Quick Facts
Program code
GL-VOL110
Category
Volunteer Work, Teaching / Education, Child Care
Country
Guatemala
Location
Antigua
Program start
year round, start and end dates are flexible (except for school holidays between December to end of January)
Minimum duration
2 weeks
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Program details
Education is the cornerstone of any progress. The situation of children in Antigua, Guatemala, reflects the challenges faced by many young people in the country. Although Antigua is one of the most tourist-friendly cities in Guatemala, and indeed one of the most visited cities in Central America, many local families do not benefit from this prosperity. Children from low-income households often do not have access to a good education and suffer the effects of poverty, such as malnutrition and limited medical care.
Volunteering at a school in Guatemala gives you the opportunity to support children and young people in their education and development. As a volunteer, you can get involved in a variety of areas: from helping with lessons to organizing creative and sporting activities to promoting English skills or other practical skills. Your commitment not only helps to enrich the children's everyday school life but also gives them the feeling of being valued and supported.
Volunteering at a school in Guatemala is more than just a chance to get to know new cultures - it is a way to leave a lasting impression on the lives of young people. At the same time, as a volunteer you gain valuable personal experience and can develop your skills further.
Volunteering at a school in Antigua offers you a valuable opportunity to support children directly - be it through educational projects, leisure activities or - and this is just as important - through emotional support. Especially in a city like Antigua, where tradition and modernity meet, volunteers can help build bridges and give children hope and new perspectives for the future.
The schools in which we place our volunteers are non-profit organizations with no political or religious orientation. They are officially recognized by the Guatemalan government.
In addition to education, the schools place great emphasis on a balanced diet, health care and career advice. Unfortunately, many families live in conditions of extreme poverty. For this reason, every schoolchild receives two meals a day at school. The schools try to make families aware that their children's education is the foundation for a better life.
Tasks
Volunteering in a school in Guatemala has a clear goal: to break the cycle of ignorance and poverty through education and support. Volunteers make a great contribution to this by investing their knowledge and time.
Your tasks as a volunteer in a school:
- You work with children aged 5 to 12 years
- You work as a teaching assistant, either with the local staff, alone or together with other volunteers
- You organize sports, games and activities for the children
- You help the children with their homework
- You help in the kitchen by cooking food for the children
Volunteering in the social sector abroad offers you as a volunteer a unique opportunity to gain practical experience and at the same time discover new countries, traditions and cultures. Not to mention the charitable work you do.
Volunteering makes a decisive contribution and improves the quality of life and health of children. This helps the children to develop important potential.
Your working hours as a volunteer in a school are Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to around 12:30 p.m. and sometimes also from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
What you can bring with you for your volunteer work at a school in Guatemala:
- Materials and games to keep the children busy
- Donations of learning materials are greatly appreciated (pencils, crayons, reading books)
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
An important part of volunteering in Guatemala is immersing yourself deeply in the everyday life and culture of the host country. That's why we offer our volunteers typical homestay accommodations close to their place of work.
During your stay, you will enjoy hospitable accommodation with three meals a day (Monday to Saturday). You will live in a single room. A private bathroom can be booked for an additional charge (subject to availability). Our carefully selected homestays have many years of experience with international guests.
Living in a local homestay offers you the unique opportunity to experience the local culture up close, taste traditional food and get to know everyday life in Guatemala.
Another advantage: your Spanish skills will improve quickly through daily contact with the language!
Location
The schools where we place our volunteers are located either directly in Antigua or in San Juan Alotenango, Jocotenango and Santa María de Jesús/Sacatepéque. These are all suburbs of Antigua.
Antigua is a charming city in the south of Guatemala. Many even say that Antigua is the most beautiful city in all Central America. Located in the middle of majestic volcanoes, Antigua is famous for its Spanish colonial buildings, colorful markets, charming courtyards and magnificent churches. This typical streetscape of the colonial city gives it a unique character. Antigua has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
Antigua was the capital of the Spanish colonies in Central America from 1543 to 1773 and served as the political center of the region. Although the city was almost destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1773 and the capital was subsequently moved to Guatemala City, Antigua is still one of the most important places in the region today.
The city impresses with its pleasant climate and a large selection of museums, cultural sites as well as affordable and excellent cafes, restaurants and bars.
The city is located in the highlands of Guatemala at an altitude of around 1,600 meters. This means that the climate is pleasant all year round with average daytime temperatures of 20 °C. At night it cools down.
Antigua has developed into a popular tourist destination in Central America. Numerous tour operators offer trips to all parts of the country, be it to the jungle, the Mayan culture, the Pacific coast or the capital. The large selection leaves little to be desired.
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your volunteer work in Guatemala, we advise you to take a Spanish course before the program starts. This gives you the opportunity to slowly get used to the language, culture and mentality.
You can book your Spanish course in Guatemala directly with us!
Requirements
- Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Guatemala!)
- Minimum age 18 years
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
- Criminal record check
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by our partner organization in Guatemala located in Antigua.
Costs & Services
Our volunteer project in a School in Guatemala includes:
- Single room in a Homestay
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner (except on Sunday)
- City tour through Antigua on your first day
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- Orientation upon arrival
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Costs
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 875 (minimum stay 2 weeks)*
Each additional week: US$ 160
*Program costs include a US$ 100 donation to the program site.
Additionally, you can book:
- Airport pick-up in Guatemala City US$ 40
- Spanish course in Guatemala
- Spanish courses in Latin America
- Travel Health Insurance
Our tips (experience more + see more = save $$)
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If you need assistance in putting together your personal experience abroad, then please contact us. Our experienced staff will help you to set up your tailor-made stay abroad.
Volunteer Guide
Find valuable information about volunteering abroad in our program guides. Find out about all the benefits, possibilities and challenges, that a stay abroad offers you. Read more about the great opportunities that South America Inside has at your disposal.
Browse through our section Reading Matter!