Guatemala January 2024

COR 375 Paul Nemecek & Marisa Carpenter

$0 student cost*

*Cost with the full university discount. $150 study away fee is not included in this amount. University  discount applies to 1st CCS program only. Students who transfer in 58+ credits should contact the CCS  office to determine their level of discount.

Mountainous, heavily forested and dotted with Mayan ruins, lakes, volcanoes, orchids and exotic birds, Guatemala, “the land of eternal spring,” is one of the most beautiful countries in Central America.

Video Interview with Paul Nemecek

Learning activities may include:

Education

Spend time in schools and understand the challenges of gaining an education in Guatemala. Visit with SAU alumni teaching in international schools!

Family

Understand the issue of the “disappeared” in conversation with support groups for their families. Learn to make Mayan cuisine, especially tortillas. Experience the Mayan culture in a mountain village. Participate in a typical Mayan wedding. While in Antigua, we may live with Guatemalan host families.

Government

Experience the colonial capital of Antigua and beautiful Lake Atitlan surrounded by three majestic volcanoes. Meet with organizations monitoring work conditions in the maquiladoras, export assembly plants.

Religion

Visit missionaries and fellowship with Guatemalans. Learn about Mayan beliefs as well as the influence of the Catholic Church in Guatemala.

Economics

Learn about ministries to thousands of impoverished people. See how families scavenge at the city dump. Visit markets displaying artisan crafts. Gain a better understanding of the roots of poverty and marginalization.

Other Highlights may Include:

  • Study Spanish language with your own tutor at your own level for a week in Antigua.
  • Experience Guatemalan family life, hospitality, and cuisine in your week-long family home stay in Antigua.
  • See how the famous Mayan weaving is done on back strap looms. Try it yourself.
  • Visit Mayan ruins and learn more about their great civilization.
  • Meet today’s Mayans, who make up half the population of Guatemala.
  • See how some of the world’s best coffee is grown and roasted.

“Going to Guatemala for my COR 375 trip was the best decision I could have made. We take for granted how easy our culture seems to be. To be immersed in one that is not my own was more of a blessing than I thought it would ever be. To be able to live life differently, see things you don’t normally see and in a way that is so unique, while having knowledge of its background through the COR 374 class opened my eyes to new horizons. And being able to be surrounded by such a beautiful language and grow in that way to communicate past barriers, though there is none to great that love cannot penetrate. To see this first-hand was absolutely amazing.”

Caralyn Geyer

“I loved being in Guatemala. It was such a beautiful country with so many unique groups of people. One of my favorite places that we visited was Antigua because it was such a small city, but had so much to experience and so many cool people.”

Nathan Salsbury

“Guatemala, though we were only there for three weeks, has my heart. The culture, people, food, and breathtaking views were ones I could only have dreamed of. The fact I am able to go because of Spring Arbor is something I will forever be thankful for!”

Haley Lutz

“Guatemala was a chance for me to be challenged to go out of my comfort zone and embrace the Mayan culture. I grew so much from my trip, and so much from being involved with and serving those who don’t have the privileges that I have. My time in Guatemala was beyond amazing! I loved being able to show God’s love to the Mayan people just by being willing to open up and embrace their culture. My favorite part was showing love and spending time with the children of the Mayan village.”

Kamijha Hein

Travel Information

Departure Dates

January 2024 experiences may begin sometime during the last week of December 2023 and last 19–23 days. Students should not make irreversible plans until their departure date is confirmed by the CCS office in early Fall 2023.

Health & Safety

This experience, like all CCS experiences, is subject to political and safety realities at the time of departure. CCS options can be physically and emotionally intense and stretching. Before enrolling, all participants should consult the disclosures on Physical Hardships of CCS.

Covid shots are not required as of December 2022 for Guatemala. For more details on required immunizations consult the immunizations chart.

Passport and immunizations required (both at additional cost).

Trip Costs

CCS program costs do not include: tuition, passport, immunizations, or the $150 study away fee.

CCS trips are not guaranteed and are subject to change.