Eco Farm Worker

Agency
·
founded in 2003
Marion
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Coordinator | Marion
Coordinator | Marion
Book with Flex Option! Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.

High­lights

Gain Spanish fluency by immersing yourself in local culture
Learn more about the ancient Mayan culture
Boost your CV with international volunteer experience
Explore a country that is famous for its rich biodiversity and interesting culture
Open your horizon while making a life changing experience
In this wonderful project you work very close with the local as the farm operates as a community center where especially women and children can learn and persoanlly grow. This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+
This wonderful volunteer project is much more than just a farm. The ecological Farm was created in 2017 and since then operates as a place that values sustainability, healthy living, community work, ancient Mayan traditions and environmental protection. It beautifully combines aspects of ancient Mayan culture with the challenges of modern society. Approximately 25 people work at the ecological Farm and the doors are open to the habitants of San Felipe de Jesús, Antigua and surrounding communities.

Community members can learn more about the Mayan cultivation techniques, actively participate or use it on their own small farm. The rich harvest of the Farm is sold in the farm shop and cafeteria. Volunteers interested in learning more about Mayan culture are t the right place here.

Of course, there are also animals on the Eco Farm and dogs, ducks, geese, rabbits, chickens, roosters, pigeons and chompipes (turkeys) find a home on the farm.

In addition to the sustainable production of fruit and vegetables and the care of the animals, the ecological Farm serves as a community center. Especially children and women, find a place to develop personally and physically. Interesting workshops are offered on topics such as construction, crafts, arts, games, sports, yoga, permaculture, photography, cooking, healthy food, entrepreneurship, English classes, dance, recycling, first aid, survival techniques, astronomy, etc.

The aim is to provide women and children with skills and practical knowledge for daily life in a simple and dynamic way, so that they can be more independent. A clear focus is on environmental education - a major challenge in our time.

Children are encouraged to connect with themselves through wonderful holistic, dynamic and artistic activities, where they can enjoy nature, play freely, flourish and learn for life. There are also fun activities such as soccer, volleyball, rock climbing, capoeira and an area for yoga and meditation.

Typical day

Volunteers can work in a wide range of activities according to their interests and skills, as well as the current need of the project. 
Among the work areas are:

Working on the farm:
Cultivation, planting, sowing and harvesting as well as caring for and feeding of the animals that live on the farm.

Helping with workshops:
Volunteers with appropriate skills and knowledge can give workshops in yoga, crafts/crafts, arts, sports activities, English classes, etc.

Construction:
Ecological building is carried out on the farm as prototype constructions. Various materials are used, such as bamboo, wood and ecological bricks. The constructions are currently all being erected on the permises of the farm. However, the aim is to use this construction method in other areas or in our own community in the near future.

Carpentry:
Manufacture of chairs, tables, shelves, children's games, toys, planters, animal enclosures and repair work.

Kitchen/Cooking:
Cooking classes and workshops for the women and children of the community with a strong focus on healthy nutrition. Vegetables, herbs and fruit grown in the area are used. Also, hygiene standards in the kitchen, the handling of food and basic rules in kitchen organization are taught.
The large farm kitchen also produces products for the farm shop and on-site cafeteria. The products are mainly vegan or vegetarian.

Eco Fashion:
Heard about upcycling? Learn how to make something new out of old. Garments such as bags, purses, accessories, blouses, hats, dresses are made with used clothing. The women make alterations to the clothes to give them a new use. For example, an old pair of trousers can be converted into a bag, and an old pair of jeans into a purse. Sewing workshops are offered for the children and women of the community to learn an occupation. This allows them to earn an income by selling their products.

Volunteers can work on a half day schedule from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm or on a full day schedule until about 5 pm in the afternoon. 


Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.

Free-time activities

The ecological Farm is located in the community of San Felipe de Jesus, just 5 minutes from Antigua. San Felipe de Jesus is known for the church "Iglesia de San Felipe de Jesús", one of the most distinctive churches in all of Guatemala. This temple has beautiful colors, its central bell tower stands out with its bells and clock. This colorful church looks like it stepped out of a children's book.

Antigua is a beautiful colonial town in the south of Guatemala about an hour from the capital, Guatemala City, and surrounded by perfectly shaped volcanoes. Antigua is one of the most visited places in Central America. The city is famous for its Spanish colonial buildings, picturesque courtyards, interesting markets, beautiful churches and a colorful labyrinth of streets. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage since 1979. Antigua is located in the highlands of Guatemala at about 1,600 meters above sea level.

Antigua has an abundance of tour operators and agencies that offer exciting tours to all parts of the country. Whether you want to get to know the jungle, the Mayan culture, the Pacific coast or you are looking for cultural activities, in Antigua you are guaranteed to find someone who organizes exactly what you are looking for.

Antigua has an average daily temperature of 20 °C all year round, while the nights are quite cool. The rainy season is from June to October, the dry season from November to May.
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Hiking
Sports
Riding
Yoga/
Meditation

Require­ments

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
Language Skills
You need to speak Spanish (intermediate level)
Criminal Background Check
required
Required Documents
CV, Copy of Passport and Criminal Record Check
Nationality Restrictions
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Time Commitment
Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:30 - 15:00

What's Included

Services by South America Inside
Our volunteer work on the Ecological Farm in Guatemala includes:
  • Single room in Homestay (full board from Monday to Saturday)
  • Professional English-speaking advice
  • Translation of your application documents
  • Elaboration of your internal application profile
  • Volunteer Work Placement in Guatemala
  • English-speaking in-country support
  • Welcome meeting in Antigua
  • Escort to the volunteer project on the first day
  • Handbook Guatemala
  • Intercultural guideline
  • Certificate of participation
  • Information regarding suitable travel insurance
  • 24/7 emergency number
Accommodation
An important aspect of our volunteer opportunities in Guatemala is full cultural immersion. Volunteers live in carefully selected homestays in the close-by city of Antigua. At your homestay and volunteer project you can learn about the local customs, taste authentic meals, and experience the daily life of a family in Guatemala. You will quickly realize how much your Spanish skills improve every day.

You will be provided with a single room, while the bathroom can be private or shared.
Bedroom (Single) Guest Family
Food & Beverages
Breakfast, lunch and dinner is provided, except sundays. 
Internet Access
Good access at the project site
What's NOT included?
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees. An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.
Flight Tickets
The nearest airport is La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. We assist you to find cheap flights to Guatemala.
Travel Insurance
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Guatemala provides security and is a plus to have.
Vaccines
If you are intending to volunteer in Guatemala you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Guatemala.

Dates & Fees

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Details on arrival

The project is up and running year round with flexible start and end dates.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Duration
2 - 12 weeks

Program fees

Costs: Prices in USD
2 weeks (min. stay)
$790
3 weeks
$925
4 weeks
$1,060
5 weeks
$1,195
6 weeks
$1,330
7 weeks
$1,465
12 weeks (max. stay)
$2,140
Average fees
$287 /week

Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated. South America Inside will let you know about the final price during your application process.
Deposit (15%)
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Final Payment (85%)
Your final payment will be agreed with South America Inside during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Why book with Volunteer World

Extra security layer by Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy application process - including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if South America Inside cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by South America Inside.

What are people saying about Volunteer World?

Eco Farm Worker

In this wonderful project you work very close with the local as the farm operates as a community center where especially women and children can learn and persoanlly grow.

$287/week

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