Guatemala Volunteer Program

I spent two weeks in Antigua this summer, volunteering at a medical placement at Casa Maria, an elderly care facility just outside Antigua, and taking spanish classes through Maximo Nivel. I had no idea what to expect when I got off the plane, but the whole experience was beyond amazing!

The Maximo Nivel staff was wonderful and very supportive. They had great suggestions on places to visit over the weekend or in the afternoons (there's so much to do and see!). The volunteer house I was placed in was a great way to meet and connect with other volunteers in Antigua. My host mom was very sweet and made delicious dinners every night.

At my placement, I was with one other volunteer, and we got to help with wound care and taking vitals, as well as interacting with the residents. I knew little spanish going into this, but the placement staff and maximo nivel were all very supportive and open to teaching me things.

Travelling around guatemala on the weekends was an unexpected joy as well- there's so much to do! Visiting Semuc Champey, hiking Acatenango volcano, and seeing Lake Atitlan and Tikal were all highlights for me on this trip. Overall I had an amazing experience- it was a great blend of volunteering, learning spanish, getting to know interesting people, and seeing Guatemala!