1 Travel the World. Make a Difference. Guatemala Program

Transcription

1 Guatemala Program 1

2 ELCOME TO BUILD ABROAD GUATEMALA Thank you for choosing Build Abroad! We hope you are excited about your upcoming trip to Guatemala. As you know, Build Abroad connects volunteers with construction projects in developing countries. We feel volunteering is one of the best ways to make a difference in the world. Aside from the physical accomplishments, our construction volunteers bring home an insight about a different culture. During your trip, we are confident you will have a blast exploring Guatemala! We have put together this packet of information so that you can be fully prepared when you arrive overseas. It should be very informative, but if you have any questions after reading it through, feel free to contact us! TABLE OF CONTENTS About Guatemala & Airport Pickup 03 Trip Checklist 04 Accomodations & Meals 05 Itinerary & Travel 06 Health & Climate 07 FAQ & Contact 08 2

3 A LITTLE ABOUT GUATEMALA Guatemala is one of the most historically significant countries in Central America. Guatemala was home to the Mayan Empire, which was one of the three great Pre-Columbian civilizations. The Mayan Empire was known for being the only Pre-Columbian civilization to have a fully developed written language. Also, they are known for their art, architecture, mathematical and astronomical calendar. The country is still scattered with Mayan ruins and the locals are very proud of their indigenous culture. In addition to the historical significance of Guatemala, the country has a very diverse environment. The country has 14 ecoregions consisting of wetlands, lakes, lagoons, rivers and swamps. Guatemala also has over 1,000 species of animal and over 8,000 species of plant. The volunteer projects will be happening in or around the city of Antigua. Antigua is located near Guatemala City, the largest city in Central America. Antigue is a popular destination because it is calmer and safer than Guatemala City, but very close to beaches, lakes, and other tourist attractions. AIRPORT PICKUP INFORMATION Before you leave you will need to send us your flight information. Upon your arrival, a staff member from Build Abroad s partner organization will meet you in person at the Guatemala City airport. They will either have your name or Build Abroad on a posterboard so you can identify them. If for some reason there is any problem meeting with the representative, please take a taxi directly to: Maximo Nivel 6ta Avenida 16-16A La Antigua, Guatemala or call us at... Phone: (local number) 3

4 TRIP CHECKLIST Before you leave Fill out our online form with passport number, flight information, etc. Make sure your passport is up to date. Background check at your local police department or online. (Required) Print off a copy of your passport and contact info for a friend/family member What to pack Build Abroad Packet Passport Background Check Tee Shirts Warm Shirts Pants Shorts Rain Gear Comfortable Hiking Shows/Boots Sandals Sunglasses Hat Day Pack Camera Water Bottle Bathroom Kit Sunscreen Bug Repellent 4

5 ACCOMODATIONS & MEALS Build Abroad provides all accommodations for our program participants. Living accommodations during the week will be with a host family. Accommodations will vary slightly, but hot water is available 24 hours a day at all our homestays. Some of our homestays will have wifi access, but for those that do not, you have free access to wifi at our volunteer offices. Local Guatemalan food is provided twice a day for participants at home-stays. Corn and cornmeal are staples in Guatemala. A typical meal will comprise of these foods with refried black beans. Rice, eggs, and cheese are also very popular foods for the locals. Expect meals to also comprise of fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition to the food, coffee in Guatemala is considered some of the best in the world. ELECTRICAL OUTLETS Both your homestay and the volunteer headquarters are equipped with 24-hour electricity. Guatemala is 110V, the same frequency as the United States. To avoid damage to your electronic appliances, be sure to check each appliance for acceptable voltages before you plug them in. The following plugs will work in most Guatemalan homes and hostels: Type A: Flat blade plug. (Usually known as the American Plug) Type B: Flat blade plug with a ground DRUGS & ALCOHOL The drinking age in Guatemala is 18 years old. Volunteers are allowed to consume alcohol during our trips while they are not working. You will need to be respectful of your host family, as some of them do not allow alcohol in the house. Alcohol consumption before volunteer work will not be allowed. Illegal drug use of any kind is also strictly prohibited. If you are found to be using drugs on the trip, you will be immediately removed from the program without refund. 5

6 SAMPLE ITINERARY Volunteering takes place during the week, Monday through Friday. On your first day you will go through an orientation where you will be introduced to your in-country staff. Typical Day: Volunteers will have a morning or afternoon shift, which will last 2 to 4 hours. A typical morning schedule is as follows: 8:00 AM - Travel to job site to build after having breakfast with host family 12:00 PM - Construction work usually ends and volunteers are free to explore Antigua 7.00 PM - Dinner with the host family NOTE: This schedule may vary NEARBY ATTRACTIONS Guatemala CIty Guatemala CIty is the capital and largest city in Guatemala. In fact, Guatemala City is the largest city in Central America. Like any large city, you will find tons of things to do such as museums, parks, plazas, restaurants, and bars. Lake Atitlan Lake Atitlan is a lake situated at the base of 3 volcanos. It is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. There are many villages surrounding the lake, each still embracing the Mayan culture. Monterrico Monterrico is one of Guatemala s best beaches and is known for its volcanic black sand and sea turtles. Puerto San Jose Puerto San Jose is the closest beach to Antigua. It is known for being a weekend spot for locals. 6

7 HEALTH Guatemala poses some small health risks that can be avoided by taking some simple precautions. 1. Drink Bottled Water Do not drink tap water unless it has been boiled, treated with iodine, or purified. (This includes ice cubes or anything that has come into contact with untreated water, such as raw vegetables washed in tap water.) 2. Wear Sunscreen Sunburns ruin more trips than any other dangers you are likely to face in Guatemala. Because of elevations and proximity to the equator you can burn very quickly. Wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats to be safe. Our partner organization keeps a number of medications and first-aid supplies on hand at its office. We are more than happy to help treat minor cuts, scratches, headaches and stomach issues. For more serious illnesses, we will be able to get you to a doctor in the area. CLIMATE Guatemala is located in the tropics, but also has a number of microclimates depending upon the geography of the region. Because of Antigua s altitude, the city enjoys a more moderate springlike weather for the course of the year. Guatemala has a rainy season and a dry season. The rainy season is typically May through October, while the dry season lasts for the remainder of the year. 7

8 FAQs Do I have to know Spanish? Speaking Spanish is not required for a trip to Guatemala but a basic understanding of the language is helpful. If you are interested in Spanish classes, we offer them while in Guatemala. Or, if you wish to brush up on your Spanish before you leave, we offer Skype lessons with an instructor. Contact us if you are interested in either of these options. Will there be other volunteers with me? Yes. The numbers vary from week to week. You can expect several other construction volunteers to be participating in the program at the same time as you. In addition to the construction volunteers, there will be even more people doing other work with our partner organization. You can rest assured that you will meet a lot of fun, unique people during your time with Build Abroad. CONTACT Build Abroad wants to make this experience as enjoyable as possible leading up to your trip as well as in Guatemala. If you have any questions or concerns that are not addressed in this package, dont hesitate to contact us by phone or . Build Abroad Guatemala Contact Pat McLoughlin pat@buildabroad.org Local Partner international@maximonivel.com 6ta Avenida 16-16A La Antigua, Guatemala Phone:

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