TEACHING PROJECTS

Teach conversational English, plus extras like Music, Drama and more, to children and adults. You'll work in schools that range in size and most are extremely poor. The schools are very colourful and often classes take place outdoors. Most of the schools we work with are based in the beautiful small city of Antigua, but some are in pueblos on the edge of the city. The city itself is only about 2 kilometres long!

"Antigua is absolutely STUNNING. I cannot stress how stunning it really is. I wish I could zap you all here just so you can see it for yourselves." Rebecca Tilley

Also on this page:

• Accommodation

• What is required of you

• Travel

PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Schools we work with range from in size, and most are extremely poor. Some have delightful names, like the Snoopy School. In some schools teaching can also take place inside or outside or, in some cases, in classrooms that are semi-external.

"Today was my last day on project, and while it is nice to finally be done and have a few days off to breathe and pack before I leave, it was also sad. Over the last 8 weeks I have gotten to love the 128 children in the 6 classes I taught. I've invested in their learning, hugged them a million times, kissed their bumped knees and scratched elbows, played innumerable games of soccer (and lost every one), chastised, laughed, listened, taught, and sung. It's been great. I will miss their faces, and it was hard to answer small requests like "When will you come back?" with uncertainty and the knowledge that it will be too long until I see them again. Today, I feel like I've come full circle in my experience as a teacher. It was my first time experiencing the attachment that is created through regular interaction and an investment in the lives of students. It is beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time." - Elizabeth Collin, Teaching in Antigua 2008

On average, class sizes range from 8 to 15 pupils, with ages from 6 upwards. The children's levels of English could be anything from beginner through to reasonably advanced.

Hours of teaching will most probably be around 4-5 per day. It is possible that some classes you teach will be throughout the day and sometimes mostly in the mornings and between 4 and 7 o'clock in the afternoons. Class periods are generally 45 minutes long.

In some schools you will act as assistant to the teacher and once your confidence and ability have grown, you'll be allowed to take classes on your own.  In some classes you'll handle children on a one-to-one basis to give them individual attention and help, and in others you'll take small groups of children.

School Holidays:  Teaching is generally available throughout the year, with some schools closing for about 2 weeks over Christmas/New Year.

Most of the schools we work with are based in the beautiful small city of Antigua, which is very popular with tourists worldwide - it's the Guatemalan city to see on most people's itineraries!  Some of our schools are also situated in pueblos on the edge of the city. These schools give you an excellent opportunity to experience the Guatemalan culture in a way that the tourists never see!

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

• An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Guatemala and Central America.

• The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them.

• New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.

• An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market

• And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

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OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



Click here to read a Case Study by Travellers Volunteer Russell Fowler

One of our hosts outside her house!

A Volunteer's Bedroom

Accommodation with host families means that Travellers volunteers get to eat, sleep, work, socialise and generally live like a Guatemalan. Most of the families take more than one volunteer or student at once (some up to 10!), so the atmosphere is somewhere between a regular family and a hostel... Often very social, but with the benefit of gaining insights into the Guatemalan way of life from the inside - the best of both worlds!!

Many of our volunteers remain friends with their host families long after they leave Guatemala and in some cases they return to the country later especially to visit their family. Many offer the option of single or shared rooms, and generally houses within the same town are in close proximity with each other. The accommodation is comfortable, with a ‘western-style’ bathroom.

"The house I am staying at is like something out of a travel guide, and the family I am with is sweet and so thoughtful! Flori, Edgar Sr., Edgar, Denise and Paula are sure to be fast friends! My housemates are great too, there are 3 guys from Germany, Colorado and Miami, and we get along great! They are showing me around the city and explaining important rules of thumb (like don't flush the toilet paper down the toilet!!)" Elizabeth Collin, Teaching 2008

All of your meals will be provided from Monday to Saturday, leaving you free to sample local eateries on Sundays. Expect to develop a taste for corn tortillas, tostadas and tacos in plentiful supply! Western and international dishes are also easily available in Antigua. Although Guatemalans are big on eating meat, we can easily cater for vegetarians.

Volunteers enjoying lunch at their accommodation

As with all our destinations, the Guatemalan culture and heritage is different to Anglo-Saxon cultures and this must be borne in mind. 

Self-reliance and independence are highly appreciated in all our destinations and will help you to make the most of this wonderful opportunity! 

Once you have applied for a placement, we will send you a very detailed Guatemala Information Book, as well as an equally detailed Safety Guide - both of these will help to make your stay in Guatemala one that you will never forget!

To read about the extensive Support & Backup we provide in our countries, please click here.