Volunteer in an Orphanage in Guatemala (Quetzaltenango)

  Guatemala

Xela

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: United Planet's Quest Volunteer Abroad program offers you or your group a life-changing opportunity to interact with local communities through customized work experiences, cultural activities, and home stays. United Planet Quests are offered in 50 countries from 1-52 weeks.

Volunteer in a variety of different locations while immersing yourself in the culture of Guatemala. Due to its large indigenous population, Guatemala maintains a rich culture. You will be staying in the heart of the Sierra Madre mountains in the city of Quetzaltenango (called Xela for short). Surrounding Quetzaltenango are various villages of Quiche and Mam origin, containing market squares and churches in the old colonial style. Explore the beauty of Guatemala while volunteering with those who need your help. For more detailed information, please visit our website.

Highlights: United Planet's Quests offers volunteers a unique blend of work, cultural emersion, and fun. All ages and skill levels are invited to apply. Everyone has something to offer!

Guatemala Orphanage Quest:

This orphanage is a boys children home where the basic needs of children can be met (shelter, food, clothes, education etc). This center pays great attention that an environment is created that encourages the growth and development of the children. They welcome children from 1- 12 year-old that have been abandoned, are sick, belong to single mothers, or that have been separated from their parents for preventive measures.

As a volunteer you will help the children with their homework. You can also organize any kind of artistic activity (theatre, music, arts) with the children or teach agricultural education. Volunteers can also help to do construction work such as repairing windows, doors etc. Volunteers with no previous experience are welcome!

Qualifications: None

Cost in US$: Prices starting at 1,295 USD

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: International volunteer travel is often filled with unpredictable surprises, such as transportation delays, local holidays, etc. Cultures may vary greatly and you might feel outside of your comfort zone in some situations. People, including the local population and fellow Quest participants, might have different religious, ideological, racial, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds. United Planet offers volunteer opportunities to people of all ages and backgrounds and request that volunteers strive to always be: flexible, courageous, open-minded, tolerant and compassionate. United Planet volunteers are offered pre-departure training and materials, which include cultural adjustment tools and other tips to help you adjust to your new surroundings.

Age Range: 18 and up

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Guatemala Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available.

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

United Planet's Mission Statement: As an international non-profit organization, United Planet (UP) strives to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. United Planet's global network of leaders and volunteers fosters cross-cultural understanding and addresses shared challenges to unite the world in a community beyond borders. In 2008, United Planet was one of only ten organizations selected by CNN to be part of its "Be the Change" initiative.

Year Founded: 2001