Guatemala is located in Central America and a gem for everyone wanting to explore the Mayan trails, learn about modern life in a Latin society, study Spanish, gain meaningful work experiences in a variety of community programs across the country and meet people from around the world. 

¿Habla usted español? Your First Weeks in Guatemala

Programs start every week. To get you settled and prepared for your life and volunteer program in Guatemala, you will start your program with an intensive, one-on-one language course in Antigua.

Antigua is a charming, old town with a population of approx. 28.000. Founded in 1542, the town lies 1500 meters above sea level in a beautiful green valley, about 45 km west of Guatemala City. Cobblestone streets, impressive churches, palaces and colonial buildings make this town a fascinating place to live in. Three volcanoes surround Antigua and on clear days, you’ll have fantastic view from almost every street corner.

And on Weekends...

Weekends are all yours! You can either study Spanish, do some sightseeing, hang out with other travellers or participate in optional activities such as hiking through the nearby bush, volcano climbs and visits to nearby towns and villages.

Your Life as a WEP Volunteer

Projects exist with the Red Cross, a variety of local NGOs and other institutions, where you can contribute with your motivation, enthusiasm, curiosity and determination to a worthwhile cause of your choice.
You will live with a local family for the duration of your language course and depending on your volunteer placement, you will live either on site, in a volunteer house or with a host family. Your family will provide you with three meals a day during your language course (Mon – Sat). Living with the family is a great way to apply your newly acquired language skills and learn about the real Guatemalan family’s way of life.

Sample Projects

You can choose from a range of projects in Guatemala. The following are examples of some of the programs volunteers can get involved in across the country:

1. Day care centre for very poor children whose parents have alcohol problems or are single parents.
2. Orphanage with about 500 street, abandoned and abused children.
3. Home for physically and mentally ill children and adults.
4. Hospitals and community health centres
5. Wild animal rescue and rehabilitation centre
6. Sea turtle conservation projects
7. And many more!

Program Fees

Included: preparation in Australia, intensive private language lessons, accommodation with a family, meals (full-board, except on Sundays), travel and health insurance,
placement in the volunteer project, airport pick-up and transfer to host family, local assistance

Not included: airfare, spending money, visa-related fees