CHP Interprofessional Global Health Programs: OT in Guatemala
Dates & Deadlines
| Term | Year | Application Deadline | Decision Date | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | 2026 | April 29, 2026 | TBD | October 10, 2026 | October 17, 2026 |
Program Description
The Occupational Therapy Department aims to expose our students to global health issues, cultural awareness and humility, social justice and healthcare development for disadvantaged communities in the United States and abroad through service-learning healthcare programs. Our service-learning approach envelopes our academic programs with community service in combination with critical, reflective thinking. Teams of 15 to 25 OT, PT and SLP professors and students travel twice each year to the Greater Panchoy Valley surrounding La Antigua, Guatemala. After pre-trip preparation learning activities, our students participate in pop-up clinics, school-based services and wheelchair fitting and distribution to communities in Guatemala. We also conduct community needs assessments and develop community health projects as part of the Community/Population Needs and Health I and II courses to integrate our global service learning into the occupational therapy curriculum. These service learning activities are done in conjunction with local community stakeholders and leaders to collaborate with the local community and promote sustainability. The principles of service-learning and collaborative interprofessional practice and cultural humility frame the objectives of the experiences.
Our teams stay in the historic town of La Antigua. Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of colonial churches and old ruins. Antigua is set-up to host tourists with a variety of activities, attractions and restaurants. Stroll down Fifth Avenue under the famous Santa Catalina arch during your free time, or wander down to the artisans market to purchase an assortment of souvenirs.
We have community partnerships with two special needs elementary schools, an orphanage, a special needs residential facility, Beeline Guatemala wheelchair clinic and local municipalities around Antigua to provide home-based rehabilitation services to the community. OT, PT, SLP students learn and work on interprofessional teams under the supervision of faculty and are exposed to unique clinical situations and determine assessments, interventions and program implementation. An innovative service-learning experience provides a platform for communities, individuals and students to collaborate while also fulfilling the mission statement of the College of Health Professions “to educate skilled health professionals dedicated to social justice, mutual respect and human dignity.” The overarching goal is for students to commit to service as a means of giving back to marginalized communities during and after completing their education at Sacred Heart University.
The March and October service-learning programs are open to OT PY1 and PY2 students (applications are completed and accepted during the first and second PY1 semesters).
Lodging, located at Posada el Antaño, is included in the program fee. Free Wi-Fi is also available. The hotel's information is as follows:
Posada el Antaño,
6 Avenida Norte #36,
Antigua, Guatemala
011.502.7832.0134
727-230-4704 (this is a VoIP number, therefore, can be dialed as a local number in the U.S.)
All meals are provided and included as part of the program fee. You are responsible for your own snacks, if desired.
Friday is a free day to explore Antigua, shop or just relax. Excursions are available for an extra fee and range from $11 - $60. Excursion options include: Hiking a volcano, zip lining, coffee plantation tour, horseback riding, relaxing at the local resort, museum tours, and more!
Program Costs
The total fall 2026 program cost due to Sacred Heart University is $2,483.
- $955 confirmation fee
- $1,528 program fee
- $45 application fee
Program Fee Includes:
- Program orientation
- International airfare from NY area
- US and local ground transportation from NY area
- Housing in a shared hotel room
- All meals
- Program excursions
- Mandatory basic international health and evacuation insurance
Program Fee Does Not Include:
- Free day excursions
- Snacks
- Major medical insurance
- Visa/resident permit fees (U.S. residents do not need a visa)
- Vaccination fees
- Mandatory trip cancellation insurance
- All personal expenses
Payment Due Dates
- Upon Acceptance: $955 confirmation fee + $45 application fee paid online via credit card.
- June 1: $1,528 program fee paid online via credit card.
The Ellie Weinsten Scholarship is available to all students traveling to either Haiti or Guatemala. Details are in the Occupational Therapy Program Student Manual.
Amy Jennings
Study Abroad Coordinator, Office of Global Education
Phone: 203-416-3160
Email: jenningsa6@sacredheart.edu
This program takes place during fall break. Students typically leave SHU early on Saturday morning and return the following Saturday evening.
- Day 1: Depart the U.S. and arrive in Guatemala
- Day 2: In-country orientation
- Day 3-6: Clinics
- Day 7: Excursion day
- Day 8: Depart Guatemala