After much consideration, I decided to go to Guatemala, a somewhat lesser known country, but the one my gut told me I needed to visit. After searching online, I came across Volunteer Worldwide and scheduled a meeting with them to get more information. It was such a lovely, friendly, and open conversation! And my feeling was confirmed, I wanted to go to Guatemala!

Through Volunteer Worldwide, I got in touch with their contact person, Petra, in Guatemala. She is also an incredibly kind woman! She arranged a host family for me to stay with and also found a suitable volunteer placement.

I finally left for Guatemala at the beginning of February. I was very warmly welcomed by my host family! I was immediately invited to a wedding and other family events. Two days after arriving, Petra took me to the place where I would have my Spanish lessons. My Spanish teacher was a super cheerful and friendly person. After the lessons, Petra went with me to my volunteer work, which was an after-school program for children in a poorer neighbourhood. I was warmly welcomed there as well!

Although it was exciting and sometimes challenging at the beginning, I eventually found my rhythm with the host family, Spanish lessons, and volunteer work!

I didn’t speak the language very well at first, but this improved quickly, and I was soon able to make myself understood more easily. I had a truly fantastic time, learned a lot, did many activities, and met so many wonderful people!

I will especially miss the volunteer work, as this project is really valuable for the children. I found it so special to see the respect everyone had for each other, and how grateful and cheerful the children were. It felt so good to know I could contribute to a fun afternoon for the children, as they had so much fun and really felt safe at the project. How wonderful is it to help put a smile on the face of a child who doesn’t have much fun at home and faces difficult situations.

It was an unforgettable experience that I look back on with great joy and warm feelings. Despite some difficult moments, I would do it all over again, 100%!

- Marleen