Here’s a statement that you’re probably not used to hearing: The world has become a rather isolated place to live in. “That doesn’t make sense,” you may argue. “I have a ton of friends following me on social media. I’m constantly texting my family members. I’m always instant messaging with my co-workers. How can I […]
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It is no secret that Guatemala is an amazing country that keeps people coming back time and time again. But, what makes it so special to visitors and residents alike? Here are just 10 of the many reasons to fall in love with the beautiful country of Guatemala. #10. Its Rich History One of the […]
Read MoreGuatemala is a Central American country south of Mexico. The impact that this country has on the rest of the world is very much underestimated as our everyday lives are practically influenced or surrounded by Guatemalan culture or the resources they have introduced to us. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about Guatemala. #1. […]
Read MoreBy William Deboer, Volunteer Morning Today we all woke up at around 5:45 to go and grab a coffee and shower to get ready for work. Some of us preferred to sleep in until 6:15 to grab a little extra shuteye. We all headed over to Violleta’s for breakfast at 6:30. Today’s breakfast consisted of […]
Read MoreBy Scott Garrison, Founder I, like many throughout the world, can get overwhelmed thinking about all the rebuilding that has to happen to lift the world out of crippling disaster. In Guatemala, it is impossible to know yet what the full impact will be, but the effects of the current crisis are going to be […]
Read MoreAs our world battles the spread of COVID-19, many of us are feeling stressed out and helpless. But what if you could mitigate those feelings, that you can do something? Helping others can benefit you emotionally and physically. Studies show that those who volunteer, are generous, and are helpful to others, are less likely to […]
Read MoreGuatemala is an amazing country filled with rich culture, hard-working citizens, and a beautiful landscape. Unfortunately, it also stands as one of the poorest countries in Latin America. The lack of accessible and affordable education keeps illiteracy and poverty rates high. However, there are many organizations that are working to help combat this issue and […]
Read MoreThe Christmas traditions in Guatemala are further evidence of the rich culture found in the communities throughout this country. With Christianity deeply ingrained into their society, it is no surprise that Guatemalans have some extravagant traditions to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The natives bring this annual holiday to life with an abundance of lights, […]
Read MoreConsider yourself a coffee connoisseur? You aren’t the only one! According to the International Coffee Organization (ICO), approximately 1.4 billion cups of coffee are poured worldwide each day. But whether you are a local coffee shop regular, or a homebrewer, knowing where to get the best café wherever you are is critical to starting your […]
Read MoreHaving traveled in the past, I knew I was excited to live and explore a new country; I was prepared for entering somewhere new and learning to grow and discover a culture. What I didn’t realize, however, is how different traveling is when you do it by yourself. In the past, I have either went […]
Read MoreBy Scott Garrison, Buena Onda Founder It’s a strange, rough time in the world right now. Here in Guatemala, we are under an essential lockdown, with all borders and public transportation closed, businesses and schools shut for the foreseeable future, and a national curfew from 4pm to 4am. It seems that most everyone is listening […]
Read MoreWhether you are volunteering in Guatemala or visiting us on a welcomed trip, you may wonder what you need to pack along. While with Buena Onda, we’ll help prepare you for your volunteer excursion, here are five things you need for your trip to Guatemala! #1. Combination Locks Combination locks are a great way to […]
Read More2020 was not the dream year for travel but at Buena Onda, we’re looking onward and upward as we prepare for volunteer opportunities in 2021. To get started with a new year of new opportunities, take a look at these five tips when volunteering abroad and contact us to find out how Buena Onda helps you accomplish each one!
Read MoreAfter a stint in the Peace Corps, Matt Paneitz decided he wanted to begin his own nonprofit to help the children and families of Guatemala. What became known as Long Way Home, has grown into a large volunteer program which works with children and educators across the country to help build sustainable homes, schools, and facilities for the families of Guatemala.
Read MoreHave you ever considered traveling to Guatemala but are afraid of what you may find there? Unfortunately, this is the opinion of many people across the world. But Guatemala has so much to offer! The country is rich with culture and natural beauty. Not only is its people warm and friendly, but you’ll be amazed […]
Read MoreWhile traveling, there are many different ways to experience the area you’re in, and one way is experimenting with different kinds of traditional food. Not only is food delicious and fun, but certain meals can tell a story or show what a normal day looks like for locals. It is well worth it to trade […]
Read More2020 wasn’t filled with the dazzling trips and the cultural immersion experiences we may have hoped for. But 2021 is a new dawn, a new day, and a new opportunity to add experiences to your bucket list. We know travel may not be in the cards for everyone right now, but when the time is right, there are a few Guatemalan celebrations you NEED to add to your bucket list!
Read MoreBy Elisa Portz, Buena Onda Intern Hey all! I’m Elisa and it’s been almost three months that I’ve been back living in the United States after having lived in Guatemala for five months last semester. I did my internship (co-op) through my university located in Boston, and over various searches, I came across Buena Onda. […]
Read MoreThe people of Guatemala are fighters, working with their communities to rise above hardships, to survive and be better than ever before. Unfortunately, the novel coronavirus has proven to be another obstacle our people must take head-on. Guatemala has been hit disproportionately with COVID-19 because of the long-term implications of country-wide shutdowns, loss of work, […]
Read MoreWhen you traverse the streets of Guatemala markets, you won’t be able to avoid the vibrant colors of textiles crafted by local artisans. Rich reds, exquisite yellows, all spun and dyed by those in the community.
Read MoreOne unspoken rule of volunteering is to focus on your work and the people you are there to help, making them your priority. However, this does not mean you shouldn’t try to experience the amazing country you are in. Visiting destinations in Guatemala before or after your volunteer time is the perfect way to take […]
Read MoreBy Marli Allard, former Buena Onda intern My experience at the Instituto Mesoamericano de Permacultura was an amazing opportunity to learn about permaculture, understand Mayan culture, and experience life in Guatemala. Buena Onda’s work before my co-op internship guided me to find the perfect placement at IMAP. Having Buena Onda’s help organizing the logistics made […]
Read MoreI have always found that there’s something particularly special about pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. Whether that means going to a new country, working in a different field, or hiking through the jungle for five days, doing something scary can also be thrilling. Guatemala is a truly perfect country for having these experiences; it […]
Read MoreGuatemala showcases itself as a self-made tropical country that promotes a helping hand– it welcomes tourists and volunteers as its own people. Guatemala is a tropical country as it does experience tropical weather such as dry and wet seasons throughout the year. As a volunteer, you want to be certain of what experience you will […]
Read MoreThe Buena Onda staff are always happy to receive feedback from our amazing volunteers. We thought we’d share the first-hand experience of one of our hard-working volunteers in Lake Atítlan. Stephen came to Guatemala and volunteered for six months. His project was focused on nutrition development in a clinic dedicated to the Atitlan indigenous community. […]
Read MoreBy Becca, a Buena Onda Volunteer Long term volunteering was always a dream of mine- finding the time, resources and right organization to work through was the challenge. As a nurse wanting to be placed in a clinic where I could learn, grow and immerse myself in the culture, finding placement for a three-month stay […]
Read MoreBy Erica, a Buena Onda Volunteer I am so pleased with my experience with Buena Onda and can’t imagine a better two months in Guatemala! Having been to Guatemala three times before, I was dying to return again but I wanted to find a different organization than I had worked with in the past and […]
Read MoreBy James Tringale, Buena Onda Volunteer Hello to all of our followers! Today marks the first day of our final week in Guatemala! My time here has gone by so fast I am sad to leave but also excited to see my family and friends at home. Our first workday started with pancakes, watermelon, and […]
Read MoreBy William Deboer, Buena Onda Volunteer Today’s morning started out the same as most other days with us all waking up at 05:45 and getting a glass of water or coffee. We headed over to Violleta’s house at 06:25 and were fed waffles and bananas with syrup. It tasted very good and I was unable […]
Read MoreGreg arrived three weeks ago with his camera and a plan to work with students at a school in Chimaltenango. When he arrived, he knew this would be both a challenging and meaningful experience. After his three weeks, Greg shared these works with us: “Tonight is my last night here, I’m packed, the shuttle is […]
Read MoreBy William Deboer, Buena Onda Volunteer Hello everyone! I hope all of our readers are doing well and I am glad to have the honor of one of our last logs for the trip. Today started off more relaxed than most other days so far with all of us waking up around 06:10-06:15. We all […]
Read MoreBy Anderson Shamar Melendez, Buena Onda Volunteer The day started at 05:45 so we can shower and get ready to go to breakfast at Violetta’s. For breakfast, we had cereal with banana slices as toppings. After that, we made our way to the chicken bus for Brillo de Sol, which is located in San Gaspar. […]
Read MoreBy James Tringale, Buena Onda Volunteer Hello to everyone following our Guatemala trip so far! Today is Saturday in Antigua, Guatemala. Our day began with a homemade breakfast at the Comedor el Peregrino cooked by Violetta. It was a typical Guatemalan breakfast of eggs, ham, beans, tortillas, and plantains: delicious! After breakfast, we headed to […]
Read MoreBy David Moore, Buena Onda Volunteer Today I woke up earlier than usual, wanting to get a couple of moments to myself before the day started. I went on the roof of the hostel with a cup of hot coffee and enjoyed the cold air. The temperature was only 60 degrees, but my blood is […]
Read MoreThree of our happy volunteers after their time at the Konojel Community Center, San Marcos la Laguna. Indigenous community development project, with activities in nutrition, health, education, and a women’s cooperative.
Read MoreI am a student of International Development and Globalization at the University of Ottawa. We are the dreamers, the social justice warriors, the optimists and the idealists. The program specializes in studying the history and current progress of development efforts in the global ecosystem. Although most of us came into the program with bright eyes […]
Read MoreWhile there are obvious benefits to volunteering, such as transforming communities and helping those in need in countless ways, the advantage less talked about is the ways it changes you for the better. These effects are maximized even more so by teens, with lessons they learn and experiences they gain helping shape the person they […]
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