Common Hope’s short-term volunteer program is for people interested in traveling to Guatemala independently to offer their time and talents to serve others. The typical short-term volunteer experience combines elements of service and education. We encourage short-term volunteers to become ambassadors for Common Hope upon returning home — this work to spread the word about the needs of Guatemala is invaluable.
Common Hope short-term volunteers …
- make a commitment anywhere from 2-6 weeks
- travel independently and make their own arrangements for transportation and accommodations
- participate in volunteer openings depending on Common Hope’s needs during their dates of travel
- work in a variety of areas (construction, education, health care, technology support, family development) depending on their dates of travel, interests, work experience, and level of Spanish
- often spend half of their day volunteering and half of their day in one of Antigua’s Spanish language schools; they also often live with a local family
- become multipliers of Common Hope’s work by sharing their experience with friends and family upon returning home
Typical experience includes …
- work during regular business hours: Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
- a tour of Common Hope facilities and a neighboring village
- home visits with affiliated families along with one of our social workers
- discussions with staff members about our work
- volunteer work that attempts to match Common Hope’s needs with volunteer’s interests and skills
Requirements:
- Flexibility, open-mindedness
- Willingness to do whatever
- Attitude of learning
- Age of 18+ if traveling independently, 14 if accompanied by a parent
- Spanish-speaking ability if interested in volunteering in the clinic, school, or day care
Cost:
- No volunteer fee
- Other expenses dependent on individual travel and living arrangements
To apply:
- Read through short-term volunteer handbook.
- Complete application and send resumé. (Please have specific travel dates in mind.)
- Submit application online a minimum of six weeks prior to travel to ensure availability.
- Expect an email response from one of our volunteer coordinators within two weeks of submitting your application.
Recommended reading:
- Consular information sheet
- Lonely Planet guide to Guatemala
- Rough Guide to Guatemala
- Trip Advisor
- Enjoy Guatemala




