Travel to Guatemala to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work,

or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

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 Guatemala

Intro

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.

Volunteer 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.
  • Make sure to arrange your healthinsurance well.
 

Supporting content

Guatemala Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Guatemala Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Guatemala: main content, suggestions, stories and tips

Guatemala: Updates & Travel

Guatemala: Updates & Travel

Travel in Guatemala

  • Tikal, the Mayan centre, in the jungle full of howler monkeys is, together with the very colourful Guatemalan population, 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, Xela (Quetzaltenango) and Panajachel (with the famous Atitlán crater lake) complete the tour.
  • Take a jungle tour or eco-trek on or around the Rio Dulce.
  • Climb the active volcano Pacaya near Antigua (in a group).
  • Spanish lessons in all shapes and sizes in Antigua or Quetzaltenango (Xela), with the aim of being able to speak Spanish well.
  • Take a two-day trip to the famous Mayan ruins of Copán in Honduras.
  • The lively and authentic market of Chichi (castenango), high in the mountains.
  • Monterrico on the Pacific: good surfing, cheap and fun!
  • Flores is a town located in the north of Guatemala, in an area of ​​the former rulers of the Mayas. Flores is located on an island in Lake Peten and is a good base for a visit to the ruins of Tikal. These world-famous Mayan pyramids are hidden in the jungle of the tropical rainforest and there is an extensive animal life here.
  • Antigua; about a 45-minute drive from Guatemala City is this former Spanish colonial capital of Central America. The city is located in a deep valley and is surrounded by the volcanoes Agua, Fuego and Acatenango, which have played an important role in the history of Antigua. The city has a colonial atmosphere with churches, monasteries, palaces and squares. In 1979, Antigua was declared a 'monument of America' by UNESCO.
  • Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes and Mayan villages. Called by many 'the most beautiful lake' in the world.
  • Be aware that the Mayans can find it very disturbing if there are onlookers present at their rituals where offerings are made to the gods.
  • Be prepared that Guatemala City is not a safe city. You really should not visit some areas as a fully packed traveler, other areas are perfectly accessible. A taxi is not an unnecessary luxury when you just arrive with all your luggage. Many travelers prefer to avoid Guatemala City altogether. However, there are interesting places (Palacio Nacional, museums). If you use your common sense and do not take valuables with you, you can quietly explore parts of the city.

Updates Guatemala

  • More about Guatemala, updates and contributions, see the link below.
What are typical Guatemalan habits, food customs, recipes and philosophies in Guatemala?

What are typical Guatemalan habits, food customs, recipes and philosophies in Guatemala?

What are the customs in Guatemala regarding food?

  • Guatemala's cuisine is a bit like Mexico's. With lots of tortillas and tacos. The daily pot of many Guatemalans is based on corn, which is sacred to the Mayans, served with a combination of rice, chicken, potatoes, fried banana and beans.

What are the best recipes in Guatemala?

  • For meat lovers, there is the churrasco, a steak roasted on charcoal with a sauce of tomato, onion and mint leaves.
  • On the coast you will find delicious seafood dishes.
  • Corn cakes wrapped in corn leaves (tamales) are a delicacy traditionally eaten at New Year's Eve.
  • For the brave among us, there is borracho; cake dipped in rum.
  • Note: In Guatemala, some endangered animals regularly appear on menus. If you do not want to contribute to the decline/extinction of an endangered species, it is better not to order the following dishes: tortuga (sea turtle), huevos de tortuga (sea turtle eggs), cazón (shark), neque (agouti), venado (deer) and iguana (lizard).

What are the best drinks in Guatemala?

  • Guatemala produces the best coffee in the world. However, brewing coffee often goes the following way: you get a cup from a large pot, which has been simmering for hours. Even in the better places, the coffee is either too weak or too strong. The coffee we drink in the Benelux often comes from Guatemala. That this coffee is tasty has to do with the fact that the Guatemalans export their best coffee beans to Europe, the second choice to the U.S. and keep the worst quality beans for their own use.
  • You can go anywhere for a fresh licuado, a mix of fruit with water or milk. Hygiene sometimes leaves much to be desired so ask for refrigerated milk or water from a new, sealed bottle.
  • Furthermore, Guatemala is known for Zacapa, awarded for two years as the world's best rum!
  • The national pride Gallo (rooster) is perhaps the tastiest beer in Central America and won first prize at a major Amsterdam beer competition in the late 1980s.
  • Furthermore, cocoa is native to Latin America, but good chocolate (milk) is oddly hard to find.
  • Atol is a hot corn drink flavored with cinnamon sticks, for those colder moments.

What are notable holidays and festivals in Guatemala?

  • Most of the celebrations in Guatemala stem from the Catholic religion.
  • On many holidays, colorful processions are held in each city and the plaza in the center of the city is buzzing with activity.
  • There's also the interesting tradition of worshipping Saint Maximón, a wooden folk saint venerated by some indigenous communities.
  • In the month of March/April Semana Santa is Holy Week. This is the week before Easter.
  • November 1 Todos Santos, the day of All Saints' Day.
  • November 2 Dia de los Muertos, the day of All Souls. 
  • December 25 Navidad, Christmas.

What are the remarkable habits in Guatemala?

  • Guatemalan culture is a blend of Mayan traditions and Spanish influences. This is reflected in many aspects of Guatemalan life, including their habits.
  • People in Guatemala live in general day-by-day.
  • Wait for the host to start eating, before you start as well. Finishing everything on your plate shows appreciation for the meal.

 

    What is the worst time to go to Guatemala, and what is the best time to travel?

    What is the worst time to go to Guatemala, and what is the best time to travel?

    What is the best travel and departure time for Guatemala?

    • Because of the differences in altitude, there is much difference in Guatemala's climate. Within a few hours you leave the cold mountains and arrive in the humid warmth of the coast. The higher you are, the cooler it is. Especially after the sun goes down, it can get chilly and even cold quickly. This starts as early as Antigua which is at about 1,700 meters. On the coast it is almost always sunny and humid hot, sometimes with intense but liberating thunderstorms.

    Best travel time in Guatemala?

    • The most ideal time to travel is between mid-November and January. The rainy season leaves behind a green country, but the drawbacks of the rainy season (storms, impassable roads, flooding) are pretty much over.

    Worst travel time in Guatemala?

    • The months of March and April, especially in the lower areas (Pacific coast, Tikal, Livingstone), are quite hot.

    Hours of sunshine in Guatemala?

    • Count on about 8 hours a day of sunshine in the months of January and February and 2 hours a day in the months of June and July.

    What are the best places to go to in Guatemala?

    What are the best places to go to in Guatemala?

    What are the best places to go to in Guatemala?

    • Tikal, the Mayan center, in the jungle full of howler monkeys is the big attraction along with the very colorful Guatemalan people. Antigua is the place where many Spanish courses are held and where it is pleasant to be. Chichi has something magical, Flores, Livingston, Xela (Quetzaltenango) and Panajachel (with the famous Atitlán crater lake) complete the tour.
    • Take a jungle tour or eco-trek on or around the Rio Dulce.
    • Climb the active Pacaya volcano near Antigua (in groups).
    • Spanish classes of all shapes and sizes in Antigua or Quetzaltenango (Xela), with the goal of becoming proficient in Spanish.
    • Take a two-day trip to the famous Mayan ruins of Copán in Honduras.
    • The vibrant and authentic market of Chichi(castenango), high in the mountains.
    • Monterrico on the Pacific: good surfing, cheap and cozy!
    • Flores is a town located in northern Guatemala, in an area of former Mayan rulers. Located on an island in Lake Peten, Flores is a good base for visiting the ruins of Tikal. These world-famous Mayan pyramids are hidden in the jungle of the tropical rainforest, so there is extensive animal life here.
    • Antigua; about a 45-minute drive from Guatemala City lies this former Spanish-colonial capital of Central America. The city lies in a deep valley and is surrounded by the volcanoes Agua, Fuego and Acatenango, which played an important role in Antigua's history. The city has a colonial atmosphere with churches, monasteries, palaces and plazas. In 1979, Antigua was declared a "monument of the Americas" by UNESCO.
    • Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes and Mayan villages. Called by many "the most beautiful lake" in the world.
    Why live in Guatemala, why emigrate to Guatemala or stay for a long time?

    Why live in Guatemala, why emigrate to Guatemala or stay for a long time?

    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.
    • because of the Guatemalan coffee culture and its social life.
    • because of Guatemalan cuisine and tropical fruits.
    • because of the low cost and reasonable standard of living; especially compared to most other countries in Central America.
    • because of the extra free time of your own due to domestic and other help.

    What should you pay attention to?

    • that public transportation is not equally well regulated and/or safe in all parts of Guatemala.
    • that social inequality and poverty is still significant in many places.
    • that you sometimes have to adjust your demands in terms of efficiency and diligence.
    • that the quality of wifi connections can sometimes falter.
    • that health care in the cities is generally good, but can still be poor outside.
    • that housing in the larger cities is generally fine, but that you have to be careful which neighborhood you arrange housing in.
    What is the best transport in Guatemala, and how to get around?

    What is the best transport in Guatemala, and how to get around?

    Whether or not to travel by plane to and in Guatemala?

    • Flight time from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Guatamala City (AMS-GUA) is about 17 hours on average. The duration of the flight depends of course on whether you have a direct flight or one with a stopover.
    • Domestic flights are frequent and fine. Since 1994, the five main Central American airlines have merged. This union issues so-called "Mayan Airpasses," which allow you to fly cheaply back and forth between Guatemala and neighboring countries.

    Whether or not to travel by train in Guatemala?

    • Guatemalan railroads are being phased out bit by bit. There are even proposals to privatize them completely, which probably means they will only be used for freight transport. But you don't miss much. The trains are very tawdry and barely run. There is only one rail line between Guatemala City and Puerto Barrios. One reason to take the train anyway is the "couleur locale" on the train and the fact that you are taken past places you normally don't get to see.

    Whether or not to travel by bus in Guatemala?

    • The bus has the role of national means of transportation in Guatemala. Every time, it is a matter of waiting to see what type of bus you will find, but with any luck, you can cover the longer distances (at least 6-8 hours) with a coach. The smaller trips invariably involve buses that appear to be able to carry far more people than allowed by law. As such, they call it "the chicken bus.

    Whether or not to travel by car in Guatemala?

    • You can also explore Guatemala by rental car. However, it is not the most convenient way, as the road surface is not of the best quality, nor is it very safe. Make sure not to travel alone and not to travel far after sunset. Also, try to deviate from the known roads as little as possible.

    Whether or not to travel by taxi in Guatemala?

    • If you want to travel by cab, discuss the fare with the driver in advance.

     

    Travel to Guatemala to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work, or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?
    Supporting content:
    Guatemala: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters

    Guatemala: selection of contributions by WorldSupporters

    Content and contributions by WorldSupporters about Guatemala

    Study Spanish in Guatemala

    Study Spanish in Guatemala

    Study Spanish @ Lago de Atitlán

    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. Pro: lot of options - lots of others students - relaxed smaller city. Con: lots of other students - bit more expensive.
    • Quetzaltenango ('Xela'): better option if you really want to connect with Guatemaltecos - bit less expensive than Antigua
    • San Pedro La Laguna: study Spanish at the Lago de Atitlan (!) - cheaper
    • Guatemala City: if you want to study in a more 'business' like environment - fewer young students (I studied Spanish at IGA)
    • Petén: study Spanish in the historical and environmental hotspot of Guatemala - combine with eco-volunteering

    Must do's when studying Spanish in Guatemala

    • follow a sala class, cooking class (ceviche!) or cultural lecture
    • combine your language course with volunteering in one of many social or eco projects; Antigua, Quetzaltenango and Petén region have a lot to offer - take your time to really get into the details of your project and think about your competencies and possible added value before choosing a project
    • combine course locations: search for a language school with more than one location - start on a higher level on a new location

    Share your experiences

    Did you study Spanish in Guatemala?

    • At which location and language school? What experiences did you have?
    • What activities did you join after classes?

    Read more

    Comprar cosas 'shopping' in Guatemala
    On your way to Guatemala: plan a stopover

    On your way to Guatemala: plan a stopover

    Iberia at Aurora airport, Guatemala

    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 bit more expensive to allow a stopover for a few days
    • Great way to discover a bit more, before heading to the centre of the Maya's!

    Photo By Vmzp85 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Recipe: Classic Guatemala Enchiladas

    Recipe: Classic Guatemala Enchiladas

    Image

    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 (called a Tostada) with lettuce, beets, onions, tomato sauce, fresh parsley, an egg slice…and the last touch, a sprinkling of dried Guatemalan cheese (Queso Seco). Parmesan cheese can also work. Sometimes people also add ground beef or chili spice.

    Buen Proveche!

    Ingredients for 25 Enchiladas:

    • 25 tostadas
    • 2-3 lbs fresh lettuce
    • 6-8 red beets
    • 6 boiled eggs
    • 4 dill pickles (optional)
    • 2 sliced onions (optional)
    • 1 large bunch of fresh parsley
    • pepper, salt
    • Queso Seco (dry cheese)
    • Sauce: 3 diced onions 5 diced tomatoes

    Procedure:

    • Some of the steps need to be made a day ahead, once these ingredients are ready you can start assembling the Enchilada.  Those ingredients are the filling, the onion escabeche, vegetable mix and tomato sauce.  The recipe calls for 1 head of garlic, which you will use in the filling recipe, in the vegetable mix recipe and the tomato sauce recipe. Feel free to adjust the garlic amount to your own personal taste.

    Filling:

    • Chop one of the red bell peppers, with half of the green beans, half of the carrots, half of the chayotes, half of the garlic head (or your adjusted amount of garlic), and half of the cabbage. No onions, beets, celery or tomatoes here.
    • Add a bit of oil to a large hot pan, and brown your beef.
    • Season with salt and pepper and add all the chopped vegetables.
    • Let it cook until all the liquid has evaporated.

    Onion “Escabeche”

    • Cut onions into quarters, and then slice and separate the pieces.
    • Mix olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.
    • Add onion rings and let them sit for at least 24 hrs in a covered jar.

    Vegetable Mix:

    • Julienne or chop the rest of the vegetables you had left over. You’ll use the remaining carrots, chayotes, garlic (to taste), and cabbage this time you’ll include the beets.
    • Cook them in boiling water, with the 2 bay leaves, except for the beets.  Those are cooked in a separate pot.  Don’t over cook them, it should only take a few minutes.
    • Mix the vegetables, and let them cool.
    • Refrigerate and mix with the onion escabeche.
    • Let this mixture rest for at least half a day.

    Tomato Sauce:

    • Cook the tomatoes, celery stalks and remaining red bell pepper and garlic (to taste).
    • Pure in the blender, return to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste

    Assembly:

    • Take a tostada, cover with a lettuce leaf.
    • Top the lettuce with the vegetable and escabeche mix.
    • Top this with the beef filling.
    • Next, top with tomato sauce.
    • Decorate with a few sliced hard boiled egg, sprinkle with dried cheese, and chopped cilantro.

    Ready In: 0 min.

    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, or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

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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 courses are given and where it is pleasant to stay. Chichi has something magical, Flores,....... read more

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    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...

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    ,,,accommodations, adventure activities, courses, internships, jobs and volunteer projects

    ...to help another, travel with care, work together , learn

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    Activities abroad: home page

    Activities abroad: home page

    From language courses to gap year abroad, from work experience to volunteering abroad, from paid work to internship abroad, from mountaineering to diving and from backpacking to travel around the world

      What social activities can you do abroad?

      • Opportunities are found in the areas of helping, learning or studying. You can get involved to volunteer in a social project at a school in Africa, Asia or Latin America. You can get involved in nature, in a project with animals or cleaning the sea or beaches. Those who want to learn more can choose for example a language course in Latin America, Spain or South Africa.

      What work related activities can you do abroad?

      • If you want to gain work experience, and/or also earn money, go and work abroad. You can combine backpacking in Australia with temporary work. You can work on campsites in Europe or bush camps in Africa. You can pretty much go all over the world to work in the hospitality industry, hotels and hostels, in the healthcare sector or for example at a diving school.

      What sports activities to do abroad?

      • Have you ever thought of mountain biking, rafting (going down a wild river on a raft or rubber dinghy, climbing or canoeing), survival (which involves building rafts, climbing or canoeing), abseiling (descending a rock face while secured to ropes), zip-lining (whizzing down a cable), canyoning (starting at the top of a river and then climbing, swimming, diving down the bed) or caving (scrambling, wriggling and crawling through caves and crevices)?
      • Maybe you feel more comfortable on a bodyboard (on a half-wave surfboard, you surf the high waves lying down-with flippers), on a hang glider or while paragliding (with a parachute you float down a mountain or dune), hydrospeeding (on a bodyboard with flippers and a wetsuit on you go down a wild river via rapids) or Tiefschneeskiing (racing down through powder snow)?

      Check the pages below for more activities and inspiration and where to go and how to arrange it

        Activities Abroad: for work and intern abroad

        Activities Abroad: for work and intern abroad

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        Study Spanish @ Lago de Atitlán

        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...

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        Quetzaltrekkers

        Quetzaltrekkers organiseert hikes en wandeltochten onder het motto 'Hike Volcanoes, Help Kids' in Guatemala. De sociale projecten die zij steunen worden gerund door EDELAC. De wandelgidsen zijn allen vrijwilligers en de opbrengst van de tochten gaan naar de kinderen van Guatemala.

        WereldOuders

        WereldOuders biedt structurele hulp aan kwetsbare kinderen en gezinnen in negen landen in Latijns-Amerika. Door medische zorg, een veilig thuis en goed onderwijs komen kinderen uit de armoedespiraal en maken daarmee kans op een betere toekomst voor zichzelf en hun omgeving. WereldOuders biedt ook vr...

        Caras Alegres

        Caras Alegres is een organisatie die zich inzet for families en kinderen uit arme wijken van de stad Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.

        ARCAS - Wildlife Rescue Center Guatemala

        ARCAS is een non-profit Guatemalaanse NGO opgericht in 1989 en zet zich in voor het wildleven in Guatemala met resue centers in de plaatsen Petén (in het noorden) en Hawaii (zuidkust).

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        SPOTLIGHT & FAVORITES

        SPOTLIGHT
        Study Spanish @ Lago de Atitlán

        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...

        Image

        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 e...

        FAVORITES
        Image

        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...

        Study Spanish @ Lago de Atitlán

        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...

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        Supporting Content:
        Guatemala: selectie van blogs en bijdragen van WorldSupporters - Bundel

        Guatemala: selectie van blogs en bijdragen van WorldSupporters - Bundel

        Selectie van blogs en bijdragen van WorldSupporters over Guatemala

        Rondreis met Taalcursus Spaans in Guatamala
        Gap Year, Time out and Sabbatical - Theme
        On your way to Guatemala: plan a stopover

        On your way to Guatemala: plan a stopover

        Iberia at Aurora airport, Guatemala

        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 bit more expensive to allow a stopover for a few days
        • Great way to discover a bit more, before heading to the centre of the Maya's!

        Photo By Vmzp85 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

        Keeping up with Kerime Pt. 17 - volunteering in Quetzaltenang, Guatamala

        Keeping up with Kerime Pt. 17 - volunteering in Quetzaltenang, Guatamala

        Caras Alegres

        Caras Alegres is a social/humanitarian project in the slums (Las Rosas) of Quetzaltenango, one of the biggest cities in Guatemala. The project has as goal to help better the life and education to the families, and especially the kids in these areas. Kids in this neighborhood live in extreme poverty and Caras Alegres gives them the opportunity to go to school, eat, play and be a real kid for some time. There is daycare and there are pre-school classes for kids up to age 6. The kids get fed and educated and are sometimes sponsored completely (kids are in contact with a donateur that buys them clothes, food and can later pay for education). The project also has a program for the women in the area, they learn sowing, knitting and therefor how to financially support their families. As a volunteer I thought in the Parvulos class (kids around the age of 5). I was an allround class-assistant, for there were 25 kids and only one teacher. I was especially helpful for the English classes but also for the very much needed hugs! Because I started at the beginning of the year the kids always saw me as their teacher and I could make a real connection with them.

         

        ¡Hola a todos!

        Mijn eerste week bij  Caras Alegres zit er al weer op en ook ben ik gesetteld in mijn gastgezin en het Guatemalteekse leven. Het is super gezellig op de talenschool waarvandaan mijn gastgezin en vrijwilligerswerk zijn geregeld, ik ontmoet super leuke mensen en zie prachtige stukken van dit land, maar tegelijkertijd confronteert het werk op de school in de meest directe zin met de knagende armoede in dit land. Ik begin in deze blog met die gezelligheid en leuke ervaringen maar sluit af met een aantal van de vreselijke verhalen vanuit de school (hierbij alvast de waarschuwing dat sommige verhalen écht schrijnend zijn!).

        Zondagmiddag maakte ik kennis met David, een student van de universiteit van Californië die hier een paar weken Spaans komt studeren. Hij verblijft ook bij Karla en dat is heel gezellig want hij is super aardig! Verder woont in hetzelfde appartementen complex als David en ik ook nog een andere studente bij een gastgezin, Michelle, een Amerikaanse medicijnstudente. En ook ben ik in de school heel gezellige andere reizigers tegengekomen, zoals Ella en Sarah, twee Canadees reizigsters en Hannah (nog) een Amerikaanse studente. Op maandag ging ik voor het eerst naar het project, ik reis daar met de bus heen samen met Ida, een Deense reizigster die daar ook werkt en in het hostel bij de talenschool woont. Maandag was echter vooral de opstart-dag omdat het de eerste dag van het schooljaar was, de "grote vakantie" is hier de hele maand december tot half januari. Maar die dag maakte we al wel kennis met onze klassen, Ida werkt met de groep van 3/4-jarige en ik werk met de 5/6-jarige. We blijven waarschijnlijk de hele periode met deze klassen, iedere ochtend van 9 tot 12, wat heel leuk is want dat geeft ons de mogelijkheid om de kinderen echt allemaal te leren kennen. In de middagen zullen we soms met de naschoolse activiteiten voor de oudere kinderen (7 tot 14 jaar) helpen.

        De meeste middagen hebben we echter om door te brengen hier op de talenschool of om de te nemen aan de uitjes die vanaf hier worden georganiseerd. Zo zijn we woensdagmiddag bijvoorbeeld met de hele groep naar de warm water bronnen hier in de buurt gegaan, het water dat daar uit de vulkaan borrelt is heerlijk warm en schijnt ook nog eens genezende gaven te hebben! We hebben daar een paar uur heerlijk rond gedobberd en gekletst, iedereen genoot extra van het warme water omdat de douches hier meestal koud zijn. Toen het op dat onderwerp kwam vertelde Sarah en Ella ons dan ook vol trots dat zij wel warm water hebben, de rest reageerde daarop met een jaloerse: "You guys have hot water?! Luxery!". Maar toen het gesprek even later bij Hannah kwam en ze over haar gast familie vertelde: "They have these very bright lamps in the rooms" was het de beurt aan Ella en Sarah om jaloers te zijn: "Do you have a lamp?! Wow!".  Het is zo grappig dat onze standaard zo is veranderd dat we heel jaloers op iemand kunnen zijn die elektrisch licht in de slaapkamer heeft, een half jaar geleden had ik me daar echt niets bij voor kunnen stellen! 

        Naast zulk soort uitjes zijn er ook activiteiten in de school zelf, zo is dinsdagavond filmavond en is er op vrijdag altijd een feestje voor de mensen die "afgestudeerd" zijn. De film van deze vrijdag was wel erg serieus, over de burgeroorlog hier in Guatemala, maar het is heel gezellig om zo veel groepsactiviteiten te doen. Ook het feestje op vrijdag was heel gezellig, met karaoke, heel veel snacks en zelfs een haardvuur. Met de sociale kant zit het hier dus wel goed, maar zoals aangekondigd waren er ook wat minder leuke, vooral hele zielige, momenten deze week...

        De kinderen in onze klas wonen bijna allemaal in de buurt waar de school ook is, zone 5, bijgenaamd Las Rosas. Dit is bepaald geen villawijk maar een echt krottenwijk is het gelukkig ook nog niet. Aan de kinderen kun je soms echter wel zien dat ze het thuis niet bepaald breed hebben, hun kleding is bijvoorbeeld vaak heel vies en kapot. Maar als je hen over hun thuissituatie hoort vertellen wordt pas echt duidelijk onder wat voor omstandigheden ze groot worden. Zo is er bijvoorbeeld Raul, een vrolijke, ondeugende 4 jaar oud jongetje. Hij heeft een zusje van 1 jaar in de dagopvang en een oudere broer van een jaar of 7 die naar de middagactiviteiten gaat. Raul heeft een kaal plekje op zijn hoofd, maar omdat het nogal een brokkenmaker is zochten Ida en ik daar eerst niets achter, totdat een van de juffen ons vertelde hoe dat daar kwam. Raul was thuis met een stukje kauwgum aan het klooien en dat kwam in zijn haar terecht, maar omdat zijn ouders niet thuis waren kreeg hij het er niet uit en dus liet hij het maar zo. Later die middag viel hij echter in slaap, spelensmoe zoals zo veel kinderen van zijn leeftijd, maar al slapen is er een rat naar hem toe gekomen die het stuk kauwgum, samen met het haar, van zijn hoofd heeft geknaagd! 

        Dit totale gebrek aan hygiëne in de huizen ging nog een stap verder bij Sandra, een 3-jarig meisje in Ida´s klas. Toen de kinderen op woensdag aan het buiten spelen waren viel het ons allebei op dat ze zo veel witte dingetjes in haar haar had, maar omdat ze net wat hadden gegeten dachten we dat dit wel broodkruimeltjes zouden zijn. Totdat Ida het van dichterbij bekeek en zag dat het luizeneitjes waren en dat ze de luizen werkelijk over Sandra´s hoofd kon zien lopen.  Nadat ze dat aan de juf had verteld werd die middag haar moeder ingelicht en wij verwachten dat er dus actie ondernomen zou worden, zoals natuurlijk onmiddellijk zou gebeuren als een kindje hier luizen had. Op donderdag was er echter nog niets veranderd en dus hebben Ida en ik die middag een luizenkam gekocht. Vrijdag heeft Ida wel een uur met Sandra voor zich op een krukje gezeten om zo veel mogelijk luizen weg te kammen. Sandra vond het ondertussen heel leuk dat ze zo veel aandacht kreeg, endat haar haar werd gekamd, want, zoals ze zelf vertelde; "Wij hebben thuis geen kam." Aan het einde van de kambeurt had Ida echter lang niet alle luizeneitjes te pakken gekregen. Dus ze vertelde Sandra dat ze shampoo nodig had en dat ze thuis al haar beddengoed moest wassen, waarop Sandra reageerde: "Ik heb geen bed...". Deze uitspraak raakte Ida en mij echt enorm, daar zat zo´n mooi, intelligent en nieuwsgierig meisje die net zo veel rechten en kansen zou moeten hebben als alle andere kinderen in de wereld, maar in plaats daarvan kon ze ´s nachts niet eens in een bed slapen en lag ze op de koude, harde vloer! Natuurlijk hadden deze mensen niets gedaan aan de luizen van hun kind, het was immers totaal geen prioriteit, eten en overleven zouden op zich al moeilijk genoeg zijn!

        Toen ik die middag op weg naar huis was klonk het nummer "Another day in Paradise" van Phil Collins, dat toch al jaren op mijn Ipod staat, ineens heel anders. Daarom sluit ik deze blog weer eens af met een quote, in de hoop dat iedereen er af en toe eens bij stil staat hoe goed we het eigenlijk hebben: Do think twice cause it´s another day for you and me in paradise, just another day in paradise.

        Besos en tot snel,

        Kerime
         

        Must Read: I, Rigoberta Menchú

        Must Read: I, Rigoberta Menchú

        Image

        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 werd de familie gedwongen om naar de kust te trekken om daar suikerriet te kappen.
        • Menchú en haar familie waren actief in verschillende oppositiebewegingen. De familie gaf aandacht aan burgerrechten en vrouwenrechten, in Guatemala controversiële onderwerpen. Haar vader, moeder en broer werden door de autoriteiten vermoord.
        • In 1982 vluchtte Rigoberta Menchú het land uit naar Mexico, en daarna naar Frankrijk. In beide landen legde ze de basis voor haar autobiografie, Yo, Rigoberta Menchú.
        • In haar biografie vertelt ze over de gruwelijkheden uit de Guatemalteekse burgeroorlog en brengt ze de genocide onder internationale aandacht. Daarnaast vertelt ze over de tradities, waarden en respect van de Indianen voor de aarde, mensen, familiebanden en vriendschappen versus de (brute) onderdrukking door een kleine groep machthebbers.
        • Menchú won in 1990 de UNESCO-prijs voor Vredeseducatie en in 1992 ontving ze, als jongste persoon ooit, de Nobelprijs voor de Vrede.
        • In 1999 verscheen er een nieuw boek over Rigoberta. Hierin werd aangetoond dat ze verschillende gebeurtenissen feitelijk niet meegemaakt of waargenomen kon hebben en dat diverse feiten uit haar autobiografie niet klopten. Desondanks vonden de verschrikkelijke gebeurtenissen die in het boek aan bod kwamen wél plaats.
        • Hoewel Menchú beschadigd raakte door de kritiek op haar biografie, is ze altijd blijven strijden voor gelijke mensenrechten en meer autonomie voor vrouwen.

        Wil je je verdiepen in de achtergronden van Guatemala en de positie van de Maya-indianen, dan is Yo, Rigoberta Menchú een lezenswaardig boek.

        Inguat, Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo

        Inguat, Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo

        Brings back good memories...

        Foto van gebouw van Inguat, het Guatemalteeks instituut ter bevordering van toerisme (in de breedste zin). Tijdens mijn studietijd onderzoek gedaan naar een programma dat Guatemala op de kaart moest zetten als bestemming voor (rijke, Amerikaanse) gepensioneerden en renteniers. Wellicht onbewust heeft dat onderzoek aan de basis gestaan voor latere werk bij JoHo gericht op emigranten & lang-in-het-buitenland verblijvers!

        Fantastisch stagebedrijf, erg prettige stagebestemming!

        Comprar cosas 'shopping' in Guatemala

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