“Hands to Care”: Public Health Mission Trips for University Students
Hands to Care is Hands on Peru’s structured public health mission trip program for undergraduate and graduate students during winter, spring, and summer breaks. Designed for students interested in medicine, public health, global health, anthropology, nursing, or related fields, the program provides an immersive opportunity to gain hands-on experience while learning about Peru’s healthcare system and communities.
Students participate in 4–6 hours of hands-on clinical and public health activities each day, working alongside healthcare professionals and Hands on Peru staff and plenty of opportunity for direct-patient contact. Depending on the program and students’ backgrounds, activities may include assisting with community medical campaigns, supporting health screenings, shadowing healthcare providers, participating in public health education, attending medical and public health classes, and engaging in community-based projects.
As part of the program, students receive practical training in key public health and clinical topics, including glucose testing, anemia and hemoglobin screening, vaccines, triage, and taking vital signs. These trainings prepare students to confidently participate in community health activities and better understand the health needs of the populations they serve.
Students will also receive a comprehensive Spanish vocabulary guide focused on healthcare and everyday communication, giving them the tools they need to interact with patients and community members. Throughout the program, students have opportunities to practice their Spanish in real-world settings, helping them build confidence communicating with Spanish-speaking patients and healthcare professionals.
Beyond the clinical experience, Hands to Care incorporates cultural activities and opportunities to learn about health, culture, and social determinants of health in Peru. Students gain a firsthand understanding of how healthcare is delivered in resource-limited communities while developing practical skills and a deeper perspective on global health.
Whether you are exploring a career in medicine, preparing for graduate school, or simply passionate about improving health equity around the world, Hands to Care offers a meaningful combination of clinical experience, public health education, Spanish language practice, cultural immersion, and service.
Programs are available during winter, spring, and summer university breaks.
PROGRAM COST & DATES 2026:
| Special Sessions | |||||
| Dates | Application Deadline | Minimum Donation | |||
| Winter Break (20 days) | December 16 – January 4, 2026 | October 16, 2026 | $2100 | ||
| Spring Break Session (1 week) | March 13 – March 20, 2027 March 20 – March 27, 2027 | February 1, 2027 February 8, 2027 | $1600 | ||
Requirements
All volunteers are required to take the Global Ambassadors for Patient Safety (GAPS) workshop before their arrival to Peru.
All Hands to Care volunteers are responsible for bringing the following: scrubs, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, lab coat. You will receive more details in your pre-trip preparation.
Shadowing
Hands to care volunteers will have the opportunity to shadow local doctors in one or more of the following rotations in a local Trujillo hospital or state health center: ultrasound, surgery, dentistry, physical therapy, pediatric, topical, X-rays, labor & delivery among others
Volunteers who are in undergraduate programs:
Triage: The volunteer will be expected to be able to take height, weight, blood pressure, respiration rates, pulse, and clinical history in CESAPU.
Additional: The volunteer will also be trained to do the following: glucose tests for diabetes, vaccinations, and other non-invasive basic medical procedures in CESAPU.
Interns who are in graduate health programs: Please see group mission trips if applicable.
Triage: The volunteer will be expected to be able to take height, weight, blood pressure, respiration rates, pulse, and clinical history in basic triage in CESAPU
Additional: The volunteer will also be trained to do the following: glucose tests for diabetes, auscultation exams, and potentially assist the nurses with administering vaccines. Students already in post-graduate programs will be encouraged to get more hands on experience with the patient under the supervision of a physician. They may be able to assist with pap smears and/or prostate exams. Physical therapy, chiropractic students and dental students will be able to get experience under their respected licensed doctors as well.
Research: If you are interested in completing a research projects, please contact Katie Baric directly.
Your program fee includes:
| Included | Not Included |
| Airport pick up/drop off from Trujillo airport | Airfare to Peru (must fly into Trujillo) |
| Comfortable home-stay (WiFi, warm water, and other amenities) | Travel Insurance |
| 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) included in your homestay | Hostel stay and meals in Lima and meals you choose to eat outside of your homestay |
| Transportation to the worksites and to the programmed activities. | Personal vaccinations and medications and coverage of medical expenses in case of an emergency |
| 3 cultural activities | Extra Activities – Club HOP: These are optional activities that you may chose to partake in during your stay in Trujillo / Huanchaco |
| Hop volunteer t-shirt | Personal Expenses |
| All tools and equipment necessary for the health and education campaigns. | Specialized equipment and/or medications |
| Medical training classes & supervision | Personal spending and meals of any weekend travels |
| 24+ hour support from volunteer coordinators | Additional Trips (The Trip to Sacred Valley is only included for the Summer Travel sessions) |
| Invaluable, unforgettable life experience!!! | |
Notes:
* Note: Dates can be flexible according to your university schedule & flight prices.
* Note: The program fee does NOT include the foreign transaction fees from payments made outside of the USA or Peru.
