A hands-on leadership + cultural immersion experience in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Antigua, Guatemala
The Guatemala Leadership & Language Exchange Program is an immersive summer experience for high school students from across the United States who are ready to strengthen their leadership skills, deepen their Spanish language learning, and engage meaningfully across cultures.
The journey begins in Washington, DC, where students meet their cohort and accompanying mentors for orientation, leadership activities, and a college visit before traveling together to Guatemala. Students then spend nine days immersed in Guatemala's language, culture, and communities through experiential learning, service, reflection, and cultural exchange. At the conclusion of the Guatemala experience, the cohort returns together to Washington, DC before students travel home.
The next program is anticipated for Summer 2027. Applications are expected to open in Fall 2026.
Interested in learning more? Join our interest list to receive updates on information sessions, applications, and program announcements.
Travel alongside a supportive cohort of peers and mentors while participating in leadership workshops, Spanish language practice, cultural experiences, and meaningful community engagement. No prior Spanish or international travel experience is required—just curiosity, responsibility, and a willingness to learn.
Selected educators serve as adult mentors and chaperones, supporting student learning while participating in a meaningful international exchange experience. Join our interest list to receive updates about future mentor opportunities.
The program is administered by Partners of the Americas, a nonprofit organization with more than 60 years of experience connecting people and communities across the Americas.
The program is being developed in collaboration with Somos Impact Travel, a Guatemala-based educational travel organization, to create an experience that is educationally meaningful, culturally grounded, and supported by trusted local partners. Participant safety, thoughtful preparation, and responsible cultural exchange remain central to every aspect of the program.
The Guatemala Leadership & Language Exchange is thoughtfully designed to support students throughout each stage of their journey, beginning in Washington, DC and continuing through their return home.
Students first come together in Washington, DC for orientation, leadership activities, a college visit, and opportunities to build connections with their cohort and accompanying mentors. From there, the group travels together to Guatemala for nine days of Spanish language practice, cultural immersion, leadership development, outdoor exploration, community engagement, and reflection.
At the conclusion of the Guatemala experience, students and mentors return together to Washington, DC for an overnight stay before students travel home.
From pre-departure preparation through the final return home, students and families receive guidance and support every step of the way.
Learn what makes the Guatemala Leadership & Language Exchange a unique leadership and cultural exchange experience. Students, families, and prospective mentors can explore the program, attend information sessions, and join our interest list to receive updates.
Students complete an online application highlighting their interests, readiness, and motivation to participate. Adult mentor applications are also available during the recruitment period. Selected student applicants will be invited to participate in an interview before final admission decisions are made.
Accepted participants confirm their enrollment and begin preparing for the experience through virtual orientation, travel preparation, cultural learning, and opportunities to connect with fellow participants. Students then meet their cohort and accompanying mentors in Washington, DC for in-person orientation and leadership activities before traveling internationally together.
Travel together to Guatemala for nine days of leadership development, Spanish language practice, cultural immersion, outdoor exploration, community engagement, and reflection. At the conclusion of the exchange, the cohort returns together to Washington, DC before students depart for home.
Upon successful completion of the application process, student tuition will be due.
The program is administered by Partners of the Americas, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., with more than 60 years of experience and a legacy of sending over 2,300 young leaders on life-changing exchanges throughout Latin America and beyond.
Summar is committed to creating international experiences where students feel supported, confident, and prepared to learn in a new cultural setting.
Michael provides strategic guidance and institutional oversight for the program.
Participants leave with:
Safety & support include:
Participant Conduct:
Technology & Communication:
Students may use personal phones during designated times. Expectations for technology use will be reviewed before departure to support student safety, well-being, cultural engagement, and full participation in program activities.
Families will be required to obtain travel insurance that meets program requirements, including appropriate medical, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation/interruption coverage. Additional requirements and guidance will be provided to accepted families before travel.
Your support helps strengthen the Guatemala Leadership & Language Exchange and the meaningful learning experiences it provides.
Gifts help Partners of the Americas sustain and grow opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills, engage across cultures, and build connections throughout the Americas.
