Antigua, Guatemala: Community Engagement, Spanish, Independence

Antigua, Guatemala: Community Engagement, Spanish, Independence

Location
  • Guatemala
    • Antigua
Length
4 - 12 weeks
Program Tags
Adventure Travel Arts College Credit Conservation Cultural Immersion Drama Hands-On Learning Instructor Internships Journalism Language Immersion Learning Differences Medical Music Post-High School Religious Social Justice Study Abroad Teach Abroad Volunteer Abroad Yoga Retreats +11
Health & Safety

Program Details

Activities
Animal Viewing Backpacking Bird Watching Boating Camping Canoeing City Exploring Dancing Farming Hiking Horseback Riding Paddleboarding Remote Exploring Sightseeing Swimming Trekking Yoga
Timeframe
Fall Summer
Housing
Guesthouse
Primary Language
English
Age Min.
17
Age Max
23

Pricing

Starting Price
9900
Price Details
Summer 2026: June 24 - July 29 (5 weeks) $9,900
Fall 2026: September 24 - November 19th (8 weeks) $12,900
Summer 2027: June 23 - July 28 (5 weeks) $9,900
Fall 2027: September 23 - November 18th (8 weeks) $12,900

**Program tuition includes all food, accommodations, scheduled program activities, and international travel insurance for the duration of the program. International airfare and spending money are extra. International airfare estimated at $1,200 - $1,500.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Meals Travel Insurance
What's Not Included
Airfare Visa
Jan 04, 2026
1 traveler is looking at this program

About Program

For students interested in peer-centric community housing, supported with our professional Overseas Educators (OEs), and built around a schedule of interests that each student designs independently. Hands-on experiences, Spanish study, field trips, guest lectures, and volunteering will help students develop a deep understanding for the region and its significance. Supported by our OEs for risk management, mentorship, and life-skill development, each student aims for future school and career goals.

Antigua, Guatemala, is a captivating blend of colonial impacts meeting indigenous culture. Nestled among the volcanoes of Central America, Antigua is known for its cobblestone streets, pastel-hued buildings, and well-preserved Spanish architecture. It is a picturesque backdrop for cultural immersion and exploration of personal goals and experiences. The city's rich history, evident in its churches and ruins, contrasts beautifully with its vibrant markets, art galleries, and lively festivals.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

We recognize that we are a long way from the diversity we aim for within our students, staff, and partners. We want and need more diversity to truly become the organization we would like to be. We recognize that this will not happen overnight or without dedicating time, attention, and resources. To that end, we have created a strategic plan to address our current shortfalls and to make significant improvements, which you can see on our Diversity & Inclusion page.
At Carpe Diem, each applicant reads through our extensive Essential Eligibility Criteria prior to enrollment. This criteria allows applicants to determine if the organization is an appropriate fit for their gap semester/year goals and their individual needs. During the interview and application process, we have honest and direct conversations with students and families about the support that our staff is able to provide throughout the program experience. We are committed to creating a culture of acceptance and support. To that end, our Overseas Educators and local leaders are selected for their skill in group facilitation and promoting inclusive group dynamics.
At Carpe Diem, each applicant reads through our extensive Essential Eligibility Criteria prior to enrollment. This criteria allows applicants to determine if the organization is an appropriate fit for their gap semester/year goals and their individual needs. We have honest and open conversations with applicants about our ability to support individual needs on each program, with the ultimate goal of a healthy and successful experience for all students. In the past, we have worked with students with severe allergies, diabetes, chronic injuries, and mental health diagnoses. We know each student's journey is individual and we work with families to support these individual needs where possible to help determine if the program is a good fit for their gap semester goals.

Impact 🌎

We are committed to maximizing the net positive impact while minimizing the carbon footprint of every program. In our office, on our programs, and through our carbon offset match, our programs are geared toward environmental education to empower future leaders to move their communities to take action. During our programs, students learn more about their impact as individuals and a travel community - then take a solution-oriented lens to tackling key issues. We also contribute to and amplify the voices of organizations and partners who focus on permaculture, natural building, and sustainable solutions.
Our programs are designed to connect to our local communities and provide reciprocal exchange and engagement. Through engaging in experiential education, community engagement, and intercultural exchange, our students develop enhanced perspectives, deeper cultural understanding, and a profound sense of self-discovery and personal growth. We work with vetted local providers to build their businesses as they provide value to our students and programming. With our homestay families, we ensure we minimize our footprint by regularly rotating the communities we work with and evaluating our social impact alongside their community leaders.

Program Highlights

  • Study Spanish in small groups while living in homestays. In the afternoons, volunteer, take classes, and explore the town.
  • Dive into meaningful volunteer projects, paired with experts in a variety of fields, including arts and weaving, social justice, and more.
  • Explore more, and pace your days according to your needs.
  • Explore sustainability and indigenous Mayan culture while living in the historic city of Antigua.

Program Reviews

Looks like there aren't any reviews yet for this program.  Leave a Review

Questions & Answers