Description

Global Citizens Network started working with these communities in 1992 through a partnership with the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA). GCN now partners directly with a non-governmental organization started by a local community member who was trained by ICA. Past GCN teams have taught in the primary school, built a cement patio and improved the water drainage system for the school, and assisted in designing and painting a mural in the community. Future teams may assist with renovating and painting the preschool, improving the soccer field, or constructing a new water pump. No matter what project the GCN teams work on, participants are received warmly into the community and integrated into every aspect of their daily and community lives.

GCN sends small teams of participants to rural communities around the world where they are immersed in the daily life of the community. Trips to Guatemala last about two weeks; each team is led by a trained GCN team leader. The team works on projects initiated by people in the local community, for the benefit of the community. Such projects could include setting up a library, teaching business skills, building a health clinic, or planting trees to reforest a village. Projects may not be decided upon until shortly before the arrival of a GCN team. Participants should be aware that everything is subject to change.

As worthwhile and fulfilling as the work you do will be, the true rewards come from the cross-cultural learning which takes place on these trips. A unique and integral component of your experience includes daily activities of cross-cultural learning. You may test your skills making local food, visit a nearby tea factory or the family farm, learn a local dance, and discover the history and rich traditions of the area.

When you have the chance to learn first-hand about people from other cultures, you will feel connected to others in ways you may have never experienced before.

Highlights

The GCN experience is time in the host community, which allows for plenty of time to get to know the local community in your own way. Often team members like to explore the surrounding area for an occasional day trip. Guatemala has many regional sites of interest, including museums, colonial architecture and churches, handicraft markets and archaeological sites. Many trip participants like to extend their time in Guatemala either before or after the GCN trip to take these into account. Possible side trips include visits to Tikal, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala City or Antigua. Many GCN participants have studied Spanish a week or more at Casa de Espanol Xelaju, a language institute in Quetzaltenango, just one of many other language schools in the country.

Qualifications

No specific skills are required, only a willingness to appreciate and accept other cultures. We believe everyone has skills- some yet to be discovered. Each participant contributes what s/he can. If any expertise is needed for a project, the local community will provide these skills.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 1,950-2,150

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Program costs include most on-site costs (lodging and food), travel to the site, a donation to the project, training materials, t-shirt, emergency medical and evacuation insurance for all trips outside the U.S., and a portion of our program costs. Airfare is additional. All trip-related expenses are tax deductible.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Participants range in age from 8 on upwards, and come from the U.S., Canada and beyond. Students, nurses, computer programmers, social workers, teachers, families, individuals and retirees...these are just some of the people who join our trips.

Age Range

8 - 88+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 6-12

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Global Citizens Network's Mission Statement

In partnership with people of diverse cultures, GCN promotes cross-cultural understanding and interconnectedness through authentic immersion experiences.

Year Founded

1992