Quick Facts
Program code
GL-VOL106
Category
Volunteer Work, Construction, Community Development
Country
Guatemala
Location
Antigua
Program start
year round, start and end dates are flexible
Minimum duration
2 weeks
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Program details
Antigua is one of the most beautiful cities in Central America. It is one of the main tourist attractions of Guatemala and inspires visitors with its beautiful colonial buildings, narrow streets lined with colorful houses, lively Mayan culture, and stunning backdrops of the perfectly shaped volcanoes, Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango.
But behind the picturesque beauty of this historic setting hides extreme poverty, under which most of the Guatemalan families live. Many families have no home or live in a poorly assembled shack that is made from cardboard, sheet metal, and trash. Whole families live, eat, and sleep in just one room. This extreme housing situation feeds the many other social issues and inter-family problems that are all too common for many locals.
Volunteers who like to actively tackle a project and do not shy away from physical work can help in a construction project in Antigua. The aim of this project is to build new homes or improve and expand existing houses for families in extreme poverty. In the same way, schools and community centers have been built in the past. The families who participate in this project must apply and be in possession of the land on which the house will be built.
Subsequently, the family's situation will be analysed, considering socio-economic aspects.
It takes around 7-10 days to construct a house. They are small, humble houses (about 30 square meters or 323 square feet), but for the families, it’s a significant improvement to their previous living situation. Normally, the volunteers help with the preparation of the house from the first day. The completion of the house and the ceremonial handing over of the keys to the family is a very emotional experience and is a very satisfying moment for most volunteers.
The project is funded entirely by donations and the help of volunteers from around the world! The jobs for this project are located within Antigua.
Tasks
This volunteer project requires volunteers to be in good physical shape. You will help at the construction site, building houses and actively supporting destitute families who have the dream of owning a small house.
Depending on the start date of your volunteer work project in Antigua, you will enter into the construction phase in which the home is in. Tasks range from levelling the ground to putting up walls and the roof. Furthermore, there are more basic tasks on construction sites, such as transporting materials and tools, screwing the metal scaffolding, trimming and preparing cement blocks, and more. There is a lot to do, and any help is needed.
During the building process, you get to know the family who will move into the house and will work together with them side-by-side. If you help out with this project for a long time, you have the opportunity to support the construction from the first day and finally be a part of moving the family into their new house. The joy on the faces of the family is a moving experience and it’s fulfilling to see all of your hard work and effort pay off.
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
For our volunteers, two different living options are available in the beautiful city of Antigua:
Homestay:
An important part of our volunteer work projects in Guatemala has always been to provide an intense glimpse into the everyday life and culture of the host country. Therefore, our volunteers in Antigua live in homestays so that they immerse into local customs, taste authentic meals, and experience the daily life of a family in Guatemala. You will quickly realize how much your Spanish skills improve each day. Our homestays are carefully screened and selected, and many hosts have years of experience with foreign guests.
In addition to a hospitable accommodation, you will receive three meals a day. You will be provided with a single room, while the bathroom can be private or shared. The homestays are located in Antigua.
Guest house:
Alternatively, if volunteers wish to live amongst other foreigners visiting Guatemala, we can provide accommodation in a nice guest house. This accommodation features a single bedroom and access to a kitchen for self-catering. There is internet in the guest house.
Location
Antigua is a beautiful colonial town in the south of Guatemala about an hour from the capital, Guatemala City, and surrounded by perfectly shaped volcanoes. Antigua is one of the most visited places in Central America. The city is famous for its Spanish colonial buildings, picturesque courtyards, interesting markets, beautiful churches and a colorful labyrinth of streets. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage since 1979. Antigua is located in the highlands of Guatemala at about 1,600 meters above sea level.
Antigua has an abundance of tour operators and agencies that offer exciting tours to all parts of the country. Whether you want to get to know the jungle, the Mayan culture, the Pacific coast or you are looking for cultural activities, in Antigua you are guaranteed to find someone who organizes exactly what you are looking for.
Antigua has an average daily temperature of 20 °C all year round, while the nights are quite cool. The rainy season is from June to October, the dry season from November to May.
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your volunteer work in Guatemala, we advise you to take a Spanish course before the program starts. This gives you the opportunity to slowly get used to the language, culture and mentality.
You can book your Spanish course in Guatemala directly with us!
Requirements
- Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Guatemala!)
- Minimum age 18 years
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
- Criminal record check
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by our partner organization in Guatemala located in Antigua.
Costs & Services
Our volunteer work in a House Building Project in Guatemala includes:
- Single room in a Homestay or a Guest House
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner (only homestay)
- City tour through Antigua on your first day
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- Orientation upon arrival
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Note: A US$ 50 donation must be paid directly to the project in Guatemala (not to South America Inside!)
Costs when living in Homestay
(single room with breakfast, lunch, dinner except on Sunday)
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 685 (minimum stay 2 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 145
Costs when living in Guest House
(single room, no meals incl.)
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 760 (minimum stay 2 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 180
Additionally, you can book:
- Airport pick-up in Guatemala City US$ 40
- Spanish course in Guatemala
- Spanish courses in Latin America
- Travel Health Insurance
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Volunteer Guide
Find valuable information about volunteering abroad in our program guides. Find out about all the benefits, possibilities and challenges, that a stay abroad offers you. Read more about the great opportunities that South America Inside has at your disposal.
Browse through our section Reading Matter!