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The region of Quetzaltenango, more commonly known as “Xela” in the local Mayan language, is active in agriculture, with farms producing wheat, coffee, vegetables, and fruits, and breeding sheep and cattle. Because it is the former center of the Quiche Maya indigenous group, much of that history and tradition is kept alive in Xela, though it often contrasts with some of the more modern aspects of the city. Although it is not often considered a common tourist destination, Xela has been gaining popularity as both a place to study abroad and practice the Spanish or Mayan language, and a hotspot for ecotourism. But as the second most-populous city in Guatemala, Xela has many of the same infrastructural issues as Guatemala City. The Guatemalan Civil War and earthquakes that hit various areas of the country caused devastation, and consequently, migration into an already-overcrowded Xela. This contributed to the disorganized expansion of the city, and the creation of small villages surrounding the area.

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Volunteer Work in Quetzaltenango

Our volunteer placements in Quetzaltenango are all with locally-run organizations, dedicated to improving the lives of the community's residents. These Partner Programs are located in the city as well as its small surrounding villages. Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about the traditional and rich history of the Spanish and Mayan Quiche people, gain an understanding of the challenges that the community and country face, and work in the following areas:

  • Caregiving : Volunteers care for children, elderly, and people with disabilities. Simple activities such as playing games or planning arts & crafts activities can help to build self-esteem, and also offer support and encouragement. Volunteers may also assist in kitchens at mealtimes, and provide basic physical therapy and counseling services, depending on individual qualifications and experience.
  • Healthcare : Volunteers can observe local health professionals in clinics and hospitals offering a variety of services. Volunteers assist in daily routines such as physical therapy, and also shadow health practitioners, and give support to long-term patients. Responsibilities vary based on knowledge of Spanish, educational background in health, and the immediate needs of the organization, but placements offer an opportunity to learn about health and healthcare challenges, and the unique cultural perspectives of local people.
  • Teaching : Volunteers have the opportunity to teach students of all ages in Quetzaltenango and gain real hands-on experience in a variety of settings. Some volunteers will be assisting teachers of special education or working with children who have special needs. In many of these placements, volunteers will help to provide an extra pair of hands for the teachers, act as a positive adult role model, and offer the priceless opportunity to learn English from a fluent speaker.

Volunteer Abroad, Intern Abroad, Insight Abroad (one week), and Teen Volunteer Abroad programs are offered in Quetzaltenango. Placements are always designed to match your skills and interests to the needs identified by the community.

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quick facts

Programs available
Volunteer Abroad
Intern Abroad
Insight Abroad
Teen Volunteer Abroad

CCS volunteers to date
Over 300 since 2007

Local language spoken
Spanish

Local population
300,000 people

program fee

Click on a program to view all currencies:

Volunteer Abroad  
Starts at US$2,784 for 2 weeks

Intern Abroad
 Starts at US$3,748 for 4 weeks

Insight Abroad
Starts at US$1,853 for 1 week

Teen Volunteer Abroad  
US$2,248 for 9 days

what's included

The Cross-Cultural Solutions program fee includes:

The program fee is payable in U.S. or Canadian Dollars, or Great British Pounds.

start dates

Review start dates for:

next steps
  1. Choose your program
  2. Select a program site
  3. Review start dates
  4. Calculate your program fee 
  5. Call us or enroll online
“Over the long term, the experience has enlightened me about the "sameness" of people in terms of exchanging love and friendship and help, regardless of the nature of our cultural circumstances. The children will remain strong in my memory forever, as will the bond formed with the other volunteers and Virginia and her staff.”

Judy, Guatemala


Read more Volunteer Voices...
Meet a Volunteer
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Caitlin Flynn
Insight Abroad
Guatemala
“I gained a new global outlook...and learned that not everything is about myself.”Meet Caitlin...
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