Social Entrepreneur Corps continuously updates this section of “Frequently Asked Questions” based on our conversations with aspiring participants. Obviously this section can never be 100% comprehensive and responsive to all of your great questions. As such, please feel free to email us at with any specific questions you may have. We understand that it is in your and our best interests that you make the most informed decision possible before applying to one of our unique programs. It should be noted that very detailed programmatic information will be provided to all participants after they have completed the application process.

Please click on the appropriate question below to find the answers you are looking for:

Programmatic

For how many years has Social Entrepreneur Corps been in existence?
How many interns/volunteers will be in country at one time?
How is Social Entrepreneur Corps different from other international programs?
Are you affiliated with any other organizations?
Can I speak to a recent program participant?
How do you ensure that short-term volunteers have a positive experience?
Where do volunteers study Spanish?
How old do I have to be?
What clothes etc should I bring with me?
Can couples apply and be accommodated?

Lodging and Meals

What are the volunteer accommodations?
Will my special needs be addressed?
Do volunteers live alone or in groups?
Are all of my meals covered?
How much does a meal cost?
Will I get sick from eating the food or drinking the water?
How far away are the accommodations from where I will be learning/working?

Transportation

What visas are required?
How do I get there?
How will volunteers travel while in country?

Security

What is security like in Guatemala? Is it safe?
What steps do you take to create a safe environment?

Money Matters

Do you offer any scholarships?
Do you have any suggestions for looking for scholarships/raising money for my program?
How much money should I bring?

Medical Matters

What about travel health insurance?
What vaccinations are necessary?
Do people get sick?
What will happen if I get very sick during my program?

Other

Will I have access to a telephone and the internet?
Should I bring a laptop?
Can I arrive early or stay later than the program dates?
What’s the weather like?
What is the culture of Guatemala like? Is it like Mexico or other parts of Central America?
What are the conditions like? How is the infrastructure?
What is the nightlife like? Is it okay to stay out late?

Programmatic

For how many years has Social Entrepreneur Corps been in existence?
Social Entrepreneur Corps has been in existence for over two years.  The first program was held in June 2006 and the number of programmatic options and number of participants is continually growing.

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How many interns/interns will be in country at one time?
The number of participants in country at any given time varies by program.  There are never more than 8 interns for each SEC ex-pat staff member.

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How is Social Entrepreneur Corps different from other international programs?
SE Corps is different from other international programs in that it is run by the same staff that works in the field in Guatemala, providing participants with an insider’s view of an NGO working in international development.  SE Corps is a comprehensive, hands-on experience where interns have the opportunity to contribute and add value to organizations and their current work.

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Are you affiliated with any other organizations?
SE Corps works directly with partner organization Community Enterprise Solutions as well as its Guatemalan counterpart Soluciones Comunitarias.  In addition, SE Corps is a strategic partner of The Scojo Foundation and is their implementation partner in Latin America.  Beyond that, SE Corps partners with a variety of organizations throughout Guatemala to provide experience and exposure to wide range of organizations with different missions and priorities.

To learn more about Strategic Partnerships, please click here…

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Can I speak to a recent program participant?
Yes, please contact info@socialentrepreneurcorps.com and a staff member can but you in contact with an SE Corps alum.

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How do you ensure that short-term interns have a positive experience?
SE Corps staff ensures that short-term interns have a positive experience by intelligently planning their time in Guatemala.  There is a great amount of short-term work done by interns that adds long term value.

In addition, SE Corps interns support local social entrepreneurs working with in an already established network.  It is only through this unique infrastructure that interns are able to “hit the ground running” and add immediate value in the field.

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Where do interns study Spanish?
Interns study Spanish in the Soluciones Comunitarias/ Community Enterprise Solutions/ Social Entrepreneur Corps central office in Antigua Guatemala.  Each intern has their own teacher who they will share with a maximum of one other participant and the educational program is specifically tailored for each intern.

To learn more about our Spanish Language training, please click here…

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How old do I have to be?
We recommend that all SE Corp participants have at least finished their first year of College.  This is to ensure that all interns are academically prepared for the material they will be covered and discussed.

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What clothes etc should I bring with me?
Once an intern has confirmed their participation in any one of the SE Corps programs they will receive a packet that includes reading materials as well as a list of recommended items to pack.

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Can couples apply and be accommodated?
Couples can apply and be accommodated in the SE Corps program with the understanding that they will need to be flexible and understand that the SE Corps staff will do everything to be accommodating, but there may be slight changes in living situations.  It is very difficult to place couples that are not married in a single room with host families as it is a sensitive cultural matter.  Please contact us if you have specific questions regarding living arrangements.

To learn more about our homestay families, please click here…

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Lodging and Meals

What are the intern accommodations?
Interns stay in two different types of accommodations, homes-stays with local families and hotel/hostels.  All home-families have previous experience with foreigners and have been trained and certified by Peace Corps as well as Social Entrepreneur Corps.  All hostels are secure and in safe areas.
To learn more about our homestay families, please click here…

Will my special needs be addressed?
All special needs should be communicated with SE Corps staff before traveling to Guatemala so that in-country staff can address any special needs.

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Do interns live alone or in groups?
One to two intern stays with each home-stay family.  When interns stay in hostels, they generally stay in a room with one to two other interns of the same gender.  

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Are all of my meals covered?
No.  Programmatic Fees include two meals a day (three while with home stay families), excluding free days.  Additional meals are covered by interns.

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How much does a meal cost?
Meals can cost anywhere from $2 to $10 based on personal tastes and choices.  Simple set menus cost around $2 to $4 and usually consist of rice, tortillas, chicken and beans.  There are also more restaurants with foreign fare that serve plates running from $4 to $20.  There is a wide variety of options and something for everyone in terms of food and restaurants in the areas where interns spend their time.

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Will I get sick from eating the food or drinking the water?
The water that flows out of the faucets in Guatemala is not safe to drink.  Guatemalans and foreigners adapt by drinking bottled water at all times.  Visitors to Guatemala have to be careful when choosing restaurants and street food, but upon arrival in Guatemala all interns take part in an orientation session and SE Corps goes through all the dos and don’ts of eating and drinking in Guatemala.

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How far away are the accommodations from where I will be learning/working?
The distance from lodging to work sites varies from site to site.  In Antigua, where participants spend the first part of their trip, the commute is about a 30 minute bus ride.  In other sites the distance is generally no more than a 15 to 20 minute walk.

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Transportation

What visas are required?
There are no visas required to enter Guatemala.  Upon entry interns will get a stamp in their passport which is valid for a 90 day stay.  After 90 days the person must renew their visa in the capital or leave the country and re-enter.

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How do I get there?
All interns should arrive in Guatemala City at La Aurora Airport.  A SE Corps staff member will be waiting upon arrival to take the intern to Antigua where the program begins.

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How will interns travel while in country?
While traveling from site to site, interns always travel in private shuttle buses.  While working in a site, interns use public transportation, which generally consists of shuttle buses and school buses.  
Interns will be required to walk while participating in certain field activities and will have the opportunity to hike while on off days.  If you are concerned about the amount of walking to be included (if you suffer from Asthma for example), please contact us. 

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Security

What is security like in Guatemala? Is it safe?
Guatemala, a historically violent country, has calmed down drastically since the peace accords were signed in 1996. Most violence that Guatemala is known for occurs in Guatemala City. SE Corps participants spend no time there accept for arrival and departure in the international airport, which is located in a secure area. Tourism is increasing drastically in Guatemala and authorities continue to increase security throughout the country in order to ensure the safety of all foreign visitors to Guatemala. Please see the following question to read about the steps SE Corps takes to ensure volunteer safety. 

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What steps do you take to create a safe environment?
SE Corps staff goes to great lengths to ensure the safety of all volunteers. During the first week of their SE Corps program all volunteers participate in an orientation that includes a section on safety. SE Corps staff performs skits of potential situations and discusses safety and security issues so that all volunteers can make smart decisions about their own personal safety. The majority of the violence that Guatemala is known for takes place in the capital, Guatemala City. Except for arrival and departure at the international airport, which is in a secure area, SE Corps volunteers spend no time in the capital. All homestay families are trusted and have previous experience hosting foreigners and all hostels and hotels are in secure areas. All inter-site travel takes place on a shuttle bus so that volunteers do not have to travel on public transportation with all of their belongings. There is at the least one SE Corps staff member for every 8 volunteers and there is always an on-duty staff member in every site to ensure the safety of the group and help in any emergency situation.

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Money Matters

Do you offer any scholarships?
SE Corps does not offer any scholarships, but there are many partner universities that do offer scholarships to their students for participation in SE Corps programs.

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Do you have any suggestions for looking for scholarships/raising money for my program?
SE Corps recommends discussing scholarship options with your University’s study abroad center.  Some past participants have been able to secure grants and scholarships in order to finance their participation in an SE Corps program.

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How much money should I bring?
There are ATMs located in each of the sites where interns will be located.  Travelers checks are easily changed in banks located throughout the country.  It is advisable to bring a small amount of cash to have on hand.  Many interns opt to bring a couple hundred dollars and change the money into Quetzales at the bank.  The costs that interns will incur include food on days off, snacks, souvenirs and other incidentals.

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Medical Matters

What about travel health insurance?
Health Insurance is not included in the program fee and it is required that all interns are covered by health insurance during their time in Guatemala.  Proof of insurance will be requested and should be provided before departing for your program.  If your regular plan does not cover foreign countries, such as Guatemala, there are a variety of companies who provide short-term travel insurance.

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What vaccinations are necessary?
There are no vaccinations necessary to enter Guatemala, but all interns are advised to visit their doctor to determine if any vaccinations or medications are necessary as each individual has a different medical history.

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Do people get sick?
People do occasionally get sick during their time in Guatemala.  This is generally an upset stomach and mild traveler’s diarrhea.  Most illnesses that occur are stomach problems and are easily treatable. 

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What will happen if I get very sick during my program?
All SE Corps staff members are trained in what steps to take if someone falls ill or has an emergency while in Guatemala.  SE Corps has identified a trusted medical center in each site where interns will be spending their time.  The appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that any sick interns will be well cared for.  

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Other

Will I have access to a telephone and the internet?
All interns receive a cell phone for use throughout their time in the program.  There is internet in the office in Antigua and is widely available in internet cafes in all sites where interns will be.

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Should I bring a laptop?
Some interns have found it helpful to have a laptop during their time in Guatemala, but it is not a requisite.  Laptops, Ipods and other gadgets are popular among interns BUT ARE NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF SE CORPS.  Interns should bring these items at their own risk.

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Can I arrive early or stay later than the program dates?
Many interns choose to arrive early or stay later than their program dates to travel through Guatemala or neighboring countries.  Although this is outside of the scope of liability and responsibility of SE Corps, staff members are more than happy to help with any suggestions, reservations or travel arrangements. 
If you are interested in taking Spanish classes before your program dates, we can help. Please contact us…

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What’s the weather like?
The weather in Guatemala varies.  May to November is the rainy season and the rest of the year is relatively dry.   During the day the weather is pleasantly warm or hot in the sun and cool in the shade.  At night it can get pretty chilly due to the altitude.

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What is the culture of Guatemala like? Is it like Mexico or other parts of Central America?
Guatemalan culture is very unique.  There are 23 languages spoken throughout Guatemala, including Spanish and 22 distinct indigenous languages.  These languages are spoken by 22 indigenous cultures that have distinct traditional dress and traditions.  Although globalization is beginning to affect the culture, people still hold tight to their culture and display it proudly.  Guatemalan culture is a discussion topic in the first week of the SE Corps program.

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What are the conditions like? How is the infrastructure?
Infrastructure and conditions vary greatly throughout Guatemala.  Guatemala City is the most developed area of the country and the locations farthest from the capital tend to be less developed.  Interns will be spending time in a variety of different towns with different levels of development.  Guatemala is pretty good in comparison to many other Central American countries.

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What is the nightlife like? Is it okay to stay out late?
In some of the sites where interns will be spending time there is night life.  It is generally okay to stay out until midnight or 1AM, but there are always precautions to be taken when staying out late.  During the SE Corps orientation all safety recommendations are discussed in order for SE Corps interns to make educated decisions about their safety.

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