Overview
Long Term Volunteer Teaching Positions in Guatemala

This program offers volunteers the opportunity to teach at GVI run schools in indigenous communities for one academic year, providing the children with long-term assistance which greatly aids their development. Volunteers on this program will work alongside local staff and other GVI volunteers throughout the year. They will have two weeks holiday every three months and be free to explore Guatemala and the rest of Central America during this time. Volunteers will live with a local family in the beautiful bustling colonial town of Antigua, commuting to work each day to 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.

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Over time, you can really see the progress of the children, and not just your own class - to think I wasn't going to take the whole year off, now I am so glad I did!

Jane O'Hara, GVI Volunteer, 2008

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Long-term volunteers provide valuable assistance and, more importantly, continuity throughout the academic year. This enables volunteers and staff to closely monitor the children's progress. 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 during your downtime.

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.