Orientation
On arrival at the project you will have a brief orientation. This will include being shown around the project site, being introduced to the project co-ordinator and staff, a health and safety briefing and an introduction to your tasks while on the project.
Accommodation and Meals
For the duration of the project, you'll live with one of our typical Guatemalan families. Our staff personally knows all the families and their homes meet an excellent standard set by our on-site staff. All families are close friends of the on-site staff and will speak Spanish most of the time, (to help you get the most from your time in Guatemala) although there will be at least one person who can speak English.
Our families are all very warm sociable people and are very keen to accommodate international students. You will instantly be made to feel at home and will be included in all day-to-day social activities (shopping, parties, barbecues etc) throughout your stay; a fantastic insight into life in this unique and diverse country.
Your family will provide you with two meals a day (breakfast and dinner). All families are more than happy to cook any dishes that you'd like (within reason!) and many families can accommodate special dietary requirements for vegetarians and vegans. Please note that meals are not provided on Sundays. There is also a laundry service once a week.
Families belong to Guatemala's middle class, although students should take note that living standards in Guatemala are generally lower than Western Europe or North America. Family homes are located in neighbourhoods usually no more than seven blocks from our language school. You will receive a key and will be able to come and go as you please. All families have hot water and flushing western style toilets and showers. You will have you own private room and generally share a bathroom with other volunteers.
Free Time
The evenings and weekends are your own free time. During this time you can take excursions to other parts of the country, or stay in town to get to know the community and people more intimately. As part of the language programme, we offer two to three organised activities every week. In addition, students will find a daily schedule of cultural events in Antigua and surrounding areas, locations of theatres, museums, festivals as well as ticket prices. Activities include: visits to local areas of interest, dance classes, cooking classes, parties and fiestas, Spanish language videos and movies.
Our on-site co-ordinator and language school director is fantastic and will organise any tours or excursions for you very cheaply! Alternatively you can travel independently in groups with other volunteers living and working in Antigua.
Project Support
Throughout your stay in Guatemala you will have the support and guidance of our coordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.
In addition you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
Project Age Limit
The minimum age to participate is 18 years and there is no maximum age.
