Guatemala January 2025

COR 375 Paul Nemecek

$0 Student Cost*

* *No cost with the CCS Subsidy. The $200 nonrefundable application fee is not included in this amount. The CCS Subsidy applies to 1st CCS program only.

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

“The Guatemala trip was absolutely life changing. Since coming back to the States, I see everything from a new perspective.” – Brinley Owen

“I absolutely adored my trip to Guatemala. It was such an amazing experience to be able to live immersed in this beautiful culture and getting to learn more about God through learning more about his children in another country. I am so thankful for this opportunity and loved all of the sweet memories I got to have with my group and friends we met there.” – Emily Zimmerman
Student in Guatemala working with textiles.

Travel Information

Departure Dates

January 2025 experiences may leave as early as December 28, 2024 and return before the start of the Spring Semester. Students should not make irreversible plans until their departure date is confirmed by the CCS office in early Fall 2024.

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.

For more details on recommended immunizations consult the immunizations chart.

Passport required at additional cost.

Trip Costs

Students are responsible for tuition for COR374 and COR375, as well as a $200 nonrefundable application fee. A current passport is required. CCS trips are not guaranteed and are subject to change.