Volunteer Programs in Antigua, Guatemala

Latin America has always bestowed upon its visitors a journey of discovery, but perhaps none is so great as the journey of discovering yourself in the context of giving. By volunteering abroad in Antigua, you’ll not only be soaking up a culture that has mastered the art of perseverance, you’ll be contributing to its continuity by providing lasting solutions to day-to-day problems.

Popular causes/projects in Antigua. Anyone who has visited Guatemala knows how good their coffee is. But do you know how it’s made? Antigua is the nearest city to dozens of organic farms, most of which grow and process the in-demand bean, and all of which need help and are eager to introduce you to the centuries-old process of bringing bean to brew. Whether you’re planting seeds, weeding, harvesting, or even roasting and packaging, you’ll know you’re a player in feeding the world’s caffeine addiction. 

If indoor work is more your speed, schools in Antigua are in constant need for volunteer teachers. You can tutor students independently or work as a teacher’s assistant, coordinate after-school activities, and even work in administrative offices. Minimum stays are one week, but there’s no limit to how long you can stay. As you’ll be required to speak English in class, only a basic level of Spanish will be needed to help you get by.

Another great option is social work. This can include anything from caring for children in community centers with different degrees of malnutrition, working with mentally and/or physically handicapped children, to assisting the elderly. If you have a high enough level of Spanish you may be asked to work in hospitals and tend to disadvantaged children and adults. So many people need personal care and attention, and you’ll find that giving yours will touch your life just as much as theirs.

Duration. Consider volunteering abroad for a greater length of time than simply a week or two. While you can get a considerable amount of work done in a short amount of time, you will set yourself up for more long-term success if you are willing to dedicate a month or more to a given cause or project. Summer volunteer programs in Guatemala or popular, but we definitely recommend staying for three months minimum.