We are very aware that you are travelling to a foreign country at a considerable geographical and cultural distance from your own. For this reason we have a number of measurements in place to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible.
Health specifics for La Paz
La Paz is a high altitude city, at 3600m above sea level. It is also very hilly, providing for stunning views, thin air and a pumping heart! Most people will feel the effects of the altitude when they arrive, usually in the form of light headaches or maybe an upset stomach. However it is rarely a serious problem. If there is any reason why you think you may be more severely affected you should consult your doctor.
Malaria is not a risk in La Paz, as it is too high up. However, it is prevalent in the eastern, tropical areas of the country, (the Amazonic region) so if you want to travel there you should look into getting a course of pills.
Vaccinations
Depending on where you have travelled to in the past you may or may not need new vaccinations to go to Bolivia. The following vaccinations are standard for the country:
- Yellow Fever
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A
- Measles Mumps and Rubella
- Dipheria Tetanus and Polio
- Usually Hepatitis B and Rabies will be recommended if you are staying for longer than one month.
We give out this information as a general guideline, but we are not doctors (!) Our advice is that whatever vaccinations you've had in the past, you should consult your doctor or travel clinic before traveling just to check you're up to date on everything.
Insurance
We require all interns to provide proof of full medical insurance; this ensures that you will get the appropriate care should anything happen to you. Our team will thereby also have the correct contact details in case of an emergency.
Embassy Registrations
We will require all British Nationals to register with the British Embassy in Bolivia. This does not take long, and ensures that the Embassy is aware of your presence. See the British Embassy in Bolivia page for information on how to do so. There is a similar procedure for US residents at the US department of state travel page. If you are not a British or US citizen you will need to look into information on your embassy and whether you can register there.
Pre-departure information
We will be in close email contact with you before your arrival, giving you all the information you need. If there is anything you are concerned about that you feel we have not covered, just email or give us a phone call. Phone numbers are listed under contacts.
In-country Orientation
When you arrive you will be provided with a list of local public contacts, such as a doctor, hospital and other valuable information. We will also give you information on lifestyle safety measures and the dynamics of La Paz as a city.
24-hr Contact
On arrival in Bolivia you will be provided with all of the team's contact details, in case of any kind of difficulty or query we are just a phone call, text message or email away. As we are a small organisation we hope you will be able to develop a personal relationship with us and not hesitate to approach us should anything concern you.
Staff in Europe
You will also have the contact details of our staff in Europe (sophia@bolivianexpress.org). This is to give you a contact closer to home should this make you feel more comfortable. We will also be dealing with your pretrip enquiries and applications.
Accommodation
You will be housed with other interns, a relaxing space in between the challenges and sometimes exhaustions of confronting another culture. Our accommodation is in a residential district in the centre of town, conveniently located and in a secure area. It is also fully equipped with wi-fi, enabling you to be in close contact with friends and family back home.
