Education internships are hosted at private or International Baccalaureate (IB) schools. These institutions are often bilingual, and the classes you assist with or teach are conducted in English. Each intern is paired with a designated faculty member who acts as their supervisor and primary point of contact.

Placement and Tasks:
Internship placements are carefully chosen based on your personal goals and interests. While the experience is tailored to provide you with valuable exposure to the field of education, placements are designed to benefit both you and the host school. Your responsibilities may vary depending on the school’s current projects and needs.

In-country coordinators are available to provide guidance and support. However, you will need to exercise independence and take on leadership responsibilities during your placement.

Working Hours and Schedule

• Working Hours: Expect to work 4–6 hours per day, Monday to Friday.
• Spanish Classes: Interns participate in daily 1-hour Spanish lessons from Monday to Friday, personalized to match their level and work schedule. Additional preparation or work-related tasks may be required outside of your internship hours.
• Weekends: Free for relaxation, exploration, travel, or personal projects.

Dress Code
Guatemalans value neatness and professionalism in personal appearance. Even in warm weather, beachwear is not appropriate in the city.

• Dress in business casual attire while at your placement.
• Ensure your clothing is modest, covering your shoulders and knees, and avoid anything too revealing or extravagant.
• Maintain a clean and tidy appearance at all times.

Transportation
Education internship placements are located in the Antigua area.

• Commute Options: Walking or taking the bus is the most affordable way to travel. Travel times can range from 20–60 minutes each way, depending on the location of your placement. Taxis are available but are significantly more expensive.
• Orientation: On your first day, a representative will accompany you on local transportation, explaining how to navigate to and from your placement.
• Costs:
  • Local bus rides typically cost Q8 (around $1) or less, but may be higher for placements farther from Antigua.
  • Budget approximately $5 per day for transportation.

Note: Interns are responsible for their own daily transportation. It is challenging to change placements once the program begins, so be prepared for the travel requirements of your assigned location.

Spanish Classes
As part of your internship, you will take 1 hour of Spanish lessons daily, from Monday to Friday.

• Classes are personalized to align with your skill level and work schedule, with a focus on vocabulary relevant to your internship.
• Lessons are taught using the Communicative Method, emphasizing immersive, spoken interaction. Classes are conducted entirely in Spanish by experienced, certified native instructors.

Deliverables
All interns must submit weekly journals and a final project:

• Practicums (less than 8 weeks): Submit either a 10–20-page written paper or a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.
• Internships (8 weeks or longer): Submit both a 10–20-page paper and a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.

Final Deliverables Should Include:

• An overview of the school and your role within it.
• A review of the organization.
• A comparative analysis of the education sector in your host and home countries.
• An evaluation of challenges encountered during your placement.
• A summary of your outcomes and results.

Maximising Your Internship
The success of your internship experience depends on your proactive engagement and adaptability. Expect to encounter language barriers and differences in work culture, structure, and management styles. Embrace these challenges, take the initiative, and stay open-minded to make the most of your placement.

Location

Projects are located in and around the city of Antigua. Which was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. This is a popular tourist spot due to the pretty colonial buildings and ancient ruins. From the streets and rooftops, you can even see volcanoes towering over the city. Antigua’s Central Plaza has plenty of restaurants, shops, markets, and regular cultural events, making it an exciting city to call home.

• Assisting with and observing classroom instruction and management.
• Designing lesson plans and teaching specific subjects.
• Providing support to students in both one-on-one and small group settings.
• Attending weekly meetings with the school director.