- Guatemala
- Antigua
About Program
Bright Light Volunteers welcomes participants to engage in meaningful and sustainable volunteering opportunities in Guatemala. We work in the calm and laid-back towns in and around the colonial town of Antigua (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) where participants will gain the experience of a lifetime while working on educational and conservation projects aimed at improving lives.
Come and discover Guatemala! Only slightly larger than the U.S. state of Tennessee, Guatemala is known for its Mayan influence and rich culture and history. The name “ Guatemala” originates from the Maya word “Guhatezmalhl” meaning the “Mountain That Vomits Water.” Guhatezmalhl is a volcano near the old capital of Antigua. Today the volcano is simply called the Volcan de Agua (Spanish for Volcano of Water). Program participants will explore the beauty of the colonial towns as well as the pace of life in the rural Mayan villages.
Video and Photos
Program Highlights
- Volunteer in a variety of service initiatives in Guatemala including home building.
- Work in conservation and education projects.
- Restore and paint community building and homes.
- Teach English and other skills to members of the community.
- Work in an educational after-school outreach program.
Program Impact
Bright Light Volunteers is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to empower program participants and community partners through education and service. Our vision is to make the world a brighter place by creating a more peaceful, just, interconnected world where global challenges and opportunities are met by educated, compassionate, global citizens and leaders.
Program participants will exit the program having:
– Demonstrated an understanding of the definition and value of global citizenship
– Developed awareness of one’s own personal reactions to those from different cultures (personal biases, beliefs, attitudes)
– Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of local, national and/or global issues and the interconnectedness and interdependency of different countries and populations
– Developed skills for critical thinking and analysis of global issues
– Developed a sense of belonging to a common humanity, sharing values and responsibilities, based on human rights
– Developed familiarity with various cultures / cultural practices of the host country
– Acted effectively and responsibly at local, national and global levels for a more peaceful and sustainable world
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Questions & Answers
Location
Antigua was the capital of Guatemala prior to a major earthquake that left most of the city in ruins. Guatemala city then became the capital, and Antigua city returned into a small town until the whole city was deemed a UNESCO world heritage site. Attractions include monuments and buildings, as they preserve Guatemala's historical beauty and showcase the Spanish influence in the area.
