Frequently Asked Questions:

1. I am a freshman in college, and do not have experience in the healthcare field. May I apply?

• Yes! The amount of previous experience varies amongst the participants. This program was designed to cater to pre-health, pre-med, and pre-dental students from all different backgrounds, and to enable them to appreciate the healthcare field at the grass roots level. IHG strives to give each student clinical exposure in hopes of further fueling their desire to enter the healthcare field. Each student receives training prior to and during clinic days and is supervised by licensed medical/dental providers at all times. 
• We believe everyone has something unique to offer to the medical/educational outreach teams, and thus we will never turn down an applicant simply based on their academic background. We just ask that you have an adventurous spirit, an inquisitive mind, and the passion to learn more about the healthcare field!

2. Do I need to submit letters of recommendation to be considered for one of your medical teams?

• No. You do not need to submit letters of recommendation, in fact you will be provided with a letter of recommendation from our licensed medical professional (if requested) upon the completion of the session.

3. How do you screen the applicants? What typically makes the ideal student candidate?

• There is no easy way to answer this question, as there is no typical prototype of the ideal candidate. You will find that the participants in your session vary in their academic background. Some participants may be college students who have already received licensure as EMT, MA, CNA...while some may be freshmen with no previous work experience. We screen interested candidates based on why they are looking to participate and the unique skills they are able to bring to their team.

4. I am under the age of 18. May I participate?

• Yes; however, we would like to know more about you. Please submit an application (no app fees) as well as schedule a phone interview in order to begin the screening process. Your parents/legal guardians will need to fill out appropriate paperwork before you are allowed to participate. Please write to: info@ihelpglobally.org to learn more. We look forward to speaking with you soon about the requirements so please don't delay and contact us as soon as possible to allow enough time to complete all the required paperwork.

5. Is airfare included in the program fees? Will I be traveling to the host-country with other participants?

• No. Airfare is not included in the program fee. It is the participant's responsibility to secure their own transportation to the host-country. Names of confirmed participants (for your chosen session) and their contact information will be provided to you once you are officially rostered for your chosen session. At this point, you may contact other students to see if they are interested in booking the same flight. You are not required to travel to the host-country with other participants. Depending on your city of departure, you may be flying with IHG coordinators and medical professionals affiliated with iHelp Globally.

6. I have family in the host-country and I would like to see them while I am there. Is this possible?

• Yes, of course...provided they meet us after we are done with skills workshops and clinic. They are welcome to join us for dinner in our chosen restaurant(s) or during our scheduled recreational activities. Additionally, they are welcome to help us with the Social Event! In the past, participants have chosen to extend their stay in the host-country at their own expense.

7. Am I able to arrive to the host-country prior to the 1st day of the session in order to secure cheaper airfare?

• Yes, it is encouraged you book the cheapest airfare even if your arrival day is the day before the program begins. Lodging accommodations and airport pick up will be provided to you at no additional cost on the night prior to the official first day.

8. Are we allowed to explore the country on our own during the session?

• Although we believe in establishing a healthy balance between work and play, we will not be allowing you to explore the country on your own during the scheduled days of the session. We strive to provide you with a detailed itinerary prior to your departure, which enables you to research cities we will be visiting as well as give you insight into scheduled recreational activities. In the event you find yourself wanting to explore a different recreational activity from the one listed in your itinerary, please contact your IHG coordinator. If there is enough interest amongst your session-mates, we will enjoy the activity as a team and you will have group leaders with you at all times.

9. I am a vegetarian (or have food allergies). What are my options?

• Please notify your IHG coordinator with any dietary concerns, and we will do our best to accommodate your request(s).

10. Is the water/food safe to consume in the host-country?

• Yes! Bottled/filtered water is provided to all participants through-out the entire session. Food is prepared using necessary precautions in order to prevent food-borne illnesses. Street food consumption is never encouraged.

11. My parents are medical/dental professionals and would like to get involved. Can you suggest ways they could help?

• We are thrilled that your parents/family members are interested in helping! Please have them contact us at: info@ihelpglobally.org to discuss their possible involvement. There are numerous ways they could help, ranging from volunteering as mentors during the session, providing donated medications/supplies, and more... We have met several applicants whose parents have expressed interest in accompanying us on a yearly basis! Thank you to everyone that has been going above and beyond to help!

12. I am gathering donated medications that I would like to bring with me. Am I able to bring medications that I have already opened or are expired?

• This depends on the type of medication you are referring to. Typically, we discourage participants from bringing expired goods. Please contact your IHG coordinator for further instructions.

13. Where will I be sleeping? Will I have the room to myself? How do you choose roommates?

• Peru/Guatemala: Majority of the nights during your session will be spent either at a retreat center, or modest hotels/hostels.  You will have access to the kitchen and living spaces. Depending on the number of participants in your chosen session, you may either be assigned to a room (with occupants of the same sex), or have a room all to yourself. Clean linens, toilet paper, hot shower (in most cases), modest bathroom amenities, electricity will be provided.

14. I love taking photographs. Am I able to charge my camera/batteries while I am in the host-country?

• The retreat centers/hotels/family housing will always have access to electricity. It is your responsibility to research what type of adapter is needed for your camera to properly function in the host-country.

15. What should I pack?

• Once you are officially rostered, you will be provided with a checklist that will cover suggested (general) items one should pack for their chosen session. Each medical outreach student must bring an appropriate number of scrub sets (solid colors only) , closed-toed shoes, a stethoscope, and a blood-pressure cuff (adult size). 

16. I am a light sleeper. What is the noise level like typically?

• All team members are expected to be mindful of others and respect their need to rest. In the past, some participants brought ear plugs in the event they were light sleepers to ensure peaceful sleep. Our program is intense and we rely on you being well-rested and eager to participate in the daily activities.We do not have a lights-out curfew established; however, participants are not allowed to leave the retreat center/hotel/family housing without the entire team and team leaders. Our night-time activities will be scheduled while keeping in mind the work/class activities scheduled for the next day. 

17. I run/jog in the mornings and cannot function unless I get some form of exercise before I start the day. What options do I have?

• You may run/jog/walk as a group provided you have a team leader with you in order to show you the best/most scenic routes. There is nothing better than incorporating a daily exercise routine, so if you feel you would like to at least walk around the neighborhood, please express the interest to the group leader the night before so that IHG can make necessary arrangements.

18. I am unable to pay my outstanding balance all at once. What options do I have?

• We understand your situation. Please contact us for guidance, as we want to help you as much as possible. We can formulate a realistic interest-free payment plan (consistent with your specific financial situation) in order to meet the deadline, and we can also discuss fundraising opportunities that you could engage in with other interested participants in your session of choice.
• Additionally, we may help you formulate a letter that can be sent out to family members, professors, friends, members of groups you are affiliated with. Crowd funding is a very popular and widely used way to raise funds. Consider www.volunteerforever.com for crowd funding. By simply filling out a questionnaire, "volunteer forever" engine creates a profile for you that you could post on social media sites (Facebook, twitter, etc) in order to generate interest from your friends and people they may know. 

19. What are some ways I could cut my costs to make this experience even more affordable?

• Please click here to learn more about the following: : Referral discounts, Scholarships.

If you have any additional questions, we will gladly answer them during the phone interview. Please click here to learn how to schedule a phone interview.