On this bespoke programme, you will have the opportunity to volunteer at a local school, teaching English, before sheltering from the Guatemalan sun in the afternoons, joining group Spanish language classes.
| Host Organisation | |
|---|---|
| Dates | 7th July - 2nd August 2025 (allow for a day or two either side for travel) |
| Eligibility | Undergraduate or Postgraduate students (part-time or full-time). Not suitable for final year students. |
| Project cost | Funding is available for eligible students to assist with the total project cost. Your contribution will be: £610 for most students (approx. - exchange rate and fee applies) or £193 if your household income is less than £25,000* (receipted expenditure will be required to cover travel costs up to a max. £905) *you can check the full criteria for this higher funding rate in the 'Widening Access and Participation' section below. The total cost of the project is approx. £1686 (exchange rate & fee applies and this includes the $333 registration fee), but you will receive funding from the University to reduce this to the amounts above. |
| Funding available | An additional scholarship of up to £800 is available towards return flights. This will be paid once flights are confirmed and evidence (receipts) are provided. |
| Cost includes | Spanish language classes, breakfast and dinner, homestay/volunteer house accommodation, in-country travel, airport pick-up and drop-off, additional welcome weekend Volcano Tour excursion, 24/7 in-country support. |
| Other costs | Flights, visa, travel insurance, vaccinations, DBS check, spending money. |
| Deadline to apply | 14 March 2025 |
Teaching English project
The Teaching English project enables volunteers to gain teaching experience in schools, community centres and libraries. The ability to speak English gives Guatemalans a genuine opportunity to find work in a range of different careers, and volunteers teaching free classes help to make this a reality for people who would otherwise not be able to access lessons or afford to learn English.
As a Teaching English volunteer you will assist in local classrooms and teach classes independently or with another volunteer. Before you start teaching you will complete a TEFL crash course which will give you the tools and resources to plan lessons and help students with their learning.
Examples of tasks you may undertake on this project are: teaching small groups of children, tutoring local students, setting up workshops, assisting local teachers, setting up educational games and activities, lesson planning.
Spanish language classes
In the afternoons as a part of the programme, all Ulster volunteers will join Spanish language classes. This will help volunteers improve their Spanish language skills which will help them communicate on the volunteering projects and with the local people. The language lessons are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Spanish and classes run from Monday through to Friday.
Welcome Weekend Excursion
To help you get to know the rest of your team from Ulster and to explore the local area, the programme will include a half day Volcano Tour during your first weekend in-country. Please note, a moderate fitness level is recommended as the hike can be challenging in some sections.
Accommodation & Meals
In Antigua volunteers are either accommodated in homestays with local families - an immersive experience that connects you with an authentic insight into the Guatemalan way of life, or, in a local Volunteer House, along with others volunteering with the local organisation, Maximo at the time. This is a great way to meet other like-minded volunteers from all over the world!
You will find living conditions are comfortable and you can expect your accommodation to have electricity, drinkable running water and western bathrooms. You can expect to share a room with up to six other volunteers of the same gender in most homestays.
Volunteers are provided breakfast and dinner at their accommodation. Lunches are not provided but there are plenty of local restaurants and cafes where volunteers can buy lunch between their activities. IVHQ recommend budgeting between $8-10 to buy lunch.
Find out more
Further detail on the projects can be found on IVHQ’s web pages, with information on the Teaching English projects.
Interview Guidance
If you require support and guidance to help you prepare for interview reach out to your Employability & Graduate Futures Team.
You can request a 1:1 appointment via Handshake or contact the team via e-mail: graduatefutures@ulster.ac.uk
Widening Access and Participation
You will be eligible for a higher rate of Turing Scheme funding if you meet one of the criteria below:
- You are in receipt of an Ulster University Access Bursary
- You are from an area of low higher education participation, low household income or low socioeconomic status (including those with an annual household income of £25,000 or less)
- You receive Income Support or Universal Credit and are financially supporting yourself or financially supporting yourself and someone who is dependent on you and living with them, such as a child or partner
- You are from a background of care
- You have caring responsibilities
- You have no living parents
- Your parents cannot be found or it is not reasonably practicable to get in touch with either of them (estranged students)
- You are a refugee or asylum seeker
Proof of the above criteria will be required as part of your application.
Pre-departure
If you are selected for this opportunity following successful application and interview, the following details will help you prepare for this global opportunity.
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Pre-departure details
Pre-departure info Visa requirements All students are responsible for ensuring that they meet the host country's immigration requirements. This will vary depending on the type of passport they hold. Further advice on the visa application will be provided as part of the pre-departure process. But it is your responsibility to ensure your familiarity with this.
Please note, if travelling out of Dublin airport, students without a British or Irish passport, may also need an additional Irish visa.
Foreign Travel Advice Ensure you read through the Government Travel Guidance Advice for Guatemala. Healthcare & Travel Insurance You will automatically be covered for travel insurance and medical emergency cover through Ulster University’s Group Personal Accident and Travel insurance policy for the duration of this programme.
Print and carry a copy of the Travel Cover Summary
Review the cover thoroughly to check it's sufficient for your needs; if it does not cover everything, you will need to take out additional cover.
Pre-departure Guide There’s lots to think about before, during and after your programme. Read the Pre-departure Guide thoroughly for advice on to how to prepare and what to expect from your experience abroad.
Once the final candidates have been selected you will be invited to a number of mandatory pre-departure sessions to help you prepare for your programme. This will be an opportunity for you to meet other students who will be joining you.