Standard Volunteer Programme

The standard programme consists of a 4 week language course + 4 week volunteer placement (8 weeks total).

Language Course:
- is taken in the country of your volunteer placement
- accommodation is provided in carefully-selected host families
- you will have a single room & meals are included
- starts on the first Monday of the month, with the volunteer placement following on immediately afterwards
- during the course you will receive regular volunteer updates to fully prepare you for your placement

Volunteer Placement:
- must be taken for 4 weeks from the outset and can then be extended on-site
- accommodation is provided in host families OR in local lodging, depending on your placement
- you will have a single OR a shared room, depending on your placement and availability
- meals are NOT included (but you will have the use of kitchen facilities). Exception: Meals are included with Guatemala social placements.

Shorter Programmes

We offer shorter programmes of 5 or 7 weeks in Guatemala, Bolivia, Argentina, Peru and Costa Rica, and of 7 weeks in Ecuador. Placements for shorter programmes are always social, except in Costa Rica where environmental placements are also available.

5 weeks = 1 week language course + 4 week volunteer placement (ONLY available if you have advanced Spanish level AND extensive travel experience)

7 weeks = 3 week language course + 4 week volunteer placement (only available if you have advanced Spanish level OR previous travel experience)

NB. Even if your level of Spanish is good, most volunteers find that they still prefer to take the full language course as this gives them to opportunity to mix with other students, meet the volunteer organisers in advance, and prepare themselves for their placement on-site. Please feel free to discuss this with us if you are unsure.

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Combined Countries

New for 2005, we are able to offer volunteer programmes with an extra 4-week placement in another country. We can only offer combinations in countries that are alike in culture and environment, and where volunteers will have easy access to support staff in-country (ie. no nature placements in the second country).

Combinations:
Ecuador (8 weeks) + Peru (4 weeks) = £1059

Taste of the Country / Un Poco De Todo

This is the ideal alternative holiday for people who really want to get to know a country, but have limited time in which to do so. You get to learn the language, work with the people and enjoy all the country's attractions in just 3 weeks. The 3 week programme consists of:

• 3 week Spanish language course (with accommodation in a local host family)
• Volunteering on 2 to 4 afternoons per week throughout your stay
• Excursions on your two middle weekends to: the famous Mayan archaeological site, Tikal; Lake Atitlan; the village of Chichicastenango, famous for its large, colourful market.

Where: Guatemala (Antigua)
Levels: Beginners - Advanced
Start Dates 2005: Jan 10, Feb 7, Mar 7, Apr 4, May 2, Jun 6, Jul 4, Aug 1, Sept 5, Oct 3, Nov 7 & Dec 5
Prices 2005: Guatemala £649
Late Booking Fee: £30 (within 30 days of arrival)

Participants: Un Poco de Todo is ideal for anyone who wants to discover a Latin American country but can't decide between classes, volunteering or just travelling. This special programme allows you to do it all, and is designed to be open without restrictions. This means that you are able to participate regardless of your Spanish level, educational history or professional background. The only requirement is that you must be at least 18 years old.

What's Included:
- 3 weeks of group Spanish classes: 20 classes per week / 4 hrs per day (max 4 students)
- Private room with host family (3 meals per day, except Sunday)
- 3 weeks volunteering on 2-3 afternoons at a Public Hospital
- Weekend excursion to Tikal
- Weekend excursion to Lake Atitlan
- Antigua orientation tour
- Airport pick-up in Guatemala City
- At least 3 organised activities per week
- Student assistance and advice service

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