Our guide to internships in Guatemala

What makes Guatemala an excellent internship destination?

There are so many things to love about Guatemala, but the warmth of the people is something very valuable. People always offer a nice smile even when they don’t know you, which is very comforting for new visitors. The views are stunning, especially on top of a volcano or a mountain. If you like hiking, there are plenty of options and opportunities to explore. The food is delicious and tasty - there are always new, fresh and seasonal options to try including a variety of refreshing drinks made of exotic fruits.The culture is surprising, colorful, and diverse. Mayan culture is very interesting and important, there are so many things to learn about the country, its people, and history.

“I highly recommend interning in Guatemala. The people there are so kind, and the support staff is always there if and when you need them. The entire time I felt welcome, which made the adjustment from my home to there a lot smoother.” - Ashleigh Garrett, Intern in Guatemala

Where in Guatemala can I do an internship?

Our Guatemala internship program is primarily based in and around the town of Santa Lucia Milpas Altas. This municipality is located about 5.5 miles, or 9 km, from Antigua, Guatemala (about a 15 minute drive). Antigua is a popular weekend destination for interns, as it’s designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has well-developed tourism infrastructure.

Is it okay to intern in Guatemala if I don’t speak Spanish?

All our internships in Guatemala have Spanish language requirements which range from beginner to intermediate/advance.

• Coffee Production, Environmental Conservation, Hospitality & Tourism, Physical Therapy and Veterinary & Animal Care internships are suitable for a beginner / basic level of Spanish. The level of involvement during your internship will be influenced by your Spanish language proficiency and you must also come prepared to interact with others who may not speak English.

• Internships which require intermediate / advanced levels of Spanish language skill include Medical and Microfinance placements.

We strongly encourage everyone to take Spanish language lessons during their internship. The lessons are fun, social, and designed to enhance program engagement, confidence, and cultural integration.

Regardless of which internship you choose, it’s important to be flexible, open minded, and take the initiative to start and practice conversations in Spanish. You might be surprised to find just how rewarding it can be!

“This opportunity taught me a lot. Leaving Guatemala, I felt that I gained knowledge in their culture, language, and way of living. I also felt more confident in adapting in an unknown setting and that I can be independent in a foreign country. Ultimately, this trip is worth every cent because what you can gain from it you can’t gain any other way.” - Ashleigh Garrett, Intern in Guatemala

When is the best time of the year to intern?

Guatemala is a fantastic internship destination at any time. There aren’t distinct seasons and the temperature is typically mild year-round. Start dates are flexible, so interns can select when they’d like to commence (bearing in mind that there are larger public holiday breaks around Christmas, New Year, and Easter).

What are the accommodation and meals like?

Internships in Guatemala are accommodation in homestays, where two meals per day are provided - daily breakfast and dinner.

A typical Guatemalan breakfast may consist of bread, spreads, fruit and eggs, accompanied with tea or coffee. Dinner commonly consists of meat (often chicken), soups, pastas, starches and vegetables. Corn, black beans, rice, vegetables, eggs, “tortillas”, and chicken are all staples of a typical Guatemalan diet.

Interns have a rewarding experience, living and sharing within home-stay. Interns have their own bedroom for privacy but share common areas. Host families provide an extra layer of support, taking genuine care and pride in their provision of hospitality. Interns learn from their local hosts, and likewise, hosts learn from, and are exposed to, a different culture they might never meet before.

If you want to participate in the program alongside friends, this is no problem - arrangements can be made to ensure you’re accommodated together.

In Antigua, it’s possible to find some really delicious places to dine (this is popular during weekends). The markets are always full of fresh fruits and vegetables, where you may also find different kinds of exotic fruits that are unique in Central America. If you’re a real foodie, you can also take chocolate-making classes there, check out a coffee-making tour or cooking class.

How can international interns make an impact?

In Guatemala, interns are placed according to a number of objectives which enable them to have a meaningful impact. Whether assisting to increase access to education, promote health and wellbeing, support community development, or help to conserve the environment, locally based coordinators always aim to identify what’s important to the community and where the need for help is most.

For interns to make an impact, a great attitude is also essential - it’s important to come with an open mind and to leave with a fresh perspective. Interns have the privilege of being able to offer diverse knowledge and experience, while also learning something new from the team they assist. Often, interns are able to share their experience by developing workshops or training, which can greatly help to improve knowledge and resilience within the local community.

“The guidance provided through Intern Abroad HQ provided fresh structure and insight… reflections on things like culture, communication, problem-solving and expectations really helped with my adjustment period and ability to think outside the box. I’d definitely recommend this approach to anyone else looking to intern abroad!” - Samuel John, Environmental Conservation internship in Guatemala

How can interns spend their weekends?”

During the weekends, free time is available to relax, engage in tourism activities and explore other parts of Guatemala. Most internship placements are usually based in and around Santa Lucia Milpas Altas, just 15 minutes from Antigua (as well as in and around Antigua).

Antigua is a fantastic weekend hub for excellent cuisine, sightseeing, colonial churches, coffee tours, chocolate-making classes, museums, shopping, access to transportation, and more.

Public buses are available from Antigua to other parts of the country and many travel agencies also offer shuttles to key touristic places such as Monterrico beach, Lake Atitlan, Coban, Lanquín (Semuc Champey), or Tikal.

Popular tourist attractions throughout the region include Pacaya National Park and Kawilal Hot Springs, Acatenango Volcano, Lake Atitlan and villages, Iximché Ruins, and Valhalla Station.

Our local team in Guatemala are also able to assist interns with trip bookings, to experience more of the country. Whether you want to experience hiking in nature, historical tours, visit coffee farms, archaeological sites, or shop for handicrafts, you’ll have an abundance of things to see and do.

​​I’m ready! How can I start planning my internship in Guatemala?

Found your ideal opportunity yet? Check out our amazing range of internship opportunities offered out of Guatemala!

Submit your interest via our online application form (for free). We’ll review your application to confirm you’re a good match for your chosen internship program and that there is availability for the dates you’ve requested. We can then accept you into the program.

Once you’re accepted, you can reserve your place by paying a deposit of $499 USD. This confirmation allows us to reserve your desired internship dates while we arrange your placement and customize your internship. Then let the adventure begin!