Guatemala Quetzaltenango (Xela) Womans' Support Program

Program Description

As a volunteer with the program, you will be able to work with elderly women in a residential care center. Many of the residents of this center are without any other options for housing and care. Some were even left by their families. These women are provided with, for free, housing, meals, clothing, medical treatment, and any therapy that they require. Many women in Latin America are the strength of their family, so it is only right that they live their lives with respect, dignity, and in an encouraging environment. This program can be combined with medical projects since volunteers need to assist with giving health checks like examining blood pressure, sugar levels, and, at times, giving medication and provide physical therapy.

Volunteers will also assist in engaging and fun activities, preparing food, feeding some of the women, talking to them and hearing their stories, and reading to them. Our volunteers for this project need to be very strong in their Spanish abilities.

Volunteers must arrive in Guatemala in the morning since the last bus to Xela leaves at 3PM. We do not include an overnight stay in Guatemala City as a part of our program cost. You also must arrange your departure from Guatemala City for after 2PM.

Volunteer Application Process

Research your flights, the program location and determine your desired start dates. ABV program fees are based on 7 night increments (example 1 month is 28 nights = 4 weeks).

When you have your travels plans decided, click the APPLY ONLINE button on the ABV home page. Log In and create your own personal profile.

Fill out the application form in its entirety. This includes uploading your resume/CV and completing the online questionnaire. Incomplete (or inactive) applications will be deleted within 7 days of receipt. If you have any doubts, call or email the ABV office to verify your application was actually received by us.

Upon submission of your completed application, expect an email confirmation from ABV within 24/48 hours. Follow the instructions provided and Log In to your personal profile.

Read and Sign the online Volunteer Service Agreement, and the Participants Contract. Follow the payment instructions to pay your US$120 deposit.

After paying the US$120 deposit you will be emailed an Orientation Guide, the Pre-trip check list and your invoice. Log in to your profile for updates.

Bookmark the ABV Log In. This is your main source of information: flights, travel insurance, payment deadlines and project details. If you have any questions, ask us!

Highlights

Helping elderly women who deserve care and attention
Improving your Spanish abilities
Learning about a different culture
Assisting in some medical procedures like health checks

Qualifications

In order to provide you with the very best service, we require that you read our policies. At the bottom of the online application you will be required to check the box that you have read and understand the terms and conditions of volunteering with A Broader View (ABV).

- You must be 17yrs old to participate. Children accompanying their parent/legal guardian must be 12yrs old.
- Travel insurance and medical coverage is not included in the program cost. These are the responsibility of the volunteer. Volunteer Card Insurance (US$45)
- ABV is not responsible for loss of property, personal injury, illness, accident, delay or expense sustained by the volunteer while participating in our program.
- ABV and its agents are not responsible for any financial obligations or liabilities the participant may incur including damages to property, or injury to others while participating on this program.
- ABV is not responsible for the cost of extra activities (sightseeing, language class etc) incurred during the course of your program. Daily transportation costs are the volunteers’ responsibility, although we try to confirm accommodations within walking distance to work site or bus transportation (very cheap in each country).
- Volunteers agree to follow the laws of the host country, the policies of the community in which they volunteer, and/or the rules of the host family, failure to do so will result in the termination of your program and forfeiture of all program fees.
- A non-refundable deposit of US$120 is required along with your application. Program costs paid in US dollars only. We begin the confirmation process once the deposit is received. Final payment is due 45 days prior to departure. Volunteers agree that no part of the program fee is refundable once the program has commenced.
- Cancellations must be received in writing. No refunds are issued for cancellations received less than 45 days prior to departure.
- Prices on the website are subject to change without warning. Once the deposit is received, the program fee cost is guaranteed and will not change.

Volunteer Types

What`s Included

Includes:

Accommodation: Host Family
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
Arrival: Airport meet and greet by ABV Staff
Orientation: Project Overview On-Site
Support: Pre-trip written guide, In-country ABV staff available 24/7
Departure: ABV Staff Escorted Airport Transfer

Not included:
Flights to Guatemala. Entry Visa.Departure taxes. Vaccinations. Local Transportation.Travel Health Insurance. Laundry and Internet