Short-Term Volunteer (1-4 months)

  Guatemala

Solola

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: 1 - 4 montsh

Description: The Universidad del Valle Altiplano is a non-sectarian, private university located in the state-capital of Solola near beautiful lake Atitlan. It serves indigenous local students aged 13 through adults. 92% of students receive full or partial scholarships. Our school year starts in January and ends in November. Classes run from 8 am to 5:20 pm, but most English classes are taught in the afternoon.

There are many different departments where you can get involved:

- As an English classroom assistant, you can provide teaching support in our elementary outreach programs, our middle school, our high school or our junior college. You will be working closely with one of our experienced teachers. Depending on your experience and skills, you may also be asked to provide small-group tutoring or substitute for classes.

- We have an extensive agriculture and forestry program where you can get to know local techniques and work with students.

- Other departments where you could help:
* Classroom assistant for other subjets
* Computer Department
* Enterpreneurship Department
* Community Development Department
* Administration and Finance Department
> Convention Center
... and many more. We will be glad to tailor your stay to your needs and professional experience.

Due the school's extensive scholarship program, most classes are large (25 students) and resources are extremely limited. However, thanks to generous donations, we do have excellent technology resources such as three large computer labs, wireless internet, LCD projectors, and even a virtual classroom with an interactive whiteboard and videoconferencing capability. In Guatemala, you always need to be prepared for the unexpected, so flexibility and creativity are key ingredients in your volunteer experience.

Highlights:
- Fun work environment
- Beautiful campus and surroundings
- Ideal hub for exploring the Guatemalan highland
- Ample opportunities to practice Spanish

Qualifications:
* 18 years of age
* Flexibility and creativity
* Work experience with references

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: 1200

Although medical care is excellent and cheap, we strongly urge participants to buy travel insurance in their home countries.

Experience Required: yes

Volunteers are required to show proof of previous work or volunteer experience with 2 references attesting to their work ethic, professionalism, teamwork, and sense of responsibility.

Typical Volunteer: A typical volunteer is enrolled in university or just finished university and would like to add international work experience to his or her resume. They also typically are interested in learning or improving their Spanish skills.

Age Range: 18 -

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

Participants Travel to Guatemala Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Scholarships are Available.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Universidad del Valle Altiplano's Mission Statement: The Altiplano campus of the Universidad del Valle serves highland students in 7th grade through Junior College specializing in tourism and agriculture. Most students are indigenous, 40% of whom speak an indigenous language in their homes. 92% of students receive full or partial scholarships. Many of them come from small rural towns and only get to go home on weekends. On Saturdays, the university transforms itself into a continuing education program offering teacher certification courses as well as many other classes and workshops to hundreds of adults.

Year Founded: 1966