• Service Learning in Guatemala

    Guatemala

  • Academic Field(s)

    Service Learning

  • Destinations

    Antigua and Vuelta Grande

  • Duration

    9 days

  • Accommodation

    3-star hotel in Antigua and Antigua Mountain Lodges in Vuelta Grande

This program is developed for students interested in making a positive impact through service-learning projects, deepen their understanding of other cultures, and integrate in meaningful community service activities.

During the service-learning experience in Vuelta Grande, students can teach English lessons to the local students from age 3-13 at FUNCOLI’S Learning Center, which was established in 2014 to give local children the opportunity to attend daily classes, receive a nourishing meal, and participate in art workshops. Additionally, students can help with the construction of dry latrines or ecological stoves. Dry latrines greatly reduce the contamination of ground water, while ecological stoves help to reduce respiratory ailments and deforestation.

Fundación Corazones Libres (FUNCOLI) is a Guatemala-based non-profit organization. Its goal is to improve the education, health, infrastructure, living conditions, and community development in the indigenous Maya communities. From the beginning in 2013, CEPA Foundation has worked in close partnership with FUNCOLI to provide funding and to build a learning center.

  • DAY 1: GUATEMALA CITY - ANTIGUA

    • Flight to Guatemala City, Guatemala
      (group flight can be booked separately)
    • Arrival at Guatemala City Airport (GUA)

    Stay 1 night at a 3-star hotel in Antigua

    • Check-in at the hotel and orientation session by your CEPA On-Site Coordinator
    • Welcome dinner at a Guatemalan restaurant
  • DAY 2: ANTIGUA - VUELTA GRANDE

    • Guided walking tour of Antigua to explore the beautiful colonial city with lots of charm and history. During the tour, you can admire and explore the main sights, cathedrals, and ruins of Antigua while learning about the city and the Mayan culture and traditions.

    Stay 5 nights at the Antigua Mountain Lodges in Vuelta Grande

    • Check-in at the Mountain Lodges and information session of the Guatemala and Mayan culture by your CEPA On-Site Coordinator
  • DAY 3-6: VUELTA GRANDE

    • Service-learning activity: Instruction of local Mayan children at FUNCOLI’s Learning Center
    • Further service-learning options: Help with the construction of latrines, stoves, or houses for the local population
    • Tortilla baking workshop during one morning
  • DAY 7: VUELTA GRANDE - ANTIGUA

    • Service-learning activity with the local Mayan children
    • Guided tour of a coffee plantation, including a group lunch to learn about coffee production in Guatemala

    Stay 2 nights at a 3-star hotel in Antigua

    • Check-in at the hotel
  • DAY 8: ANTIGUA

    • Free day to further explore the city; consider visiting one of the many markets with traditional crafts and products
    • Farewell dinner at a Guatemalan restaurant
  • DAY 9: ANTIGUA - GUATEMALA CITY

    • Departure from Guatemala City Airport (GUA)
  • What’s included in this sample itinerary:

    Service-learning experience as described • cultural excursions and field trips with local, bilingual guides • entrance fees and reservations • accommodation in a 3-star hotel (twin or triple rooms for students; single room for the faculty) and the Antigua Mountain Lodges (multi-bedded dorms for students, single room for the faculty) • daily breakfast • welcome and farewell dinner • 1 additional group lunch • full board in Vuelta Grande • tortilla baking workshop • local transportation by private bus as needed • on-site coordinator during excursions • orientation sessions • time to study, instruct, and explore

  • What’s not included:

    Materials for stoves and latrines (approx. material cost per unit: USD 150-200)

  • Program fee starting at $ 1,360 per participant based on a group size of 10
  • All program fees are calculated to include participation of one accompanying faculty or group leader.
  • Prices are based on a minimum number of 10 or 15 paying participants.
  • The actual quote for a tailored program will vary depending on different factors, for example: the actual program dates, the final participant number, the duration of the program, the visits and excursions included, as well as varying exchange rates

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