International Development Internships

  Guatemala

Rural Areas

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: all terms and semesters

Description: Proyecto Chimiya, is an ecological park, which spans approximately five acres in a rural community one and a half miles from Comalapa. Comalapa and its surrounding communities are almost entirely indigenous, Maya Kakchiquel. The land is owned by a local organization, Chuwi Tinamit. There is housing on-site. The project site has space for ten. The staff house sleeps three and the Cabanas sleep seven (interns and volunteers). The Cabana area includes a kitchen, a sweat lodge, a solar shower, a compost latrine, a fantastic view of the valley, and is powered by a 75watt solar panel. Although it sounds like Disneyland it is quite rustic. If we lack space on-site, we can also arrange for a family to host you in their home, just a short walk from the project site.

Orientation

LWH can arrange to pick you up from the airport in Guatemala City and transport you to the site. San Juan Comalapa is located just a couple of hours away, so it can be a great home base if you are planning on traveling in Central America and need access to an airport. Upon arrival, LWH staff will provide you a thorough orientation to the project site and Accommodations and will also help you get accustomed to the local transportation and nearby points of attraction.

Working and living in Guatemala is highly affordable. That is part of the reason it is such a great place to volunteer or get course credit through our internship program.

Food:   USD 75 per month
Visa/Work Permit: USD 25 every 3 months
Local Transportation: Cheap....we walk almost everywhere

Highlights: Experience in:
* Grant Writing
* Organic Agriculture
* Recreational Programs
* International Development proposals
* Community networking and outreach
* Youth education
* Water and Fuel systems improvements
...and many many more

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications: University students interested in receiving credit towards their degrees, may apply to our internship program. The intern program usually consists of a one to two term stay in Comalapa (three to six months), and it can be catered for students of international relations, Latin American studies, business administration, agriculture, forestry, natural resources, environmental studies, political science, sociology, economics, youth development, physical education, botany, and Spanish among others. Long Way Home has a great diversity of programming and needs, and therefore works with a wide array of students from nearly every course of study.

* Language Requirements
Although Long Way Home does not require any particular proficiency in Spanish, an acquaintance with the language is indispensable to a successful completion of the internship program. Depending on your level of proficiency, Long Way Home can arrange beginner, intermediate or advance language class with local instructors. Furthermore, although the majority of Comalapa's population speaks Spanish, the native language of Kaqchikel is the first language spoken in many homes, and Kaqchikel classes are also available for those interested.

* Length of Stay
Student interns usually participate in a three to six month programs depending on the requirements of the intern's university. Guatemala is beautiful year-round, so anytime of year is a good time to come down.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: 1500.00 for three months

Food: USD 75 per month
Visa/Work Permit: USD 25 every 3 months
Local Transportation: Cheap....we walk almost everywhere

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Passionate and Professional. Has to have the drive and desire for Non-Profit work. Positive attitude. Flexible.

Age Range: 18 to 80

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Guatemala Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Scholarships are Available. Please request info from us.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

Long Way Home, Inc.'s Mission Statement: Long Way Home is a non-profit organization originating in the United States that seeks to bring together resources to empower youth to realize their full potential by fostering civic interaction, creating educational opportunities and encouraging healthy lifestyles. Working with local partner organizations, Long Way Home builds sustainable community parks and fosters community sports programs. By providing young people the opportunity to participate in organized sports, we help them become healthier in mind and in body. In countries where people often fall victim to political divisiveness and ethnic tensions, organized sports offer everyone a level playing field. Our community parks promote civic interaction, create educational opportunities, and encourage healthy lifestyles. In an increasingly global age, we recognize that poverty is everyone's responsibility, and we draw on the resources of the world's elite to help empower and enrich youth living in poverty.

Year Founded: 2005