Guatemala
Noted on August 4, 2009 by Natanya in
Guatemala offers a rich and diverse experience for interns. A culturally and geographically diverse country, an intern can experience volcanoes, pristine mountain lakes, the rainforest, the coast, and lush mountains. Home to many ethnic groups, including a significant indigenous population, it allows an intern to gain incredible insight into a world very different from mainstream U.S. culture. IE3 Global Internships offers internships at both urban and rural locations that are not typical tourist destinations, allowing the intern to interact with the local population.
Long Way Home (rural) is located on the outskirts of the small town of San Juan Comalapa, which is located about 1 1/2 hours outside of the capital. The local Mayan population speak Spanish and their indigenous language of Kaq’chikel. The local population has suffered through Guatemala's tumultuous history and many continue to live in poverty. Long Way Home is a local community development project founded by a former Peace Corps Volunteer who wanted to make a long term difference in the community. Long Way Home hosts an educational and recreational park for the local community that has sports facilities, a garden, a nursery and other projects. They are currently engaged in building a technical school out of using alternative construction methods (it is an EarthShip for those that know what that means). Interns can work in a variety of different areas of the small organization: gardening, forestry, construction, environmental education, teaching English as a Second language, fundraising and marketing efforts, NGO development, youth development and sports activities, etc. Interns live on-site at the Volunteer House with other interns and volunteers. It can be challenging for some interns living and working so closely with several other people in cabin-like conditions. There is an option to live with a local host family, as well. The scenery is beautiful, green and mountainous. The community is safe and the locals friendly. There is an internet cafe in town, as well as one ATM. Fresh, local food is available at the outdoor market. It is simple living at its best. Link to IE3 Position Description for Long Way Home.
EntreMundos (urban) is located in the city of Quetzaltenango (Xela) which has about 250,000 inhabitants. Today Quetzaltenango is the commercial centre of Guatemala's Western Highlands, a thriving marketplace and business town. Many travellers come here to work with local non-governmental organizations (NGO's) assisting the Mayan communities. EntreMundos is an organization focused on connecting volunteers with local NGO's. This is a great opportunity for an intern to gain experience working with a small, international NGO. Specifically, interns can gain experience working on a magazine publication and gain hands-on experience with all aspects of a publication from researching, soliciting stories, writing, editing, translating, proof-reading, contracting ads, layout and publication. EntreMundos is also seeking an intern to work at the I.T. Coordinator and focus on giving computer classes to partner organizations and maintaining the computer lab. Opportunities for special projects, as well. Housing available on-site. Affordable. Link to IE3 Position Description for EntreMundos.