Experiential Learning Abroad

  Guatemala

San Marcos

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: rolling

Description: We offer experiential learning externship for a variety of fields mostly related to health, healthcare delivery and administration, cross-cultural studies and environmental work. Below is a list of our current offerings.

* Sustainability and Planetary Medicine
* Rural Healthcare & Holistic Healing Arts
* Acupuncture externship
* Cross Cultural & Shamanic Studies
* Teacher Training
* Women's Studies
* Non Profit Administration & Project Implementation
* Environmental Research & Rejuvenation
* Plants & Food as Medicine
* Spanish Immersion
* Movement Studies

Highlights: Calacirya Foundation and CIELO provide experiential learning opportunities, work-study internships, medical internships and volunteer service opportunities on the most beautiful lake in the world - Lake Atitilan in the highlands of Guatemala. The stunning scenery is appropriate to the life-altering experiences that people report after spending a few weeks or months discovering the culture of the Maya people and the incredible mixture of ancient and modern, indigenous and European culture that has met and melded into one single community on this breath-taking lake.

Our programs feature tremendous breadth and depth of instruction and all are based in the saying 'learn by doing'. Experiential learning is only natural in a place that offers so very much to do and see, all at a pace that makes North Americans and Europeans wonder about the rush of their lives prior to arriving. We offer great flexibility for our candidates by creating each experience to meet the specific interests of our applicants.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications: Positions are open for high school students as well as university undergrad and graduate candidates. CIELO tailors each experience to the unique abilities of each potential candidate. At minimum, candidates must have a strong interest in their chosen area but no actual experience is required.

Cost in US$: see website for fees

Salary / Pay: Any stipend or salary is strictly for work-study candidates.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Typical volunteers are undergraduate and graduate students as well as secondary aged students who wish to gain experiential insight into their given area of interest. Our focus in on the environment and its relationship to health outcomes. Most student/volunteers are interested in some aspect of sustainability, healthcare (including healthcare professionals i.e. MD's and licensed acupuncturists) and cross-cultural and women's issues. Spanish language immersion is a part of each and every program.

Age Range: 16 - 65

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Guatemala Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 3-20

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Other
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

Calacirya International Experiential Learning Organization's Mission Statement: To assist in bettering the lives of impoverished and undeserved people while promoting greater cross- cultural understanding. Championing the ideals of teamwork and self-empowerment, the Calacirya Foundation creates opportunities for people from different cultures to learn from each other through community service and experiential learning.

Year Founded: 2002