Description

This small, rural community, situated in the west of Guatemala, was formed in 1977 during the civil conflict. Functioning as a cooperative, they grow and sell coffee independently as a means towards creating sustainable livelihoods. The land, now owned by this community cooperative, includes cultivated plots and a 35 hectare protected area.

In the late 1980's, an association was formed in the community with the aim of finding new, innovative and environmentally sustainable sources of employment for community members. Since the formation of this association, the coffee production process has been made more sustainable. All coffee is grown organically and the fertilizer used for their crops is produced onsite through "vermicomposting" a process in which coffee waste is fed to worms, creating a rich organic fertilizer.

Furthermore, a volunteering and eco-tourism program has also been set up and a tourist hostel has been built to host volunteers and tourists that do not wish to stay with a family. In addition, an ornamental flower garden has been designed and different tracks for walks and hikes developed. Depending on the presence of volunteers, they also offer English language classes to the pupils in their primary school.

They aim to further develop the volunteering and eco-tourism project in the future as well as finding more ways in which to diversify sources of income for their community.

Highlights

You can work with different members of the association on a section of the coffee plantation. Depending on the time of the year there is always work to do related to coffee production. You can also work in the community garden which has different fruits, vegetables and plants; assist with the project of advanced "vermicomposting" (wormcomposting), which is the foundation of their organic coffee production; help with creating a botanical garden; work with organic horticulture; clear land, disinfect land, and prepare land for the vegetables, etc.

You can also help with the general development of the eco-tourism program. Tasks include:

* clearing different paths for walks and hikes,
* help with the development of new walks and hikes,
* creating marketing materials for the this program and the volunteer program as well as helping to distribute this material.

Other possible activities include:
* translating,
* helping with online marketing for the program,
* developing the website and helping make improvements to the hostel.

Furthermore, you are free to make your own suggestions about improvements to the eco-tourism program and work on those suggestions.

Qualifications

* Minimum age 18
* Minimum 1 month commitment - 25+ hours a week.
* Enthusiasm and interest to work in conservation and eco-tourism
* Basic Spanish (Lessons available)
* Full travel & medical insurance
* Necessary vaccinations
* Necessary flights & visas

Intern Types

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

330 USD Project Fee per month + 249 GBP Placement Fee

Program Fees Include:

Includes all food, accommodation, 24/7 support and project activities.

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 2+

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-3 days

Post Services Include

• Job and Internship Network

Global Nomadic Ltd's Mission Statement

Global Nomadic hosts a variety of projects and internships around the world, specially chosen for their ability to enhance career prospects in unique and diverse areas. We seek to specialise in serious placements, catering for those looking to get a foot in the door to the career they aspire to. We put you directly in touch with the project provider, offering a complete and ethical service.

Year Founded

2009