Guatemala Volunteer Quests

Volunteer in Guatemala

"My experience was so great. I met people from all over the world. I learned about a different culture. I found myself being the most independent I have ever been in my life. I loved walking the streets of Antigua soaking in the history. My in country coordinators were so helpful and I feel I've made new friends out there in the world. My host family was funny and accommodating. I loved to see how their family ran as a unit, not unlike ours. The children at the orphanages were amazing, as well as the women and children at the shelter. Despite everything they had been through they were still so full of life. I can't wait to do this again in the future."

Lisa Stokes-Daugherty- United Planet Volunteer in Guatemala

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Facts

  • 122nd on the UN Human Development index
  • Most people live on $15-30 per day
  • Smaller than Louisiana

What makes a United Planet Short-term Quest unique?

United Planet’s Quest volunteer abroad programs are 100% cultural immersion experiences. UP Quest programs run year-round and are available to individuals and groups of all ages, skill levels and nationalities.  We have no doubt it will be life-changing and provide lasting memories. Read on for more detailed information about volunteer opportunities in Guatemala.

All Quests include:

  • Flexible start dates and lengths of stay (1-12 weeks)
  • Personalized attention from Coordinators
  • Local home stays or on-site lodging options
  • Exciting excursions, cultural activities and/or language lessons

Country Information

Immerse yourself in local culture and language in Quetzaltenango, the heart of the Sierra Madre Mountains, where traditional Mayan dress and customs are still very much a part of daily life. Guatemala has been home to various civilizations dating back to at least 10,000 B.C.E. , the ruins of which can still be seen today. Before the Spanish invaders arrived in 1518, The Mayan Empire spanned the entire territory of Guatemala. By 1812 Guatemala had become a republic. A civil war during the 20th century saw a standoff between the landowning conservatives—backed by the army—and a mainly indigenous majority over the issue of land reform. The country returned to peace in 1996 and is now a popular tourist destination. Although a great deal of political progress has been made in Guatemala, it is still considered one of the ten poorest countries in Latin America. Illiteracy, poor health, and violence against women are among the social ills afflicting the population. Volunteers in Guatemala empower women and children at a shelter for domestic abuse victims or teach English and organize activities at a boy’s orphanage. Brush up on your Spanish while you’re here with 10 hours of Spanish classes per week included.

 

Volunteer Opportunities in Guatemala: 1 - 12 weeks

United Planet currently offers volunteering opportunities in partnership with local organizations in and around Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.

What's Included and Program Details

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Guatemala Prices and Details

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Sample Guatemala Itinerary

Highlights

  • Excursions to local markets, villages, volcanoes and Lake Atitlan (depending on length of stay)
  • Guatemalan cooking or weaving classes
  • 10 hours of Spanish classes
  • One- to two- day trekking options are also available.

Quest Program Briefs

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Orphanage Quest
United Planet's partner orphanage in Xela is a home for boy's where all of the children's basic needs are met (shelter, food, clothes and education). The center also focuses on creating an environment that encourages the children's growth and develpment. The children range in age from 1 to 14 years old; many have been abandoned, are sick, belong to single mothers or have been separated from their parents by the state to ensure their wellbeing. Volunteers at this site in Guatemala help do some light construction work such as repairing windows, doors etc. Volunteers can also teach English, organize artistic (theater, music, arts) and sports activities, help the children with their homework or teach agricultural education. Volunteers with no previous experience are welcome and social workers, psychologists and teachers are also needed. Intermediate Spanish required.
Healthcare program in Guatemala
 Health Clinic Quest
United Planet has a relationship with a local health clinic in Xela, where doctors in seven different specializations see patients and perform routine tests. Students of medicine may have the opportunity to shadow a local doctor. Nutritionists can also help at the women's shelter or orphanage by giving talks on reproductive and maternal health. Intermediate to Advanced Spanish required.


Women's Shelter Quest
Volunteers can empower women and children at a battered women's shelter in Xela. The shelter is managed entirely by women and funded by private donations. Volunteer work includes tutoring the children before and after school and/or organizing recreational and creative activities for the children and their mothers. Volunteers do not need any previous experience. Psychologists and teachers are especially welcome. Basic to Intermediate Spanish required.

Three Easy Steps to Apply

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Step 1: Choose your Volunteer Abroad Quest Country and then fill in the online application.

Step 2: Submit your $250 deposit at the time of application. You may pay the deposit online with a credit card as part of your application process, call our office at 1-800-292-2316 to provide your credit card information or send a check to our Boston office.

Step 3: The Regional Coordinator in the Boston office will contact you to arrange a phone interview. 

Questions about applying?

Call one of our friendly regional Quest coordinators today. We will walk you step-by-step through the application process and answer any questions you may have.

Fundraising

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