House Construction Helper

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Delve into Guatemala's rich and vibrant culture, a tapestry of traditions waiting to be explored.
  • Elevate your language skills through immersive experiences and daily practice while making a positive impact on society.
  • Enhance your resume with international volunteer experience that sets you apart in a competitive world.

Highlights

  • Delve into Guatemala's rich and vibrant culture, a tapestry of traditions waiting to be explored.
  • Elevate your language skills through immersive experiences and daily practice while making a positive impact on society.
  • Enhance your resume with international volunteer experience that sets you apart in a competitive world.
  • Immerse yourself in the beauty of breathtaking landscapes and cultural sites, each one a chapter in Guatemala's captivating story.
  • Forge lasting friendships with fellow volunteers from around the world, creating a network of shared experiences and cherished memories.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Help construct houses for poor families in Guatemala! Use your skills and abilities to help improve the life of the locals. Give back to society making a difference.🧱

    The Issue

    Antigua is one of the most beautiful cities in Central America. It is one of the main tourist attractions of Guatemala and inspires visitors with its beautiful colonial buildings, narrow streets lined with colorful houses, lively Mayan culture, and stunning backdrops of the perfectly shaped ...

    About the program

    The Issue

    Antigua is one of the most beautiful cities in Central America. It is one of the main tourist attractions of Guatemala and inspires visitors with its beautiful colonial buildings, narrow streets lined with colorful houses, lively Mayan culture, and stunning backdrops of the perfectly shaped volcanoes, Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. 

    But behind the picturesque beauty of this historic setting hides extreme poverty, under which most of the Guatemalan families live. Many families have no home or live in a poorly assembled shack that is made from cardboard, sheet metal, and trash. Whole families live, eat, and sleep in just one room. This extreme housing situation feeds the many other social issues and inter-family problems that are all too common for many locals.

    The Placement

    Volunteers who like to actively tackle a project and do not shy away from physical work can help in a construction project in Antigua. The aim of this project is to build new homes or improve and expand existing houses for families in extreme poverty. In the same way, schools and community centers have been built in the past. The families who participate in this project must apply and be in possession of the land on which the house will be built. It takes around 7-10 days to construct a house. They are small, humble houses (about 30 square meters or 323 square feet), but for the families, it’s a significant improvement to their previous living situation. Normally, the volunteers help with the preparation of the house from the first day. The completion of the house and the ceremonial handing over of the keys to the family is a very emotional experience and is a very satisfying moment for most volunteers. The project is funded entirely by donations and the help of volunteers from around the world! The jobs for this project are located within Antigua.

    The Location

    Antigua is a beautiful colonial town in the south of Guatemala about an hour from the capital, Guatemala City, and surrounded by perfectly shaped volcanoes. Antigua is one of the most visited places in Central America. The city is famous for its Spanish colonial buildings, picturesque courtyards, interesting markets, beautiful churches and a colorful labyrinth of streets. 

    The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage since 1979. Antigua is located in the highlands of Guatemala at about 1,600 meters above sea level. Antigua has an abundance of tour operators and agencies that offer exciting tours to all parts of the country. Whether you want to get to know the jungle, the Mayan culture, the Pacific coast or you are looking for cultural activities, in Antigua you are guaranteed to find someone who organizes exactly what you are looking for. Antigua has an average daily temperature of 20 °C all year round, while the nights are quite cool. The rainy season is from June to October, the dry season from November to May.


    Typical day

    This volunteer project requires volunteers to be in good physical shape. You will help at the construction site, building houses and actively supporting destitute families who have the dream of owning a small house. Depending on the start date of your volunteer work in Antigua, you will enter into ...

    Typical day

    This volunteer project requires volunteers to be in good physical shape. You will help at the construction site, building houses and actively supporting destitute families who have the dream of owning a small house. Depending on the start date of your volunteer work in Antigua, you will enter into the construction phase in which the home is in.

    • The tasks range from balancing the ground, erecting the walls, to constructing the roof. Furthermore, things to be done are transporting building materials and tools, screwing together the metals, trimming or cutting cement blocks, etc. There is a lot to do, and every helping hand is important.
    • During the construction, you will get to know the family who will move into the house and work together side by side. If you take part in this project for a long time, you have the opportunity to accompany the construction from the first day and finally witness the family's entry into the new house. The joy in the faces of the family is a unique experience and a fulfilling thanks for the diligence, the work and effort.

    Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.


    Free-time activities

    In your spare time, there are many different activities to choose from, such as visiting historic sights and museums around the city of Antigua. This wonderful colonial city is a real gem and offers plenty of touristic activities. Many volunteers also go to local bars and restaurants to socialize ...

    Free-time activities

    In your spare time, there are many different activities to choose from, such as visiting historic sights and museums around the city of Antigua. This wonderful colonial city is a real gem and offers plenty of touristic activities. Many volunteers also go to local bars and restaurants to socialize with friends. On the weekends you can take day excursions to get to know the amazing surroundings.

    Among the most interesting things to do:

    • City tour Antigua
    • Handicraft markets from indigenous people
    • Lake Atitlan
    • Archeological sites (e.g. Park of Copan)
    • Nature and Volcano
    • Thermal baths of Kawilal
    • Tradicional market of Chichicastenango
    • Visit to museums of indigenous cultures like the Maya
    • Bird watching tours
    • Outdoor sports like climbing, hiking, Canopy, biking, 4x4 tours, etc.
    • Visits to Chocolate and Coffe productions sites
    • Tikal, the biggest Maya ruins (weekend trip, at least 3 days)


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak Spanish (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    at High School level

    Required Documents

    CV and volunteer questionnaire

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by South America Inside

    • Single room in a Homestay
    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner (from Monday to Saturday)
    • City tour through Antigua on your first day
    • Advice from our experienced staff
    • On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
    • Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
    • Your placement in the volunteer project
    • Pre-departure information
    • Packing list
    • Country handbook
    • Intercultural guide
    • Orientation upon arrival
    • On-site volunteer coordinator
    • 24/7 emergency number
    • Advice on travel insurance
    • Certificate of participation

    Airport pick-up in Guatemala City can be added for an extra cost.

    Important note: A donation of 50 USD has to be paid in Guatemala to the project.

    Airport Pickup at La Aurora International Airport


    Accommodation

    An important part of our volunteer programs has always been to provide an intense glimpse into the culture of the host country. Therefore, our volunteers live in homestays. Living with a local hosts will allow you to experience the country in the most authentic way possible. You can immerse into local customs, taste typical meals, and experience the culture and traditions first-hand. You will quickly realize how much your Spanish skills improve each day. Our homestays are carefully screened and selected, and many hosts have years of experience with our international volunteers.

    You will be provided with a single room, while the bathroom can be private or shared. 

    Food & Beverages

    The volunteer program includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner (except on Sunday). Special dietary requirements can be accommodated but have to be informed to us in advance.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. We assist you to find cheap flights to Guatemala. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Guatemala provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Guatemala you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Guatemala. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The volunteer work can be joined throughout the year. The start and end date can be set flexible, according to your availability and travel plans. Ask our experienced staff to coordinate your participation in this meaningful volunteer project.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 1,072€
    3 weeks 1,232€
    4 weeks 1,392€
    5 weeks 1,551€
    6 weeks 1,711€
    7 weeks 1,870€
    8 weeks 2,030€
    9 weeks 2,190€
    10 weeks 2,349€
    11 weeks 2,509€
    12 weeks 2,668€
    24 weeks (max. stay) 4,584€
    Average fees 363€/week

    Program fees

    363€ per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 24 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with South America Inside during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    South America Inside

    Perfect 4.6 rating (128 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2003

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Marion

    Spoken languages: English, German, Spanish

    About the project

    South America Inside promotes intercultural, linguistic and educational exchanges. Its volunteer programs are addressed to students, professionals and retirees.

    Meet your organization

    South America Inside is an intercultural management agency, founded back in 2003, which specializes in the promotion of programs abroad, language travel and educational programs throughout Latin America.

    Since 2007, to enrich the experience of our global-minded clients and to provide them with even more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding their program offerings throughout South and Central America.

    Working together with some of the best language schools in Latin America, South America Inside provides high quality language courses in almost every Latin American country.

    Thanks to a professional team of motivated and friendly staff, South America Inside has been very successful over the past several years and have been able to establish an outstanding network of what we call "Insider Contacts." To enrich the experience of their clients and to provide them with more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding our program offerings throughout Central and South America, in addition to our well-established Chilean programs.

    Volunteer Work

    Do you dream of staying abroad while doing something positive? Are you looking for a unique experience that will leave a mark on your life? Then a Volunteer Work program in South America or Central America is perfect for you!

    With South America Inside you can combine an adventure abroad with social commitment, and create lasting memories in Latin America. Support the protection of endangered species; help a local community construct new homes; give new hope to impoverished children.

    The possibilities to lend a hand are diverse, as there are the many places where help is needed. We have classified our volunteer projects in different areas so you can easily find the one (or more!) projects that best match your needs and interests.

    Why with us

    There are many persuasive reasons that speak in favor of South America Inside when it comes to selecting your perfect provider of language, study and volunteer travel abroad. Following, we have prepared a short summary so that you can get us to know a little better.

    Our Insider benefits at a glance:

      Regional Experience
    Over one decade (established in 2003) of dedication to language, work and study travel programs in Latin America. Thanks to our long standing work and life experience in the South American continent, we know this region really well. Therefore, we can help and inform you in a professional and competent way.

      Multifaceted Offers
    Over time we have developed new programs to offer a wide array of work abroad opportunities to our clients. We have been pioneers in launching new exchange programs, as we have been the first in offering Work & Travel/Working Holiday and Farm Stays in Chile and successfully introduced these programs into the market back in 2005. Since 2012, we are the only agency to offer this type of program in Costa Rica.

      Insider Advice
    Despite living in the modern era of the internet, we know that reliable and competent advice is still an important criterion for most of us. At South America Inside, you will find the benefits of an internet provider and an independent travel agency. We will be glad to pass on our extensive knowledge and regional experience.!

      Location
    It is difficult to run programs when there is nobody “on the ground” to evaluate existing options and search for new opportunities. So, we are located in Chile, on location, and we know everything that is going on first hand. We know what it is like to live as a foreigner in South America and will be happy to assist you in making your stay unforgettable!

      Independence
    South America Inside is an independent provider of language courses, internships, volunteer work, Farm Stays and Work & Travel programs in Latin America. We neither depend financially nor structurally on any other company, language school, association or organization. Therefore, we are able to give personalized information in accordance to your needs and availability.

    •  Multilingual Team

    Our team is multilingual and international! We speak fluent English, Spanish and German, as well as some French and Portuguese. With our customers, we can communicate in their native language and we avoid misunderstandings with local partners by communicating in Spanish with them. You can be sure that there will be an English-speaking contact person for you before, during, and after your stay.

      Customer Service
    Excellent customer service is one of the most important goals for South America Inside, and this is evident with the positive feedback we regularly receive from our many happy clients. Emails are answered within 48 business hours and every client is treated with the same friendliness and expertise.

      Gapless and Accurate Information flow
    With South America Inside you will have one and the same contact person before, during and after your trip. With that said, we guarantee a gapless and accurate information flow and you will always be very well informed.

      Approved Program Places
    Many of our program places, especially in the area of internships and volunteer work, are designed in the way that they will be recognized by most universities, colleges or academies.

    128 reviews · rating4.6

    Chad (Charles) Brown rating5

    2018 at House Construction Helper

    When I got to Antigua, after meeting me and talking for a while the local program directors asked if I'd be willing to teach computers and English at a small school in a nearby town. I was happy to do it and it was one of the best experiences of my life! Don't pass up the chance to get ...
    Regina N. rating5

    2024 at Help Stray Dogs

    Die Arbeit gefällt mir sehr gut! Ich bin super reingekommen und fühle mich sehr wohl 🙂 Die Menschen sind sehr offen und freundlich! Herzlichen Dank! ...
    Nathalie K. rating5

    2024 at Local Wildlife Helper

    Everything is alright. The family host in San José is very kind. I visited San José yesterday. This morning I arrived at the rescue center and it's amazing! It beautifull, the animals are so cute. And the volonteers are very friendly. Thanks for everything and have a good ...
    Alex S. rating5

    2024 at Help Stray Dogs

    Mir geht’s prima. War ein langer Tag, bin daher auch gut kaputt 🙂 Sowohl Spanischkurs als auch die Arbeit im Tierheim machen sehr viel Spaß! Ich muss zwar all das bisschen, was ich an Spanisch kann, zusammenkratzen, um durch den Tag zu kommen, aber das wird sicherlich besser mit der Zeit ...
    Stacey Garratt rating5

    2024 at Local Women Empowerment Supporter

    I have been travelling for 7 months in total and just had the most wonderful experience in Ecuador. I can confidently say in the last 6 weeks I have created my favourite memories of this journey in an all-encompassing way. Firstly, the program itself was incredible, I constantly felt supported, ...
    Mattia Malfanti rating5

    2024 at Countryside School Assistant

    Very good location and people. Really good organization and people are really hospitable. Peumal is a really good alternative school. I sincerely advice if you want help in an alternative school to go ...

    Location


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    English, German, Spanish

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