Quick Facts
Program code
GL-VOL101
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 mid-December to mid-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 in Guatemala is technically free, however, the reality for many families is different. In a country where about 60 percent of the population lives in poverty, providing three meals a day is already a challenge, let alone buying schoolbooks, teaching materials, and transportation to arrive at school. Public funds do not cover these additional costs.
Thanks to dedicated donors and initiatives in different regions of Guatemala, foundations have been established to address this issue. With the first outreach organization being founded in 1991, various initiatives were established with the aim to give children from poor families new opportunities.
All of them are non-governmental and non-profit organizations (NGOs) that provide needy families with access to education in the outskirts of Antigua.
Through the commitment of many partners, initiatives over the years have been able to cause significant development in community structure, which now includes pre- and primary schools, career programs, hot meals in schools and kindergartens, medical care, clothing, and access to sports and leisure activities. Although lessons take place in the mornings, the afternoon activities range from homework support to creative leisure activities. Children and young adults are motivated to draw, sing, dance, learn English, acquire knowledge in computer programs, or participate in sports.
Additionally, students receive fruit, snacks, and a balanced lunch. Education is the base of any local development. Particularly in regions with a high rate of poverty, the lack of education and personal opportunities leads to violence and crime. Help us bring new hope to young Guatemalans and significantly improve the situation of families living in poverty.
Tasks
As a volunteer working with children in Guatemala, you can help with the daily work in a school and/or kindergarten, and aid in the development of children and young people from poor families. In the morning, you can help the teachers and assist them in pre- and/or primary school classes, correct homework, and review books exercises. You can also help the students with computer tasks, geography lessons, and science lessons where they can invent their own projects. In the afternoon, it is important to provide valuable educational activities to the kids, promote their talents and creativity, and keep them away from the street.
Here, depending on your own knowledge, talents and interests, you can teach English, give computer courses, help with homework, paint, dance, sing, do decorative crafts with recycled materials, play football, or promote other sporting pursuits. In general, there are lessons from Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 12 pm. Afternoon activities are carried out from 2 pm to 4 pm. Although you can volunteer either for a half-day or full day in this volunteer project, please keep in mind that the project site is dependent on the cooperation of volunteers and your commitment.
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, three meals a day from Monday to Saturday are included. You will be provided with a single room, while the bathroom can be private or shared (private bathroom as 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 at a Kindergarten or 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
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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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