A Life-changing, Rewarding and Affordable Guatemalan Experience!
Volunteer in Guatemala and escape to the heart of Central America for the opportunity of a lifetime! Guatemala is the perfect place to learn Spanish, volunteer and travel. This is one of the few countries in Central America were ancient cultures are still intact, which is apparent by the local's colorful and traditional attire. While Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, thirty-one different ethno-linguistic Mayan groups still speak their ancestral languages. For a magical and unforgettable experience, travelers should look no further than the "Country of Eternal Spring." Guatemala boasts Mayan ruins, mystical volcanoes, colorful traditions, picturesque nature and exquisite cuisine. Travelers are captivated by Guatemala's alluring variety of landscapes, flora and fauna. Rustic Volunteer invites you to volunteer and travel in Guatemala and explore the beautiful country while working to aid deprived Guatemalans. You can choose from a variety of projects such as teaching English, working in an orphanage, improving local healthcare and helping street children/at-risk children.
For a magical and unforgettable experience, travelers should look no further than the "Country of Eternal Spring." Guatemala boasts Mayan ruins, mystical volcanoes, colorful traditions, picturesque nature and exquisite cuisine. Travelers are captivated by Guatemala's alluring variety of landscapes, flora and fauna. Rustic Volunteer invites you to volunteer in Guatemala and explore the beautiful country while working to aid deprived Guatemalans. You can choose from a variety of projects such as teaching English, working in an orphanage, improving local healthcare and helping street children/at-risk children.
Guatemala awaits you. Send us an email now! The sooner you contact us, the sooner you can begin the experience of a lifetime.
get more informationAll volunteer programs start on the first and third Monday of each month.
If you are tired of expensive volunteer programs but want to make a positive contribution in the world, look no further! Rustic is dedicated to offering high quality, well-organized and meaningful programs at the most affordable price in the United States. We work hard to keep costs as low as possible, focusing on the effectiveness of our projects, the safety of our volunteers and the quality of participant experiences. We currently offer the most competitive price possible in today's market including an application fee (of $299) AND a small weekly fee as follows:
| Weeks | All Other Projects | Medical project |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | $110 | $135 |
| 2 Weeks | $220 | $270 |
| 3 Weeks | $330 | $405 |
| 4 Weeks | $440 | $540 |
| 5 Weeks | $550 | $675 |
| 6 Weeks | $660 | $810 |
| 7 Weeks | $770 | $945 |
| 8 Weeks | $880 | $1,080 |
| 9 Weeks | $990 | $1,215 |
| 10 Weeks | $1,100 | $1,350 |
| 11 Weeks | $1,210 | $1,485 |
| 12 Weeks | $1,320 | $1,620 |
Mandatory Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3.49/day
Airport Pick up and Transfer to Xela from Guatemala City- $40 to $80 (depending on type of accommodation)
The volunteering programs in Antigua, Guatemala fees will cover expenses that will begin on the first day of the program (usually the first or third Monday of the month) to the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the program or you decide you stay beyond your program’s last day, you will be responsible for the additional expenses, which would typically be around $30 a day for room and meals at a hostel.
get more informationFor endless reasons, Guatemalan tourism has seen annual increases in English-speaking tourists. In order for the youth of Guatemala to be able to compete for jobs within the global economy, they must speak the language spoken more and more by the global market. Rustic Volunteer places volunteers in various schools in Guatemala to assist teachers effectively teach English. As a volunteer teaching English in Guatemala, you can open doors for children and provide them with an abundance of opportunities. Your time with these children will be give hope to Guatemala’s youth and brighten their futures.
School will remain closed in Guatemala from 12 October to 15 January. The project is not available then but volunteers can enroll in street children project.
Volunteers/travelers will teach or work as a teacher's aid during classes at kindergarten, primary or secondary schools. The academic year is approximately 10 months, from January to October of each year. Classes are usually scheduled from 7:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Examples of daily activities may include:
No specific qualifications are required to volunteer in the English-teaching project in Guatemala. However, interested individuals should have a passion and desire to teach younger children (and occasionally teenagers) and be comfortable fulfilling the role of English-instructors and/or teachers' assistants. While Spanish is preferred, it is not required. If your Spanish skills are poor we suggest enrolling in our Spanish Language Program. All volunteers are encouraged to be flexible, patient and adaptive.
Volunteer in Guatemala in the healthcare/medical project and improve Guatemalan quality of life. Few healthcare facilities exist in rural Guatemala and even fewer people are aware of health issues and basic healthcare solutions. As a result, poverty hinders Guatemalans in their pursuit of healthy lifestyles and adversely affects their social well-being. Rustic Volunteer placescaring and responsible volunteers/travelers on the front lines of Guatemala’s healthcare problems. This is the perfect project for those interested in a healthcare/medical career to grow professionally and personally.Volunteers have the opportunity to spread health education and directly help people. Not only can volunteers improve the lives of others, they can travel throughout Guatemala, learn about Mayan culture and leave the country with a great sense of accomplishment.
As a volunteer in the healthcare/medical project in Guatemala, your role can range from observational to basic assistance, depending on your level of prior experience. Volunteer responsibilities vary greatly depending on the clinic, Spanish level of the volunteers and the number of volunteers. Short-term volunteers work on simple projects such organizing medical supplies, taking vital signs and observing doctors, especially if they do not speak Spanish. Longer term volunteers tend to form relationships with the doctors/nurses and are trusted with more responsibility. If you have the specific skills, you can help care for a group of mentally and physically disabled people living in the hospital. They also need volunteers to organize cultural activities with patients, orphans and elderly. Examples of possible daily tasks include:
Volunteers interested in joining the volunteer health program in Guatemala must possess some proof of healthcare certification, such as an ID as a medical student, EMT/paramedic certification, or nursing or physician's credentials. Rustic Volunteer’s partnering hospitals/healthcare clinics require a copy of your resume clearly stating credentials and education before your arrival at your assigned project.
About 2000 families live in or around the garbage dumps of Guatemala. Sadly, children here are thrown into exploitive calamities such as starvation, inhuman labor and the sex industry. As a volunteer in Guatemala working with disadvantaged street children,you provide children with the education, care, support and supervision they need in order to lift themselves and their families from grinding poverty. Volunteers can serve as a positive and a motivating factor in these children's lives and are often the driving force for the possibility of a brighter future.The extra attention and care you give these children opens doors for them as they gain back their pride and self-confidence to continue school. In reward for going to school, children earn points and receive a bag with clothes and food once a month.
As a volunteer in Guatemala working with at-risk and street children, there are a wide variety of activities to participate in. Projects will depend on individual skills and interests as well as the needs of local children projects. Daily tasks may include:
No specific qualifications are required to join the street children's project in Guatemala. However, interested individuals should have a passion and eagerness to help less fortunate children as well as a strong personality to deal with these children's often unfortunate situations and demeanors. While Spanish is preferred it is not required. If your Spanish skills are poor, we recommend enrolling in our Spanish Language Program to make your experience more beneficial both for you and for the children you help.
Life in the poor rural areas of Guatemala is rough and difficult, and women who have children are often trapped in a cycle of poverty and abuse. They have to depend on others for food and basic needs with no hope in sight. The cold reality is that these women have little to no options, as they did not receive a proper education and most lack any type of income-earning skills. Our volunteers work with them in a variety of ways to educate and empower them so that they can finally become financially independent. We provide education and support in legal matters, translation services and health, as well as teach them handicraft skills so they can make their own living. The Women’s Project is a wonderful way to give back to these women so that are able to raise their quality of life for themselves and their children. You will find the women to be very appreciative and eager to learn.
Women’s Projects in Guatemala volunteers will work in the rural areas and communities surrounding the second largest city in Guatemala, Quetzaltenango. The women there are very poor and would benefit greatly from having assistance during divorce and custody trials, help with Spanish-English translation, education about their rights and reproductive health, and learning a handicraft that will enable them to earn an income. You can provide support to local women and the community in a wide variety of ways. In the mornings, you will accompany women to court trials, help the local staff office with planning, assist with Spanish-English translations and participate in educational workshops and lectures. In the afternoons, you will teach handicrafts like cooking, sewing and baking, help prepare learning materials about health and legal matters, and help plan radio and television programs run by the assistance organization.
This project accepts only women volunteers. You must have Intermediate Spanish skills, as well. As a volunteer, you must also show patience, be resourceful and always respect the local culture and customs. These are traits of a very good volunteer.
Rustic Volunteer arranges volunteer meals, accommodations and strong field support for the duration of projects and optional travel packages. In Guatemala, volunteers generally stay with host families and accommodations are simple and clean homes in safe neighborhoods. Volunteers usually have a private bedroom, but occasionally rooms will be shared with a same-gender volunteer. Our host families are well screened and are respected members of their communities who live in affluent neighborhoods. Most of our host families have experience with hosting international volunteers. A host family stay is a great chance for cultural immersion and exchange.
Volunteers receive three local meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). We can provide vegetarian meal options, but needs must be detailed in a volunteer's application. Snacks and beverages outside of mealtimes are not provided; however, there are local restaurants and grocery stores near the residences in which we place volunteers.
Rustic offers unparalleled field support to volunteers to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. Once in Guatemala, there are many layers of support for you. The most important support comes from our country coordinator/field staff. The secondary support comes from the host project staff and members of host families. Volunteers will have access to our country coordinator's mobile number and they are available 24/7. Throughout the volunteer project, our local staff stays in contact with volunteers either with face-to-face visits or via email/telephone. Our field staff will visit regularly (every 2-4 weeks) to make sure things are going well and as planned. However, if placement is far from our local offices, staff members will stay in touch via email/ phone. Volunteers are also welcome to stop in the offices at any time.
Specific details regarding accommodations, food, and contact details for our local coordinator will be provided in a personalized volunteer placement documentation prior to arrival.
get more information
Projects in Guatemala are available in Quetzaltenango (Xela). Touted for great tasting coffee, Guatemala has a distinctive culture arising from a mix of Spanish and Mayan elements. This diverse history and the natural beauty of the land have created a destination rich in astonishing and picturesque sites. While Guatemalais full of traditional culture and history, it also offers tourists the services and commodities expected from modern cities. Volunteers can organize a variety of excursions during and after their project to understand the vast beauty of the country. For example, volunteers can enjoy local architecture, volcanoes, mystical ruins, national parks, colorful markets, museums, hiking, restaurants, lakes and much more.
Being informed is your first defense against disease and safety risks. We recommend visiting some of the following websites for health and safety information:
WHO website for international travelers ( http://www.who.int/csr/ihr/en/ )
General Health Tips for Volunteers in Guatemala
It is advisable that you carry a small health kit which should include remedy for upset stomachs, some antiseptic cream, hydration powder, mosquito repellant, sun block, band aids, etc.
