Volunteer in Guatemala
Introduction
Our experience shows that volunteers can be a very important resource to non-profit organisations. While volunteering, you can make a difference, have a life-changing experience, and learn a lot about Guatemala and its culture.
EntreMundos offers volunteer services to connect volunteers to around 130 different organisations in Guatemala. Whether you want to work with women, health, micro-credit, the environment, animals, education, or other matters, EntreMundos offers professional and friendly advice to help you find the best volunteer position suited to your specific needs. We have projects requiring varying levels of Spanish, and those that accept volunteers for a wide range of time commitments - from one day to a year. This means that we are able find suitable projects for just about anyone. Note that the majority of the organisations we work with are situated in or around Quetzaltenango and the Western Highlands.
Three EntreMundos Services for Volunteers
EntreMundos offers three different services to meet the varying needs of potential volunteers. For more information about these services, or for details on how to apply, please contact volunteering@entremundos.org or call (502) 7761 2179.
All volunteers using any of the services listed below must read, understand, and comply with the relevant EntreMundos policies: Our Behavioural Guidelines for Volunteers and our Code of Conduct for Volunteers Interacting with Children All volunteers must also read and understand our Child Protection Policy for Organisational Cooperation which participating organisations have signed, and ensure that these principles are upheld during your volunteer work.
1) Free Online Volunteer Opportunities Database
For those interested in arranging volunteer work independently, EntreMundos has a free online volunteer opportunities database, located here: http://www.entremundos.org/Projects/db/FindListings.php. Roughly 130 organisations and their volunteer opportunities are listed, and contact information is provided so that you can contact the organisations directly. Please note the time commitment and Spanish levels required, and be aware that although we do our best to update it regularly, some information might be out of date.
2) Drop-In Volunteer Placement Service
For those already in Quetzaltenango, come visit the EntreMundos office from Monday to Thursday between 1pm and 5pm for a personalised consultation. For a donation of Q25 (approximately $3) you will receive an appointment with the Volunteer Programme Advisor who will help match your preferences, skills, and expectations, with a suitable volunteer opportunity. Our Volunteer Advisor can make calls to NGOs, set up appointments, and confirm your volunteer work. Free use of our computers is also included with the donation.
3) Pre-Departure Volunteer Placement Service
If you would like to arrange a volunteer work placement before leaving your home country, EntreMundos can provide extensive personalised help with finding a volunteer position and making arrangements on your behalf. For a donation of only USD$40, we can have your volunteer placement organised and confirmed before you arrive in Guatemala. Furthermore, you will receive a complete information package about Guatemala including a FAQ, information regarding transport, accommodation, health: local diseases, security; behavioural guidelines, the climate, what clothes to bring, as well as information on Spanish schools, cafes, restaurants, etc.
To apply for this service, please fill in the registration form and email it along with your CV to volunteering@entremundos.org, indicating your interest in the USD$40 service. Please do not send your donation until after our Volunteer Advisor has confirmed the feasibility of your interests. Details of exactly how to do this will be contained in the acceptance email. Upon receiving proof of the transfer, our Volunteer Advisor will begin organising your placement while maintaining constant contact you to answer any questions or concerns that may arise.
Additionally, EntreMundos can offer:
For an additional USD$10: the Volunteer Programme Adviser will meet you in Quetzaltenango and take you to your volunteer work the first time, showing you how to get there with public transport, arranging the first meeting with the organisation, and helping to get your final questions answered. The Volunteer Programme Adviser speaks fluent English, French and Spanish.
For an additional USD$10: your volunteer placement advisor will visit five Spanish schools that you have personally selected with you to find the best possible Spanish school for you.
For an additional USD$5: you can receive a certificate, signed by your hosting organisation and the director of EntreMundos, confirming that you have completed your volunteer work placement according to the wishes of the organisation.
Why EntreMundos asks for a contribution for our Volunteer Placement Services
In addition to providing services to volunteers and volunteer accepting organisations, EntreMundos runs a variety of different services and activities for non-profit organisations including workshops, computer classes, and the provision of the office space for meetings or conferences, and publishes a free bilingual bimonthly magazine to raise awareness about development and human rights issues in Guatemala.
Your money will contribute directly to one of the above mentioned activities, so that we can continue building the capacities of local organisations.
Only for Organisations
For organisations wishing to have details of their projects included in our database, please fill in the registration form below (in Spanish or English) and email it to volunteering@entremundos.org.
For registration form in English please click here
For registration form in Spanish please click here
