What is the cost of THIS FIELDWORK EXPERIENCE?
The cost of your GOT Ministries fieldwork experience varies due to changing costs in Guatemala and variations in flight costs. Please request a OTS Budget for current costs. CONTACT US
when I could complete this FIELDWORK experience?
The Guatemalan school year runs from January to mid-October. GOT Ministries accepts applications for any time of year, though fall fieldwork students should, preferably, complete their 12-week placement by December 1 when the New Life School closes for a month-long vacation.
GOT Ministries is committed to providing the best experience for our OT students and the kiddos we serve. Therefore, in order to maximize success within such a unique fieldwork environment, we require OT Students to have already completed their first placement prior to serving with GOT Ministries . Please contact us to discuss your particular fieldwork placement needs.
GOT Ministries is committed to providing the best experience for our OT students and the kiddos we serve. Therefore, in order to maximize success within such a unique fieldwork environment, we require OT Students to have already completed their first placement prior to serving with GOT Ministries . Please contact us to discuss your particular fieldwork placement needs.
Would it be okay to complete part of my fieldwork (4 weeks) in Guatemala?
Our placements are 12 weeks only. GOT Ministries is committed to providing a high-quality fieldwork experience for OT students, along with quality OT services to New Life School students and the community of Santa Maria de Jesus. Short-term placements do not allow adequate time for students to orient to the culture, do not allow GOT Ministries to provide quality OT services to the community, and negatively affect continuity of care. Therefore, fieldwork time frames are limited to a full Level II placement.
What is the mission of the new life school and got ministries?
The New Life School exists to teach children with different abilities to love God, to love one another, and to achieve their personal, academic best. The school is for children with disabilities, ages 5 to 19, who cannot gain an education in the Guatemalan public school system. Some of the children have severe hearing or vision deficits, learning disabilities, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, or attention disorders.
The mission of GOT Ministries is to empower and serve children with disabilities through consistent therapy services, while simultaneously providing future therapists with quality opportunities for professional development. We are a Christian ministry working in a Christian school. GOT Ministries' OT students are not required to be Christian for acceptance to our fieldwork placement. However, we ask for sensitivity to our values and respect of our views and beliefs. Additionally, The New Life School has a Volunteer Regulations document that is required to be read and signed prior to the fieldwork placement.
The mission of GOT Ministries is to empower and serve children with disabilities through consistent therapy services, while simultaneously providing future therapists with quality opportunities for professional development. We are a Christian ministry working in a Christian school. GOT Ministries' OT students are not required to be Christian for acceptance to our fieldwork placement. However, we ask for sensitivity to our values and respect of our views and beliefs. Additionally, The New Life School has a Volunteer Regulations document that is required to be read and signed prior to the fieldwork placement.
WHAT is A "TYPICAL" DAY FOR OT STUDENTS IN THIS SETTING?
GOT Ministries' day begins at 7:30 am with breakfast in the home stay. The OT Student travels to New Life School in Santa Maria de Jesus via public bus transportation. Upon arrival, the OT student sees clients in the school setting both individually and in groups until noon when classes release for the day. The OT Student then provides services for 5-10 outpatient clients in the afternoon. Afternoons and early evenings are also available to prepare and plan for clients scheduled the following day. Spanish lessons are provided twice a week to maximize the opportunity for quality language immersion and development. The OT Student typically completes their therapy day by 4 pm and leaves for Antigua where they will be lodging.
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE FOR THIS fieldwork EXPERIENCE?
Generally, the dress code requires modest and professional attire. Business casual is the expectation; scrub pants and khakis are appropriate and worn often by GOT Ministries staff. Jeans are appropriate with professional tops once a week but should be worn sparingly. Comfortable shoes are necessary and extra layers are helpful as the temperature is cooler in Santa Maria de Jesus.
CAN I COMPLETE THIS EXPERIENCE FOR MY FIRST LEVEL II FIELDWORK?
This fieldwork placement is only for OT Students who have already successfully completed a 12-week experience and demonstrated their competency in that setting. This is a unique and extremely challenging placement, as we provide comprehensive, pediatric services across a wide variety of diagnoses.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR PURSUING THIS fieldwork EXPERIENCE?
- FILL OUT OUR APPLICATION FORM - Our application requires 3 references and 2 essays, and must be completed 5 months prior to placement
- LANGUAGE SKILLS ASSESSMENT - Complete a written and oral Spanish language assessment with Escuela Maya via Skype
- 2 INTERVIEWS - Face-to-Face or via Skype with GOT Ministries' Executive Director, Megan Lewis and GOT Ministries Alumni &/or Staff
- NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE- We will send an email notification regarding acceptance
- ORIENTATION - 3-4 meetings with Megan Lewis, GOT Ministries Director for orientation to fieldwork experience and culture
- SPANISH - Online Spanish classes, provided by Escuela Maya Spanish School, to acquire a level 55 on exam, which demonstrates mid-level proficiency as required for partnership with GOT Ministries
- PAPERWORK - Releases and Regulations read, completed, and signed for GOT Ministries and New Life School
- INSURANCE - OT student acquires international health insurance as needed; travel insurance is purchased with flight
- FEES - 1/2 of total cost is required 2 months prior to departure for GOT Ministries to purchase flight. Fixed expenses must be paid in-full one month prior to leaving for fieldwork placement.
Do you have spanish translators?
No, we have found relationships are extremely difficult through translators, and relationships are the most important aspect of what we do. Our OT students are required to have mid-level proficiency in their Spanish language skill prior to departure for their fieldwork with GOT Ministries.
