Special education project in Guatemala

Name: Special education project in Guatemala
Start: 2026-02-13
End: 2028-08-31
Location: Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Code: 513a42bc-08c1-11f1-8b4c-fa163ef8d720 Copied

Guatemala People with disabilities People with disabilities Permanent

About the project

📝 Detailed information

🏢 About the local organisation

Our partner organization in this country was founded in Guatemala in 2005 by former international volunteers who wanted to offer flexible and impactful volunteer programs in Central America. This flexibility allows participants to commit for a duration that suits them, in a field where their skills can provide the most support. This approach helps create a positive impact for local communities and a rewarding experience for the volunteer.

The organization is guided by the principle that every contribution, no matter the size, can make a meaningful difference. Years later, they continue to collaborate with key local projects to foster strong, self-sufficient communities. By joining one of their programs, you are taking a step towards supporting sustainable community initiatives and engaging in an authentic cultural exchange.

The mission of our local partner is to strengthen human resources through volunteer programs, educational travel, and internship placements. They provide opportunities for students and professionals to gain valuable experience in their chosen field by matching them with the most suitable projects available.

💼 What the programme involves

This program is designed to make the most out of education that is tailored to individuals with mental and physical disabilities. Volunteers working in this program must be resourceful, patient, and have a positive personality. Students in this project suffer from conditions like down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Klinefelter syndrome, neurofibromatosis, Williams syndrome, and other conditions. The age range of the students varies from teenagers to adults.

Possible tasks:
-Teaching various classes such as handicrafts, painting, and reading.
-Helping feed students.
-Assisting students and staff.
-Helping to create educational material.
-Helping to plan classes.

Schedule: 8 am-1pm.Monday to Friday.

🏠 Accommodation on site

To ensure a full cultural immersion, volunteers stay with carefully selected local host families. This is a unique opportunity to experience daily Guatemalan life, practice your Spanish, and form lasting connections. You will typically have a private room and share common areas and bathroom facilities with the family. All host families are experienced in welcoming international volunteers and provide a safe and friendly environment.

📍 About the location

Location: Antigua Guatemala or surrounding towns

⚠️ Requirements

Spanish language skills are an asset but not always mandatory, as immersion and language classes can help you learn quickly. For specialized placements, such as in healthcare, proof of relevant qualifications and experience will be required. All participants must provide a criminal background check.

ll participants must be 18 years or older when starting the program and must submit the following documents:

-Application form

-Copy of resume or a summary of experience.

-Emergency contacts.

-Copy of passport.

-Proof of adequate medical travel insurance.

🤝 Meeting point

Free pickup is included most Sundays from 8am-10pm. If a participant can’t make it on specified dates, a $75 fee will be included in the program to cover extra transportation and out-of-date orientation. Please ask for a list of available start dates.

Airport pickup is included from Aurora international airport in Guatemala City (GUA) and its nearby hotels. Alternatively, participants can meet with coordinators in Antigua Guatemala.

Please note that if you arrive later (planned or by delay) than 10 pm you might be asked to pay for a hostel/hotel for the first night.

ℹ️ Additional information

People with passports from the EU, USA, UK, Australia, and many other countries entering Guatemala will be issued a 90-day tourist visa on arrival.

Availability: Guatemalan school year, From mid-January to late October. Other breaks include Easter weeks and a 2 week holiday in Mid July.
Program Duration: weeks

All individual programs include:
- Welcome at the airport and transport to accommodation.
- On-call support from in-country staff and emergency assistance 24/7.
- Program and project orientation.
- Host family accommodation with two meals per day or shared volunteer accommodation at select projects. with access to a kitchen.
- Project placement.
- Certificate of program completion

Program do not include:
- Flight to and from destination
- Laundry services
- Transport to the airport and daily transport.
- Immunizations (if needed)
- Visa or related fees.

Add-ons
- Spanish lessons (See pricing list for more details)
- Seasonal tours
- Lodging upgrades upon request for certain projects