Volunteer Work in Guatemala

For those with an interest in gaining perspective on other cultures while helping improve conditions on the planet, volunteer work abroad is the perfect opportunity. There are many places in which volunteer work can be found and Guatemala is a great place to begin.

Becoming a volunteer in Guatemala offers the chance to interact with a unique blend of cultures in a setting of great natural beauty. Guatemala is one of the seven countries that make up Central America - the long, narrow isthmus between the Caribbean and Pacific oceans which is also the connecting strip of land between North and South America.

Guatamela itself shares borders with Mexico, Honduras, Belize and El Salvador. The country has an amazing bio-diversity, with mountains, volcanoes and miles of unspoiled coastline. The country’s population is made up of a mixture of people of indigenous descent and many other cultures. Guatemala in the 20th century suffered many bloody political struggles but is now ruled by a democratic government and has been predominately stable since the 1980s, though there is still concern over human rights and corruption in the republic.

The opportunities for volunteer work are plentiful. The area is a bio-diversity “hot-spot” and there are openings for volunteers who would like to help in protecting Guatemala’s fragile and threatened eco-systems. Other fields needing volunteers include health and social services, as many of the population live in poverty and lack in basic care and educational facilities. A simple Google search will uncover a myriad of possibilities in Guatemala and elsewhere in Central America. There are plenty of options for those would would like to volunteer in Costa Rica and other Central and South American countries as well. A knowledge of Spanish is helpful, of course, but not necessary - volunteering is a great way to polish your rusty Spanish, though, or to begin learning it.