Program Reviews

I’m really glad I chose this program because I had a lot of freedom when it came to deciding in what way I want to support the program. Mariam, the Development and Communications Coordinator, supported me with anything I needed.
But since I “made up” my functions and duties in the project it made me feel like I wasn’t needed at all - which of course is good, because the project is important and should never depend on the help of the volunteer, but I was surprised by that.
If you are enthusiastic and have your own ideas this is a great opportunity to learn a lot about the culture though: since I worked in a program that helped women I learnt a lot about the problems and controversies in the country.
Apart from that, even making a very small impact makes me feel good, because it’s a non-profit organization which makes the lives of a lot of women so much better by helping them become more independent and self confident.

My experience with Inlex was one of a kind.
They made me feel like a family.
Working in the kindergarten was amazing and they were very helpful.
The host family they put me with also were amazing.
Overall I would give them a 10/10 they were very helpful and accommodating.
If you ever needed additional help IO was always there to help and provide guidance.
The kindergarten was a great place to learn about culture and Spanish.
I would recommend this program to solo travelers. It was worth it at the end.

My trip to Guatemala was very daunting at first because I was traveling on my own and I had never been before so I didn't know what to expect. As soon as I started to interact with people and get to know them I felt like I could put my worries to rest, people where warm, charmful and funny and I honesntly feel I will always remember this trip very fondly. For those who love nature, hiking and going on aventures I highly recommend Guatemala. I'm very grateful to the organizers who always took care of me and saw that I was safe and having a good time.

I loved my host family so much, they were so welcoming and caring and they cooked amazing food for me. The coworkers I had at both volunteers were really nice too, specially at the Children’s care one. I wish I could have been more hands on in my medial volunteer, but I still felt as though I helped.
I also enjoyed the places to visit in Guatemala during the weekend. I visited the El Paredón beach, which was beautiful, I did the Acatenango volcano hike, which I most definitely recommend because even though it’s very hard it’s so so worth it in the end, and I also visited the Lake and toured some towns nearby.
It’s a great experience to both volunteer and explore a new country and it’s culture.

It was an amazing experience to be able to discover a new country and a new culture, at the same time as having a positive impact on the community.
The family I was staying with were the sweetest person, always here to help and give some insight on their culture and history. Ticos are really welcoming.
The program I was working for gave me real missions to do, with objectives and directives. It was great because it allowed me to see the real impact I could have and not only doing basic helping out but really using my knowledge and capabilities to help out.

I spend a little more than 3 months in Guatemala with Inlex from end of April to the beginning of august 2021. I went there for an agricultural internship for my university and for the overall experience of solo travel, working and living abroud. Traveling inmits the covid pandemic i was very nervous about some obstacles that might pose but luckely the Inlex team was very prepared and i felt safe and taken care of the whole time.I stayed with a hoast familiy with whom i had a lot of fun and where i felt very welcomed. My program includet a 2 week language course in spanish and 8 weeks of working. Both of which i look back with good memories of experiences and the friends i made along the way. I am esperially thankful for the trips i took with people of the staff who took me along on hikes and to some places where i wouldn't normaly be able to go to aswell as help with planning my own roadtrips and travels. This made my stay in guatemala truely unique and has left me with some of the best memories of my life!

During my time in Costa Rica I got to stay with an amazing tico host family in the city of San Ramón while working in a women empowerment program. San Ramón is a beautiful and lively city and the other volunteers and I were all really happy with our projects and host families. Tanya, the program’s coordinator took great care of us and regularly planed get-togethers and trips. You will be able to pick up the Spanish pretty quickly since you are always surrounded by it - at home as well as at work. Moreover you’ll get the possibility to really get to know the wonderful people of Costa Rica and see the prettiest places. I can only recommend this program to anyone! Muchísimas gracias por todo! Tuve el mejor tiempo y quiero volver pronto

All in all the program was an awesome experience. The family I stayed with was friendly, lovely and always open to help me. I really appreciated this much. Unfortunately I had to evacuate my program, due to the arising of COVID-19 and the immediate change if conditions. I could not enter my project, since I only stayed in Costa Rica for 5 weeks before the COVID-19 break out. These 5 weeks I had visited a Spanish course. All in all the experience was exceptional, even though I had to stop my project and return to Germany.

Costa Rica (especially the people!) is truly magnificent. San Ramón has everything you need and is located extremely well for traveling around the country. The coordinator is so sweet, fun (planned many activities) and really took the time for me and us. My volunteer project was really well organized and it was special to meet the other volunteers, who I’m still friends with. Living with the host family was authentic and special. I hope I can go back some day. I’m convinced, you won’t regret going!

Volunteering at Corazon del Bosque was an amazing experience. The work itself was very interesting - they have a great mindset for what they want to work towards. As long as you bring initiative, there are some really interesting opportunities to help out. The homestay with the local family was a great way to learn about local life, about Mayan culture, and to practice Spanish. My family was hugely accommodating, they made me feel at home the whole time there. The programme itself was also very supportive, checking in with me regularly, and always providing helpful advise when needed (either about the programme or about travel in Guatemala more generally). Overall a fantastic experience!