Long-Term Volunteers in Guatemala

This is a great fit for those looking for real Community Engagement. You may know a language, but do you understand what it takes to deliver thoughtful programming to all-ages visitors who are learning and delivering services as Partners with Guatemalan residents? That was a long sentence, and it reflects the long list of things Friends of San Lucas does right. This experience asks that you prepare to Be and not just Do. Pre trip orientation emphasizes that long term volunteers are extensions of fifty years of successful human services that support local leaders and initiatives. Yes, you'll interpret. Yes, you'll travel locally in the amazing and beautiful Guatemalan landscape. And yes, you will be expected to watch and practice how to be a nuanced team member who builds relationships with local leaders and visitors. Living and volunteering in a Lake Atitlan residential community like San Lucas is an advantage if you are looking for a way to genuinely immerse in the Guatemalan culture. The volunteer crew can be diverse in experience and age, providing options for many types of personal and professional growth. The work schedule is reasonable and provides free time weekly. Living arrangements are shared, simple, and convenient. Meals are provided! For me, regular delicious meals were one of the best volunteer benefits. Friends of San Lucas has been doing this for many years, and knows how to prepare and provide in-country support for volunteers. There are even return-to-US resources so that volunteers can define and continue connecting to the large Friends of San Lucas US community.

Faced with choosing either a 2-year opportunity with the Peace Corps or serving as a 3-6 month volunteer with the Friends of San Lucas in Guatemala, I chose the latter -- and was extremely happy that I did. The shorter commitment and relative proximity of Guatemala to the USA made it much easier for my family to support my decision to "do something more meaningful" with my life. The Mission's focus on helping the local people learn to help themselves was incredibly inspirational. I enjoyed the variety of volunteer duties and found the Friends of San Lucas's staff -- both in Guatemala and in Minnesota -- to be supportive and sincere. I was also impressed by the Mission's willingness -- at least on the Long Term Volunteer level -- to consider revising some of its efforts to ensure that visiting groups experience a truly rewarding and memorable experience in serving the people of Guatemala.