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In Guatemala EXIS, in collaboration with an international language school in Antigua, organizes Spanish lessons and voluntary work. As you learn the language, you get a unique knowledge of the Guatemalan culture and way of life.

The voluntary work can, amongst other things, consist of work for institutions such as hospitals and clinics in Antigua or Guatemala City, on smaller projects in the villages or with street children, physically and/or mentally handicapped and national parks.

Participating in voluntary work means that you automatically become a personal sponsor, as a part of the fee consists of a donation to the project you choose to work for. The programme gives you a unique opportunity to visit the Latin American continent, and the months in Guatemala can be a good beginning for a later trip in the neighboring countries.

The country
Guatemala is a very beautiful and fertile country. The northern border is Mexico, with El Salvador and Honduras to the south. The country also has natural borders, the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The countryside is charming and varied. In the highlands there are impressive volcanoes, clear lakes, large forests and mountain ranges. In the lowlands there are beautiful sandy beaches and large jungle areas, with a wealth of animal and plant life. Guatemala boasts Central America’s highest and most active volcanoes and the most impressive Maya ruins. It is the country with the largest Indian population, divided into 22 tribes. Each tribe speaks their own language. The youngsters especially, master the Spanish language completely, whilst the older inhabitants or the Indians that dwell in remote villages have difficulties with Spanish. The majority of the Maya Indians still dress in the traditional styles, with colorful, homespun costumes. Each tribe has its own characteristic costume, weaving technique and special embroidery. With its spontaneous beauty, fertility and interesting Indian culture Guatemala attracts many young travellers and tourists.

Below the surface
Below the surface of “the eternal spring” hides a harsh reality. The majority of the inhabitants lives in deep poverty and is often unable to realize their most basic needs. Child mortality rate is about 70 on 1000 births, and illiteracy 44 percent for men and 52 percent for women. Apart from the major social problems, the Indian population has experienced a powerful political oppression. Through the years, one military dictator has taken the place of the other, with a violent oppression of the Indian people to follow. In protest against the dictator, and in an attempt to overthrow the regime, the first guerrilla group was formed in 1960. The guerrillas wanted the Indian population in the country to support them, and they had some success. In 1982 the guerrillas obtained some power, and controlled a large part of rural districts. A systhematic oppression by the military was started in order to crush the opposition. Whole villages were burned and large massacres took place. Over a period of two years 40.000 people were killed, 420 villages were removed from the map and 250.000 fled to, amongst other places, Mexico. 1 million became refugees in their own country. The conditions today are somewhat quieter. A civil government runs the country in a formal democratic system, and fighting between the military and the guerrillas is on a much smaller scale. A large number of refugees have returned from Mexico to plough their fields and start a new life in their native country. They hope for peace and economic improvement.

Safety
The troubles and the country’s harsh history should not prevent you from visiting Guatemala. Generally speaking Guatemala is a safe place to visit and travel in. The local population is incredibly friendly and hospitable. As long as you do not get involved with politics, there’s no reason to be nervous. Guatemala is Central America’s most favoured and popular travel destination.

Antigua
The school you will attend lies in Antigua, a very charming town with approx. 30.000 inhabitants. Antigua is the Spaniards old capital, founded in 1542. The town lies 1500 meters above sea level in a beautiful green valley, about 45 kilometres from Guatemala City. Cobblestone streets, impressive churches, palaces and colonial buildings, of which many are run down due to the lack of maintenance, make the town unique in Central America. Three volcanoes surround the town, and on clear days, there is a fantastic view from every street corner. The climate is very pleasant. It is usually 20-25°C in daytime with the temperature falling in the late evening.

Restored colonial buildings are now used to house cafes and restaurants amongst other things. These are impressive buildings with massive wooden pillars which support large balconies and contain cosy patios with a richness of flowers and plants. You can sit for several hours, over a cup of coffee, enjoying the atmosphere, observing people, writing a letter or reading a good book.

In the centre of town you’ll find the large cobblestone colonial square where people from surrounding villages sell daily their textiles, rugs and similar items.

The Sunday market in the square is an orgy of colours. Apart from spun fabrics in all colours and patterns, almost everything is sold. From brushes, toilet paper, exotic herbs, vegetables, fruits and flowers to chickens, fried rice and candy. These days the traffic is banned from the square to give room the merchants.

Underholdning
Because of the unique architecture, the pleasant climate and the growing number of language schools, there are a lot of visitors to Antigua. This means more possibilities than usual for entertainment. There are places to dance, cosy cafes where travellers meet, cinemas etc. If you grow tired of brown beans and corn tortillas, there are international eating places, where everything from large fruit salads with muesli and yoghurt, to fondue and beef bourguignon, where French cheese desert and a glass of red wine is served. You will be able to meet locals here as well as other foreigners, and for a moment discuss other things than Spanish verbs or the political situation. The largest market place is situated in the western part of the town. Here you can buy everything from toothbrushes to pigtails for very little money. Especially on Sundays this market is very lively and colourful and if you take good care of your money, you can become a part of this fantastic atmosphere.

Seasons
Winter: June – October. Rain season.
Summer: November – May. Dry season.

Temperature depends on where you are in the country. In the coastal areas in the El Petén province it is warm the whole year round, 25-35°C. In the highlands, during the rain season, the sun normally shines until late afternoon followed by some hours of rain. Temperatures at night can during this season fall to freezing point. During daytime the temperature is normally 15-25 °C.

http://www.weather-forecast.com/locations/Guatemala.shtml

Day trips from Antigua
There are many different places to go from Antigua. You can go on day or weekend trips to the surrounding villages, or visit one of the big markets where the Maya Indians sell their traditional woven textiles. A few hours bus ride from Antigua will take you to Lago Atitlán, one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, surrounded by three volcanoes. A visit to one of the traditional villages on the shores of the lake is a wonderful experience.

The transport system is generally efficient and very cheap. The busses run all the time, but are not in top condition. They are always crowded, not only with people, but with products for the market, including animals – but it is a good place to come in contact with people.

The school

The school you will attend is in a smaller, pleasant colonial building. One of the few officially recognized ones in Antigua. The atmosphere at the school is international with students from all parts of the world. The students are taught on the roomy patio. At the schools office you can get coffee and mineral water for free.

Spanish lessons
Teaching is in small groups with maximum 4 students. First school day, your Spanish will be tested in order to determine your level. There will be emphasis on the spoken language. The teachers are used to teaching Spanish to foreigners, they are dynamic and motivated. Some evenings or afternoon during the week films are shown at the school. Activities and outings are mentioned each week on the time schedule board at school.

Prices language program

20 lessons weekly

Included in the price

• Airport pick-up in Guatemala City
• Accommodation with a Guatemalan host family, full board Monday-Saturday.
• 20 lessons weekly.
• Social activities organized by the school.
• Salsa and Merenque dancing lessons.
• Excursions in the area. (Transport expenses and en-trance fees to museum etc. are not included.)
  

Language and voluntary work program

Different forms of voluntary work are organized, preceded by at least 2 week Spanish lessons. In case you are a beginner in Spanish or have very little knowledge of the language, a 4 weeks course is required.

Volunteering requires that you are at least 18 years old, are flexible, mature, can show initiative and have drive. There are possibilities at Guatemalan environmental projects, social institutions with street children, physically and/or mentally handicapped persons or older people. Tasks and working hours are different from place to place.

Your stay starts with Spanish lessons and accommodation with a host family with full board. This is the equivalent of the normal language programme as described. After these intensive Spanish lessons, you work for 1-6 months on a voluntary basis. During you time at school, there will be orientation meetings with the co-coordinator, who will prepare you for the coming voluntary work. Here you will have the opportunity to get more detailed information about the different projects and institutions and have your questions answered. The school’s co-coordinator regularly organizes trips to voluntary work places.

Not every institution accepts visitors all the time, as the staff protect children at institutions from becoming “tourist attractions”.
Every volunteer becomes a personal sponsor. Once you have made the final decision about where to work, ask the co-coordinator for your 25 US dollars sponsor amount. You can decide whether you prefer to bye material you feel the project is lacking of or donate the money to the direction.

Work during the afternoons while following Spanish lessons is possible in certain circumstances, but only in Antigua, because of transportation time.
If you choose to work at a school or other educational institution, please be aware of the fact that these institutions will be closed during the holy week of Easter and from the middle of December to the second week of January. During these periods, other working places will be available.

Below you will find descriptions of voluntary work places. Other options are available and will be proposed during the special meetings organized for volunteers. These meetings are compulsory for all volunteers.

Exampes

1. Cruz Roja - Red Cross
Guatemala is one of Central America’s poorest countries. The Red Cross has an important social and health service function. The organization has health clinics, an ambulance service, and turns out if there are fires or natural disasters. They also organise distribution of children’s clothes for the poorest children. The Red Cross means a lot to the poorest part of the population, who would not otherwise be able to afford a doctor. At the Red Cross, cheap and good treatment can be obtained, children can be vaccinated and receive guidance in matters of hygiene. Unfortunately, there are not many resources and branches sometimes have to close due to economic problems. Volunteers should expect to help with all kind of daily duties but also recreational activities and giving a hand when too many children seek attention at the same time. The Red Cross is involved in social work at orphanages, centers for street children and schools. Volunteers with a medical education should not forget to take along a translation of proof of their professional education if they want to have task related to this. If you choose to work for the Red Cross, you will be supporting the organization through your labour and sponsor amount. Your placement will be in Coban, where you will be accommodated with a local host family. You will have to count with some extra expenses for food as this option may include traveling with the medical staff.

2. Open Windows
Children in Sacatepequez now have a library and reference centre. Through your efforts they will continue to have a place to study, prepare reports, and learn to enjoy reading. The library of Duenas offers reference books to complete school assignments. There are story books that adults or other children in the library may read to the children. Games, puzzles, and a variety of learning materials can be found at the librarian's desk. The purpose of Open Windows is to promote the joy and pride of reading. Open Windows also supports a local school program that lacks textbooks. Reading- and reference books as well as teaching materials are lent to classrooms. Art supplies and materials which are not returnable are given to class teachers.
Many of the children who visit Open Windows do not have any books in their homes. Their parents may even be illiterate. It is probable that no one has ever read them a story. Volunteers help with reading, playing, assisting projects and simple attention to children that are proud to learn to read.

Also see:http://www.openwindowsfoundation.org/

3. Fundalago
If you are interested in nature, or want to teach English to children at a local school, you can participate in the Fundalago project. After the language course in Antigua, you will be accommodated with a local family in the small village of Los Humitos, which is situated high on a mountain with a beautiful view over the Amatitlan Lake and the Pacaya volcanoe. Here you learn the “real” Guatemalan life. The purpose of the organization you will be working for is to save vegetation and animal life in the area of the lake.
Lake Amatitlan (amatl = letter, titlan = mail in the pipil language) is the fourth largest water body in Guatemala, located close to the south of the capital city (alt. 1,500 m) at an altitude of 1,188 m above sea level. The lake is directly and negatively affected by the rapidly growing impacts from the capital, through population growth, consumption of forest trees for fuel, inadequate land use, industrial development in the catchment area, lack of environment consciousness and environmental education among the inhabitants, almost no administrative/legal control for environmental protection, and absence of proper foresight and management program.

One of your tasks will be to teach the local population the take care of nature and to organize projects. The organization provides teaching material which you will have to study and use during your work.

4. Camino Seguro
Camino Seguro is the Spanish translation of the words Safe Passage. This is a non-profit, non-religious, and non-political organization that simply tries to help children to obtain a better life through education. They live and work at a rubbish dump in Guatemala City. It is true that the public schools are free, but the purchase of the required school uniform would cost families close to a year’s income; on top of this are the costs of school books and other supplies. Local teachers help the school children with their homework. Children that are not yet in school are taught the basic skills required before entering public school. In the afternoon they do sport, arts and crafts and other recreational activities with the children. These children have been forced by circumstances to work like adults and have never experienced recreational activities in their life. Thanks to the many volunteers from Europe and America and their valuable support, we are able to give each child the special attention that they have never received from an adult.

The volunteers assist the teachers in the classrooms by sitting with the children in smaller groups and helping them with the tasks set by the teacher. The children often have problems with their concentration and behavior, since schoolwork is an unfamiliar task for them, the special attention and love provided by the volunteers is crucial.

Since the children no longer have time to work they are provided with a nutritious and healthy lunch and a snack either when they come in the morning or before they leave in the afternoon. Each month their families receive food packs of essential products such as beans and rice. This ensures the families a steady food supply, and is in their world the most tangible evidence that education improves the lifestyle.

Camino Seguro’s aim is to help the poorest of the poor, the children that still have a hope of having a part in these better times.
More than 100 children are enrolled in public schools now, and have their siblings and friends come in the afternoons to play like children ought to.

5. Puesto de Salud
Volunteers take part in a vaccination programme where they visit families together with a help assistant in order to vaccinate the children, inform the parents about carrying diseases such as cholera and malaria, and give advice about hygiene and nutrition. There is also a project taking place building toilets, where manual labor is needed. The goal is to limit the high mortality rate in children, caused by, amongst other things, diarrhea and stomach worms. If you are working close to Antigua in villages like Santa Barahona, Magdalena Milpas Altas, Santo Tomas Milpas Altas, Santa Lucia, Pastores you can live with the same host family as during your language course or change to another host family in one of these villages

6. Nuestros Ahijados
This is a private institution, where poor children have the possibility to get education. The institution is about 20 minutes from the centre of Antigua, in a little town called San Felipe de Jesus. The institution survives by donations from foreign sponsors. Besides teaching, feeding and supplying medicine, it also is necessary to play, sing and motivate the children, who don’t get much attention from adults. The children are offered the possibility to follow a complete education, which enables them a better chance in life. The institution’s building is not completely finished, and some volunteers are asked to help with the construction. Volunteers assist with numerous projects, among them translation of letters between children and their sponsors, assisting with inventory, organizing the new library, building houses for poor Guatemalan families, assisting with the nutrition program by cooking morning and afternoon meals for the children.

7. Hermano Pedro
“Hermano Pedro” is a State hospital for physically and mentally handicapped children and youngsters in the middle of Antigua. There are about 500 children at this hospital, which cannot live at home because of their severe handicap. There are also children admitted because of nutritional problems. There is a lack of personnel, and the children and youngsters are in need of care, treatment, stimulation and different forms of therapy. As a volunteer you will be able to work with children of all ages, from new born babies to almost adults. You can choose to work half time during the mornings or afternoons or fulltime. The staff is in need of volunteers and does a lot to involve participants in every day life.

8. Centro de Bienestar Social
This is a centre financed by the State for children of unmarried mothers; the children’s ages are from 0-12 years. The intention is that volunteers help the personnel. The most important part of the job though, is to play with the children, sing songs with them, help them with their lessons, teach them English and start creative activities. These are children that have lacked care, both emotionally and physically. Therefore, the children need the physical contact and not least, personal care. Volunteers have also been employed in connection with renovation of the centre, and have painted a playroom for the children. The centre lies in Chimaltenango, a village 17 km outside Antigua. You can live with your host family in Antigua and take a bus back and forth each day.

9. Niño Obrero
Nino Obrero means “working-child”. Besides being a normal, privately owned school, this place also offers children the possibility to learn crafts, which enables them to earn money. The project helps orphans or children of very poor parents. There is a very friendly atmosphere at this cosy little school. Children go to school in the mornings and every Wednesday afternoon they follow lessons in the nearby bakery. They are also following lessons in sewing, weaving, working with wood, or making candles. If you are creative and enjoy teaching handcrafts this is the right place. The children are also interested in being taught English. As there’s no money to buy teaching material it’s a good idea to bring some manuals for teaching. The project is in Antigua.

10. Aldea Mano de León
The population of Mano de Léon is about 130. The villagers are poor and isolated, living mainly by small farming. The only public service is a nurse who comes every 14 days.  
The villagers are not used to foreigners, so volunteers must be cautious the first days, until the people get to know them. Volunteer tasks are helping the people in their fields, homes and teaching the children.
Therefore a new project has been started with the help of the Cabaguil Language School and also from sponsors in Europe. Unfortunately there is no teacher at present, simply due to lack of funds. Volunteers who choose this project come to teach, but this is a great challenge because the children would rather play than learn. They are not used to having lessons and can only concentrate about 10 minutes at a time. This makes it very hard to work with these children, who really have no skills at all.

Volunteers’ accommodation is with a host family in the village, but don’t expect luxury. There is no warm water unless you heat it yourself over a fire, no electricity, bath or real toilet, an interesting and valuable experience if you want to try living 100 years ago or challenge your own limits. The children are grateful for anything you bring: teaching material and picture books, pencils, colors, toys for playtime, etc.

11. Prisón de Mujeres
You help to occupy the inmates with for example, aerobics, therapy, handcrafts, English lessons or anything you find relevant.

12. Commmon Hope
Common Hope or Familias de Esperanza work with over 8.000 Guatemalan children and adults, living in rural and urban poverty in Antigua and Guatemala City. They have a comprehensive set of programs concentrating on poor children and their families trying to improve their lives through education, health care, housing, community and family assistance, and economic development.

The Family Development Center is a beautiful place with six buildings surrounded by gardens, located just outside Antigua and central to the 15 villages where they work. The buildings were constructed mostly by the fathers of the sponsored children. There is a medical clinic, library, social work office, volunteer housing, classrooms and a warehouse with donated items.
Volunteers work from 8 am - 5 pm. Task depend on language skills and abilities.

13. Escuela Union y Esperanza
This is a non governmental school in Jocotenango for children from poor families, who cannot afford the costs of official state schools. Every morning and evening the children are offered a meal at school. Once a month parents meet at school and discuss the importance of good nutrition, discipline, education etc .for their children. Volunteers are needed at the Kindergarten and primary school to help with basic teaching of the alphabet, painting, drawing, playing, and teaching English or basic computers skills.
Volunteers work either from 8.00 to 12.00 or during afternoons from 2.00 to 16.00 or full time. As the school’s economy entirely depends on donations from sponsors and has very few means, volunteers will need imagination and energy to create interesting lessons.

Volunteers will be accommodated at local host families in Jocotenango.

14. Casa Milagro
This home for women and children is in Santa Cruz la Laguna, close to Panajachel. The home offers lessons in reading and writing, hygiene, health and nutrition to the local population, who often only speak the Maja language Cak'chiquel.
There is a kindergarten and an afternoon “school” offering help with homework. Women are proposed lessons in weaving and helped selling their products to reasonable prices. Their work supplies them with the necessary income to support their families.

Education in protection of the environment is combined with plantation of trees in order to reconstruct the areas in the forests that have been cleared. Casa Milagro depends on donations and help from volunteers.

15. Wildlife Rescue Center
The Wildlife Rescue Centre takes care and rehabilitates wild animals that were confiscated from the black market. The Rescue Centre is one of the largest in the country receiving between 300 and 600 samples of more than 35 species per year. Among the animals are toucans, macaws, spider and howler monkeys, margays, ocelots, coatimundis, taras, kinkajous, jaguars, deer and iguanas.  
The project is based in The Mayan Biosphere Reserve, which is located in the tropical northern Petén region of Guatemala at the Lake Petén Itza, close to Flores.
Besides the abundance of biological diversity, the Biosphere Reserve also contains a wealth of discovered and undiscovered Mayan archaeological sites – the best known being the stunning temple complexes of Tikal.

This project conserves Guatemala's wildlife while giving opportunities for volunteers to work closely with local communities in rescuing endangered native animals and the Mayan Biosphere Reserve they live in.

The project's goals are:

• To strive for the conservation, preservation, protection and research of wildlife
• To rescue wild animals seized from illegal traffickers, rehabilitate and reintroduce into their natural habitats
• To promote and assist in the creation and manage-ment of protected habitat areas for wild animals
• To support tropical wild animal veterinary medicine and researchto reproduce and re-introduce endan-gered wildlife
• To raise awareness among Guatemalans about the need to conserve natural resources through an educa-tional program
• To develop and promote economic alternatives in rural communities to the unsustainable consumption of natural resources.

When volunteering, participants will help feed and care for the animals at the center. Nearly all of these animals have been seized from smugglers and are very young, needing constant care and attention. Participants can also help with the construction of cages or extra buildings, trail maintenance and the gathering of wild food for the animals. If participants have specific study or work skills, they can also do research into the wild diets of the animals or give environmental tours in the Education Center to Guatemalan students. Working Hours are from 7:00am until 12:00pm and 3:00pm until 4:00pm. All volunteers reside in a house within the project, which is equipped with full "western-style" bathrooms with showers, sinks and flush toilets. There is a dining area where participants will receive three meals a day.

Transport to the centre
After your language course in Antigua the coordinator will help you to travel by bus Antigua to Lago Petén Itzá. The distance is about 260 km. The actual price (January 2007) of a one way bus ticket is 70 Quetzales, but ticket prices change very often in Guatemala, due to the fluctuant petrol prices. It is also possible to fly from Guatemala city to Flores. During you free time you can hike, swim or visit the Mayan ruins of the famous Tikal and the Canopy park.

Prices for language and voluntary work stay

20 lessons per week.

Included in the price

• Airport pickup
• Min. 2 weeks intensive language course, 20 hours a week teaching.
• Min. 6 weeks accommodation with a Guatemalan host family with full board Monday-Saturday.
• Salsa and Merenque dancing lessons.
• Job mediation.
• Different excursions in the Antigua area. (Transport and entrance fee to museums not included).
• Your personal sponsor amount of 25 dollars.
• Handbook upon enrolment.
  

Duration
At least 2 weeks language lessons and 1-6 months work. It is usually possible to extend the duration of the voluntary work and accommodation.

Program start is every first and third Monday each month, with arrival and airport pick-up Sunday before. In case you cannot find a flight with arrival on a Sunday, you can still be picked-up at the airport, but start the programme following Monday with briefing at the language school.

Procedure
Please complete the application/enrolment from and enclose a C.V. in English or preferably in Spanish.

Before you travel
It’s a big challenge to live and work in a poor Latin American country. It demands courage, some experience and the ability to adapt. It can be overwhelming, especially at first, to have to adjust to completely new conditions, communicate in a foreign language etc. Things are not as you are used to, the climate, the food, the atmosphere – everything is different. During your work you will be faced, daily with a harsh social reality and experience things very differently than a tourist would.

To take part in the voluntary work programme, maturity, flexibility, independence and the desire to do social work are demanded. At the same time it gives you the opportunity to do some meaningful work, and not to mention - an experience for life.

Additional note
As much as we would like to have Guatemala to live up to European standards, we have to warn you that institutions do not prepare your arrival by organising a weekly work schedule or other special instructions. Guatemala is a poor country and we are grateful to many young people that have contacted toy manufacturing companies or shops before leaving for Guatemala. Many volunteers have been able to provide many institutions with LEGO, but even simple things like crayons are welcome.

Vaccinations
Make sure that you have your vaccinations up to date. For more information on which vaccinations could be necessary please contact your family doctor or insurance company.

Cancellation insurance
It's advised to underwrite a cancellation insurance.

Enrolment - deposit
Upon receipt of your enrolment form, EXIS will send you a confirmation and invoice. A deposit of 200 € is to be paid upon receipt of this confirmation. The remaining amount is to be paid six weeks prior to your arrival. If you enrol less that six weeks before arrival, the entire program price will be payable upon enrolment.

Cancellation
If you cancel your application before receiving information about your host family you will be able to have your deposit refunded less a deduction of 200 € for administration expenses.
If your application is cancelled after receiving the address of your host family, your deposit will not be refunded whilst the balance will be refunded in full. Once the language course has commenced, no refunds will be made.

Travel expenses
All prices are excluding travel expenses. Mail to info@exis.org for package price.

Prices
All prices are mentioned in Euros.

Price changes
EXIS reserve the right for changing the prices without further notice, in case of changed foreign currency or other circumstances, that are beyond our control.