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School Building Volunteer Program in Guatemala

by: School the World

5 (1)VerifiedSince 2009

The School the World Guatemala program brings high school students from across the United States into the heart of Maya Quiché territory for one week of hands-on community service. Participants work directly on building a school in a rural, indigenous community, contributing something tangible that will outlast the trip by decades. Two departure dates are available: February 15-22 and July 7-14, 2...

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Program Highlights

Stay in fully vetted hotels selected and approved by School the World's local staff.

Travel in School the World-screened vans with an average one-hour commute to each community.

Have a dedicated U.S. or local nurse present throughout the entire trip, with a medical doctor available on call at all times.

Walk through Antigua, one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the Americas, and take in its history and architecture.

Visit Chichicastenango and browse the largest open-air market in Central America as part of the programme itinerary.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Guatemala
Availability
Year(s) Offered: 2026Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • Alternative Spring Break
  • Summer
Age Requirement: 14-17
Types & Subjects
Focus Areas:
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Experiential Learning
  • Language Immersion
Causes:
  • Building & Construction Projects
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Jul 08, 2026

Awards

hundrED Global Collection 2026Library of Congress Literacy Award WinnerCandid Transparency logoGreat Nonprofits 2021 Top-Rated List

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

5

Total Reviews

1

Creating long-lasting friendships!

July 08, 2026by: Serina Ohyama - United States
5

While having traveled with STW before in Panama, Guatemala was another life-changing experience I will never forget. Traveling to Antigua was beautiful, and experiencing its food and markets was an amazing time. In the communities, I built multiple connections with several of the children that was extremely fulfilling. Additionally, I created friendships that lasted long after the trip had ended. All in all, my journey with STW was amazing and gave me connections to multiple placed across the world!

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Guatemala

Types and Subjects

  • Focus Areas
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Experiential Learning
  • Language Immersion

Availability

Years Offered: 2026

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • Alternative Spring Break
  • Summer

Age Requirement

14-17

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Group

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • All Program Activity Costs
  • Group Meals
  • In-Country Transportation To & From Project

Refund Policy

Other

View Refund Policy

Accommodation Options

  • Guest House

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English
  • Spanish

    Accepted Education Levels

  • High School Freshman (1st Year)
  • High School Sophomore (2nd Year)

Application Procedures

  • Written Application
  • Online Application
  • Essay

Frequently Asked Questions

School the World

School the World

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The School the World Guatemala program brings high school students from across the United States into the heart of Maya Quiché territory for one week of hands-on community service. Participants work directly on building a school in a rural, indigenous community, contributing something tangible that will outlast the trip by decades. Two departure dates are available: February 15-22 and July 7-14, 2026. The program balances meaningful work with genuine cultural connection. Throughout the week, students build relationships with local schoolchildren, teachers, and families who open their homes and communities to the group. Cultural visits are woven into the itinerary, including a stop at Chichicastenango—home to the largest open-air market in Central America—and the stunning colonial city of ...

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