Study in Guatemala
Program InterestStudy in Guatemala, Summer 2027
Guatemala 2027: Service Learning
Monday, August 16–Sunday, August 29, 2027
Spend two weeks with other Foothill students experiencing the culture of Guatemala while doing service learning work and studying global issues.
Upcoming Information Sessions:Information Coming Soon! |
Program Overview
Guatemala is a beautiful country with a rich Mayan culture. Unfortunately, it also suffers from tremendous income inequality. This trip, run through Dream Volunteers with Foothill faculty leads, celebrates Guatemalan culture while learning about global issues such as immigration, women’s empowerment, and poverty alleviation. Students will take a 4-unit Global Issues class (GLST 2), which will be a less formal lecture and more active experiential learning.
We will also help in the construction of an elementary school outside of Antigua, volunteer at a secondary school, engage with many young Guatemalan students, visit local organizations fighting injustice, climb Volcan de Pacaya, spend a night at beautiful Lake Atitlan, attend a futbol match… and so much more!
The Destination
Antigua is the beautiful former Spanish colonial capital of Guatemala. It is a UNESCO heritage city of cobblestone streets and trendy coffee shops. It is surrounded by majestic volcanoes—one of which routinely erupts—at a safe distance! This will be our base.
The Academic/Cultural Focus
Our Global Issues class will delve deeply into issues such as immigration, climate change, poverty reduction, and the impact of colonization. Guatemala is dealing with all of these issues but remains one of the friendliest countries you will ever visit. We will understand the circumstances that drive immigration and see firsthand how climate change is disrupting rural farmers. The trip blends tourism, service, education, and fun.
Students from all majors are welcome. You do not need to know anything about Guatemala or the world. In fact, if you don’t know what you want to study in the future, this trip may be particularly impactful. All we ask is you come ready to learn and contribute. Spanish is wonderful but not at all required. There are some physical demands that cannot be avoided—like hiking to our worksite. Other than that, we can work around diet issues or most other challenges. Ask those that have gone—they will no doubt tell you to go.
Program Highlights
- Take Global Issues (GLST 2)—a 4-unit class with Instructor Brian Evans. Class will be online in the States but will primarily be taught in Antigua.
- Experience Mayan culture.
- Help build an elementary school outside of Antigua.
- Climb Volcan de Pacaya.
- Visit Lake Atitlan—one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
- Attend a futbol match.
- Volunteer at a secondary school that supports local underserved youth—including a field day in which you will team up with several students in a crazy day of fun competition.
- Visit and learn about Friendship Bridge—a microcredit organization working with Mayan women.
- Visit and learn about the Women’s Justice Initiative—an organization empowering Mayan women who have faced discrimination and poverty.
- No Spanish required.
- We will all stay together at the same hotel—and will be the only ones there!
- You will share a room with other FH students—each has its own bathroom and shower with (some) hot water.
- Wifi at hotel.
- All meals included at our hotel (except for the days we go to Lake Atitlan). Dietary restrictions will be met.
- Monday, August 16, 2027
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Sunday, August 29, 2027
- July 27–August 29, 2027 (first three weeks online)
Specific details to follow as the trip approaches.
We are running this trip through Dream Volunteers—a Mountain View, California, nonprofit focused on creating changemakers through education, service learning, travel, and cross-cultural connection.
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GLST 2 or ECON 70R (Independent Study in Economics)
- Prerequisites: None
As part of the application process, please express your interest via email.
Email us to express your interest in the GEL Guatemala, Summer 2027 Program
Program Cost, Fees, and Deadlines
- $2600 per student.
The following are included in program fees:
- In-country transportation
- Hotel,
- All meals at the hotel
The following are not included in program fees and will be additional costs:
- Airfare
- Foothill tuition and enrollment fees
- meals outside of the hotel on travel days
- Personal spending money such as coffee, chocolates, and souvenirs.
- Anything not listed as included in the program itinerary.
This program is open to adults of all ages and experiences who:
- Have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent.
- Are able to travel to Guatemala (hold or are able to obtain a U.S. passport or a passport from a country with eligible entry to Guatemala).
- Can meet the physical demand of frequent 1-mile hikes.
- Are ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Contact UsOffice of Global Experiential Learning(650) 949-7751globalexperiences@fhda.edu |
