The Guatemala Leadership & Language Exchange is a 9-day international program for high school students ages 15–18 that combines leadership development, Spanish immersion, cultural learning, and meaningful community service.
The program is hosted by Partners of the Americas and is designed to be safe, structured, and age-appropriate for first-time and returning international travelers.
The program aims to:
Students
Educators
Parents, Schools, and Sponsors
Those seeking a high-impact, well-structured international experience aligned with college preparation
The program runs from June 10 –18, 2026, for a total of 9 days.
Our service experience is designed to be meaningful, supervised, and age-appropriate. Students will partner with a local school and/or community organization in Antigua, Guatemala.
Projects may include but are not limited to:
All service projects are:
Students typically complete 16–20 structured service hours during the week.
In prior programs led by our team members, students have:
All projects focus on:
Students develop essential skills that prepare them for success in today’s interconnected world. These skills include:
We welcome students with a wide range of Spanish experience—from beginners to advanced speakers. No prior Spanish study is required, though it is certainly a plus.
Our program is intentionally designed to meet students where they are.
Activities are structured to allow for different levels of language comfort, and students are encouraged to participate at a pace that challenges them while still feeling supported.
Students will:
For beginners, the goal is confidence and exposure.
For more advanced students, the experience provides deeper immersion and opportunities to stretch their skills in authentic contexts.
Above all, we emphasize growth, curiosity, and cultural humility.
Every student, regardless of language level, can fully participate, contribute meaningfully, and thrive in this experience.
Yes! Our leadership team includes Spanish-speaking staff. Additionally, local Guatemalan partners are native Spanish speakers, ensuring that students receive linguistic support at all times.
Yes but it is structured and supervised.
Students will have:
Students are never permitted to explore independently without staff supervision.
We intentionally keep the group size small to ensure safety, supervision, and meaningful engagement.
Typical group size is 12–20 students, with a maximum student-to-staff ratio of 6:1.
Additionally, we have local support staff onsite in Guatemala.
A smaller cohort allows for stronger supervision, more individualized support, better cultural immersion, and stronger group cohesion.
We maintain a maximum 6:1 student-to-staff ratio. For example, 18 students require a minimum of 3 adult chaperones.
This ensures:
Students are supervised at all times by:
Educators must:
Interested educator candidates will be notified of their application status and will be asked to complete a background check and interview with program staff.
Yes. An adult is alwaysaccessible to students at all times. This means:
Students are provided with emergency contact numbers upon arrival.
Parents also receive an emergency contact number for program leadership.
Accessibility ensures:
Students stay at the Colegio Mayor Santo Tomás de Aquino Residence which is a group lodging facility staffed by the University of San Carlos (USAC) in Antigua with 24-hour staff presence. Room arrangements include 2–4 students per room, grouped by age and gender. Adult chaperones stay on the same floor or nearby.
Meals:
• Three meals per day are provided
• Combination of traditional Guatemalan and familiar options
• Bottled or purified water is provided
Food allergies & dietary needs:
• We collect detailed medical and dietary information in advance
• The lodging and partner staff are informed of allergies
• Vegetarian and other dietary accommodations can be arranged
• Parents are encouraged to disclose all allergy details early.
Yes, students may bring modest spending money for personal purchases such as:
Recommended amount: $75–$150 for the week.
Currency guidance:
All program-related meals, lodging, transportation, and activities are covered by tuition.
Antigua boasts reputable private medical facilities conveniently located near our lodging. The nearest private hospital is just approximately 5–10 minutes by car, and additional clinics are available within walking distance or a short drive. For larger hospitals, you can expect a journey of about 45–60 minutes to Guatemala City.
In the event of a medical need, a staff member will accompany the student, parents will be notified immediately, and transportation will be arranged promptly.
We prioritize lodging in locations with easy access to medical care.
Student safety is our highest priority. We have a written emergency action plan, local hospital and clinic partnerships in Antigua, staff trained in first aid, and 24/7 supervision.
In case of emergency, immediate medical care is sought, parents are notified as soon as possible, and a staff member accompanies the student to any medical facility. Antigua has reputable private hospitals within close distance of our accommodations.
Student Tuition: $2,700
Estimated Airfare: $400–$600
International airfare is not included in tuition.
Upon completing a successful application process, student tuition is due.
Program tuition includes the following:
• Lodging
• Meals
• In-country transportation
• Program activities and service projects
• Leadership workshops and guided reflection
• Program staff support and local coordination
• Pre-departure orientation.
Refunds & Cancellations
Refund policies are detailed in the participation agreement and are based on the timing of cancellation and expenses already incurred. Documented emergencies may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
We maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding:
If a student violates this policy:
Student safety and group integrity are non-negotiable priorities.
Most students communicate home at least once or twice during the week, but we encourage balanced expectations. Wi-Fi is available at the hotel, and students may have designated communication windows to reach out.
We emphasize the importance of being present and engaged in the experience, so excessive phone use is discouraged during structured activities.
Parents will receive group updates from staff via email or a messaging platform, as well as photos during the week when possible.
If there are any concerns, we will reach out directly. In case of emergency, parents will be contacted immediately.
We also encourage families to view this as a growth opportunity. Students often become more independent and engaged when given healthy space.
Students must meet the following eligibility requirements to participate in the program:
Students apply here
Educators apply here
Application Deadline: April 3, 2026.
Once an application is submitted, applicants will receive an email update from the program team acknowledging receipt and outlining next steps. All applicants (students and educators) should be prepared to participate in a short interview to further assess interest, readiness, and motivation for the program.
Partnering with or sponsoring the Guatemala Leadership & Language Exchange program is a powerful investment in global education. By collaborating with us, you help expand access to global learning opportunities for students, fostering their college readiness and leadership development. Our program aligns with experiential learning and educational equity goals, ensuring that all students can benefit from enriching experiences. Moreover, we produce clear, measurable outcomes for students, demonstrating the impact of your support and commitment to their future.
