Overview
Volunteer Work in Guatemala

This is one of GVI’s most popular projects, owing to the exceptional volunteer feedback it receives. Volunteers live with a local family in the beautiful bustling colonial town of Antigua, Guatemala, and travel everyday to work with indigenous communities nearby. Education is not free in Guatemala and much of the population lives below the poverty line, so GVI, along with leaders of the indigenous communities, has built schools that are free to attend. By working in these, volunteers will make a real personal difference to the lives of underprivileged children.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, volunteer stories from the field, volunteer video diaries and more at the programs media centre

Worthwhile doesn’t come close to explaining my feelings on the project. It was wholly fulfilling and perhaps even life changing.

Nathan Golan, 2008

What Difference Does This Project Make?

A substantial part of the fee goes towards the day-to-day running costs of the projects themselves throughout the year, which includes rent, electricity, local salaries, fruit and other food for the children, educational materials for classes, monthly birthday and other celebrations, painting and maintenance. We currently pay for over 400 children to attend National School, as well as our own schools. Of these, almost 50 children entered Secondary School and 8 entered College. Included in your fee is one scholarship per child, per year.

Highlights

Living with a host family in Antigua; learning Spanish (optional); teaching literacy and numeracy to indigenous children in remote communities in GVI schools; going on an adventure weekend at Lake Atitlan (optional) to enjoy activities including hiking, biking and kayaking, opportunities for Salsa Classes and further travel.

Location

Guatemala is one of the jewels of Central America, packed with ancient ruins, active volcanoes and intriguing Mayan culture. Volunteers live in the beautiful old Spanish colonial town of Antigua and project work is carried out in communities all within a one hour journey from the town.

Field Conditions

Living with local families in comfortable but basic accommodation allows for an enriching cultural experience and the valuable opportunity to practice your Spanish! All accommodation provided is private and includes three meals a day (apart from Sundays). Lunch is eaten in the communities with a local family during the week. Travel upgrades are available for this project see dates and costs for more information.