Volunteer in Guatemala

  Guatemala

Antigua

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: 1st & 3rd Friday of each month

Description:
"Hi, this is Kim, the Program Manager for AIDE. I can tell you through personal experience that discovering the rich history, beautiful landscapes and friendly culture, Guatemala will be one of the most magical, unforgettable experiences of your life. Since the entire AIDE team, along with our sister organization Alliance Abroad Group, visited Guatemala together and participated in a project to help paint and restore a local health care facility, we would like to provide the same enriching experience to your group or organization. This experience had a profound effect on each member of our group, as we were able to experience the daily reality of living in Guatemala, especially the reality of living with a chronic disability or mental disability in a community that lacks adequate health care resources to take care of those struggling with poverty. We also used this opportunity to take part in team-building activities, sightseeing, and experiencing the nightlife of the local community in Antigua. I can't wait to help you have a similar experience."

- Kim

Highlights:
Accommodations:
During their volunteer projects, participants will live with a Guatemalan family either by themselves or with a small group of other interns volunteering in their city. Participants will be provided with 3 meals per day. Even though some host families may be able to launder participants clothes, participants should plan to spend around $3.00 USD per week on laundry.

** A handful of volunteer projects offer on-site living, instead of home stay accommodations.

In addition, although living with a host family will give participants an invaluable insight into the real Guatemala, participants may also choose to live in a student residence facility on a local school campus (for an additional fee). If participants are interested in this option, they should contact AIDE for more details.

Language Classes:
For those who need them, optional language classes are available in Antigua. Classes are held prior to starting participants volunteer projects, and participants will be placed in a small group to receive lessons. These classes include home stay accommodations and 2 meals per day. Language classes are a great way to be introduced to a new country and to improve participants command of the Spanish language.

Volunteer Projects:
Below is a brief sample of the kinds of projects we work with in Guatemala, and a few sample group itineraries. To see the complete list of all of the projects we offer, with explanation of each project, please visit our website.

If participants are interested in volunteering in an area they dont see below, they are welcome to consult with an AIDE coordinator. We do our best to accommodate all requests.

Community/ Education Projects
- Provide support to children, community residents, the elderly and disabled
- Provide English lessons

Construction
- Building Homes for Guatemalan People

Conservation/ Animal Rescue
- Jungle Wildlife Rescue Center
- Beach Wildlife Rescue Center

Also Includes:
* Pre-departure orientation
* Volunteer placement
* Travel/Medical insurance
* Visa assistance (if needed)
* Airport pick-up
* Arrival orientation
* One way transportation to the city of your project
* Accommodations and meals
* Full-time local representative in Guatemala
* 24/7 personal support
* Certificate of completion (upon request)

Qualifications:
* Participants must be at least 18 years old
* Participants must be able to speak at least at an intermediate level of Spanish
* Participants must be eligible to receive a tourist visa to Guatemala

2 Week Individual Program: USD$ 1,700/person
Additional Week(s): USD$ 275

Language Classes Fees
1 week: USD$ 400
2 weeks: USD$ 800
3 weeks: USD$ 1,200

AIDE is a non-profit organization. Donations contributed in excess of the fair market value of the services you receive from AIDE may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax adviser for more information.

Experience Required: no

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

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

AIDE 's Mission Statement: Through education and the exchange of ideas and people across borders, AIDE will build a worldwide community of global citizens who will be part of an ongoing intercultural conversation. AIDE will be a catalyst for change in the world by building bridges between individuals from diverse cultures.

Year Founded: 1992