Volunteer with the Indigenous Maya in Guatemala

  Guatemala

Antigua

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: 1st Thursday of each month

Description: Make a difference to children whose lives are marked by extreme poverty on this GVI project in Guatemala. Learn Spanish, live with a local family, experience the beauty of the old Spanish colonial town Antigua, and explore beautiful rural locations.Work in schools established by the project, run in conjunction with indigenous communities in rural areas around Antigua. Two weeks of one on one Spanish classes (based on skill level) are included, as well as a significant financial donation to the project. Those who choose to take Spanish will volunteer on their projects in the afternoons. After these two weeks, volunteers will then work full-time at the project. Early on in your stay you will spend a weekend with other GVI volunteers mountain biking to Lake Atitlan, a beautiful volcanic lake. Once there you can enjoying hiking, kayaking and stay in a majestic lakeside hotel.

Highlights: Enjoy a unique travel experience whilst making an exceptional difference to the lives of Guatemalan children born into extreme poverty. By interacting with the local community you will learn a new language and truly experience the Guatemalan culture in the beauty of Antigua. The project fee includes all food and accommodation, 15 hours free internet access, an adventure weekend, and a project donation of 50 trees, a 1-year scholarship for a child, and $100. The free adventure weekend includes mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, sightseeing and souvenir shopping.

Qualifications: No skills are required as full training is provided, however various skills are of great use. Professionals such as Doctors, Nurses, Teachers and Counsellors are particularly necessary and special project placements may be arranged for applicants with such an expertise.

Cost in US$: From $1900 for 4 weeks

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical GVI volunteer! Our volunteers are from 18-65, from all nationalities, backgrounds and walks of life. Whether you are on a gap year, taking a career break or wanting an adventure, GVI can find something to suit you!

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Guatemala Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Global Vision International's Mission Statement: 2008 marks a decade of commitment from GVI to all volunteers and partners. Global Vision International aims to promote the advancement of sustainable development through the creation of partnerships, promotion of local and global education, opportunities and via direct financial support. GVI remains committed to its local partners by ensuring they receive full credit for any research undertaken or achievements reached.

Year Founded: 1998