Helping stray dogs in Guatemala

The month I spent in dog shelter Abaj Tacalik in Antigua, Guatemala was amazing! I got to really bond with the people and the dogs at my placement and loved going there everyday. We helped out with walking the dogs, cleaning and just giving them love. Next to that, with fundraised money, I was also able to contribute by helping rebuild parts of the shelter and providing them with food and medicine.

In the morning I had private Spanish classes which I really enjoyed and which really helped me in learning the language even faster and being able to talk to my host family and the people at my placement. My teacher Alma was great and made the classes fun and interactive.

The city Antigua is lovely to live in and the host family I stayed with so kind. I easily felt a home at my host family and loved walking around the streets of Antigua in the morning and working out ideas in one of the many coffee shops. During the weekends we had enough time to travel and stroll around the city.

The staff, especially Katia, have given me good support. Katia is super kind and stayed in touch and provided the resources needed at the placement. Whenever I needed something, the staff were always willing to help. Also, when I needed to see a doctor in the evening they immediately let him come and gave support.

I would advise all future volunteers to be open-minded and believe in your own abilities to make a (small) change! Look at the resources you have available and try to make the most out of it! I had an amazing experience and I would highly recommend anyone to sign up for a volunteer placement like this.