Travel with a Purpose

  Guatemala

Antigua

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: On going

Description: Travel to Guatemala and get to know the work of Common Hope. Common Hope promotes hope and opportunity in Guatemala, partnering with families and communities to improve their lives through education. Volunteers work alongside our Guatemalan staff, meet students and families who are affiliated with us, and spend time learning about our work.

Volunteers can join teams of 10-12 people or form their own team from their area.

Openings 2009:
Sep 1-8
Sep 12-19

Openings 2010:
May 1-8
May 11-20
June 8-17
July 6-15
Aug 31 - Sep 9
Sep 18-25
Sep 28-Oct 7
Oct 23-30
Nov 2-11
Nov 13-20
Nov 30-Dec 9

Highlights: Joining a Vision Team allows you to experience the people, culture and beauty of Guatemala first-hand. You will learn about Common Hope's work from our staff and volunteers and meet the families whose lives are changing through their partnership with Common Hope. The trip will help you understand how deeply connected we all are - even when separated by thousands of miles.

You will participate in a variety of work and learning activities. You may visit families with a social workers, attend discussions with staff, help construct a simple home, sort supplies in the warehouse, or engage with students in the after school programs. You will work in small groups supervised by Common Hope staff.

You will stay at Common Hope's project site in modest dorm-style accommodations. Three meals a day are provided - blending traditional Guatemala cuisine and typical American fare. Transportation to and from the airport will be arranged by staff in Antigua. The staff also provides language translation during activities if necessary.

Qualifications:
Commitment - 8-10 day trips, $1000-$1200 (does not include airfare). It is our hope that team members remain involved in some way after their Vision Team experience.

Attitude - Organize and prepare with a team, work hard, grow personally, and be open to new experiences.

Abilities - The nature of the work and activities involved in the Vision Team experience can be physically demanding. Individuals with significant physical limitations are encouraged to discuss their situation with the team leader and Common Hope Vision Team staff before committing to a Vision Team.

Age - The minimum age for a unchaperoned Vision Team member is 18 years old. Youth younger than 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. There is no maximum age, however, we ask you to consider the conditions in which teams will be working and living.

Cost in US$: $1000-$1200

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers come from diverse backgrounds. Many volunteers participate as a team with co-workers, family, friends, faith or community group, rotary or civic club. Individuals are also welcome to join groups. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Age Range: min age of 18 years if unchaperoned

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Guatemala Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 10-12

Application Process Involves:

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Common Hope's Mission Statement: Common Hope promotes hope and opportunity in Guatemala, partnering with children, families, and communities who want to participate in a process of development to improve their lives through education, health care, and housing.

Year Founded: 1986