Volunteer to Teach English in Guatemala
Volunteer to Teach English in Guatemala
Embrace the beauty of La Antigua and contribute a valuable skill
As a volunteer teacher you’ll have the chance to support local schools, community centers, after-school programs, or other institutions. Projects support youth of all ages, with a few adult learning environments. You can expect to teach in one-on-one or group settings for 3-4 hours per day, with the possibility of some independent planning work needed off-site. You’ll have an orientation and ESL crash course to prepare for success. Stay with a friendly local host who will provide a delicious breakfast and dinner each day, attend optional Spanish classes, and explore the region in your spare time.
In an effort to increase opportunities abroad, we're teaming up with Máximo Nivel in Guatemala. When signing up you will register directly with their team.
Key Info
Locations
La Antigua
Program Dates
Start any Sunday throughout the year
Application Deadline
Sign up at least one month before your desired travel date
Duration
One week or more
Cost
Programs start at $685
Program Highlights
Opportunity to Learn
Learn about Guatemala through your hands-on volunteer placement
Opportunity to Contribute
Help locals build confidence in English conversation through teaching or tutoring
Global & Local Communities
Meet international volunteers and work alongside local populations
Perfect Location
Live in a charming small city and explore regional highlights like Lake Atitlan
Welcoming Hosts & Great Meals
Accommodation with breakfast and dinner is included
Process
Sign Up
Enroll through Máximo Nivel’s booking system, and someone from their team will reach out.
Plan
Discuss your program preferences with your Máximo Nivel coordinator, finalize and pay for your program.
Travel
Book your flight, provide your itinerary details to your coordinator, and travel to Guatemala!
Arrival & Orientation
A program representative will meet you at the airport (GUA) on Sunday and will transport you to your host family’s home. Your hosts will make sure you know how to get to the office Monday morning for a brief orientation session and ESL crash course. On your first day of teaching, a staff member will show you the ropes!
Teaching
Teaching in groups or tutoring 1:1 can take place at community centers, after-school programs, churches, and other sites. You’ll receive your assignment upon arrival to ensure that you are placed at a location with a need for support at that exact time. Your responsibilities may include preparing lessons in advance, teaching through games and activities, and/or providing support on-site for other teachers and students. If your teaching assignment takes place at a school, you will likely be assisting a non-native English speaker teacher.
We suggest staying at least three weeks if possible; this would be a better experience for you and your students. If you have any concerns, your coordinator will be there to help.
Host Family
You’ll stay with a local family during your stay with the option to share a room with other students or volunteers, or have a private room. For private rooms, please note the host family may still be hosting other participants in other rooms, with a shared bathroom arrangement. Please discuss your preferences with your coordinator after completing the initial sign-up process. Your host will provide breakfast and dinner each day.
Note: You may opt to stay in a hostel or hotel or arrange your own accommodation in case homestay living isn’t for you. You’ll be able to set this up with your coordinator after completing the initial enrollment. Pricing varies.
Optional Language Classes & Support Center
The Máximo Nivel support office is also their language school, where you can optionally add Spanish classes. If you’re primarily interested in Spanish learning you can opt for the Learn Spanish program instead. Classes can be in small groups or private sessions for one hour or more per day. Also at the language school you’ll be able to consult with bilingual support staff who can answer questions about your teaching assignment or host family arrangement, getting around town, and other logistics.
Weekends, Free Time, & Departure
For most teaching assignments, weekends are free to explore the region or arrange excursions. Outside of your 3-4 hours teaching (and commute) you are also free to take a class or explore. At least once per week, the program has an activity (salsa dancing, cooking class, etc.) to bring participants together. Your program will end the morning of your final Saturday; if you need to arrange an extra night or two, this can be added at an additional cost.
