I gained so much from this trip, I gained a new sense of independence, even in my short time volunteering I felt as if I made a difference. I was super nervous about traveling solo but IVHQ made it so easy and comfortable.
Women's Empowerment Project in Guatemala - Antigua
Purpose
Empower women to gain financial independence and education
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
4 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
Accommodation
Volunteer House or Local Homestay
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Compassionate, open-minded individuals who are passionate about gender equality and community development. It suits volunteers who enjoy working closely with people and can share their experience within education, business, social work, or simply have a desire to help!
Project details
Systemic barriers in Guatemala often limit access to education and employment for single mothers, migrant women, and women from indigenous communities. As a volunteer, you’ll play an active role in their journey, working alongside them to foster personal growth, build professional skills, and strengthen their communities from the ground up.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Collaborate with women to create equal opportunities and build brighter futures together. As a volunteer, you’ll support personal and professional growth, help uplift entire communities, and play a meaningful role in fostering empowerment. Your contributions may include leading interactive English workshops, organizing community-building events, providing mentorship, or supporting the growth of women-led microbusinesses.
Your work will align with six core focus areas aimed at equipping women with the skills, resources, and confidence they need to succeed. Every activity is hands-on, impactful, and rooted in the spirit of community-driven change.
Emotional Wellness & Personal Development:
- Lead guided meditations to promote mindfulness and inner peace
- Facilitate group sharing circles that foster connection and support
- Introduce practical techniques for managing stress and building emotional intelligence
Connecting Women to Community Resources:
- Organize workshops on topics such as legal rights, labor laws, and access to public services
- Staff an information desk to provide ongoing guidance and support
- Help develop easy-to-use resource kits for quick reference and long-term use
English Language Learning for Career Growth:
- Deliver interactive English lessons and offer one-on-one tutoring sessions
- Support the creation of self-study tools and introduce learners to online platforms and AI resources for independent language practice
Employment Readiness & Entrepreneurship:
- Assist women in job preparation through resume building, interview practice, and employment guidance tailored to the local job market
- Lead skill-mapping sessions to help women recognize and leverage their strengths
- Provide mentoring in financial literacy and support the growth of women-led microbusinesses
Why do Women's Empowerment volunteering in Antigua with IVHQ?
Volunteering with women in Antigua offers a meaningful opportunity to support the local community while growing both personally and professionally. As a volunteer, you will:
- Assist to dismantle barriers that hinder women’s access to education and financial independence
- Support grassroots efforts that empower single mothers, migrant women, and indigenous communities
- Lead or assist in workshops focused on English language skills, entrepreneurship, and community engagement
- Strengthen your Spanish skills and gain a deeper understanding of Guatemalan culture and values
- Collaborate with women from a variety of backgrounds, building cross-cultural communication and connection
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers must be 18 years or older to participate in this program. If you are under 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad to explore these options
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Guatemala photo gallery
IVHQ Women’s Empowerment project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Eco-Agriculture project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Eco-Agriculture project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Eco-Agriculture project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Medical and Healthcare project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Holiday Experience project
IVHQ volunteer orientation
IVHQ volunteer Spanish class
IVHQ volunteer Salsa classes
IVHQ volunteer Salsa classes
Exploring Guatemala during an IVHQ weekend
Coffee tour during an IVHQ weekend
Guacamole party during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Antigua during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring by horseback during an IVHQ weekend
Volunteers Zip Lining during the weekend
Volunteers Zip Lining during the weekend
Exploring Antigua during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Antigua during an IVHQ weekend
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
When you walk the cobblestone streets of Antigua it is easy to see why it has been made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Baroque architecture, Spanish colonial churches and brightly painted buildings can be admired on nearly every corner. The urban environment speaks to the rich history of the city which dates back to the 1500s and includes a number of destructive earthquakes which have seen it repaired and rebuilt over a long period of time.
IVHQ’s Guatemala program is based in Antigua with placements in the city and surrounding areas. At these placements you’re likely to see the struggle faced by many Guatemalans living with limited resources. Despite the beauty of the place and its busy tourism industry, Guatemala is one of the poorest countries in Latin America. Its citizens can benefit greatly from the support volunteers can give local initiatives which strive to improve their lives.
Antigua is located approximately 30 minutes from Guatemala City.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins every Monday and volunteers need to arrive in Guatemala City on the day before orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Antigua. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Guatemala prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Antigua on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is hosted by our local team at their office in Antigua. Orientation begins on Monday morning and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Guatemala – an introduction to Guatemala, Guatemalan customs, language training details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Guatemala, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays
Volunteers will have a morning or afternoon shift, which will last around 3 to 5 hours. Work and hours are dependent on the project and location. If a volunteer is taking Spanish language lessons, they will usually volunteer for half the day and spend the other half in lessons. A typical schedule is as follows:
| 7:30 - 8:00 AM | Breakfast with your host family. |
| 8:30 AM | Volunteer leaves home and travels to the project. The volunteer meets with the local staff. You will be given a duty roster and a plan for your work. |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch at a local restaurant. |
| 1:00 - 5:00 PM | Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to the accommodation, go sightseeing or do some shopping. |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner with your host family. |
Please note that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.
Weekends
During the weekends, volunteers have spare time and usually just relax or take the opportunity to explore Antigua and other parts of Guatemala. Hop on a chicken bus and discover the beautiful architecture and sights of the charming city of Antigua, or jump on an ATV and go exploring at a coffee plantation, on a volcano or through small countryside villages. You’ll also find a great selection of markets selling everything from fruit and vegetables to locally-made handcrafts and cooking classes that can teach you how to make Guatemala’s tasty national stew - Pepian.
Long weekends can be taken to travel further afield to destinations, such as Tikal, Belize, Mexico, El Salvador and Honduras.
Sunday is a religious day of rest and many shops and restaurants are closed. Most Guatemalans devote the day to spending time with their family. If you wish, you can accompany your host family to their local church, as a Latin American church service is a unique and special experience for many volunteers.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers who are under the age of 27 are accommodated alongside other volunteers in a large, dormitory style volunteer house, and those over the age of 27 are accommodated in smaller local homestays. If you are traveling as a family, the local team will place you in a home-stay.
Living is comfortable with electricity, running water and western bathrooms. Low pressure showers should be expected and the water is not always heated. You will need to bring your own towel and toiletries, but bed linen is provided.
Bedrooms have single beds and bunk beds with bedding provided. You can expect to share a room with 2 - 6 other volunteers of the same gender. Single occupancy private rooms are available upon request for an additional cost, offering you the ultimate comfort and privacy during your stay.
WiFi is available at the volunteer houses and homestays. However, the connection may not be as reliable as what you are used to at home. You will also have access to computers and WiFi at the local team’s office in Antigua.
Please note, volunteers under the age of 18 who are traveling solo will be accommodated separately from those over the age of 18, in a homestay. If there are other volunteers under the age of 18 participating at the same time, the local team will do their best to ensure they are accommodated together.
Meals
Volunteers are provided breakfast and dinner at their accommodation. Breakfast will be bread or tortillas, spreads, fruit and eggs with tea or coffee. Dinner commonly consists of meat, beans, starches and vegetables.
Lunches are not provided to Antigua-based volunteers as they are usually away from their accommodation around midday. We recommend budgeting between CA$4 and CA$7 per day to buy lunch at local restaurants recommended by staff.
Filtered water will be available at the accommodation, and bottled water is also easy to purchase and inexpensive throughout Guatemala.
When you apply for the program, please be sure to notify us of any special dietary requirements so we can make arrangements for you.
Volunteer accommodation
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Volunteer accommodation kitchen
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$329 (approximately CA$483), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately CA$483) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
|
Duration
|
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $453 Equivalent to $65/day |
| 2 weeks | $715 Equivalent to $51/day |
| 3 weeks | $925 Equivalent to $44/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,130 Equivalent to $40/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,335 Equivalent to $38/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,540 Equivalent to $37/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,950 Equivalent to $35/day |
| 10 weeks | $2,360 Equivalent to $34/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,770 Equivalent to $33/day |
| 16 weeks | $3,590 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 20 weeks | $4,410 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 24 weeks | $5,230 Equivalent to $31/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately CA$483) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Guatemala generally find US$80 - US$100 per week to be sufficient for expenses. Please note this budget is for general expenses and does not include money you will need for any weekend activities you plan to do.
- Breakfast and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Discounts on language lessons
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Lunch
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Antigua
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Antigua program.
Coffee Farm Tour (Half Day)
Step into the world of coffee excellence in the lush highlands of Guatemala
CA$119
Mini Adventure (6 days, 7 nights)
See all of Guatemala’s major hot spots on this 1-week Mini Adventure tour.
CA$1634
Online Spanish Lessons
Enhance your volunteer experience by mastering the language with our flexible, daily online Spanish Lessons.
From CA$110
Affordable Spanish language lessons
No need to be fluent in Spanish to join the IVHQ Guatemala program—but imagine how much more you can get out of your experience by learning some basic Spanish! Our tailored language lessons are designed to meet you at your current level and help you feel more confident in everyday conversations. Classes run Monday to Friday, and the best part? They’re super affordable and available exclusively for IVHQ volunteers. Dive deeper into the culture and make your experience truly unforgettable!
Online lessons:
- 1-hour Private Classes: from CA$110 per week
In country lessons:
- 2-hour Small Group Classes: from CA$98 per week
- 1-hour Private Classes: from CA$120 per week
- 2-hour Private Classes: from CA$223 per week
How to book IVHQ’s language lessons: When you apply for your IVHQ volunteer program, make a note in your application of the language classes you’re interested in.
Once you’ve paid your registration fee, your IVHQ Program Manager will be able to book your place on your chosen language classes.
Check what's required to visit Guatemala
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Guatemala City |
| Population | 15.08 million |
| Languages | Spanish |
| Currency | Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ) |
| Time zone | UTC−06:00 |
Weather and climate: Guatemala has a range of micro climates and the high altitude of Guatemala City results in a subtropical highland climate in this region. There aren’t distinct seasons in Guatemala and the temperature is typically mild year round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F) during the day, and 12°C to 17°C (54°F to 63°F) at night. The country attracts winds and rain during the months of May to October with the hottest month being April.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
AG
Aspen Griffith
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LD
Lisa Dickson
I gained another level of gratitude for what I have - my health, my wealth and especially my freedom. I really feel like I gained another family from my home stay to the kids I worked with. In just 2 weeks it all felt like home. My heart will forever be in Guatemala and with all those who I had the pleasure of connecting with, especially the children. My advice to others is just do it! If you have ever had the urge to really immerse yourself and be open to learning a new culture then go. If you ever had the desire to give back and make an impact, this opportunity is the go. If you want to grow and be create meaningful memories beyond your wildest dreams then go. I promise as long as you have an open mind and heart, and some curiosity you will not be disappointed. It is better to die with memories than dreams.
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AG
Aphnie Germain
During my time in Guatemala, I served as the primary provider at a free municipal clinic delivering essential care to underserved patients alongside social workers, physical therapists, and a translator. Each day involved treating 10–20 individuals for a wide range of conditions, from diabetes and hypertension to musculoskeletal pain and mental health concerns, with a focus on high-impact, resource-conscious interventions. The experience offered profound insights into family medicine, cultural humility, and the challenges of healthcare access in low-resource settings. Beyond the clinic, I participated in community outreach, including food drives and local initiatives, which deepened my appreciation for the connection between health, culture, and community. My homestay in Antigua further enriched the experience through warm hospitality and daily cultural immersion, making this a deeply rewarding and reflective journey.
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TJ
Tahara Jordan
I recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in a medical campaign in Antigua, Guatemala, and I cannot recommend this experience enough! From start to finish, this journey was both rewarding and eye-opening, providing hands-on medical experience while making a tangible difference in the community.
Partnering with the local team allowed us to combine our resources, medical knowledge, and passion for service with a local organization whose primary goal is to help underserved populations. Throughout the campaign, I had the chance to work directly with hundreds of people of all ages, from infants to senior citizens, addressing a variety of healthcare needs.
One of my key roles was providing education on oral hygiene, including proper brushing techniques, frequency, and cavity prevention. I also gained valuable hands-on experience in lice prevention and treatment by inspecting and treating several school-age children—an intervention that had a significant impact on the community. Additionally, I had the chance to engage with children in a fun and memorable way at a handwashing station. We even created a catchy nursery rhyme-style song to help reinforce proper handwashing habits, which the kids loved!
The most impactful part of this trip, especially as a medical student, was working one-on-one with a local physician. I was able to conduct physical exams, take patient histories, check vital signs, and develop my own diagnoses and treatment plans. This experience exposed me to a wide range of chronic diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, dry eyes, high cholesterol, muscle pain, and even cases of Alzheimer's and dementia. Learning how to communicate effectively with patients and seeing firsthand how my knowledge could impact their lives was truly life-changing.
Beyond the medical work, my homestay experience was wonderful. We were provided with home-cooked breakfast and dinner every day, making it feel like a home away from home. The people of Guatemala are some of the kindest and most welcoming individuals I have ever met—always greeting you with a smile and eager to help. The food, coffee, scenery, and overall atmosphere made the experience even more special.
If you are looking for an opportunity to be a helping hand and a blessing to an amazing community while gaining invaluable medical experience, I 1000% recommend this program. This experience has left a lasting impact on me, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve and learn in such a beautiful country.
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