Quick Facts
Program code
GL-VOL104
Category
Volunteer Work, Social Work, Community Development
Country
Guatemala
Location
Antigua
Program start
year round, start and end dates are flexible (except for December to mid-January and during the Easter week)
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
Many people suffer from poverty in Guatemala. Big families often live in extremely small, fragile huts, and it is common that parents are unable to sufficiently provide for their children. In addition to insufficient food, there is a lack of adequate housing, education, and hope for the future. For several years, private organizations have committed to helping alleviate these issues by trying to improve the situation in Guatemala little by little.
This volunteer project was founded in 1991 with the goal of helping people in need, specifically children, women, and families in Guatemala. The project is carried out at a community development center that is located on the outskirts of Antigua. The center has a school, clinic, offices, and an event room. In the clinic, families in need receive free medical care and psychological counselling from medical professionals. The meeting room is used for internal meetings and public community events, both for entertainment and to discuss and plan development work within the community.
Your help is greatly needed in Guatemala, as many initiatives are solely supported by volunteers. In this volunteer work project, you can get involved and help improve the living conditions of the poverty-stricken Guatemalan population.
In addition to financial resources, the help of volunteers is especially needed to constantly maintain the work rhythm and improve the standard of living for the areaâs residents.
Please note: The project is closed from the beginning of December to mid-January and during the week of Easter. Please keep this in mind when planning your voluntary stay abroad.
Tasks
During the course of this volunteer project, you will support the work of a community development center located on the outskirts of Antigua. Over the past 20 years, this small initiative has grown into a fully operative organization with a wide range of activities. As a volunteer, you will help in one or more of the following areas: education/teaching, building and construction, healthcare, technical support, or family development/community work. Depending on your skills and knowledge of Spanish, you will be assigned to the appropriate area(s). You can discuss your personal interests with the on-site volunteer coordinator as well.
The work hours are flexible and will be discussed with you upon your arrival to the project site. Your schedule will depend on the workload and on how many volunteers are present at a given time in the project.
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
For our volunteers, typical homestay accommodations are available in the beautiful city of Antigua.
An important part of our volunteer work projects in Guatemala has always been to provide an intense glimpse into the everyday life and culture of the host country. Therefore, our volunteers in Antigua live in homestays so that they immerse into local customs, taste authentic meals, and experience the daily life of a family in Guatemala. You will quickly realize how much your Spanish skills improve each day.
Our homestays are carefully screened and selected, and many hosts have years of experience with foreign guests.
In addition to a hospitable accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner is included from Monday to Saturday. You will be provided with a single room. A private bathroom is available at a surcharge.
Location
Antigua is a beautiful colonial town in the south of Guatemala about an hour from the capital, Guatemala City, and surrounded by perfectly shaped volcanoes. Antigua is one of the most visited places in Central America. The city is famous for its Spanish colonial buildings, picturesque courtyards, interesting markets, beautiful churches and a colorful labyrinth of streets. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage since 1979. Antigua is located in the highlands of Guatemala at about 1,600 meters above sea level.
Antigua has an abundance of tour operators and agencies that offer exciting tours to all parts of the country. Whether you want to get to know the jungle, the Mayan culture, the Pacific coast or you are looking for cultural activities, in Antigua you are guaranteed to find someone who organizes exactly what you are looking for.
Antigua has an average daily temperature of 20 °C all year round, while the nights are quite cool. The rainy season is from June to October, the dry season from November to May.
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 17 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 Community Development 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
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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.
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