Description

Volunteers will assist in a local, multi-service facility in Antigua that provides a home and care for elderly and orphaned Guatemalans, as well as people with mental disabilities and chronic disorders. The patients in this facility range in age from newborn babies to the elderly. Most of the residents have chronic disorders such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, mental retardation, Alzheimer's, polio paralysis, deafness, blindness and senile dementia. Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of duties, not the least of which is to provide love, care and affection to these individuals who have often been abandoned by society or their families. Volunteers should be sensitive to the elderly and disabled and be willing to reach out, build relationships and foster growth.

Highlights

AIDE Abroad believes that international service learning develops intercultural competence, as well as tolerance and understanding of circumstances and societies that are different from our own. Our aim is to build a worldwide community of global citizens who will be part of an ongoing intercultural conversation. Welcome aboard, and we hope that you enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Acceptance to our volunteer abroad program may be dependent upon age and Spanish language ability. We offer in-country Spanish courses for those who would like to improve their Spanish before starting their volunteer program.

Qualifications

* At least 18 years old
* Some projects require intermediate Spanish. Languages courses prior to the volunteer program are available for beginners.
* Eligible to receive a tourist visa to Guatemala

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

First 4 weeks: 1,195, Add'l weeks 130

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

AIDE Abroad Volunteer Abroad Services

- Guaranteed placement prior to departure for Guatemala
- Detailed placement offer (including duties, responsibilities, and other relevant information)
- Accommodation with a host family and meals (unless otherwise noted)
- Pre-departure orientation and detailed handbook
- Visa assistance (if needed)*
- Travel Medical Insurance
- Airport pickup and transfer to accommodation
- Arrival orientation
- Full-time local representative in Guatemala
- 24/7 personal support and emergency number
- Certificate of completion (upon request)
- Assistance receiving service learning hours (check with your university advisor for requirements)
- Language class placement (class prices not included in program fee)**

* Most tourist visas for Guatemala are valid for up to 90 days. The length of AIDE Abroad's programs depends on each participant's visa allowance. All participants are responsible for ensuring their proper visa documentation for the extent of their stay. We recommend checking with your local Guatemalan consulate for the most up-to-date visa information.

**For those who need them, optional language classes are available. Language classes are a great way to be introduced to a new country and to improve your Spanish skills. Classes are held prior to the start of participants' volunteer programs, and participants will be placed in a small group to receive lessons. These classes are highly recommended, especially if you are not intermediate or have not practiced your Spanish recently.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Community Development
• Elderly
• Social Services, Social Work

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

3 months

AIDE Abroad's Mission Statement

AIDE Abroad's mission is to provide international experiences that impart professional and personal growth, develop leadership skills, and enhance intercultural competence and understanding.

Year Founded

2007