| Guatemala is one of the most important places in Latin | | | | Guatemala you will be astonished to see how |
| America where Mayan influence and its legacy are still | | | | traditional goods have such an importance in the local |
| intact. By volunteering in Guatemala you will get a | | | | culture. |
| grasp of the unique local culture that retains much of | | | | Around 50 percent of the population in Guatemala are |
| the customs from centuries ago. | | | | direct descendants form the Mayan civilization. |
| Volunteering abroad is one of the most incredible | | | | Nowadays, they are trying to keep their roots alive |
| journeys a person can do, not only to contribute to a | | | | through education. This is a field that constantly |
| social cause and discover unknown regions of the | | | | attracts international students that want to do a |
| world, but also to learn about oneself and grow as a | | | | volunteer program. In 2001 it took place in Guatemala |
| human being. | | | | the First Hemispheric Indigenous Education Conference. |
| Volunteering in Guatemala will lead you to find out | | | | This event opened the door to a much bigger influx of |
| about natives and ancient cultures that are still present | | | | international students wishing to volunteer in |
| in everyday life. Guatemalan population is a mixture of | | | | Guatemala. So nowadays is much easier to access |
| Mayan descendants and Spanish influence. When | | | | this social field if you are interested on volunteering in |
| volunteering in Guatemala you will find a perfect blend | | | | Guatemala. |
| between both cultures, with a little bit more of | | | | A widely chosen location in the country is Antigua city, |
| relevance from the Mayan side. Getting in touch with | | | | a small colonial town with gorgeous landscapes and |
| natives and discovering how they cope with poverty, | | | | colourful traditions. As you volunteer you will enjoy |
| malnutrition and many other issues while keeping their | | | | street festivals, carnivals and typical celebrations. |
| tradition firmly and alive, will open your mind to a new | | | | Religion is another important feature in the country's |
| perspective you may have never previously | | | | way of living. When volunteering in Guatemala you will |
| encountered as you do your volunteering program. | | | | find that locals still practice the traditional Mayan |
| There are various ethnic communities that coexist in | | | | religious ceremonies. This was promoted by the whole |
| the country, as for example the Kaqchiquel and Achi | | | | of the society and the government through different |
| communities that have their own language and | | | | peace accords. |
| customs but share an equal ancestral background. | | | | Â |
| While volunteering in Guatemala you have the chance | | | | When volunteering in Guatemala you will get to see all |
| to get in touch with this unique population and help | | | | mentioned above and much more. Besides, you will |
| them in different ways. | | | | feel rewarded by how much you will be contributing to |
| While volunteering in Guatemala you will discover that | | | | such a beautiful community. Locals are very friendly |
| the purest Mayan influence is not only found in the | | | | and will make your stay a very enjoyable time. |
| remaining temples and ancient monuments, but also in | | | | While volunteering in Guatemala you will also discover |
| the artistic expressions and crafts. The most important | | | | impressive landscapes and gorgeous scenery. Tikal |
| in this subject are the wooden productions of clothes. | | | | ruins are the perfect setting that combines both, |
| When volunteering in Guatemala the first thing you will | | | | ancient Mayan constructions and lush jungles to stroll all |
| come across are the colourful and bright dresses that | | | | day long. |
| distinguish the local people from any other population in | | | | So just get ready to live up the most impressive |
| the world. Other productions include pottery, straw | | | | journey ever. Volunteer in Guatemala and discover |
| baskets and wooden figures. By volunteering in | | | | yourself and how much you can help others. |