Human Biology & Med Lab internships in Guatemala

Human Biology & Med Lab Internships: Intern abroad in Guatemala

Guatemala Internship Abroad Medical & Healthcare

Human Biology & Med Lab internships in Guatemala provide experience as a Clinical Laboratory Assistant. Gain practical experience through dedicated laboratories, which offer analysis of biological human samples. Develop your understanding of how crucial information is provided to healthcare professionals, assisting diagnosis related to illnesses, prevention and treatments. Med-lab internship placements are located in communities around Antigua and the western highlands.

What to expect from your Human Biology & Med Lab internship:

Develop cultural sensitivity to work with patients in diverse healthcare environments.
Gain insight into preventive measures which could improve health outcomes.
Develop confidence and communication skills, related to both general and medical Spanish.

Your internship abroad host organization:

Clinics

Apply for free

On this page:

Arrival & Orientation

Accommodation & Meals

Weekends & Travel

Country Info

Gain academic or course credit

Fully hosted experience from $1795

Includes accommodation & meals

Start dates every other Monday

Minimum duration 4 weeks, up to 24 weeks maximum

Spanish language lessons available

Get job-ready with our Experiential Learning Curriculum

Requires a minimum of beginner Spanish

Eligibility requirement

Human Biology & Med Lab internships in Guatemala are suitable for students (or recent grads) who are currently undertaking their second year of university studies (or higher). Relevant study fields include Biology, Biochemistry, and Medicine.

Language requirements for this internship

Interns must have a minimum B1 Spanish proficiency level (intermediate).

Associated career paths

Potential career paths supported by this internship include Pathologist, Biology Laboratory Technician, Research Associate, Biologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Pharmacist, Epidemiologist, Clinical Biochemist, Clinical Immunologist, Cytogeneticist, Hematologist, Histologist, Medical Microbiologist, Transfusion Scientist

Internship details

In Guatemala, healthcare is recognized as a universal right, but access remains a challenge for many - especially in rural areas, where resources are limited. By joining a Human Biology & Medical Laboratory internship, you’ll learn about the challenges and rewards of supporting community healthcare.

This is an in-country internship, with accommodation included. You can explore Remote Internships, if you are looking for an internship program that you can undertake from home.

Human Biology & Medical Laboratory internships in Guatemala provide hands-on experience as a Clinical Laboratory Assistant. The internships are provided through clinics, which can be based in communities around Antigua and the western highlands. Interns assist to play an active role in the day to day workflow - from assisting local staff with patient vitals, welcoming clients to the lab, taking or receiving samples, and helping to process and analyze critical information.

Alongside this practical learning experience, the Med-Lab internship offers valuable personal and professional growth. This is a unique opportunity to build confidence in both general and medical Spanish communication. Challenge yourself to develop cultural sensitivity in diverse healthcare settings, as you reflect on preventive measures that improve health outcomes.

Internships can differ, as your experience will be influenced by your own level of studies, knowledge, and Spanish speaking proficiency. The duration of your internship also shapes what you’ll gain, with longer placements offering deeper immersion. While we do our best to match your preferences, all placements are subject to availability.

Typical Schedule

Monday to Friday, 20 - 30 hours per week.

What are the career benefits of interning abroad as a Human Biology & Med Lab Intern?

Human Biology & Med Lab interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:

Assisting local staff to obtain patient vitals.
Supporting the reception of clients to the lab.
Assisting in taking or receiving samples.
Helping to process and analyze information.

Professional development opportunities:

Develop critical thinking and analytical skills in a clinical setting.
Observe cross-cultural healthcare practices and enhance your understanding of healthcare systems.
Improve interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
Gain practical skills and boost your employability, with guidance from Intern Abroad HQ’s Experiential Learning Curriculum to support your learning and cultural intelligence.

Are you eligible for this internship?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

Not sure which program to join?

Get personalized recommendations >

Guatemala photo gallery

Our commitment to providing safe internship experiences

Academic credit available for all internships

Get course credit from your college or university while completing your internship abroad or a remote internship program. It's a great way to meet your academic requirements and gain valuable experience at the same time.

Learn about course credit

Program fees

Applying for our Human Biology & Med Lab Internship is completely free! The support package covers the assistance we provide in finding your internship and arranging your living accommodations in your host country, ensuring you thrive during your program.

Please note that a deposit of US$499 is required to confirm your place. The remaining balance (minus your initial US$499 deposit) is due at least 60 days before your internship start date.

Duration	Program Fee (USD)
4 weeks	$1,795 Equivalent to $64 /day
5 weeks	$2,022 Equivalent to $57 /day
6 weeks	$2,189 Equivalent to $52 /day
8 weeks	$2,473 Equivalent to $44 /day
10 weeks	$2,838 Equivalent to $40 /day
12 weeks	$3,052 Equivalent to $36 /day
16 weeks	$3,645 Equivalent to $32 /day
20 weeks	$4,160 Equivalent to $29 /day
24 weeks	$4,573 Equivalent to $27 /day

A deposit of $499 (approximately 499) is required to confirm your participation. This is subtracted from the Program Fee total.
Balance of your Program Fee is due 70 days before your internship start date. The Program Fee payment can also be completed in installments through our Zero-Fee Payment Plan. Learn more.
All payments attract a 5% transaction fee to cover international banking fees and currency charges.
Terms and Conditions apply.

Airport pick-up
Daily breakfast and dinner
Accommodation
24/7 in-country support
Program orientation
Dedicated support before, during, and after your internship
In-country guidance for social and tourist activities
Sourcing and securing your internship placement
Personalization of your internship plan
Coaching from your supervisor
Documented portfolio of your experiential learnings
Academic credit facilitation
International reference letter
Certificate of Internship Completion

Lunches
All in-country transportation
Transfer back to the airport at the end of your internship program
Visa (if required), flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check
Personal spending money for snacks, drinks, public transport, laundry, and leisure activities during your free time.

Spanish lessons

Internships in Guatemala require interns to have varying levels of Spanish language proficiency, from either a confident level of basic Spanish to a more developed grasp of intermediate language skills. The definition of having basic Spanish skills (Level A2) includes the ability to exchange brief information with questions and answers, use and understand simple language in daily situations and cultural aspects.

Keep in mind that despite you level of proficiency, a language barrier can still be encountered to a certain extent. Interns should be prepared for the very natural and normal frustration of not always understanding what is being said around them. Most interns are able to have a successful internship experience and it is essential to come prepared and willing to surmount a language barrier, as opposed to being intimidated by it.

We strongly recommend that all interns take advantage of the affordable language lessons offered exclusively to Intern Abroad HQ participants by our host organization in Guatemala. These can be arranged directly with the local team once registered for the program (ask about online Skype lessons) or at the orientation in-country. Language lessons are tailored to each individual’s current level of Spanish and classes run from Monday through to Friday.

Weekends and travel

During the weekends, free time is available to relax, engage in tourism activities and explore other parts of Guatemala. Most placements are usually based in and around Santa Lucia Milpas Altas, just 15 minutes from Antigua, as well as in and around Antigua. Antigua is a fantastic weekend hub for excellent cuisine, sightseeing, colonial churches, coffee tours, chocolate-making classes, museums, shopping, and transportation. Public buses are available from Antigua to other parts of the country and many travel agencies also offer shuttles to key touristic places such as Monterrico beach, Lake Atitlan, Coban, Lanquín (Semuc Champey), or Tikal. Popular tourist attractions throughout the region include Pacaya National Park and Kawilal Hot Springs, Acatenango Volcano, Lake Atitlan and villages, Iximché Ruins, Valhalla Station and more.

Our local team in Guatemala are also able to assist interns with trip bookings, to experience more of the country. These can be coordinated directly once you’ve registered to confirm your internship program. Options include:

Pacaya Volcano: This trip is great for hiking and sightseeing within the Pacaya National Park. It’s a full day tour, with transportation and guides, but you’ll need to ensure you bring your own packed snacks for the day. The departure for the trip is about 8 a.m. and returns at about 4 p.m. The hiking time itself is four hours, so you’ll need to have proper walking shoes and clothing for the excursion.
Coffee Tour: A trip to Guatemala is never complete without a coffee tour. You can learn about how some of the world’s most delicious coffee is grown, processed, and exported. Also learn about sustainable practices and different varieties of coffee - no doubt, working up a thirst for a hot cup of coffee in the meantime!
Traditional Cooking Class: One of the best things about traveling is being able to try different cuisines of the world. Our team in Guatemala can arrange cooking lessons for interns, so that when you go home you’ll have the skills to keep preparing your favorite meals! Learn how to cook Guatemala’s yummiest meals from scratch. Local experts run the four-hour classes, giving tips on ingredients and cultural insight.
Acatenango Volcano overnight trip: This hiking and camping trip takes two days, so it’s a perfect weekend excursion if you’re looking for something more adventurous. The hike itself is demanding, so a reasonable level of fitness is required and you’ll need to ensure you pack appropriate clothing and footwear. Stunning views from the top of the volcano are certainly worth the effort!
Lake Atitlan and Chichicastenango market: This guided tour includes an overnight stay, enabling you to take advantage of a weekend and see more of Guatemala. Lake Atitlan is considered one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, so it’s not to be missed during your internship. The Chichiscastenango market is the largest open-air market in Central America, so it’s a “must do” cultural experience and perfect for sourcing gorgeous artisan gifts and souvenirs.
Semuc Champey and caving: Located in the middle of the jungle, a guided trip to Semuc Champey requires three days. It’s an incredible place to behold, where naturally formed pools of turquoise waters and cave formations contrast beautifully against the lush green jungle backdrop. After having the opportunity to swim, the tour includes guided entrance to some of the caves and tubing along the Cahabon river.
Tikal Ruins: You’ll have the option to reach the Tikal Ruins over one or two days, depending on if you opt to travel there via plane journey or bus. These impressive Mayan Ruins are considered to be the “crown jewel” of Guatemala. There are more than 3,000 archaeological elements to the site, offering insight into an area which was one of the largest of the Mayan cities. Arrival into the archaeological site itself is easily accessible and there is ample opportunity to spot wildlife within.

Arrival and Orientation

Internships in Guatemala begin every Monday. Exceptions may be made to this when start dates are shifted to avoid public holiday disruptions or closed when the program has already reached capacity. The minimum duration requirement is 2 weeks up to a maximum duration of 24 weeks.

Airport pick up and accommodation are included in the Program Fee. The accommodation is covered from the Sunday night before the Monday start date - interns are required to arrive no later than the Sunday before their Monday start date, as all orientations are held on Mondays. If arriving earlier than this date, interns will be required to cover the cost of an out of hours airport pick up.

The typical port of entry is the La Aurora International Airport (GUA). If you are planning to spend time independently in Guatemala prior to your internship and will not require an airport pick up, we can discuss alternative arrival logistics with you.

Upon arrival, interns will be met, greeted, and transferred to the accommodation. The last night of the accommodation is the Saturday night of the final week, leaving interns free to depart on Sunday. Extra nights of accommodation can be arranged in advance, if requested, and are subject to availability.

Orientation covers important details for your internship, including introductions, information about culture, customs, rules, expectations, safety, language lessons, cultural excursions, and more. Your specific internship placement orientation will follow the general orientation, as you’ll be shown how to travel to and from your internship and be introduced to the team you’ll be joining.

Please note that all participants are advised not to book flights until they have first registered to confirm their internship placement.

Check what's required to visit Guatemala

Check out the widget below to learn about the visa requirements for the Human Biology & Med Lab internship in Guatemala, based on your country of residence.

Accommodation and WiFi

All interns in Guatemala are accommodated in various homestay accommodations. Interns are matched to an appropriate host family, taking into consideration convenient proximity to their internship placement. Homestay accommodations provide international interns with an extra layer of support, while also providing a valuable opportunity for cultural immersion.

Typical host families in Guatemala usually consist of two parents and children or a single parent with children (the ages of a host family’s children can range from young and still living at home, to adults living independently). There are usually one or two guest bedrooms available in most home-stays and everyone has their own private single-sex bedroom (unless special requests are made in advance to share with a friend or partner).

Given that homestay accommodations themselves may be mixed-gender, guests must be prepared to share common living spaces with others, such as shared kitchen, living, dining, and bathroom areas. Requests for any exceptional accommodation arrangements (subject to availability) must be communicated in advance of the internship start date.

Living is comfortable and home-stays offer electricity, running water and western bathrooms. However, showers can be low pressure and unheated/tepid. WiFi is provided in most of the home-stays but it is important to note that it is not guaranteed.

Please note that the accommodation pictured in the photo gallery of this webpage is provided as an example. Since we work with more than one option for homestay accommodation, the exact accommodation that you’re assigned may differ from the photos. However, you can expect a similar standard and similar amenities, to what is shown.

Meals

Internships in Guatemala include two meals per day, served at the home stay. A typical Guatemalan breakfast is provided and consists of bread, spreads, fruit and eggs accompanied with tea or coffee. Dinner commonly consists of meat (often chicken), soups, pastas, starches and vegetables. Please be sure to let us know of any specific dietary requirements that you have in advance, so that we may ensure your hosts are aware and make recommendations accordingly.

How to obtain course credit and meet your academic requirements on Intern Abroad HQ internships

Gain Academic Course Credit Learn more

Experiential Learning Curriculum Learn more

Essential country information

Capital	Guatemala City
Population	15.08 million
Languages	Spanish
Currency	Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
Time zone	UTC−06:00

Weather and climate:

Guatemala has a range of micro climates and the high altitude of Guatemala City results in a subtropical highland climate (Köppen Cwb) in this region. There aren’t distinct seasons in Guatemala and the temperature is typically mild year round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F) during the day, and 12°C to 17°C (54°F to 63°F) at night. The country attracts winds and rain during the months of May to October with the hottest month being April.