Service Learning in Guatemala
Program Leader: Telma Frumholtz & Rame Hanna
Program Information
UCCS is partnering with Hug It Forward, a grassroots organization that promotes education and raises environmental awareness by empowering communities in Guatemala to build bottle schools. Participants in this program will work side by side with the community to help construct these buildings while learning about Guatemalan culture and history through cultural excursions like to ancient Mayan ruins. Participants will also enjoy making personal connections with those communities and individuals that they are working with.
This service learning experiences provide team building, memories that last a lifetime, and opportunities to learn about yourself as a participant as well as the communities you serve.
All UCCS students, faculty and staff are encouraged to apply!
Course and Credit Information
NA- this is not a for credit program
Dates and Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival, Lunch, Group meeting, Dinner Orientation
Day 2 - Breakfast at hotel, Work on Bottle School, Lunch, Learn about Guatemalan Civil War, Hike, Visit Community Homes.
Day 3 - Breakfast at hotel, Work on Bottle School, Variety of Different Tasks Dependant on "Stage of Construction" (Stuffing Bottles, Classifying and Placing Bottles, Cutting and Bending Rebar, Mixing Cement, Putting Cement on Walls, Painting the School, etc.)
Day 4 - Visit Mayan ruins of Iximche, the capital of Late Postclassic Kaqchikel Maya Kingdom from 1470 until it's abandonment in 1524, and learn about Mayan culture and history from an expert guide who practices Mayan spirituality.
Day 5 - Work on Bottle School, Participate in Q&A with the Children, Play games, Closing ceremony, Return to hotel
Day 6 - Lunch at Hotel, Free choice afternoon, Dinner at Local Restaurant.
Day 7 - Breakfast, Head to Airport
Cost and Payment Information
Estimated Total Program Cost: $1,950
The estimated total program cost breaks down as follows:
- $150 International Affairs non-refundable Education Abroad registration fee (due September 1st)
- $750 Non-refundable deposit (due September 9th)
- $1,049 program fee (non-refundable payment due to Hug it Forward/Serve the World: $750 payment due by December 9th)
Included in the program fee are the following items:
- Hotel and ground transportation
- Meals listed on the itinerary
- Entrance fees to any sites listed on the itinerary
- Travel medical insurance
NOT included in the program cost are:
- Additional meals
- Tipping and personal spending money ($50-60 total)
- Round-trip flight to the Guatemala
- Travel/trip protection insurance
Participants will pay the program fee directly to Hug it forward/Serve the world online.
Housing
All housing accommodations are in reputable hotels with breakfast provided. The hotel offers intermittent internet access, double occupancy rooms, and dining facilities.
Passports and Immigration
All participants need to have a valid passport to participate in this program. The passport needs to be valid at least 6 months after the anticipated return date to the US. Participants holding a U.S. Passport do not need a visa or additional permission for this program. Those who do not hold a U.S. Passport should check with the closest embassy or consulate for the country they hold their passport from for entry requirements.
Information on how to obtain a U.S. Passport can be found on our
website.
Health and Safety
Health and safety are paramount to a successful experience studying abroad. We encourage students to research health and safety considerations of the destination they wish to travel to. The
U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provide up to date and comprehensive information about health and safety abroad. Please visit their websites to find more information.
