Group Travel Programs

FOR WHOM?

Are you interested in getting a group together to arrange an eventful, team-building and special learning experience traveling to Guatemala? Then this may be for you. If you have five people or more we will create the perfect itinerary for your group!

Teachers/Educators

We have worked with several educators in the past, custom-making programs for both groups of adult teachers as well as a teacher traveling with a group of young students. Making Guatemala your classroom is a different and exciting alternative to traditional teaching at home, at your local school. Rarely will your group be so motivated to learn new things, not to mention how effective the learning process is when you take in with all your senses and through intensive interaction rather than just from books.

These programs will typically include Spanish classes, a varied cultural activity program, visits to chosen local projects and/or specific formal institutions, group exercises and workshops, some exchange with local groups and a travel package to discover some of Guatemala´s unique places of interest, such as Tikal and Lake Atitlán.

Student associations, NGOs (Non-governmental organizations) and mission groups
Groups coming to learn about and experience international development cooperation first-hand. These programs may also include Spanish classes and the cultural activity program, but has a heavier emphasis on visits to projects and institutions both in Antigua and while traveling in the country, include thematic lectures on politics and history and typically a volunteering period.

3 WEEK SUMMER WORKSHOP 2007

GUATEMALA DEVELOPING - Another world is possible

For whom?

This program is for people interested in learning about international development issues, historical backgrounds and political situations through seeing for themselves and getting some hands-on experience. While it is particularly suited for somebody who wants to work with international development cooperation or within the International Relations field there are no previous academic studies required, anybody with interest in and commitment to social development may participate. All levels of Spanish are accepted. You should be prepared for a high tempo schedule and while during most of the program you will be staying with middle-class Guatemalan families, some parts of the travel part entail roughing it a bit - basic sleeping arrangements etc - in order to get off the beaten track and discover some more rustic parts of the country.

GUATEMALA DEVELOPING consists of 3 main parts:

1) Spanish Immersion Program 1 week - You work intensively on your Spanish while living with a Guatemalan family. Knowing some of the language is indispensable to get closer to an understanding of Latin American cultures and issues.

2) Traveling 1 week including 2 weekends - The program is carefully scheduled so that all the highlights of Guatemala can be seen and done, focusing on giving a diverse impression of the contrasts of the country. From the highlands with the Mayan indigenous population, passing the Caribbean coast with the African-Guatemalan Garífuna people up through the jungle where ancient Maya pyramids still stand side by side with modern efforts to fight poverty through eco-tourism you will get a close look at the impressive geography, people and their different customs, as well as gain some insight into the complex nature of a typical developing country facing both global and internal challenges.

3) Theme classes, Project visits and Volunteering 1 week - The third component of the program gives you depth and background through lectures and discussions on history, democracy & Human Rights and other development issues taking current affairs in Guatemala as examples, visits to local initiatives to improve education, health and economy, as well as through a volunteering experience.

Where?
The Spanish classes are given at CDL Spanish School in Antigua Guatemala. The school is a beautiful remodeled colonial home with a lush court yard. Classes are held indoors and outdoors. The host families providing room & board live close to the school, no more than a 15 minute walk away. The project visits are scheduled both during the Spanish Program and the travel portion. The volunteering placements are in and around Antigua.

When?
GUATEMALA DEVELOPING is a 3 week group program, scheduled between June 10th and June 30th 2007. If there is an independent group of at least 5 people it can also start any Sunday throughout the year. The program can be extended with extra weeks of classes and/or volunteering.

Price?
$1399 includes:
* Airport pick-up
*2 weeks Homestay in private room/shared bath & 3 meals per day (except Sundays)
*1 week of 20 hours Spanish Group Classes
*Lecture and workshop program
*9 day Travel Program with all transportation, accommodation and scheduled activities
*Volunteering placement
*24-hour emergency assistance
*Use of our on-site services in Antigua
Not included:
*Roundtrip air fare to Guatemala
*Travel insurance
*Meals outside the homestay
*Airport taxes
Optional:
*Up-grade to private classes: $65 per week
*Extra weeks of classes and homestay: $195 per week (Group Classes)
*Extra weeks of classes and homestay: $260 (Private Classes)
*Extra weeks of volunteering and homestay: $85
Reservations?
You can make your reservation by filling out the on-line Registration Form and paying a deposit of $100. Full payment is due no later than 6 weeks prior to program start: April 30th 2007. If applying after this date, the program has to be paid in full at the time of reservation.
CdL reserves the right to cancel the program if the group minimum of 5 participants is not reached, in which case the program cost will be fully refunded. Participants are responsible for their own suitable travel insurance.