Guatemala Volunteering Opportunities: The Beginner’s Guide

Travellers Quest

Volunteer in

GuatemalaThe Beginner’s Guide to Volunteer in Guatemala Opportunities

Table of ContentsChapter 1: Getting started: Volunteer in GuatemalaWelcome to GuatemalaWhy volunteer in Guatemala?What are some volunteer projects available in Guatemala? Where are some popular volunteer destinations in Guatemala?What is the best season to volunteer in Guatemala

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Chapter 2: Choosing your Guatemala volunteer program How can I select the best organizationWho are a few of the best volunteer organizations in Guatemala?

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Chapter 3: Getting ready to Volunteer in Guatemala

Visas, Passport VaccinationsAir ticketRaising fundsSuggested readingWhat to pack Gifts for the project

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Chapter 4: Information you must know about your project

Get all details and info about your project in GuatemalaLearn about your host familyGet connected with local support Make a final call before leaving

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Chapter 5: Arrive in Guatemala and Volunteering How to make your Guatemala volunteer experience rewarding Safety while volunteering in Guatemala Do’s and don’ts in GuatemalaCultural shock Things to do in Guatemala

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Chapter 6: Completion of project & follow up 20

Chapter7: Most frequently asked questions from volunteers 21

www.travellersquest.com 3

CHAPTER 1: Getting started: Volunteer in GuatemalaWelcome to Guatemala

A country rich in Mayan history, culture and unique natural biodiversity, Guatemala is a playground for action, adventure and explora-tion. However, although it is rich in culture and natural resources Guatemala is still a 3rd world country, one stricken with poverty. The country welcomes volunteers with open arms to assist in the development of their health, construction and education systems, alongside offering the opportunity to explore the stunning countryside.

Guatemala is a country of hidden paradises, colonial history and architecture, Mayan ances-

try and vibrant colors. Geographically it may be small but it is home to exotic, majestic and diverse landscapes, vibrant modern cities and friendly people full of charm and character. A volunteering experience in Guatemala will be one like no other. It will be filled with adven-ture, discovery, beauty, sadness, smiles, stories, emotions and appreciation. Working with the people of Guatemala in their environment offers an amazing journey of self-discovery which will change the way you perceive life.

Photo Credit: rusticvolunteers.org


Why volunteer in Guatemala?

Sadly, Guatemala is a country suffering from high levels of poverty, therefore quality living conditions, healthcare systems, employment and education opportunities are almost non-ex-istent for a large portion of the population. and it has been reported to have one of the lowest rates in literacy across all of Central America. Guatemala needs volunteers to help assist in the development and support of their country. If you are looking for a volunteer experience where you will give back to those who are really in need, experience a true sense of community spirit, personal reward and sense of apprecia-tion, both during and after your placement, then Guatemala is for you.

Mayan culture: Steeped in ancient history from the Mayan civilization, you will be taken away to another world when you visit the archeologi-cal sites of the Mayan people, and astounded by the incredible innovation needed for the engi-neering and construction of pyramids, temples and ancient cities. Mayan culture is still played out in the streets, where around 50% of women and children wear traditional dress, and color-ful displays of arts and crafts are everywhere. While volunteering in Guatemala take the time to immerse yourself in both the history and pre-sent day culture of the Mayan people.

Natural wonders: A volunteering experience in Guatemala will open your eyes to the wonder of the country and its nature. It’s rich in natu-ral resources and possesses breathtaking land-scapes. The country is home to 33 volcanoes, several stunning lakes, the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, jungles, waterfalls, rivers, natural pools, caves, stunning views, hidden paradises and a diverse range of wildlife, flora and fauna making it a nature lover’s paradise.

Character and Charm: With a mix of Mayan ancestry and Colonial Spanish heritage, there is a strong sense of character and charm waiting

to be discovered in the people and streets of Guatemala. Find these in the blend of modern and colonial architecture, colorful facades and cobblestoned streets, or in the traditional dress, arts and crafts and cuisines that surround you. Walk the streets, talk to the people and it won’t be long before you discover this for yourself.

Appreciation: Volunteering in Guatemala will open your eyes to how those who have less fortunate lives. While discovering this beautiful and culturally rich country you will learn about the people: the way they live, their stories and their big hearts and souls. It will be a reward-ing experience to give something back to these people and their community, while learning to appreciate both the little things in life and what you usually take for granted

What are some volunteer projects avail-able in Guatemala?

Work with Street Children/Children At-Risk in Guatemala

The ‘Work with street children’ project focuses on looking after street children who are at risk by providing them with emotional support, edu-cation and development on topics like English and life skills, shelter and food nutrition in the hope of getting them off the streets. Your role as a volunteer with this project is to provide the children with educational assistance, lead and participate in activities and games, provide emotional support and undertake daily tasks and chores such as laundry and cooking.

Teaching and Assisting in Schools

LoveVolunteers run a very worthwhile project named ‘Teaching and assisting in schools’. The goals of this are to develop English skills in all educational areas to young children and teenag-ers from low income families. In this role you will provide teaching and assistance - working


closely with students to help them develop self-esteem, provide after school help, assist with translation of lessons and participate in general activities. Conversational Spanish is required for this volunteer position.

Animal Care/Animal Rights

The aim of the Animal Care/Animal Rights pro-ject is to protect street animals, (mainly cats and dogs), by providing veterinary treatments along with human interaction. Volunteers in this project are care for the animals in many ways, from washing and grooming, walking and playing with them, to leading obedience training ses-sions and cleaning their cages.

Healthcare (working with the elderly)

The Healthcare project aims to provide support to the elderly who are in a vulnerable state. Volunteers will work in nursing homes and senior citizen centers, helping to provide the elderly with one on one attention and health care as-sistance, as well as organizing activities, serving meals and simply being a friendly face to those in need.

Woman Empowerment Programs

The Woman Empowerment Program aims to provide women with support and training in life-skills, education and self-esteem. Develop-ing their awareness of women’s and children’s rights. ways to deal with domestic violence issues, women’s health and business skills all help women build confidence. Volunteers for this position will need to have an intermediate level of Spanish as they will be involved in con-ducting and assisting at workshops in areas such as cooking, business skills and handicrafts. Vol-unteers will also be involved in leading presen-tations/forums and discussions based on a range of topics to benefit the women on the project.

Where are some popular volunteer desti-nations in Guatemala?

Guatemala City: Known as Guate by the locals, this is the largest city in Guatemala. On first appearance it’s not as visually appear-ing as some of Guatemala’s other cities - this relatively modern and some-what chaotic place takes some time to get to know. However, once you do you will find great fine dining and shop-ping experiences, and some of the best muse-ums and galleries in the country.

Popular volunteer placements in Guatemala City are: teaching English, education and lit-eracy, business, healthcare and medicine, child care and development, support for disabilities, women’s empowerment projects.

Antigua: Surrounded by 3 of Guatemala’s volca-noes, Antigua is a city full of colored facades, Spanish baroque architecture, church ruins, cob-bled stone streets, bustling markets and vibrant culture. When volunteering in Guatemala be sure to uncover the delights of the city and its surrounding areas for yourself!

Popular volunteer placements in Antigua are: teaching, healthcare, construction, working with street children, orphanages or the elderly.

Quetzaltenango: Commonly known by the lo-cals as Xela and located in the middle of the Sierra Madre surrounded by hills and volcanoes, Quetzaltenango is Guatemala’s second larg-est city. Mayan and colonial culture blend eas-ily with modern day influences to make this a great location to experience the best of all three. Xela is less touristy than some other large cities, which makes it the perfect place for a volunteering experience where you can really integrate into and learn about the Guatemalan culture. It is also a good base for exploring many of Guatemala’s natural wonders.


Popular projects in Quetzaltenango/Xela are: women’s empowerment programs, working with at risk children, medicine and health care, teaching English and orphanage work.

Lake Atitlan: Located in the highlands of the Sierra Madre and surrounded by Mayan villages and volcanoes, Lake Atitlan is a place which exudes natural beauty, is blessed with stunning views and boasts the best climate in Guatemala. Alongside its beauty the lake is host to a range of watersports and is a nature lover’s paradise. Panajachel is the main tourist center for the lake, but there are many nearby villages in which to explore and discover the unique his-tory, cultures and traditions of the friendly and welcoming Mayan people. A volunteering experi-ence here will be a rewarding experience where you will feel like you have taken a step back in time.

Popular projects at Lake Atitlan are: Lake Conservation, Assistance and support for Mayan families and communities including education, construction and health care.

Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa: Located in the municipality of Escuintla this town is character-ized and influenced by the ancient Pipil culture which is displayed in the artworks, architecture and people. It is also home to some pre-Colum-bian archaeological sites.

Popular projects in Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa are: Construction, teaching, and environment protection.

What is the best season to volunteer in Guatemala?

Guatemala has a very tropical climate and consists of two distinct seasons. The wet season (May to October) and the dry season (November

to April). On the Pacific and Caribbean coasts you are likely to experience higher tempera-tures with high humidity, while in the mountain areas you will experience some cooler tempera-tures especially during the evenings. The best time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season where the heat is generally quite bearable and rainfall is lower. The best time however to visit Guatemala as a volunteer will really depend on the project in which you will be undertaking. It is best to check with your organization when the best time is for your chosen project.

Photo Credit: ifrevolunteers.org


CHAPTER 2 : Choosing your Guatemala volunteer program

Photo Credit: volunteerhq.org

How can I select the best organization?

Selecting the best project and organization is often the hardest part of your volunteer experi-ence as there are so many to choose from. Here are a few tips to helping you find the best or-ganization for volunteering in Guatemala.

Program Costs: Volunteering placements can be quite expensive so when choosing your project and organization it is important to find out what is included in the program fee and what it goes towards. A good organization will ensure that a portion of your fee will go directly to your pro-ject or host family.

Industry Experience: Find out about the organi-zation, when they were established, how many

volunteers they have worked with, what their mission and goal is and what experience they have in Guatemala.

Professionalism: Check the organization’s web-site. It should look professional, with no spelling or grammar errors,, anhave an up to date and well presented ‘about us’ page, a blog section with recent posts, clear,concise and relevant details of available projects, photos of volun-teer projects and placements, company infor-mation - including contact details, their history in the volunteer agency field, the number of projects they offer and their locations - as well as figures on how many volunteers they have worked with until now. Do make sure to contact the organization to see how willing they are to help you and how useful the information they provide is.


Supports your passion: You are volunteering because you have a passion to make a differ-ence in the world. Be sure that you choose an organization that supports your passion in creat-ing a positive impact with both short term and long term goals.

Who are a few of the best volunteer or-ganizations in Guatemala?

RCDP Volunteer Abroadhttp://www.rcdpinternationalvolunteer.org/vol-unteer_guatemala/

Providing volunteer placements in Quetzaltenan-go (Xela), Guatemala in the areas of Orphanage work, Street Children Projects, Teaching in Rural school, health and women’s projects the RCDP Volunteer Abroad costs start from $380 for a 1 week placement and $490 for 2 weeks. RCDP Volunteer Abroad began in Nepal in 1998 and has since been providing valuable volunteer experi-ences and positive impacts to the lives of local communities around the world.

IFRE Volunteershttp://www.ifrevolunteers.org/

IFRE Volunteers were established in 2006 and are based in the USA. They are committed to providing volunteers with wholesome cultural and community experiences while aiding in the development and support for people in 18 coun-tries around the world where living conditions, healthcare and education are in need of help. In Guatemala IFRE Volunteers offers projects in Quetzaltenango (Xela) in the fields of Women’s Projects, Health, Teaching, Street Children Pro-jects and Orphanage work. Project prices start at $460 for a one week placement and $570 for 2 weeks.

Global Crossroadhttp://www.globalcrossroad.com/

Based in the USA and established in 2003 Global Crossroad are devoted to working with grass-roots projects across 18 developing countries, with a focus on development and support for minimizing issues and situations involving chil-dren and women in impoverished and rural communities. Projects offered in Guatemala are based in Quetzaltenango (Xela) in the areas of Teaching, Working with Street Children, Orphan-age projects, Heath projects and women’s pro-jects. A one week placement starts from $460 and a 2 week placement starts from $570

Love Volunteershttp://www.lovevolunteers.org/

Are a small New Zealand based organization which began in 2009 and are committed to helping communities in developing countries around the world while providing volunteers with a genuine, safe, professional and afford-able experience. Projects offered in Guatemala by Love Volunteers are based in Santa Lucia. Two week placements are available in the ar-eas of Construction, Teaching, and Environment Protection. Prices for these projects start from $700. A 4 week Health Project is also available

Photo Credit: rcdpinternationalvolunteer.org


and starts from $805

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)https://www.volunteerhq.org/

Based in New Zealand and established in 2007, IVHQ have experience in over 30 countries around the world, IVHQ pride themselves in pro-viding volunteers with rewarding volunteering experiences while promoting responsible travel and ensuring communities and cultures are re-spected and are benefited. Projects offered by IVHQ in Guatemala are predominately located in Antigua and in the areas of Teaching English, Childcare, Medical Assistance, Animal Care, Con-struction, Special Need Care, Working with the Elderly and Eco-Agriculture Conservation. Prices for these projects start from $555 for 1 week and $745 for a 2 week volunteering placement. They also offer a Lake Conservation project at Lake Atitlan for $605 one week and up to $795 for 2 weeks.

Volunteering Solutionshttps://www.volunteeringsolutions.com

An Indian based company Volunteering Solutions launched in 2006 and now works with projects and volunteers in 30 countries across the globe. They are committed to creating and increasing

the opportunities for educational travel through volunteering placements while having a positive impact on the development of the communi-ties and countries they work with. In Guatemala they offer projects in Childcare, Teaching and Health Care in Antigua. Program prices for a 2 week placement start from $820

Maximo Nivelhttp://www.maximonivel.com/

Established in Peru in 2003 Maximo Nivel are a volunteer organization dedicated to support-ing communities and providing culturally rich volunteer programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala and Peru. Their Guatemala projects in Antigua cover the areas of: Childcare, Teaching English, Health, Animal Care and Construction. They also offer a Wildlife and Conservation program on the Tropical Coasts and in the jungle. Prices start from $585 for one week and $815 for a 2 week placement.

COINEDhttp://www.intercoined.com/

COINED are the specialists in providing Latin American volunteer experiences. Established in 1971 and based in Latin America. They are com-mitted to developing life changing experiences and developing the sustainability, education and quality of life of 14 Latin American countries. They offer a range of culturally rich immersion Spanish language and volunteer programs. In Guatemala they offer projects in Childcare, Care for the elderly and disabled care in Anti-gua. Prices for these start at $1065 for a 2 week placement. They also offer a 2 week nature con-servation project in Peten with a starting price of $920.

Frontierhttp://www.frontiergap.com/

Frontier is one of the longest running volun-teer organizations and has projects in over 50 countries. Established in 1989 and based in

Photo Credit: volunteerhq.org


the USA they are devoted to providing volun-teers in placements which are of pure benefit to supporting the needs of those in low income and impoverished areas around the world and protecting and conserving the environment. In Guatemala they have projects in Teaching and Construction in Antigua, Sea Turtle Conservation on the Pacific Coast and a 4 week Wild Animal Rescue project in the Guatemala Rainforest. Prices for these projects vary, for a 2 week pro-ject in Construction or Conservation prices start at $945. A 4 week teaching placement starts at $1495 and a 4 week Rainforest placement starts at $2095.

ELI (Experiential Learning International)http://www.eliabroad.org/

ELI is a USA based company which began in 2001 and now works with volunteers and projects in 44 countries around the world. They believe in providing experiential learning experiences for their volunteers in their placements and are committed to building strong bonds and rela-tionships with their communities and partners in order to provide long-term benefits. In Gua-temala ELI offer a range of different projects across the country. In Guatemala City they offer projects in Agriculture, Teaching, and Childcare, and Women Empowerment and Health projects are offered in the Highland Regions. Prices for these projects start from $1023 for 2 weeks. ELI also offer a Sea Turtle Conservation project on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala and prices for a 2 week placement start at $1123.

APIhttp://culturalembracebyapi.com/

Established in the USA in 1997, and serving over 30 countries API’s passion is about raising aware-ness of cultural diversity and promoting a cul-tural embrace. They aim to open the eyes and hearts of their volunteers by providing authentic experiences where they immerse and integrate themselves into local communities while provid-ing invaluable assistance and support for com-

Photo Credit: globalvolunteernetwork.org

munities in need. Their Guatemala projects are based in Antigua in the areas of Teaching, Social Justice, Health, Child care, Construction and Environmental Conservation. Prices start from $800 for a one week placement and $1080 for 2 weeks.

Global Volunteer Networkhttp://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org

Established in 2000 in New Zealand, Global Vol-unteer Network currently work with 93 different projects across 19 countries and have worked with over 19,000 volunteers. They are commit-ted to connecting communities with volunteers who are passionate about bringing positive changes into the lives of others with a focus on helping women and children in vulnerable situ-ations. Projects available in Antigua, Guatemala are:


Childcare, Teaching English, Healthcare, Lake Conservation, Coffee Cooperative, Lake Conser-vation, Construction and Animal Care. For a one week placement prices start from $750 while 2 week placement starts at $1250

Cross Cultural Solutionshttp://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/

Established in the USA in 1994, Cross Cultural Solutions have been dedicated to providing projects to benefit local communities and the environment and quality volunteer experiences for the past 20 years. Projects offered in Guate-mala by Cross Cultural Solutions are located in Guatemala City in the fields of Health, Women’s Empowerment, Support for Disabilities, Ageing with Dignity, Child Development and Educa-tion and Literacy. Prices for these places start at $2250 for one week and $2980 for a 2 week placement.

Global Leadership Adventureshttps://www.experiencegla.com/

Established in 2003 in the USA, Global Leader-ship Adventures specialize in providing quality volunteer and learning experiences for high school students while developing their aware-ness of global issues. They offer a program in Guatemala where students have the opportunity to work at a Maya School in Quetzaltenango (Xela) and integrate with the students and im-merse themselves in the culture. Program cost for a 2 week placement starts from $3399.


CHAPTER 3 : Getting ready to volunteer in Guatemala

Visas

Citizens of many countries, including the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada can spend between 30 - 90 days in Guatemala with-out an entry visa. However, it’s always best to check the current requirements for your nation-ality directly with the relevant embassy before planning your volunteer adventure.http://www.projectvisa.com/visainformation/Guatemala

Passport For entry into Guatemala all citizens must hold a valid passport with1-2 blank pages available for entry and permission stamps and be trave-

ling at least six months before the passport expires

VaccinationsHousing conditions, healthcare and hygiene are of a low standard in Guatemala and it is recom-mended that before leaving your home country, you take precautions to ensure you will not encounter any illnesses or infections while away. It is strongly advised that you have the follow-ing vaccinations. Tetanus, Rubella, Mumps and Measles Chicken Pox, Polio and a flu shot. Hepa-titis A & B, Typhoid and Rabies and talk to your medical practitioner about preventions against Malaria.

To check vaccination details and medical advice

Photo Credit: intercoined.com


for Guatemala visit the website below http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/guatemala

Air ticket

Once you have your volunteer placement you will need to organize your ticket to Guatemala. Here are some tips for helping you find the best deals around.

▪ Be flexible with your travel dates ▪ If you are looking for the cheapest price,

look for non-direct flights and flights with multiple or long layovers.

▪ Sign up for deal alerts from airlines and on-line booking engines such as Kayak.com

▪ Check flights from alternate airports

Raising funds

So you have just signed up for volunteering in Guatemala and paid for your airfare, but you are now struggling to think about how you are going to fund and support the rest of your trip. Be assured that you are not the only volunteer who has experienced this and these days there are many ways in which you can raise funds to support your volunteer work.

Set up an online fund raising campaign to raise awareness of your volunteering placement where friends, family and your local commu-nity can donate to your cause. Many people will admire your courage and ambition in doing this and will want to help support your cause. To help you get started check out the below online campaign sites.http://www.gofundme.com/tour/https://www.volunteerforever.com/

Suggested reading

Before heading off to Guatemala grab yourself a good guide book and read up on the geography,

destinations, culture, history and recommended places to visit and things to see and do: Some suggested guidebooks are ▪ Rough Guide – The Rough Guide to Guate-

mala ▪ Lonely Plant – Guatemala Travel Guide

To learn a bit about the history and culture of Guatemala check out:

“Guatemala: A Journey Through the Land of the Maya” by author Michael Shapiro and pho-tographer Kraig Lieb. This book will take you on a visual journey through the country, its land-scapes, culture, history and beliefs.

What to pack

Packing for a holiday abroad is never really an easy task and there are any many things that you will need to consider to make sure you have packed appropriately for your volunteer place-ment.

▪ You will need to think about your volunteer work in Guatemala and what type of clothes you will be required to wear for your chosen project. A teaching or healthcare position may require you to dress formally where in construction or conservation you will need protective, durable wear.

▪ The season in which you will be traveling, this will be an important factor in helping you decide what to pack but remember it’s a tropical country so be on the safe side and pack that rain jacket regardless of the sea-son.

▪ The location of your volunteer placement, what you pack for a city placement will not be the same as a placement in the jungle. Think practically

▪ Also think about the types of activities you want to do when you are there. If you are thinking about the beach than your swim-ming suit is a must, hiking than don’t forget those sturdy yet comfortable walking shoes or enjoying a night out on the town than you might want to pack something nice to wear.


Don’t forget to pack:

▪ Passport ▪ Travel documents and insurance ▪ Cash in local currency - Guatemalan Quetzal

(GTQ) and credit cards ▪ Camera and memory cards ▪ Chargers and cables for any electrical de-

vices you take with you ▪ Torch or headlight ▪ Travel towel and pillow ▪ Toiletries ▪ Spanish phrase book ▪ Your sense of good will and adventure

Gifts for the project

When volunteering in Guatemala you will realize that little gestures and signs of appreciation go a long way in building the strength of the Gua-temalan community. A small gift for your project would show a great sign of respect to them. The types of gifts of course will depend on the type of placement you are involved in, but it could be something simple as an iconic gift from your home country. If working with children think about things like, paper, pens, picture books, cards, board games, toys and learning resources.


CHAPTER 4 : Information you must know about your project

Get all details and info about your project in Guatemala

Before embarking on your volunteering place-ment in Guatemala be sure to confirm all your details and contact your organization or pro-ject to ensure that you have all your concerns and questions answered. This will help give you peace of mind when you arrive in the country and begin your placement.

• Be sure to confirm your flight details so that your arrival pick-up will be there to greet you

• Ask about what you may need to take with you or wear when undertaking your place-ment

• Expected work hours and duties while volun-teering in the project

• Contact numbers and details for any in-coun-try support

• How you will get to and from your volunteer placement

Learn about your host family

When volunteering in Guatemala you will most likely be staying with a local host family. They will provide you with accommodation, meals, friendship and a chance to learn about the cul-ture and customs of the Guatemalan people. Be-fore you go try and find out as much about your host family as possible, having a bit of an under-standing of them and their family structure and

Photo Credit: frontiergap.com


what they do will help create a bond with them when you arrive.

Get connected with local support

Once you are in Guatemala you may feel a little out of your depths and you may find you require some support. Be sure to find out before you leave if local support is provided. If so make contact with them, introduce yourself and ask for all their contact details. They will be your point of contact if you have any issues, concerns or problems with your placement or host family once in Guatemala.

Make a final call before leaving

So you are nearly ready to embark on that excit-ing Guatemalan volunteer experience! Before you go however make sure to contact your organization just to check all details are con-firmed, flights times have been received, your organization has all your contact details, place-ment dates are correct, there have been no changes to your placement, and everything is in place to ensure that you have a positive volun-teering experience.


CHAPTER 5 : Arrive in Guatemala and Volunteering

Photo Credit:barefootatlas.com

How to make your volunteer experience rewarding?

Guatemala is a country that has so much to offer tourists and visitors in terms of natural resources, activities, history and culture. How-ever it is not all smiles in Guatemala, a large portion of the Guatemalan population live in poor conditions, have no money, and have little access to quality healthcare and education. No matter how much you read and research about Guatemala there is no way that you will be fully prepared for the impact that your volunteer-ing experience will have on you, the people you meet along the way and the development of the country. Volunteering in Guatemala is bound to be a rewarding, memorable and life changing experience.

Below are a few tips to consider to help you embrace your volunteering work.

Consider your project: Choose a project or cause that you have a passion for supporting and that the organization and project share similar goals in achieving results as you do. Think about what skills, knowledge and attributes you can provide and also what you want to achieve from the project. i.e. a sense of accomplishment, achievement and satisfaction for your efforts.

Know what is expected of you: Before heading off to volunteer in Guatemala knowing exactly what is expect of you in your placement and by your host family will make all the difference. Ask your organization as many questions as you need to understand what will be required from you.


Get to know the locals: Being in a foreign place is never easy and can get lonely at times. Take the time to get to know your host family, the locals you work with and the community. They will provide a valuable source to helping you adapt to the Guatemalan lifestyle by providing you with cultural exchanges, language practice, local information and recommendations, stories and friendships.

Explore the Country: Guatemala is a small country which makes it easy to get around and discover all that it has to offer. Make the most of your free time during your placement and get out and explore the lakes, hike the volca-noes, visit the beaches, trek through the jungle, uncover the character and charm of towns and cities and marvel over the ancient Mayan ruins and cities.

Network: You will not be alone in your place-ment, get to know your fellow volunteers and the staff from your project. You are all there for the same reason so are likely to share the same passions and interests. These connections will not only be a valuable source for you while vol-unteering in Guatemala, but they can be used as support, guidance and references in the future.

Safety while volunteering in Guatemala

It has been reported that Guatemala has one of the highest crime rates in Central America, this however should not deter you from volunteering there. Most crimes are committed in Guatemala City and involve pick-pocketing, bag snatching and robbery. Remember Guatemala is a poor country so people are generally just looking for some money or items of value in which they can sell. It is just important to understand the possible issues, be aware of your surrounding and use basic common sense and observe pre-cautions in protecting yourself against potential safety hazards.

Before heading to Guatemala be sure to:

• Invest in a good travel insurance policy• Inform the local embassy of your travel plans• Keep up to date with new events that may

involve crime and safety• Find out all details of emergency services• Ensure that you give your family and friends

a copy of your itinerary or travel details.

Do’s and Don’ts for travelling in Guate-mala

DO

• Carry around a photocopy of your passport at all times

• Conceal any valuable items that you need to carry around

• Use ATMS that are inside buildings like high-end hotels.

• Watch your belongings at all times and be-ware of your surrounds and pick-pockets.

• Ask before taking any photographs of people • Speak quietly, it is considered rude and im-

polite to shout or talk loudly• Enjoy all the sites that the country has to

offer• Visit the ruins and climb to the top of the

pyramids for great views (most ruins will al-low you to climb the pyramids but be sure to check before you do)

• Try and speak the language. The locals will appreciate it

• Talk to the locals• Leave a tip for street musicians or artists if

you stop to listen or watch them

DON’T

• Drink tap water• Walk around on your own, especially in the

evening• Bring unwanted attention upon yourself• Take any artifacts or pieces of pottery from

any of the ruins. This is highly illegal• Use cash machines around the central parks.

These have been known for card fraud scams


• Ignore any kind of illness or symptoms• Look like you are lost

Culture Shock

During your volunteer placement in Guatemala you are bound to face a degree of culture shock. A visit to a 3rd world country will bring you face to face with poverty, beggars on the streets often children, disabled citizens, malnourished human and animals, poor living conditions and a lack of resources and facilities. Dealing with these sights and conditions and working with these people will bring an array of emotions and challenges.

Here are a few tips to help you with dealing with the culture shock.

Research: Read up about the economics, poli-tics, laws, living conditions, history and current news of Guatemala before you leave. There is no way that it can fully prepare you for the ex-perience but it will give you an insight into what are likely to witness and encounter.

Immerse yourself: Show an interest in all things Guatemala and get to know the country, its culture and the people. Talk to the locals, prac-tice your Spanish, find local hangout spots, visit historical or cultural monuments and appreciate the natural surrounds.

Embrace the experience: Things may get tough but it is important to remember why you chose to volunteer in Guatemala, share your passion with the people you work with and embrace the opportunity to provide those in need with your skills, support, care and friendship. Then feel rewarded by the smallest of achievements in having a positive impact on someone’s life or in the sustainability of the wildlife and nature of this remarkable country.

Reminders from home: While undertaking your volunteer placement in Guatemala it is likely that you will encounter times where you feel homesick and miss the familiarities of your county. Before you leave take some photos of your friends, family, home town and maybe even pack some of those goodies that you know you will miss the most for those times in need.

Language lessons: Not knowing some of the language can become an issue when volunteer-ing in Guatemala. Not everyone is going to speak English and in some areas of the country you may find different dialects. Enroll in some lessons before you go or once you arrive to help you alleviate the language barrier.

Check out this site for some help with some common words and expressions.http://www.veintemundos.com/en/spanish/guatemala/

Things to do in Guatemala

From nature to wildlife, adventure, history, culture and cities Guatemala has so much to offer. During your time off from your volunteer-ing placement be sure to discover this paradise for yourself. Below however are a few things in which you should not miss.

• Hike a volcano to discover breathtaking views across the country

• Take a boat ride or swim in Lake Atitlan one of the deepest lakes in the country and sur-rounded by volcanos

• Uncover the character and charm of Antigua• Visit an art inspired village run by women

and witness their skills, techniques and tal-ents in their handcrafted tapestries

• Marvel at the ancient Mayan ruins at Peten and visit the UNESCO cultural heritage site of Tikal,

• Explore the caves, swim in natural swim-ming pools and enjoy the natural paradise of Verapaces


CHAPTER 6 : Completion of project & follow up

Photo Credit: journeys4good.com

Once you arrive back from your volunteer place-ment in Guatemala, share your stories with others and write constructive reviews for the benefit of your project, organization and future volunteers. Provide your project with feedback and any recommendations you may have to en-hance the project and talk to them about ways

in which you can continue to support them from abroad.


CHAPTER 7 : Most frequently Asked Question By Volunteers How will I get from the airport to my host family/volunteer house?

Your organization will organize your airport transfers to your host family for you, and on arrival in Guatemala you will be greeted at the airport. Be sure to confirm all your flight details with your organization.

Will there be volunteer support from staff in Guatemala?

Yes, your organization should have an office or local staff to assist you once in Guatemala. Be sure to check before you leave if this support is available to you and obtain all the contact details.

How many other volunteers will be participating with me?

Numbers of volunteers vary depending on the season, the intake from the company, and project type. However most people offer their volunteering services over the summer holiday period.

If I volunteer with my friend can we be placed in the project and housed together?

In most cases this should not be a problem, however it is best to check with your organization and notify them in advance of the situation.

Are meals and housing provided?

Accommodation with a host family is usually included in your fee cost, If you are placed with a host family then usually 2 -3 meals will be provided for you. If you stay in a hostel or hotel than food is generally not included and you will have to organize your own.

Do I have to bring my own bedding and mosquito nets?

If you are placed with a host family, than bedding is usually supplied and you will not be required to bring any bedding with you. However if you are in areas of high humidity or the jungle than a mosquito net is recommended

What if I don’t speak the native language?

In Guatemala, do not expect that everyone will speak English in-fact don’t expect everyone will speak Spanish. In the indigenous areas you may find different dialects where Spanish and Mayan languages have been combined. Having knowledge of the Spanish language will however help.Some volunteer projects in Guatemala require you to speak the language so be sure to check with your organization before signing up for your placement.

How will I get to my project every day?

This will mostly likely depend on your project. Some projects many organize transport to and from your placement however there may be others which require you to organize this yourself. Check


with your organization or placement to find out more about this.

What kind of food will I eat while I’m there?

If you are staying with a host family than you will be served traditional dishes. For breakfast you are likely to have fresh fruits or scrambled eggs with black beans, corn tortillas, fried plantains and white rice. While for lunch or dinner you are likely to be served a savory stew of meat and vegeta-bles or alternatively a chicken or beef dish sautéed in chili sauce and accompanied with tortillas, rice and beans.

Do the volunteer project or organization offer treks or excursions?

No, If you want to partake in any activities or excursions than you will need to organize this your-self. Ask locals for recommendations of places to go and the best deals around.

How many hours per day will I be volunteering?

Most volunteers work between 4-6 hours a day, however this will depend on the type of placement that you are in. Some projects may require longer hours and require either early morning or late night shifts. Be sure to check with your organization before you go what your expected volunteer-ing hours are.

How much money do I need to bring?

This will really depend on how much you want to do and experience when in Guatemala. Your vol-unteer placement will include accommodation and food so you will only really need to think about your personal and travel expenses. It is possible to travel, eat well and experience Guatemala on a relatively tight budget and you should be able to get by on around $15-30 a day. However do your research and work out what you want to see and do so you can budget accordingly.

This free ebook is just written to help volunteers. So please use this book just as a general reference or source

of information. We do not guaranteed the validity of information as we cannot keep yourself updated with

changes in field or situation. So please do not use this book as a definite or authority guide. It is simple informa-

tion to help volunteers .

Guatemala Volunteering Opportunities: The Beginner’s Guide

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Transcript of Guatemala Volunteering Opportunities: The Beginner’s Guide