Experiential Learning Abroad

  Guatemala

San Marcos

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: rolling

Description: We offer study, work-study and volunteer positions in the following areas of interest: Alternative Healing Modalities, Acupuncture Internships, Meditation and Comparative Religious Studies, Rural Healthcare, Non-Profit Governance and Project Implementation, Midwifery and Family Health, Spanish Language Immersion, Medical Spanish, Traveler's Wisdom, First-Aid and Self-Defense, 'Planetary Medicine', Plants and Food as Medicine, Shamanic Studies and Environmental Research and Rejuvenation.

Highlights: Calacirya Foundation and CIELO provide experiential learning opportunities, work-study internships, medical externships and volunteer service opportunities on the most beautiful lake in the world - Lake Atitilan in the highlands of Guatemala. The stunning scenery is appropriate to the life-altering experiences that people report after spending a few weeks or months discovering the culture of the Maya people and the incredible mixture of ancient and modern, indigenous and European culture that has met and melded into one single community on this breath-taking lake. Our programs feature tremendous breadth and depth of instruction and all are based in the saying 'learn by doing.' Experiential learning is only natural in a place that offers so very much to do and see, all at a pace that makes North Americans and Europeans wonder about the rush of their lives prior to arriving. We offer great flexibility for our candidates by creating each experience to meet the specific interests of our applicants.

Qualifications: Positions are open for high school students as well as university undergrad and graduate candidates. Calacirya Foundation and CIELO - our partner experiential organization - tailors each experience to the unique abilities of each potential candidate. At minimum, candidates must have a strong interest in their chosen area but no actual experience is required.

Cost in US$: $1400

Salary / Pay: Any stipend or salary is strictly for work-study candidates.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Typical volunteers are undergraduate and graduate students as well as secondary aged students who wish to gain experiential insight into their given area of interest. Our focus in on the environment and its relationship to health outcomes. Most student/volunteers are interested in some aspect of sustainability, healthcare (including healthcare professionals i.e. MD's and licensed acupuncturists) and cross-cultural and women's issues. Spanish language emersion is a part of each and every program.

Age Range: 16 - 65

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and World Wide 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 of 3-20

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Other
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Job and Internship Network

Calacirya Foundation's Mission Statement: The mission of Calacirya Foundation is to assist in bettering the lives of impoverished and underserved people while promoting greater cross- cultural understanding. Championing the ideals of teamwork and self-empowerment, the Calacirya Foundation creates opportunities for people from different cultures to learn from each other through community service and experiential learning.

Year Founded: 2002