Guatemala Volunteer Quests
Volunteer in Guatemala: 1-12 weeks

United Planet's Quest Volunteer Abroad program offers you or your group a life-changing opportunity to interact with local communities through customized work experiences, cultural activities, and home stays.

"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

Visit the United Planet YouTube page
to view a Quest video and more.

Please also visit the Guatemala Quest photo gallery.

Country and Community Information

Guatemala has been home to various civilizations dating back to at least 10,000 B.C.E. The Mayan Empire spanned the territory of Guatemala before Spanish invaders arrived in 1518. 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. Indigenous Maya still account for half of the population. The traditional dress and customs of the Maya and ancient ruins from the days of empire are part of the allure of Guatemala. Foreigners also come to Guatemala to see its beautiful mountains, volcanoes, hot springs, and Lake Atitlan. 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. The country ranks 118 out of 177 on the UNDP Human Development Index. Illiteracy, poor health, and violence against women are among the social ills afflicting the population.

Volunteer Opportunities in Guatemala

The purpose of this Quest is to promote a deeper level of cultural exchange and understanding through meaningful volunteer work at local schools, social activities in the local community, and both free and guided excursions.

United Planet is currently working with different volunteer opportunities in partnership with local organizations in Guatemala.

1) 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. As a volunteer you can help to do some 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.

2) 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.

3) 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.

4) Special Laundromat Quest

Volunteers can also work at United Planet's special microempowerment Laundromat project. The Laundromat, established with a grant from Timberland, serves as a source of income and job training center for the women of the shelter. United Planet is currently searching for volunteers to assist with the implementation of the business plan for Lavanderia Planeta Unido, including the budget and marketing plan of the project. Work also includes training the women and shelter staff on operations and planning. Volunteers who can teach basic Spanish and basic English reading and writing are essential. No specific professional requirements are necessary.

Basic to intermediate Spanish is an asset.

lavanderia

Financial Support:

United Planet is seeking both volunteers and financial support for this essential project.

If you would like to make a donation to support the Laundromat project, please call us toll-free at 800-292-2316, 617-267-7763, or click here. We appreciate your generosity.

“UP Receives Grant: Timberland Advances Special Project”. For more information click here.

Optional Spanish Language Immersion Program

Volunteers also have the opportunity to include a Spanish Language Immersion course for the first one or two weeks of their Quest. Please see the Prices and Details page for more information.

The Quests take place in Quetzaltenango (Xela), and therefore provide many cultural learning opportunities, through language classes and cultural activities. We also provide excursions, such as: a trip to Antigua or Lake Atitlan. Many of these are included in the program fee - please see the Guatemala Prices and Details page for more information.

Up to 10 hours of Spanish lessons per week are included!
Guatemala Quests run year-round and begin on the first and third Monday of each month.
Click here for a sample two-week itinerar

Visas
United Planet sends volunteers from many countries around the world. Obtaining a Visa (if necessary) is therefore the responsibility of the volunteer. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the U.S. State Department to learn more about foreign entry requirements. For citizens of all other countries, please contact your destination country's embassy in your home country or your government website. If you need a letter from United Planet to verify your participation in our program, please e-mail us with this request and we will be happy to provide one.

Health Issues and Vaccinations
Some countries require or suggest that volunteers have certain vaccinations before entering the country. Please consult your country's government website for more information regarding the health of travelers. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control to learn more about vaccinations and staying healthy while traveling. It is also recommended that you visit nearest travel clinic prior to departure.

Living and volunteering in another country, often in conditions you are not used to, can take a toll on the body and mind. In addition to the information that is provided in your pre-departure package, please research how to stay healthy in your country of destination. It could make all the difference!

Guatemala Volunteer Quests
Volunteer in Guatemala: 1-12 weeks

Request Info

Apply Now

Why Pay to Volunteer

Fundraising

Short-term Locations
(1-12 weeks)

Long-term Locations
(6-12 months)

Skills and Interest

Groups

FAQS

Picture Gallery

Volunteer Testimonials

Family and Friends Page

Connect with us on

Quick Links

Guatemala Volunteer Quests Volunteer in Guatemala: 1-12 weeks

Request Info

Apply Now

Why Pay to Volunteer

Fundraising

Short-term Locations (1-12 weeks)

Long-term Locations (6-12 months)

Skills and Interest

Groups

FAQS

Picture Gallery

Volunteer Testimonials

Family and Friends Page

Connect with us on

Quick Links

Guatemala Volunteer Quests
Volunteer in Guatemala: 1-12 weeks

Short-term Locations
(1-12 weeks)

Long-term Locations
(6-12 months)