Overview
Volunteer Long Term on a Teaching Position in Guatemala

Volunteers on this program will teach for one year at GVIs schools in indigenous communities, providing the children with long-term assistance, greatly aiding their development. Volunteers will work alongside other GVI volunteers and local staff. Every three months volunteers will have two weeks holiday and therefore an opportunity to relax or explore other areas of Guatemala or Central America. Volunteers will stay with a local family in the stunning colonial town of Antigua, and commute to work each day to indigenous communities nearby. Much of the population in Guatemala lives below the poverty line and as education is not free many cannot afford to send their children to school. GVI along with leaders of the indigenous communities, has built schools that are free to attend. By working in these, volunteers will make a real personal contribution to improving the lives of underprivileged children.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, stories from the field, video diaries and more at the programs media centre

Being with the children day-in day-out, they become more than students, they become friends who you become very proud of

Darren Hill, GVI Volunteer, 2008

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Long-term volunteers provide valuable assistance and, more importantly, continuity throughout the academic year. This enables volunteers and staff to closely monitor the children's progress. A substantial part of the fee goes towards the day-to-day running costs of the projects themselves throughout the year, which includes rent, electricity, local salaries, fruit and other food for the children, educational materials for classes, monthly birthday and other celebrations, painting and maintenance. We currently pay for over 400 children to attend National School, as well as our own schools. Of these, almost 50 children entered Secondary School and 8 entered College. Included in your fee is one scholarship per child, per year.

Highlights

Living with a host family in Antigua; learning Spanish (optional); teaching literacy and numeracy to indigenous children in remote communities in GVI schools; going on an adventure weekend at Lake Atitlan (optional) to enjoy activities including hiking, biking and kayaking; opportunities for Salsa Classes and further travel during your downtime.

Location

Guatemala is one of the jewels of Central America, packed with ancient ruins, active volcanoes and intriguing Mayan culture. Volunteers live in the beautiful old Spanish colonial town of Antigua and project work is carried out in communities all within a one hour journey from the town.

Field Conditions

Living with local families in comfortable but basic accommodation allows for an enriching cultural experience and the valuable opportunity to practice your Spanish! All accommodation provided is private and includes three meals a day (apart from Sundays). Lunch is eaten in the communities with a local family during the week.