Travel to Guatemala to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?
Travel to Guatemala to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work, live as a digital nomad or settle as an emigrant
Backpacking in Guatemala
- Guatemala is often visited by backpackers as part of a longer Central/South America trip.
- Characteristics: Mayans, many traveling nationalities, nature, taking care of safety.
Traveling in Guatemala
- A trip through Guatemala is a journey through traditions of the Mayan culture, past and present. With high mountains and rainforest, in which a half-hidden Mayan city suddenly appears.
- Spotting cities: Antigua, Chichicastenango, Quetzaltenango, Lago de Atitlan (Panajachel), Tikal
- nimal spotting: Guatemala is very high on the biodiversity rankings: jaguars, pumas, lizards, iguanas, turtles, crocodiles, toucans... and the extremely well-hidden Quetzal.
Study in Guatemala
- Studies: in principle, all subjects and forms of education can be found. Studies such as archaeology, architecture, anthropology, biology, psychology and philosophy predominate.
- Study cities: in Guatemala City you will find few - but good - public universities and several private educational institutions. Antigua is the city in Central America for Spanish language courses.
- Characteristics: education is of increasingly better quality; many opportunities for studies of indigenous cultures.
Internship in Guatemala
- Internships: Internships can be found in all sectors of society. The tourism sector has the most supply. Certainly also opportunities around biodiversity, welfare, agriculture, health care and education.
- Internship cities: Guatemala City, Antigua, Quetzaltenango.
- Characteristics: the work culture in general is also very 'mañana', slow down your pace and make sure you have learned Spanish beforehand.
Do volunteer work in Guatemala
- Volunteer projects: especially in the social sectors and nature management.
- Animal projects: protection of sea turtles, parrots, howler monkeys, jaguars, anti-poaching programs
- Features: volunteer work possible from 1 or 2 weeks to several months.
Working in Guatemala
- Jobs: temporary work can mainly be found in the catering and tourism sectors, such as at diving schools and in the travel sector. Also (limited) options in healthcare, call center and agriculture/nature conservation.
- Characteristics: take into account the mañana work culture, ensure good basic knowledge of Spanish and be prepared to work for board and lodging.
Working as a digital nomad in Guatemala
- Favorite cities: UNESCO top location Anitgua -of course-, with good co-working spaces and a growing digital nomad community. Lake Atitlan (including Panajachel) is a good 'escape' if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Antigua.
- Features: take into account intermittent WiFi, frequently slow internet and varying 'value for money'. Digital nomad accommodation in particular can sometimes be more expensive than you would expect from this relatively cheap country.
Living in Guatemala
- Language: Spanish is really the basis. English is spoken in the better known tourist towns and locations, especially in Antigua. In the smaller, remote villages in the high mountains you will encounter one of the many indigenous languages.
- Features: You will certainly encounter the special Mayan atmosphere, enormous hospitality and mañana mentality. As long as you keep yourself informed of local safety warnings (and act on them!), you can live fine in the larger cities. It is pleasant to live in the better neighborhoods of Guatemala City if you work downtown. Cheaper than most other countries in Central America and better developed than, for example, Honduras or El Salvador.
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Working Abroad & Working Holidays
What are the 7 questions you can ask before working abroad?
- Your own motivation influences your search, the choices you make and the eventual job you find. It is good for yourself and the people around you to have an open attitude
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Ervaringen Vrijwillig Wereldwijd
Via Vrijwillig Wereldwijd is het mogelijk om in enorm veel landen vrijwilligerswerk te doen. Hieronder staan drie ervaringen van verschillende vrijwilligers:
Thailand: "Elke dag in Thailand zag er anders uit. Je werd erg vrij gelaten in de dingen die jij op een dag wilde doen(...)Het doel van het project is om de mensen in de omgeving te begeleiden naar
....... read moreThesis summary about rural school dropout in southern Guatemala
Una realidad social: cuando jovenes experimentan la ausencia y la deserción escolar
An anthropological research about the perception of youths on school absenteeism and school drop-out in the department of Retalhuleu, Guatemala
This is a summary of my premaster thesis about rural school dropout in southern Guatemala. Enjoy reading!
Must eat: Guatemalan Ceviche
Qué?
Ceviche is a dish in which any variety of fish and other seafood is mixed (usually raw) with juices, herbs, and vegetables (and sometimes fruit). A dish similar to ceviche was eaten almost 2,000 years ago. In South America, especially in Peru – where ceviche is recognized as a traditional local food – there’s a wide
Comprar cosas 'shopping' in Guatemala
Guatemala really is a souvenir-walhalla if you like handmade "artesanías", textile, ceramics, blankets and traditional techniques.
My personal favorites:
- Chichicastenango (main market)
- Antigua (Nim Po't, street vendors), Panajachel (street vendors)
- Sololá
- San Francisco el Alto
- Guatemala City: Mercado de Artesanías La Aurora
Photos by Neway Tours and Dreamstime
Volunteer as a psychologist or speech therapist
Literately translated as 'Smile Camp' Campamento Sonrisas is a summer camp only for young adults born with cleft and now are completely recovered from all surgeries. Often, children that are born with cleft in Guatemala faced or are facing severe bullying on their schools because of their scars, speech and sometimes still visible cleft. Especially children born with a
.......read moreMust Read: I, Rigoberta Menchú
Rigoberta Menchú is een Guatemalteekse mensenrechtenactiviste. Ze is als Maya actief als voorvechtster voor de rechten van inheemse Guatemalteekse groepen.
- In de regio waar Menchú geboren werd en in haar jeugd leefde, Quiché, leven vooral indianen, die grotendeels hun eigen cultuur en gebruiken hebben behouden.
- De familie van Menchú bestond uit arme boeren; een aantal maanden per jaar
Must visit: Semuc Champey
On your way from Tikal to the Western Highlands Semuc Champey ("Where the river hides under the stones") is a must-stop for some hours. Semuc Champey is a natural monument near Maya town of Lanquín.
- Try to catch a (mini)bus from Coban to Semuc Champey directly, or to Lanquín .
- Semuc Champey consists of a natural limestone bridge
On your way to Guatemala: plan a stopover
When travelling from e.g. Europe to Guatemala, you will probably not fly on a direct flight to GUA, Guatemala City.
- Try to book a flight ticket that allows you to make a stopover in for example the USA (Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Miami) or Mexico (Mexico-City).
- Check your ticket conditions, maybe you'll have to choose a ticket that's a
Study Spanish in Guatemala
Ofcourse, when travelling around in Guatemala and Central America, a basic knowledge of Spanish is 'a must' to connect with local Guatemaltecos. Guatemala has several hotspots if you decide to slow down and learn some Spanish -or improve your existing knowledge.
Main Study Locations
- Antigua: thé study-Spanish-location in Guatemala, with a lot of larger and smaller language institutions.
Travel, living and working in Guatemala - Theme
Travel, living and working in Guatemala
Guatemala, land of Maya people, mysterious traditions and amazing landscapes.
Tikal, the Mayan center, in the jungle full of howler monkeys, together with the very colorful Guatemalan population, is the main attraction. Antigua is the place where many Spanish courses are given and where it is pleasant to stay. Chichi has something magical, Flores, Livingston,
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Why should you live in Guatemala as an expat, emigrant or working nomad?
- because of the friendly and often very hospitable locals.
- because of the cultural diversity and beautifully rediscovered Mayan culture.
- because of the activities you can do in nature or under water.
Why study, do an internship, volunteer or work temporarily in Guatemala?
- because education is of increasingly high quality.
- because there are many opportunities for studies of indigenous cultures in Guatemala.
- because your colleagues are often helpful, friendly and interes...
- What are the customs in Guatemala regarding food?
- What are the best recipes in Guatemala?
- What are the best drinks in Guatemala?
- What are notable holidays and festivals in Guatemala?
- What are the remarkable habits in Guatemala?
What are the c...
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Travel, living and working in Guatemala Guatemala, land of Maya people, mysterious traditions and amazing landscapes. Tikal, the Mayan center, in the jungle full of howler monkeys, together with the very colorful Guatemalan population, is the main attraction. Antigua is the place where many Spanish ...
You’ve probably heard of enchiladas before, but you might be thinking about a rolled tortilla filled with chicken, or beef, topped with melted cheese and sauce, which is more like a Mexican enchilada. These enchiladas -Guatemalan enchiladas- are made by topping a fried or toasted tortilla (cal...
Een HBO meeloop en/of onderzoeksstage in een regio die bruist van de toeristische ontwikkeling -maar ook haar veiligheidsissues kent?
- INGUAT, Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo, werkt periodiek met internationale (stage)studenten.
- Er zijn niet direct stageoproepen op de Inguat webs...
Ofcourse, when travelling around in Guatemala and Central America, a basic knowledge of Spanish is 'a must' to connect with local Guatemaltecos. Guatemala has several hotspots if you decide to slow down and learn some Spanish -or improve your existing knowledge. Main Study Locations
- Antigua...
Who?
- Tessa de Goede de Ordoñez
Where?
- Guatemala
Which Initiative?
- Tess Unlimited
What?
- Surgery of babies and children with a cleft lip and/or cleft palate, in close partnership with local hospitals, health posts and midwives...
Ofcourse, when travelling around in Guatemala and Central America, a basic knowledge of Spanish is 'a must' to connect with local Guatemaltecos. Guatemala has several hotspots if you decide to slow down and learn some Spanish -or improve your existing knowledge. Main Study Locations
- Antigua...
After 5 months there has come an end to my time in Central America, these past few months have been filled with travelling, meeting new people, volunteering, and above all learning. I have learned so much about new cultures, new languages and most of all; myself. I have had the opportunity to experi...
You’ve probably heard of enchiladas before, but you might be thinking about a rolled tortilla filled with chicken, or beef, topped with melted cheese and sauce, which is more like a Mexican enchilada. These enchiladas -Guatemalan enchiladas- are made by topping a fried or toasted tortilla (cal...
Een HBO meeloop en/of onderzoeksstage in een regio die bruist van de toeristische ontwikkeling -maar ook haar veiligheidsissues kent?
- INGUAT, Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo, werkt periodiek met internationale (stage)studenten.
- Er zijn niet direct stageoproepen op de Inguat webs...
Mijn reis naar GUATEMALA! In Guatemala gaan we naar een project dat zich inzet voor kinderen uit een lokale achterstandswijk. Zij krijgen hier opvang, onderwijs en tijd voor ontspanning, zodat ze niet op straat belanden. Wij gaan hier helpen waar we kunnen! Ook gaan we helpen in een opvangcentrum v...
Goed lopend guesthouse Te Koop in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala! Nederlandse eigenaresse Marieke is in 2011 naar Guatemala verhuisd en heeft destijds een net nieuw guesthouse overgenomen. Ruim vijf jaar jaar later is het tijd voor iets nieuws, dus wil Marieke haar guesthouse verkopen. Het guesthouse hee...
- Backpacking or traveling in Guatemala: also backpacking and travel around the world
- Studying in Guatemala: also the use of summaries and study notes
- Starting an internship in Guatemala: also stages in het buitenland met checklists en tips (NL)
- Volunteer in Guatemala: also sustainable volunteering, project support and volunteer opportunities
- Working in Guatemala: also jobs, materials for teaching abroad
- Working as a digital nomad in Guatemala: check the collection of content for digital nomads, global workers, people combining work & travel
- Living abroad in Guatemala: use the checklists for global nomads, expats and other people moving abroad
- Being sufficient insured during your activities in Guatemala: check fair insurances for long term abroad