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Introduction
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.
Programme Description
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.
In the afternoons all Ulster volunteers will join Spanish language classes. This will help volunteers improve their Spanish language skills which will help them communicate with local people. The language lessons are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Spanish and classes run Monday to Friday.
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.
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. 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.
Accommodation
In Antigua volunteers are accommodated in volunteer house or in homestays with local families - it’s an immersive experience that connects you with an authentic insight into the Guatemalan way of life. Living is comfortable with electricity, running water and
western bathrooms.
Low pressure showers should be expected and the water is not always heated. You will need to bring your own towel and toiletries, but bed linen is provided.
Bedrooms have single beds and bunk beds with bedding provided. You can expect to share a room with 2 - 6 other volunteers of the same gender. Single occupancy private rooms are available upon request for an additional cost, offering you the ultimate comfort and privacy during your stay.
WiFi is available at the volunteer houses and homestays. However, the connection may not be as reliable as what you are used to at home. You will also have access to computers and WiFi at the local team’s office in Antigua.
Meals
Volunteers are provided breakfast and dinner at their accommodation. Breakfast will be bread or tortillas, spreads, fruit and eggs with tea or coffee. Dinner commonly consists of meat, beans, starches and vegetables.
Lunches are not provided to Antigua-based volunteers as they are usually away from their accommodation around midday. We recommend budgeting between $3 and $5 per day to buy lunch at local restaurants recommended by staff.
Filtered water will be available at the accommodation, and bottled water is also easy to purchase and inexpensive throughout Guatemala.
When you apply for the program, please be sure to notify IVHQ of any special dietary requirements so arrangements can be made.
Key Information
Programme Provider
IVHQ (International Volunteering HQ)
Dates
6 July - 31 July 2026 (allow for a day or two either side for travel).
Eligibility
Open to Registered Undergraduate or Postgraduate students (part-time or full-time). Not suitable for final year students.
Programme Cost
Funding is available for eligible students to assist with the total programme cost.
$2191 Total Programme Cost
(Programme Fee: $1,807, $333 registration fee and $51 for half day volcano tour)
Your contribution will be (approx. - exchange rate and fees apply):
£600 for most students
or
£180 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.
Flights
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.
Programme Cost Includes
- Spanish language classes
- Breakfast and dinner
- Homestay/volunteer house accommodation
- In-country travel
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Welcome weekend
- 24/7 in-country support.
Additional Costs
Flights, visa, travel insurance, vaccinations, lunch ($8-10 dollars a day), DBS check, spending money.
Further Details
Further details on the project can be found on IVHQ’s web pages or join one of the online info sessions hosted by IVHQ to hear more about the project and ask any questions you may have.
| Application | Submit your application |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 12 December 2025 |
| Interview | You will be invited to an online group interview if you are shortlisted at application stage. Interview Dates: to be updated soon. |
| 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 pre-departure:
You are responsible for ensuring that you meet the host country's immigration requirements. This will vary depending on the type of passport you 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.
Ensure you read through the Government Travel Guidance Advice for Guatemala.
You will automatically be covered for emergency travel insurance and medical emergency cover through Ulster University’s Group Personal Accident and Travel insurance policy for the duration of this programme.
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.
Ensure you read through the recommended vaccine requirements for the country you are travelling to.
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 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 and it is a requirement of the programme that you attend.
As part of the pre-departure preparation, you will be asked to submit a mandatory travel preparation form and a medical disclosure form. Both forms are required so we can assess that you are fully prepared for the programme and can provide you with additional support if required.
