Description

In an effort to be in solidarity with indigenous peoples and their struggle around the world, GCN has committed to work with the Mayan people of Cantel to collaborate with their community development and rights recognition. The indigenous Maya population in and around Quetzaltenango continues to experience rural poverty and discrimination from the Guatemalan government and the country at large. GCN has partnered with the NGO, La Asociacion Wajxaqib Aj, the Mayan Center for Peace/Centro Maya Para la Paz, whose goal is to fortify solidarity and peace among the communities.

Trips last 10 days and each team is led by a bilingual, GCN trained team leader. A unique and integral component of your experience includes daily activities of cross-cultural learning.

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 opportunities 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
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1,950-2,150

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• 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

8-85+

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Guest House
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Post Services Include

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

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