New Hope Volunteers

Since 1998, More than 18000 happy volunteers


Teaching English Project

volunteer in teaching english project in guatemala
  • Share your passion in teaching English to disadvantaged children
  • Work with rural and urban schools and help shape the futures of the students
  • Immerse in the local culture through carefully-screened homestays
  • Practice Spanish while connecting with the rich history and vivid culture in Guatemala in your downtime

Would you like to be an aspiration to children amidst a backdrop of unique Mayan and Spanish history? Teach English in Guatemala and be part of the project that aims to impart quality education to children. English is the language of international communication, and in order to compete globally and even locally, Guatemalan youth must have good knowledge of the language. However, schools that are located in the rural areas of Guatemala, there is no proper infrastructure to deliver quality education. The schools also rarely have trained teachers to properly teach English. New Hope collaborates with various schools throughout Guatemala to assist the local teachers to effectively teach English. Dedicate your time and effort in helping the local schools teach English to the students in the best way possible. Help the children of Guatemala learn English and become competent citizens while taking in the awe-inspiring ruins of the great Mayan empire.

Volunteers' Responsibilities

As a volunteer teaching English in Guatemala, you will be assisting school-based local educators and language institutes with pre-established English curriculums involving younger students throughout Guatemala. Depending on your individual interests and skills, and on the needs of the local staff, your daily activities involve, but are not limited to:

  • Teaching basic English to the students
  • Helping students to improve their Basic English and conversational skills
  • Supporting recreational and artistic activities focused on educational learning
  • Organizing and developing activities that encourage learning
  • Assisting the fulltime local teacher with class duties
  • Educating children regarding personal hygiene
  • Working alongside the local teachers on curriculum development
  • Assisting school administrations with daily tasks
  • Tutoring the students and help with their homework
How You Can Make a Difference

As the children receive quality English education, so much more international jobs will be available to them. They will even find themselves competent enough to be able to offer their services at any corner of the world. Fluency in English can also benefit the fledging tourism industry of Guatemala. As a volunteer, you’ll also assist in developing conversational and grammatical English skills of the students. By encouraging the students to speak the English language more often, they will have more confidence is using the language outside of class, hence improving their skills significantly. Through language activities, young students especially will benefit from the contributions of proficient English-speaking volunteers.

Skills and Qualifications

There are no specific qualifications needed to join our volunteer English teaching in Guatemala project beyond a fluency in English and a preferred basic/intermediate fluency in Spanish. If you cannot speak Spanish, we recommend enrolling in our Spanish language program. Volunteer teachers should have strong English fluency, both written and verbal, although no previous teaching experience is required. Volunteers should have a love for teaching, English and conversation. Volunteers should also be enthusiastic, reliable, flexible, patient and strive to be good role models for the children. Volunteers must also respect the locals and the host organizations, along with their rules and projects.

Project Location

The project is located in Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela (pronounced SHAY-la) or Xelaju, is the second largest city in Guatemala. Situated at the southwest of the country, the surrounding department has a variety of landscapes extending from the cold highlands to the warm Pacific coast. There are numerous volcanoes, hot springs, valleys, mountains, rivers. The region provides a harvest of numerous products such as coffee, wheat, fruits and vegetables, as well as sheep and cattle breeding. The classical, neoclassical and Italian renaissance styles are apparent in the buildings and the houses which have been built during the past century and the beginning of the 20th, with volcanic stones by artistic "Quetzalteco" masons. Xela is also well-known for its abundance of volcanoes, mountains, and hot springs as well as other natural beauty and experiences.

Guatemala’s eco-diversity positions the country as a global “biodiversity hot spot”. Natural adventures abound in Guatemala and many activities are available for day trips or longer excursions. The terrain is diverse including mountains, rain forests, jungles and the highlands. Popular activities include eco-tours, mountaineering and water based sports. There are many adventurous options as well as calmer activities for the non-thrill seekers. Many hours can be spent in the streets of Antigua or biking through the surrounding areas. Cultural diversity can be explored in restaurants, markets and museums.

© New Hope Volunteers. All rights reserved.