Guatemala Exchange

Why would you travel to Guatemala?

•To befriend Guatemalan children, young people and host families

•To get involved in service projects in local communities

•To understand realities faced by Guatemalan people

•To appreciate the work of Mennonite Central Committee (the agency which will be your host and guide for 14 days)

•To experience the history, beauty, culture and food of Guatemala

•To transform your thinking and faith

•To be among the first Rockway students ever to experience Guatemala!

What will you experience?

•March 14: Arrive in Guatemala City and settle in at the Seminary Guest House

•March 15: Visit the Guatemala City Cemetery, City Dump, Relief Map and local cooperatives

•March 16: Visit the National Palace and Central Market; travel to Santiago Atitlan / Panabaj and experience these indigenous communities

•March 17: Have time for community activities with children and local families

•March 18: Leave for San Marcos (a mountain community) and learn about migration, environmental and community development issues

•March 19-20: Hike into La Vega del Volcan to interact with local young people and families and be involved in a service project

•March 21-25: Leave for Nebaj (a 7 hour trip) and interact with MCC partners working on HIV/AIDS projects with young people; stay with local families, do activities with children and young people, be involved in service...and relax in local mountains and waterfalls

•March 26: Return to Guatemala City

•March 27: Visit Antigua or hike up a local volcano

•March 28: Return home transformed!

What will it cost you?

The actual cost of this trip is approximately $2600. A school subsidy, and Student Shares (25 shares @ $30.00 each) will reduce your cost to $1750

This includes airfare, visas, medication, and all meals, accommodation and travel in country as well as an allocation of $300 per student for materials in local communities where service will be offered