food costs. There are small stores in the village where you can purchase snack items (pre-packaged cookies and chips). The water on site is filtered and safe for drinking. Laundry services are available from village women for a reasonable price.

Will I have access to the internet and telephone?

• Shoulder to Shoulder facilities in Santa Lucia, San Jose del Negritio, Pinares and Concepcion have internet access. None have reliable land lines. A Honduran phone can be purchased for about $40 and phone cards for time can be purchased at a very reasonable price. This can be purchased on site by the individual, not by our staff.

Will I be safe?

• Shoulder to Shoulder has had thousands of volunteers over the years working in the rural areas without incident. However, it is a poor country with unsafe roads so there is by nature some risk. Traveling to urban areas and tourist sites greatly increase the risk of incidents. For current country risk information, check out the US State Department Website: http://travel.state.gov. Much of what is covered there refers to the big cities, we are way out in the country.