Education Volunteering in Guatemala

Volunteer in charming Antigua, a small city in Guatemala. Your work involves helping young people improve their English skills, giving them far better career prospects when they leave school. In Guatemala, the ability to speak English is essentially a ticket out of poverty. Responsibilities include teaching English (grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, speaking, writing, listening, etc.) to primary, middle, and high school students for 3-4 hours per day. Placements are in local schools as well as community centers, orphanages, and shelters for street children. At these projects, volunteers help teach regular English classes, tutor children and help with their homework. This program is available all year round, with start dates every Monday. It’s designed to take place for as short as 1 week and up to 1 year. NOTE: This program qualifies for 3-4 university credits via our School of Record. Volunteers must be over 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian. We require background checks and proof of medical insurance.

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Uncover the spirit of Central America on a 10-week journey through Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. Trek lush rainforests, hike volcanoes, raft wild rivers, and explore ancient Mayan ruins. More than just adventure, this program invites you to live alongside local communities, learn Spanish through immersion, and engage in meaningful sustainability projects that leave a lasting impact. Designed for students and young adults seeking growth, clarity, and purpose, Pacific Discovery blends challenge with support. You’ll gain confidence traveling with a small group and experienced instructors who mentor you through guided reflection and leadership activities. Days balance cultural exchange, service, and personal exploration—so you’re not just passing through, but truly connecting. Whether you’re taking a gap year, looking for an alternative to study abroad, or craving a deeper cultural experience, this program helps you grow, give back, and discover your place in the world.

South of Mexico, Guatemala is a mountainous region that combines ancient Latin cultures with more modern North American influences. Some parts of the country have a real European feel about them, with all the old colonial buildings lining the streets (such as in Antigua). Guatemala also boasts a wealth of jungle to explore, stunning mountains, and historic towns. Despite the poverty and unemployment in Guatemala, the locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming to visitors. Programs include: - Childcare Support - English Teaching - Stray Dog Rehabilitation - Community Healthcare & Nutrition - Cultural Immersion - Community Construction - Eco Farming & Agriculture - Medical Clinic Internship - *Christmas & New Year Holiday Internships: - Human Rights Internship - Medical Internship - Education Internship - Micro-Business Internship - Hospitality & Tourism Internship - Special Education Internship - Veterinary Internship - Dental Internship

Global Dental Relief's Guatemala clinic kicks off in Antigua, the ancient Spanish colonial capital of Central America and Mexico. The first day in Antigua is spent walking cobblestone streets and learning about the vast history of this ancient capital. After Antigua, we begin the journey overland into the Mayan Highlands to set up our dental clinic. Spanish is only one of the languages spoken by our patients and their families, hundreds of indigenous languages are spoken throughout the region. Volunteers tend to pick up a few phrases and practice any Spanish during their work here. The six-day clinic provides essential dental and oral hygiene care to Mayan children. Lines often form before the clinic opens, with eager mothers and children awaiting their turn. After the clinic each evening, volunteers share delicious dinners and enjoy local culture. After a week of complete immersion, volunteers return to Antigua where they have the option of enjoying a weekend of activities (including hiking up to a live volcano) or continuing independently on their own travels.

Huge population growth and migration have strained resources all over the country. As a result, its literacy rate is among the lowest in the world and poverty is prominent. Common standards of living, poor sanitation, and even limited access to clean water are all daily challenges faced by many Guatemalans. Work side by side with the locals on addressing the needs they have identified. Our staple activity in this location is the building of a cement floor for a family. The remaining work is divided among other projects, such as: - working with children at a local community library - teaching in an After-School Enrichment program - teaching pronunciation to students and teachers who are learning to write but speak the language These can often be changed (upon arrival) after discussions with the on-site coordinator. Do not hesitate to communicate if you feel like you are doing too much or too little work; our coordinators do their very best to meet the varying abilities of our volunteers.

Volunteer in Quetzaltenango – Help Out, Stand Out Ready to do something meaningful during your trip? Volunteering in Quetzaltenango (also known as Xela) allows you to connect with local communities and make a meaningful difference, while gaining unforgettable experiences along the way. There are tons of local projects here that need your help. Whether you’re into working with kids, supporting women, protecting the environment, or helping in healthcare, there’s a project that fits you. You could find yourself teaching in schools, helping in a shelter for teen mothers, reforesting the highlands, or supporting women’s textile cooperatives. Most projects require a minimum stay of 2 weeks, and since many people you’ll work with don’t speak English, a basic level of Spanish is necessary. Not quite there yet? We’ve got your back with online Spanish lessons to get you ready before you go. Volunteering in Guatemala isn’t just a way to give back—it’s an experience that will challenge and inspire you. If you’re open-minded, motivated, and ready for something real, Xela is calling.

Classic Service Learning Trips (SLTs) are week-long, immersive educational journeys to Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Tanzania. During these trips, volunteers actively collaborate with local communities on various development projects, including constructing homes, improving access to clean water, and participating in mobile medical clinics that provide essential healthcare to underserved areas. These trips offer a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the communities that MEDLIFE supports, allowing volunteers to witness firsthand the challenges faced by those living in extreme poverty. By working side by side with locals, volunteers not only gain invaluable insights into global health and development but also contribute directly to impactful projects that foster long-term, sustainable change. Beyond the hands-on experience, SLTs encourage participants to reflect on the role they can play in addressing global inequities. The trip fosters empathy, awareness, and ignites action, empowering volunteers to join the MEDLIFE Movement and advocate for a world where poverty no longer limits opportunities.

Volunteer with Local Hope Guatemala in a meaningful program that goes beyond service. Gain a life-changing experience through cultural immersion as you work alongside our local staff and connect with children, adults, and seniors in Xela AID programs. Visit families in their homes, hear their stories, and explore the surrounding area. We’ll match your skills and interests with one or more programs designed to foster self-reliance. Training is provided in areas such as: • Montessori Preschool • Study Center • Computer Lab • Special Needs Support • Medical, Dental, or Optometry Clinics • Sports Activities • Food Insecurity Relief • Leadership Training • Adult Literacy • Environmental Programs • Senior Services • ESL or English Practice This Build-Your-Own program is ideal for individuals or groups seeking a custom itinerary. Stay at our modern Eco Guest House with breakfast included. Optional add-ons include meals, immersive volunteering, curated cultural activities, local excursions, and round-trip transportation from Quetzaltenango airport or city.