Costs. The cost of living in Guatemala is affordable with food and transportation being relatively cheap (1.5 liters of water is $0.89). The program costs depend mainly on the duration and what it offers. Some programs are less than $100 a week and some are $5,000 a week. Most programs provide visa support, accommodation, meals, and in-country transportation as part of the fee. Recruiting friends and family for help via FundMyTravel can help you raise money.

Accommodations. The Guatemala gap year program accommodations range from group living, dormitories, apartments/flats, guest houses, independent living, and home-stays. With many of the Spanish immersion programs, staying with a host family is one of the best ways to practice on a daily basis. You’ll also learn more slang, idioms, and common Guatemala-isms with a homestay accommodation as well.

Visas. The visa requirements vary with citizenship and duration of your stay. For U.S. citizens staying less than 90 days, a passport is all that is needed, and a visa isn’t required. If staying longer, you can apply for another 90 days at the immigration office. Guatemala offers tourist visas, business visas, student visas, and work permits. Programs typically help with the visa process for its participants. Visit the GoAbroad embassy directory for more information on requirements.

Safety. Guatemala experiences crime like many countries in the world, and it’s best to keep a few things in mind. Make sure you always keep your valuables on you and in your sight (but don’t flaunt them), especially on buses, as pickpocketing is common. Use ATM’s in supermarkets or shopping malls because it’s hard for them to be tampered with easily. Always carry a copy of your passport with you, and keep your passport at your accommodation in a safe place. It’s also advisable to drink only bottled water, get your typhoid and hep shots before coming, and avoid street food.