GoAbroad

Guatemala High School Student Service Trip

$2,000-$5,000Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
5.0 / 5Overall Rating
2Reviews
2009Year established

Program Overview

Our immersive Service Learning Trips offer the perfect opportunity to travel abroad, experience a new culture, and forge lifelong friendships—all while making a meaningful impact on a community in need.

Our student volunteers participate in service activities such as building schools, playgrounds, and painting classroom walls and murals. Students also have the opportunity for cultural immersion activities including shadow visits to local community members homes, and an opportunity to teach the local students in the community.

Through this experience, students develop a profound awareness of their privilege and make a personal commitment to using that privilege to drive positive change in the world through the power of giving.

These service trips cultivate empathy and understanding by connecting young adults with the lived realities of others. In just one week, participants step out of their comfort zones and work together toward a shared goal—building a school or playground for primary school children. The journey is filled with joy, laughter, and gratitude as they witness a new reality unfold and see the tangible impact of their efforts.

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Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.

See program details

Program Highlights

Connect with fellow travelers and your group leader. Our info sessions cover itineraries, activities, and an opportunity to learn the history and culture of Guatemala.
Connect with local community members through home visits and hands-on projects, working side by side with local staff on construction projects, and spend recess with local students
Get involved—we partner with local communities to form a five year partnership training teachers, parents, and providing scholarships and alternative education opportunities for students.
Stay involved post trip—we encourage our students to stay involved with us after their trip. We have student ambassador programs, clubs and chapters, and ongoing leadership opportunities.
Engage in community service work—our program includes 64 hours of community service work that can be documented for graduation, college applications, and other community service requirements.

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Tuition & Fees
Some Program Activity Costs
Wifi Costs
Medical / Accident Insurance
Travel Insurance
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Welcome Dinner
Group Meals
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
In-Country Transportation To & From Project
Domestic Airfare
International Airfare
Required Equipment
Guide / Chaperone
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
In-Country Orientation
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Background Check Fees
Letter of Recommendation
Certificate of Completion
Emergency Support

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Antigua, Guatemala
  • Santa Cruz del Quiche, Guatemala

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • High School Freshman (1st Year)
  • High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • High School Junior (3rd Year)
  • High School Senior (4th Year)
  • High School 5th Year or More

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living
  • Other

Application Procedures

  • Written Application
  • Online Application
  • Essay

Age Requirement

14-20

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks

Starts At

$2,000-$5,000

Payment Terms

  • Payment Plan
  • Scholarships
  • Upfront Deposit

Refund Policy

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about School the World

5.0
2 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
2
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Volunteer Placement
5.0
Program Administration
5.0
Community Engagement
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Day to Day Life
5.0
Program Opportunities
5.0

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-2 of 2 reviews

Jennifer ConlonUnited States · April 2026

Transformative & Meaningful Experience

I can't say enough about my School the World experience. I went on my first STW trip this past February and was a chaperone for my daughter and other students. I was so impressed with how well-organized and safe the trip was. The STW staff is positive, kind, knowledgable, organized and on top of every aspect of the trip. My daughter and I along with many other students, chaperones, and STW staff were able to make a postive difference in the lives of a needy community in Guatemala and helped to promote education and good will among different cultures. It was wonderful to work alongside community members to build classrooms for students that will impact generations to come. I highly recommend that every parent and child do this trip at least once in their lifetime. My daughter and I will definitely be doing another STW trip in the near future.

Clare ConlonUnited States · April 2026

Such a transformative experience!!

I am so grateful I did this trip!! I had such a great time and made incredibly special connections with the children and other travelers. Th excursions and activities were very well organized, and I learned something from each one. When me and a few other travelers got stuck in the Houston airport because of a huge snowstorm, STW was so helpful and I did not feel panicked once!! I would so do this trip again and I would recommend it to anyone!!

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about School the World.

What is School the World?

School the World partners with communities to build schools, support teachers, and expand access to quality education for children in rural areas globally. 

What safety measures does School the World take?

Is the program safe?

  • Safety is our top priority, with vetted logistics and 24/7 support.

What supervision is provided?

  • Trips include leaders and chaperones with a 1:6 ratio.

Do students receive insurance coverage?

  • Yes—coverage includes medical care and emergency evacuation.

Why are the locations considered safe?

  • We work in trusted regions with strong local partnerships.

How do I apply?

Students can complete the online application through the Student Service Learning page. After applying, families receive next steps, deadlines, and preparation details.

When do trips run?

Trips align with typical spring and summer school vacation weeks, with multiple departure dates available each year.

2027 Dates:

February 14-21 (Panama)
March 14-21 (Guatemala)
April 18-25 (Guatemala or Honduras)
May 15-26 (Philippines - college students)
June 7-20 (Philippines - high school students)
July 6-13 (Guatemala)
July 18-26 (Honduras)

When is the application deadline?

Applications are due 45 days before departure. Late applications may incur an additional $250 fee due to increased flight and administrative costs. We encourage students to register early in order to provide as much time to fundraise the trip fees.

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

hundrED Global Collection 2026
Library of Congress Literacy Award Winner
Candid Transparency logo
Great Nonprofits 2021 Top-Rated List
Charity Navigator - 4 Star Charity

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