Description

Combine insufficient funding, lack of qualified teachers, over twenty spoken languages, and a limited curriculum the result is a nation in which 31 percent of those age 15 years and older cannot read and write. That is the situation as it exists in Guatemala.

Guatemala has the lowest literacy rate in Central America. Though children are required by the government to attend primary school, enrollment drops significantly at the secondary level when government funding ends. Only the few that make-up the middle and upper-class can afford the tuition, uniforms, and school supplies needed to further their children's education.

Individuals only need pass the final exam for secondary education in order to meet the requirements for becoming a teacher who often times earn very low to no salaries at all.

And while Spanish is the country's official tongue, many of the indigenous Mayan groups have retained their ancestral ties, including that of their language, which further complicates matters. Neither the staff nor curriculum is equipped to address their needs. As a result, an already marginalized segment of the population becomes even more marginalized.

As an English teaching volunteer in Guatemala, volunteers may expect to:

* Teach the children English and other core subjects;
* Assist the teacher's with developing lesson plans;
* Help the teachers to learn English;
* Help the children with their homework; and
* Organize constructive learning activities and games.

Highlights

Authentic cultural immersion experience as participants live with a local host family in addition to having daily interaction with other local in the community and at their project assignment.

Participants receive FREE Spanish lessons for 2 hours Monday-Friday for the duration of their stay, up to 120 hours.

Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age and have an intermediate Spanish level. While not required, a teaching background, TEFL, or similar experience are beneficial.

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Starting at 609

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Includes project set-up arrangements, meals and accommodations in Xela, orientation, and 24/7 emergency in-country staff support.

Participants will also receive information regarding their placement prior to their departure. Placement information, will include in-country contact information, alternative accommodations for delayed arrivals, currency exchange, phone and internet communication, laundry, etc.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

While participation is not limited to this demographic, the average age is 18-26. Participants that are flexible and open minded when it comes to cultural differences, ways of life, and work pace are those that tend to benefit most from their experience abroad, as do those that demonstrate initiative with regard to recommending and implementing changes to improve the project and to assist the staff.

Age Range

18 and over

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Resume
• Transcript

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 weeks

Year Founded

2008