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

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

Guatemala Prices and Details

Sample Guatemala Itinerary

Highlights

Excursions such as visiting local markets, villages, volcanoes and Lake Atitlan
Guatemalan cooking or weaving classes
Spanish classes

Quest Program Briefs

	Orphanage Quest Minimum Stay: 1 week Volunteers needed: Year Round Requirements: At least 18 years old, Intermediate Spanish, previous international travel experience recommended 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 socialworkers, psychologists and teachers are also needed.
	Health Clinic Quest (Currently not accepting enrollments) Minimum Stay: 2 weeks Volunteers needed: Year Round Requirements: At least 18 years old, Intermediate Spanish, previous international travel experience recommended Volunteers will assist and shadow different types of doctors in a small clinic such as dentists, pediatricians, gynecologists, internists, etc. Volunteers may perform home visits with the nurses, take patient vitals, assist or shadow doctors with surgery and child delivery, perform dental hygiene demonstration, give fluoride treatment. Tasks will also depend on the needs of the patients who are at the clinic. The volunteer should be very flexible, especially in terms of schedule, as the need of the community comes first. Please note that the volunteer can be on call in case of an emergency. The primary task for students is observation. Volunteer tasks will vary depending on the volunteer’s level of medical expertise and Spanish ability.
	Women's Shelter Quest (Currently not accepting enrollments) Minimum Stay: 3 weeks Volunteers needed: Year Round Requirements: At least 18 years old, Intermediate Spanish, previous international travel experience recommended 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.
	Teaching Assistant Quest Minimum Stay: 1 week Volunteers needed: Year Round except November and December Requirements: At least 18 years old, Intermediate Spanish, previous international travel experience recommended In this quest you will have the opportunity to assist the teachers with the daily activities for the students. You can also teach English and assist with Science and Sports classes. Other activities you can help with are playing with the kids, taking care of them and helping them with their homework. It is possible for you to do creative activities with the kids always with the agreement and supervision or the teacher in charge.

Three Easy Steps to Apply

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.

Step 1: Choose your Quest. Contact us at any time for help! We'd love to talk to you. Email or call 1-800-292-2316.

Step 2: Enroll online. Please fill in the enrollment form. Then reserve your spot with a deposit (which will be credited toward your program fee).

Step 3: Meet your Quest coordinator and iron out the details. Once you've applied, your United Planet coordinator will contact you, and arrange a phone session to talk about your Quest of interest. THANKS!

Fundraising

Scholarships and Grants page for current opportunities and resources.
Fundraising page
Special Discounts