General Impression
Overall Rating: / 10
I had a great time in this program. Everything went smoothly (for the most part), and I felt I was really able to integrate myself with the locals as well as work hard and make a difference in the small community I was in. Love Volunteers and the local program team made it clear what was expected and how to overcome any challenges that arose. I also felt that I was able to find a great balance of volunteer work and travel/leisure, which helped me see more of Guatemala and soak up the culture. I am very glad that I decided to do this program. I have no complaints, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone interested!Country
I had been to Guatemala once before, but this time I felt I really got a great look into the culture and detail of this amazing, beautiful country. I found that the host family placement was one of the best ways I was able to connect with the culture, as I was able to experience how the Mayan/Kiche people live in the Mayan highlands. Although there were a few frustrations with how things went sometimes (I was ripped off while taking public transportation), Guatemala fascinated me and I hope to go back again to experience even more that the country has to offer. During the visit I was able to visit such sights as Tikal, Semuc Champey, Antigua, Quetzaltenango, Lake Atitlán, which were a great way to learn more about the country as a whole and its natural and cultural beauty. It was easy to get around and to find anything I needed for personal needs, and I never felt unsafe or in danger.
Project & Staff
The project was great. The other volunteers and I were received quite well at the ecological park we were working at. All the staff members loved having us and I even became good friends with them. The work we did varied wildly, from planting trees up in the forest to working in the park's tree nursery to painting a store/café for the locals to come to. The director of the park knew what to do with the volunteers and the staff was helpful in coming up with projects for us to do. It never really felt like there was a lack of work- there was always something that could be done. One of the projects currently at the park is the reconstruction of a building that burned down, but the park staff did not want us to work on this out of possible dangers. Some of the manual labor at the park was challenging and required heavy lifting, which was nice to help with. If we ever needed any help, the park staff were very kind and helped us get the necessary materials for the particular project we were working on. We had some freedom with the work we did, but were also working under the guidance of the park officials.
Tips
It is good to be patient. It is a developing foreign country, and sometimes things don't run quite the same ways they would in a first world country. Therefore it is necessary to be patient with yourself and others and know that the people around you want the best for you. The Guatemalan people are very kind, and are always more than happy to help you with whatever you need. All you need to do is ask!