I volunteered with CCS in Guatemala City for two and a half months and had the most amazing experience of my life (so far). I decided to travel with CCS for personal reasons. I was born in Guatemala, adopted by Americans and brought up in the States. I wanted to visit my birth country but did not want to go back as just a tourist. While visiting, I wanted to experience the culture and give back if I could. CCS Guatemala offered everything I was looking for; cultural immersion, a chance to meet new people and friends, a great place to stay, and opportunities to volunteer. This trip was worth every penny! I met amazing people and went to incredible places. Furthermore, words cannot explain just how amazing the in-country CCS staff is! They were helpful, always a pleasure to be around and became a second family to me. I cannot thank them enough for such an incredible time. Choosing to travel with CCS Guatemala was and still is the best decision that I have ever made. I 100% recommend this program! I learned a lot about myself and the world outside my world. I bet you will too! I enjoyed every second of my trip and plan to volunteer with CCS again.
To all the travelers out there: Travel far and travel wide. Always travel with an open mind. Safe travels to all!
A more in depth look at my experience:
Before leaving for Guatemala, I was a bit apprehensive for the trip. This was going to be my first time out of the country by myself but I did not need to worry. Before leaving for the trip, the Guatemala CCS program specialist Hayden helped me through the pre-travel process. On the day of arrival, pick up from the airport was seamless and the in-country staff member that pick me up was very friendly. I arrived at the volunteer house and had a warm welcome from the staff that was present. The volunteer house was perfect and quickly became a second home for me. The food at the house was always delicious, I never had a bad meal. The in-country staff and the house staff were so amazing and very helpful. The in-country director, Virginia was so helpful and kind. She led us through orientation, answered our questions and gave excellent "life advice" when needed. The in-country staff quickly became a second family to me, they helped make my experience in Guatemala special.
While in Guatemala with CCS, I volunteered at a school by the city dump. I primarily helped in the 1st grade class. I helped with daily lessons (like math) and other activities. Besides helping at the elementary school, I also had the opportunity to assist the English language teacher at the high school. Volunteering at this school was amazing, I would do it again in heartbeat. Other than this school, some volunteers were assigned to other specialty schools around the city, health clinics, day care facilities and many other places. All the volunteers that I met throughout my two and half month stay had all good things to say about their volunteer assignments.
Besides volunteering, CCS also provided cultural learning experiences like a city tour (which was fabulous) visits to museums around the city, Spanish lessons and much more. These activities were wonderful and I always learned something about the history and culture of Guatemala from these excursions. Having these cultural learning experiences added something extra special to my trip! During my trip, I did have opportunities for travel in my free time. Traveling is on your own dime but it is worth it. With the other volunteers I met, I traveled to Antigua, Guatemala for Semana Santa in early April, Lake Atitlan (so beautiful) and Monterrico (a beach town). Also in my free time, I explored Guatemala City and went on small weekend trips to Antigua, Guatemala. Most of my free time in the city was spent walking up to Parque Central and experiencing the day to day activities of the city. Guatemala is an amazing place. I hope that you, the reader, consider this program and location. It will change your life!
