Group Volunteering: Chile comes to Guatemala

[h4a] “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill [/h4a]

Group of volunteers posing with volunteer manager — Our fond farewell to the Chile group of volunteers, reflecting and saying goodbye over lunch

For those of you that are avid blog readers, you will remember my blog about our wonderful Chile group that are with us for one month. My first blog told of their adventures during the first two weeks of their experience. Sadly, they left us on Saturday, although whilst they were here, they really took full advantage of everything they could and went away sad.

Their third week with us started with a trip to the biggest artesian market in Guatemala in Chichicastenango. On Sundays this whole town transforms into one big market for tourists coming into town looking for souvenirs and our group weren’t disappointed, they got beautiful local, handmade gifts for all their friends and family.

Volunteers on a boat tour at Lake Atitlan — Exploring Lake Atitlán by boat

After leaving the market they went onto Lake Atitlán; a beautiful lake located in the crater of a volcano. With endless history and beauty this lake captivated the group as they learnt about the town surrounding it and the history of the lake itself.

Group of people with Chilean flag — Sharing stories and playing games with some Guatemalan youngsters

After this, they spent some time with some Guatemalan kids their age, sharing stories and playing games with them. They then went back out into rural Guatemala, visiting Montericco and learning the importance of preserving the turtles and their environment. As week four started, they moved onto Tikal, a huge ruins of a Mayan city and then onto Rio Dulce.

Four girls holding their turtles waiting to release them — Waiting to release their turtles into the sea at Montericco beach

Before saying goodbye and wishing them a safe trip we gave them time to reflect on their experience, what they had learnt, what they would take away with them and what their favourite moment of the experience was. This is so crucial to a learning trip like this, so much happens in such a short time, it’s important to take time to reflect on the experience before leaving.

Group of volunteers standing in front of a Mayan temple — Hanging out in the ancient Mayan city Tikal

But, leave they must. And last Friday we had a goodbye lunch before safely dropping them to the airport nice and early on Saturday morning. Some of them threatened to ‘miss’ the private shuttle and stay longer but in the end we got them all safely on their way.

Group of volunteers with the Chilean flag — Hanging out at the Macademia Farm close to Antigua

Experiential, service learning study abroad trips, whether faculty-led or not, are crucial for youngsters these days, to prepare them for the internationlised they will live and work in for the rest of their lives. If you would like a chat with someone about bringing a group to Guatemala, please fill in our online form.