Besides studying Spanish, volunteering is one
of the biggest reasons travellers have for
coming to Quetzaltenango (commonly
known by its Mayan name, Xela.)
At Celas Maya it is possible to combine Spanish classes with volunteer work without losing any study time. To gain even more experience with the culture and the Spanish language it is possible to live with a Guatemalan family. The combination of Spanish classes, volunteer work and living with a host family is the best opportunity to immerse yourselves not only in Spanish language but also in cultural experiences that will enrich your understanding of the environment.
There are literally dozens, maybe even a hundred or so, organizations that are always looking for volunteers. Everyone who is interested in doing volunteer will find an organization that fits their interests in social, cultural and political projects. Every organization is more than happy to welcome you but most of them require a level of Spanish (basic, intermediate or advanced) and an available time (morning/afternoon, days/weeks/months). Our volunteer coordinator has knowledge of the organizations and can advice the student to find the best possible volunteer placement.
Celas Maya offers a broad and various program counting numerous volunteer organizations. As a volunteer you can work with children, women, youth, education, health, human rights, construction, animals, small business support and eco tourism. Often projects offer a combination of these themes.
For a quick overview of some organizations we work with, click here.
Study Spanish & Volunteer
- Students at Celas Maya (in Xela or online) can use the volunteer advice an extra and free service.
- Groups, universities, agencies etc. Contact Celas Maya for more information about the prices and the opportunities.
- Individuals who are interested in only doing volunteer work without having classes, and want to experience the Guatemalan culture to live with a family, are also welcome at Celas Maya.
The host family offers a private room, 3 meals a day (Monday through Saturday), purified water at meal times and hot showers for only $ 50 / week. more info
Perhaps your time in Xela is short, or
you feel that you do not have any particular
skills to give to an organization. There
are many other ways in which to
participate in our community. We have
been working many years with foreign
guests and understand their desire to
help in some way as they become awakened
to the many challenges here. For this
reason, Celas Maya offers weekly conferences
as well as discussions and excursions
to social projects in and around Xela.
Through this introduction to projects
and organizations, students will be able
to see
how they can appropriately and responsibly
assist with time, money or other support.
Our teachers and staff are all committed
to working at a successful and socially
responsible organization. Throughout each
week we will announce benefits and
other activities happening around Xela
in which students may have an interest
in participating. We also keep a bulletin
board with volunteer work, benefits,
other requests for assistance, and information
on how to stay involved in
Guatemalan issues even after you have
returned home. And please don't forget
that just by attending Celas Maya you
are directly supporting our scholarship
program for rural Maya youth.
Celas Maya works with many organizations
in Quetzaltenango and
throughout the region dedicated to activities
that improve the lives
of Guatemalans.
