“One of my big hopes for my time in Guatemala, besides meeting people who would challenge and endear me, was to figure out if I had the wherewithal to be away from home for an extended amount of time. The program helped me figure out that I can. I left Guatemala knowing I would definitely be back in the future. I learned it doesn't matter what one studies in school (early on in the program I had wondered whether my lack of business experience would affect my ability to contribute to this development work) because I discovered one's ability to connect with people is much more important than any skill that can be acquired through study. We were humbled and in the process and learned how to be better members of humanity. As with many significant experiences in my life, I have left with more questions than answers, but isn't that the point?”

Lauren S., Student,
Boston College, June 2007

It is the mission of Social Entrepreneur Corps that the select interns participating in this exclusive program leave the program 100% satisfied in their time and financial investment, having gained the desired knowledge and experience in a secure, enjoyable and truly enlightening manner. Interns will participate in classes, case studies, discussions, analysis, living with the local population, as well as visits and active participation with NGO's, local organizations and local social entrepreneurs. The goal is that interns will have achieved success from a rural economic development/ social entrepreneurship, cultural and Spanish language perspective.

Program Location:
Guatemala
 
Program Dates:
Winter 2008, January 7 through February 3
Summer 2008, July 21 through August 15

Program Cost:
$2,250
Includes all lodging, travel and meals
(meals excluded on days off - estimated to be eight days)
Excludes international flights and travel insurance

Maximum No. of Participants:
Twenty-four (24) per session

Intern Desired Outcomes:                              
The desired outcomes for the four week program are that interns:

Rural Economic Development/Social Entrepreneurship

• Will have gained an understanding of the key differences, advantages and disadvantages of varied international relief and economic development models
  
  
• Will feel knowledgeable with regards to the challenges and opportunities inherent in the creation of successful social entrepreneurship models, implementation strategies and tactics
  
  
• Will have learned and practiced effective strategies for training, mentoring and supporting local social entrepreneurs
  
  
• Will have contributed to the identification and design of new social entrepreneurship opportunities for local constituents
  

Culture

• Will have gained an understanding of Guatemala on the whole and the challenges confronting the rural Maya population specifically
  
  
• Will feel comfortable interacting with the local population on a general, family and individual level
  
  
• Will have gained an understanding of the cultural and professional "do's" and "don'ts" of living and working in a rural development environment such as Guatemala
  
  
• Will understand how the rural population lives, works and what they aspire to achieve

Spanish Language

• Will have significantly improved their conversational Spanish capabilities
  
  
• Will have gained an understanding of the nuance of language in developing country environments

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Highlighted Activities:

• 25 hours of one-on-one Spanish instruction
  
  
• Between 15 to 20 days of family homestay
  
  
• 12 hours of international economic development/ social entrepreneurship discussions
  
  
• Visits to and discussions with a minimum of 8 development organizations (local and international)
  
  
• Field work with local entrepreneurs and initiatives (individual, group and independent):
  • Needs Analysis
  • Material Design
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Entrepreneur Support
  • Evaluations
  • “Investment” in an intern selected business or development project

To learn more about key program components click here…

Deliverables:  

• Spanish language evaluations
  
  
• Minimum of two group projects: work product, analysis, conclusions, recommendations
  
  
• Minimum of one individual project: work product, analysis, conclusions, recommendations
  
  
• Final presentation

Basic intern qualifications:     

• Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors
  
  
• No Spanish language requirement
  
  
• No previous international experience required
  
  
• Any major or minor
  
  
• Interest in grassroots development and “getting hands dirty”
  Flexible, resourceful, open-minded

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Intern to Staff Ratio:
Minimum of eight to one (expatriate staff) plus additional Guatemalan staff

Projected Guatemala Locations:                    
Primary Location
Antigua, Sacatepequez                                              
                                                           
Field Sites:
Lake Atitlan, Solola                                       
Quetzaltentango, Quetzaltenango
Nebaj, Quiche
Coban, Alta VeraPaz 

To learn more about site locations within Guatemala, please click here...                                            
                                                           
Social Entrepreneur Corps interns should be prepared for the experience of a lifetime and will be directly and concretely contributing to economic development in rural Guatemala. Only through years of extremely hard work and organic growth have we been able to create an infrastructure in which short term volunteers can have such a substantial experience and contribute so positively. 
                                                           
Please visit the Apply Now page if you might be interested in this program, participation is limited.

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