General Info
This is a rewarding teaching project with underprivileged children in schools that range in size. Most are extremely poor and some have delightful names, like the Snoopy School. In some schools teaching can also take place inside or outside, or in classrooms that are semi-external.
Teaching is available from February through to November. Placement lengths are flexible and you can choose your start and finish dates.
WHY CHOOSE GUATEMALA WITH TRAVELLERS?
• FREE Social and cultural activities almost every afternoon, including: films, sports, dance classes (salsa and merengue), a trip to Cerro de la Crus, conversation classes, local handicraft classes, fiestas, visits to voluntary projects for Spanish students, visits to Jade, Silver and other local factories
• A very social experience...There are ALWAYS other volunteers and students here from around the world, so you'll have lots of company!
• Organised trips around Guatemala at the weekend... visit Mayan ruins at Tikal, beautiful Semuc Champey reserve, Lake Atitlan and more. Simply hop in the mini-van with the other students and head off! (these trips are not included in the price - you pay locally)
• An introductory Spanish booklet with lots of key phrases, free on arrival
• A huge network of staff to make you feel welcome and supported at all times
WHAT YOU’LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT
• An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into the exotic culture of Guatemala and Central America
• The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them
• New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development
• An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
• And maybe best of all ... AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE!
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
In Guatemala you can teach conversational English to children and adults. Hours of teaching will most probably be around 4-5 per day. It is possible that some classes you teach will be throughout the day and sometimes mostly in the mornings and between 4 and 7 o'clock in the afternoons. Class periods are generally 45 minutes long The schools are very colourful and often classes take place outdoors. Most of the schools we work with are based in the beautiful small city of Antigua, but some are in pueblos on the edge of the city. The city itself is only about 2 kilometres long!
LOCATION:
Guatemala is known as the Centre of the Mayan World. It is called The Land of Eternal Spring. Not only is it one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in Central America, it is also one of the largest. With oceans on two sides and bordered by Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador, there is a lot to explore! Imagine volcanoes, thick tropical forests and outstanding Mayan ruins that stretch out and above the surrounding forest canopy - you'll find it all here in this extraordinary country.
ACCOMMODATION:
You'll most likely live with a local family and this enables you to really become totally immersed in the local culture and gain insights into the way of life from the inside.
WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen! If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen. It’s as easy as that.
HIGHLIGHTS/BENEFITS
Your teaching will help in so many ways and you will be teaching to people who really want to learn as they know that it will result in greater opportunities in life for them. For the luckier ones, your teaching may mean they will get into a better university or improve their career prospects. The impact you will have on the lives of those you teach may well surprise you! Whether you’re an adventure-mad extreme sports enthusiast or a nature-loving bird-watcher, Guatemala’s awesome unspoilt natural habitat will have something for you. The extraordinary terrain around the volcanoes and caves provides the perfect setting for mountaineering and caving (spelunking) whereas the fast-moving rivers are ideal for boating, white-water rafting and windsurfing, with Lake Atitlán also popular for diving. There’s also a nearby turtle sanctuary. Besides this you can also find ample opportunity to go mountain biking, bathe in hot springs surrounded by lush green jungle, or indulge your passion for nature in one of the country’s national parks.
WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY...
"Antigua is absolutely STUNNING. I cannot stress how stunning it really is. I wish I could zap you all here just so you can see it for yourselves." - Rebecca Tilley
"I really feel that I was very well informed and it was as I expected. I met many volunteers there and have to say that of them all I was the best prepared for my stay in Guatemala. I also feel that the team were in constant touch with me and answered all my concerns and queries immediately. As an older volunteer with a family, it was importnat that I had support, which I certainly did. THANK YOU VERY MUCH for making it so much easier. I was very happy with every aspect of my stay." - Nayna Kennedy
