Cross-Cultural Solutions: Volunteer Abroad in Guatemala

I had a great opportunity to go to Guatemala City in August of 2015. The whole experience went by so fast because every day was different. We got to experience a lot of the culture right from day one with parades and festivals/street fairs going on for a majority of our service.
My placement was in a public pediatric clinic located in zone 3, by the city dump. The clinic was for mothers and babies. We got to help by weighing the babies/children, getting heights ,taking temps and doing blood pressures on the moms. We were able to help by preparing the nebulizers with the right medication for treatment which kids came in 2-3 times a week to get. I was able to use my pharmacy background by helping organize the storage room that had a lot of unpacked boxes of medications that needed to be organized. I could communicate with the children by holding them or playing peek a boo. They would run over and hug my leg. The moms were so appreciative to get help by holding or playing with one of their children. It was a great chance to be a great human being and make people feel like they matter. Even though my Spanish was not the best, we figured out how to communicate with each other and get things done that needed to be done.
During the weekend off we visited Lake Atitlan, which was just breath taking. We got to visit some villages on the lake and do some shopping in the villages and take in the views from the villages. The food was great everywhere we went. CCS did take care of the safety of the trip and the food preparation was meticulous. This was an experience I will never forget and I will share with others forever. A special thanks to Virginia and her staff that made the trip truly enjoyable.

Volunteering abroad was the most humbling and extraordinary experience of my life. The opportunity to provide service while reaching new heights in my own personal growth was the most beneficial part of the volunteer experience. I am still continually processing thoughts and experiences of my trip to Guatemala. I find myself thinking and dreaming about Guatemala with its overwhelming contrast of the countrys’ colorful villages and humble inhabitants to the most unpleasant visions of Zone 3 with its atrocious living conditions, gunmen abounding and dirt and garbage everywhere. My heart is torn between thoughts of ever wanting to return, because of my feeling of helplessness and the huge need that exists, and wanting to join an eternal fight to become a GAME CHANGER in some way.

In the last few years I had grown tired of hearing about luxury vacations. Also, when I suddenly became a widow, I looked for a vacation experience that I could do by myself. Volunteering in Guatemala satisfied my need for interacting with real people and everyday life.

I observed that the very young children in the day care center, whose parents made a meager existence by picking through the city's trash, were bright and curious and loved to learn new things--like young children everywhere. Though supplies were limited, I thought of simple activities that involved movement, singing, playing with balls, and simple art.

My basic knowledge of Spanish came alive for the first time in my life, and I was so grateful to use it and to be understood! (One would not have to speak the language in a fancy hotel.) I was able to converse in a very person-to-person way with the cook, caretaker, and driver at home base.

During my stay I encountered no difficulties with regard to health, safety, or interaction. I accepted whatever accommodations or food were offered with thanks. Also, I endeavored to interact with everyone as an equal, not as if I was in Guatemala and knew more than they did.

The program effectively balances a genuine immersion into the Guatemalan culture with a strong emphasis on safety. Virginia and co. truly make the volunteers a part of their family - I was truly spoiled. With a security guard on staff 24 hours per day, the home base was a welcome oasis on Septima Avenida in Guatemala City. I have grown to appreciate many little things that I take for granted in the United States. Every volunteer has a different experience, and the staff is more than eager to make sure everyone is able to take something away from their program.

No matter how many pictures and videos you see, they will not do Lake Atitlan and Tikal justice. I was able to see every tourist attraction on my list, while still managing to budget time for a rewarding volunteer experience. I've often read that the best volunteer programs follow the rule of thirds - 1/3 volunteer, 1/3 cultural, and 1/3 free time. This program follows that structure admirably.

As I set off ,I was a little apprehensive. I suppose of the unexpected. But it took me no time too feel very comfortable at the home-base and work sight. The staff are very friendly and supportive and the kids are just too much--very friendly and heart warming. I would not change a thing.

My wife and I shared the trip and we share the feeling that there is a need for CCS if only to educate the world on the struggle of a proud and great nation and people. The answer is education! So I would expand the part that lays out the history of the country, where it is now and more about the future. The world needs to know.

I loved my experience with Cross Cultural Solutions in Guatemala. I would say my favorite part about the program was being able to experience the country in a way many people never experience. I stayed in the country for 3 weeks, and I felt that I had ample opportunity to explore Guatemala and do touristy things (the CCS field trips were very good and educational, and the free weekend time gave an opportunity to visit any other places, like Tikal, the Mayan ruins, that the field trips didn't provide.) I also felt like CCS allowed me to take advantage of vacationing in a new place, with the bonus of being able to help others, without all the stress others might find in trying to plan out a trip. CCS provides you with a (really nice) place to stay, meals, showers, some transportation, and very knowledgeable locals who can give you great advice. A great experience, and I can't wait to go again!

I had always thought about volunteering abroad but was never sure where I wanted to go. When i contacted CCS, they suggested Guatemala City. In March of 2012, I went there for just one week. Although the trip was much too short, I think it has been one of the most gratifying, thrilling and inspirational experiences by far. I worked in a school for children 3-6yrs. Our group had painted a mural to brighten up the school's appearance. The best part of my trip was meeting new people and learning more about the Guatemalan culture. Before going, I had very little knowledge about the country, culture, etc. What's really great about CCS's program is that not only do they provide you with a comfortable living environment and volunteer placement, but they give you time to venture out on your own/ with other volunteers to places in the city, ie. climb the Pacaya Volcano, travel to markets, etc. This gave me the chance to see and experience the Guatemalan culture for myself. The staff was amazing, making me feel safe and comfortable at all times. Not only would I love to go back to Guatemala through CCS, this experience has been so great that I would definitely be interested in volunteering elsewhere with this organization.