Guatemala Volunteer Programs from $28/day | Most Affordable & Trusted

I have just completed my second volunteering stint with IVHQ; the first in Cordoba, Argentina and this time in Antigua, Guatemala.

Both experiences were life changing although Antigua more so.

Logistically everything was done for me. Excellent communication from IVHQ and their partners in Guatemala, airport collections, lodgings, orientation and on hand assistance uf you need anything.

I was in a homestay with other volunteers and it was like being with family.

My project was working in a hospital in the special school for elderly and special needs children. We helped them with activities and gave them reassurances and hugs. Although only for a week it was one of the best things I have ever done; emotionally challenging coming face to face with the adversities of others but so rewarding when eyes lit up when they saw me and a hand would sneak itself into mine.

Not only was volunteering rewarding but I also got to meet a heap of people; other volunteers and locals who gave me an insight into their world.

Don’t give it a second thought if you want to experience the nitty gritty of another life and travel at the same time. It will broaden your horizons and you will have a great time doing it.

Thanks IVHQ. I cant wait for my next adventure.

My volunteer experience with IVHQ certainly exceeded my expectations. Generally, volunteering is associated with programs where the logistics and treatment of the volunteer is very basic, which is not the case with International Volunteer HQ.

Personally, I had their guidance and induction even months before the trip, where I could make the decision to continue or give up; with detailed online programs, even beginners like me could understand the entire project management, from the channels of help through digital and physical channels, to various useful tips for specific situations depending on the location.

During the program I received full attention and advice, so that not only the experience of the students benefited was good, but also my own. Visits from supervisors, email consultations about our progress and accompaniment during the induction and farewell are some of the things I highlight the most.

Teaching is one of my passions, and connecting quickly with the children gave me a lot of confidence, so I was able to leave a strong foundation for future volunteers. I hope to return to Guatemala soon, I also want to do my next volunteer work as soon as possible and what better than with IVHQ. I have already recommended several of my friends and even my sister will be doing the Medical Care program next year. In short, who does not live to serve, is not good for life.

I spent two weeks in Antigua Guatemala with International Volunteer HQ. While I did enjoy my trip, I have a few tips for prospective volunteers. 1st, do research on the company IVHQ has partnered with as well as IVHQ. IVHQ really only serves as the connection between volunteer and the organization, outside of that, they have little control over the actual volunteer experience. The airport pick up and drop off were truly a lifesaver, and the orientation was really nice. I was shocked upon arriving in the country to find that I was housed in a homestay as it did state explicitly on the website that volunteers under eighteen would be housed in a dorm style accommodations. Thankfully, our host family was absolutely wonderful and very welcoming. 2nd, I would look very closely at the tour add-ons that you book. We booked a Kayak tour at El Paredon Beach, but ended up spending the day at a resort and taking a one hour paddleboard tour that was essentially self guided. While it was enjoyable, it once again did not line up with what the website told me to expect. 3rd, what happens is very much up to chance. In a foreign country, working through multiple organizations and groups of people, it is very difficult to ensure anything. I loved my host family and still keep up with my host mom, but I also heard volunteers who had a terrible host mom who yelled at them for little things and whose meals were so terrible, volunteers chose to eat out instead. It really depends where you get placed and what that country's program is like. 4th, I did the teaching English Program, which was really wonderful. I loved interacting with the kids and getting to know them. I was, however, surprised to learn that we received almost no guidance on how to teach the kids. As a seventeen year old, who has never taught in her life, it was a little difficult to be dumped in front of fifteen children and asked to teach them English. While it was a great learning opportunity, lesson planning is very difficult, and I would have definitely appreciated additional guidance. Travel itself is incredible, and IVHQ provides a chance to really interact with the community off the beaten path. If this is your first trip overseas, I would highly recommend it, just make sure to ask questions about everything and push for real, non-vague answers. Be ready for the plan to change, and really take time to take in the local culture. For the price, IVHQ is a good program. It allowed me to do something I never dreamed I could and helped me make a real difference. I hope this information helps. I know when I was looking at the program it was really hard to tell what the actual experience would be like.

Volunteering with IVHQ was one of the best decisions I could have ever made! From the start to the end, they were there to help me through the process and make sure I had the greatest experience. Everything was extremely organized and planned out. It was also very easy to plan the experience, all because of IVHQ. When researching, IVHQ's website was extremely convenient and resourceful, allowing me to explore all kinds of places, activities, and all the possibilities they included. Once I started applying, the process was quite simple! After I was accepted, I was given each step that needed to be completed to be adequately prepared before leaving. Additionally, I had a Program Manager who was always there to answer my questions, through email or by calling. Once in Antigua, Guatemala, Maximo Nivel made sure I had everything I needed and was there if I ever needed help (the staff was extremely supportive!). This opportunity allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in a new culture. I learned so much from the people and community! Further, the program provided opportunities to sign up for tours or part-take in their Maximo Nivel activities, like their cooking and dancing classes! Also, I was able to work at a school whose goals and kids did nothing but serve as an inspiration. Lastly, my host family was extremely welcoming and kind. I had an amazing time with them! I would definitely participate in another of IVHQ's programs in the future!

I loved the program that IVHQ worked with. They were very helpful, fun and professional. I lived with the nicest host family who were so giving. Both of these things made my experience so enjoyable. I don't think I had a single dull moment. I was able to get so much out of the country thanks to the program IVHQ uses called Maximo Nivel. I will be going through IVHQ again next summer for my next volunteer trip. I have now done 2 trips through them and they have yet to let me down! Please go! This country has so much to offer. I was able to fit so much in from just a week and a half. I really feel like I was able to be a tourist in this country while still being able to be fully emersed into the culture with the locals.

Great communication from IVHQ from the start through to the staff from Maximo Nivel Antigua Guatemala the moment I arrived - providing plenty of advice/help throughout my 2 week programme .
The eco farm project was an amazing community with so many different volunteer options and so beautifully looked after and activities throughout the week to join as well
Living in a shared accomodation with other volunteers was also a highlight as everyone is on different projects and Spanish classes, at dinner time you all come together to share your day with one another.

I loved being able to gain patient experience during this program. I was able to take patients vitals, take their glucose, and assist the dentist! These are things I would've never had a chance to do in the US without some type of medical certification. I also absolutely loved the entire staff. Everyone made me feel so welcome, including the people in my homestay:) Additionally, I loved the cultural experience I gained as well as the chance I had to speak in Spanish again. I think it is very important to learn Spanish as a medical student so I can help bridge the language gap in the health care system.

I decided to do this volunteering experience to grow as a person but the reality is that what I immagined was not even close to what I got. Guatemala is a beautiful country and the experience was organized perfectly. The family that hosted me was amazing! They treated me like I was part of the family. They had little but they shared everything. The kids I helped during my volunteering experience were so curious, nice, loving and kind. They really loved connecting with a person that was coming from another country and they asked me so many questions. I let all my barriers down and I've been surrounded by unconditional love. This is the best gift I ever gave to myself!