CARE Corps Abroad Guatemala

Location
Guatemala City, Guatemala

Guatemala, one of the most culturally diverse nations in Latin America, is an ideal locale for the CARE Corps Abroad program. As a CARE Corps Abroad participant, you'll enjoy an unforgettable experience in this visually stunning Central American country where the indigenous Mayan culture is vibrant and thriving.

Through our partnership with Cross-Cultural Solutions volunteer program, you will stay in the capital, Guatemala City, which reflects a lively mix of urban and indigenous populations. Then, over the course of a full weekend, you'll travel to rural regions to see CARE's work firsthand and engage with people in local villages for a deeply rewarding learning experience.

(© 2002 CARE/ David Rochkind)

CARE has operated in Guatemala since 1959 and has developed extensive relationships with agencies in the public and private sectors. CARE operates projects in water and sanitation, agriculture, agroforestry, primary health care, girls' education and economic development. CARE's approach to fighting poverty emphasizes the participation and strengthening of local organizations to help ensure long-term progress.

Please visit the CARE Guatemala profile for more information about our work in Guatemala.

Program dates
CARE Corps Abroad is a special two-week program that takes place four times a year as a component of the Cross-Cultural Solutions volunteer program. New opportunities to participate in CARE Corps Abroad begin each quarter on the dates listed below:

2005 sessions
February 12 — February 25
May 14 — May 27
August 6 — August 19
November 26 — December 9

All programs begin on a Saturday. Participants must arrive in Guatemala City, Guatemala on the start date of the program.

Program costs

(© 2002 CARE/ David Rochkind)

The two-week program fee for CARE Corps Abroad sessions is $2,279. As part of a program operated by Cross-Cultural Solutions, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, the program fee paid by CARE Corps Abroad participants is tax deductible. Included in the fee are all Guatemala-based expenses: meals, lodging, professional staff guidance and supervision, orientation, travel medical insurance and daily transportation. International airfare (tax-deductible for U.S. residents), visa fees and personal internet and long-distance phone communications are not included. A non-refundable deposit of $275 is due upon registration and the balance is due 60 days before the program start date. Volunteers can also extend their stay in Guatemala with Cross-Cultural Solutions for additional costs.

Visit the Cross-Cultural Solutions "Ways To Fundraise" page for suggestions on raising funds to cover your CARE Corps Abroad expenses through grants, community organizations and small fund-raising events and activities.

Meals and lodging
CARE Corps Abroad participants live in the Cross-Cultural Solutions house located in a comfortable, middle-class residential neighborhood outside of the city center. Typically, there will be three to six people per room. Accommodations are modest yet include standard beds, flush toilets, running water and electricity. Meals are simple and reflect the local cuisine with bottled or purified water available at all times. Vegetarian options are available upon request.

Passports, visa, airline tickets and health precautions
Once you have registered, you will be guided through the process of obtaining a visa and passport and offered direction to the most competitively priced travel agents. Staff is available to assist you with these matters and share printed information on each of these topics. Before you depart we advise you to obtain all of the recommended precautionary vaccinations. Moreover, in your pre-departure package and during orientation sessions you will receive advice on eating and drinking precautions you should take while abroad so you may enjoy your program in good health.

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