What happens after I send in my application?
Once you have been accepted into our volunteer program, we will coordinate with you and our volunteer coordinator in Guatemala, via phone or e-mail, your arrival time, living preferences, anticipated arrival and departure dates, and your volunteer opportunity preferences. You will also be charged a US $180 registration fee.
What does the registration fee cover?
The US $180 registration fee signifies your commitment to join us in Guatemala and pays for initial administrative costs associated with processing and planning your volunteer experience. It also purchases 14 days of mandatory international medical insurance, and purchases a standard background check.
What are my lodging options in Guatemala?
While volunteering with us in Guatemala, most volunteers prefer to stay with local, middle-class host families. These families usually speak a little English and run their homes as bed and breakfasts. Living with a host family greatly enhances your cultural experience. The cost is US $70 per week, which includes a bed and 3 meals a day (Sundays not included), which you pay directly to the host family.
You may also choose to find your own lodging in a hostel, hotel, community home, or apartment. Antigua has a wide variety of quality lodging options for you to choose from. While our volunteer staff in Guatemala can offer recommendations on these different lodging options, we are not responsible for arranging alternative lodging.
How do I get to Antigua?
Traveling to Guatemala is at your own expense. If you wish, our Volunteer Team will arrange for a shuttle to meet you at Guatemala City International Airport and bring you to Antigua, which is about 45 km away. The transportation fee is US $35 per person, per trip, paid in advance to the Bismarck office.
What kinds of volunteer opportunities are there?
Please see the Volunteer Opportunities section of the website to see current openings.
What is the difference between short-term and long-term volunteers?
A small group of volunteers in Guatemala are considered “long-term volunteers.” These volunteers commit to spending 2 years working with us in Guatemala and receive a modest living stipend to cover room and board during their stay. With few exceptions, all volunteers staying less than 2 years are considered “short-term volunteers” and are responsible for paying their own room and board.
What are the requirements for long-term volunteers?
In general, long-term volunteers must be:
— 21 years of age or older
— Without dependents (children or family members dependent on your income)
— Four-year degree from an accredited college or university
— Able to speak Spanish or willing to take classes at your own expense
— Motivated by a desire to serve others
— Self-sufficient, mature, flexible, possessing a good sense of humor and plenty of patience
— In good health
