Buena Onda recommends a Gap Year for all high school graduates. The skills you gain by immersing in another culture, becoming fluent in another language, and engaging in community-based work serve you throughout your life. The self-confidence, flexibility, and open-mindedness developed while traveling are qualities that help you navigate any challenges that come your way. The Buena Onda team is ready to make your Gap Year in Guatemala as epic as we know it can be!
Buena Onda Gap Years offer you the chance to live and learn alongside Guatemala’s most inspiring and innovative grassroots organizations. A Gap Year is different because it is more focused on exploration than an internship, which is more about professional development, and more comprehensive than simply signing up as a volunteer. With Buena Onda, you enjoy maximum flexibility and exploration while knowing that our local team has your back all along the way.
With our network of grassroots organizations across Guatemala, you benefit from a great diversity of project placements. You can choose to stay the whole time with one organization or try out a few different locations to experience a range of community work As we work together, we put together an itinerary based around your interests, goals, and schedule. Variety is the spice of life and we bring that to every Buena Onda Gap Year experience!
In person orientation full of local tips about your new surroundings
MORE PROJECTSNo one knows the local communities like those that live there. Buena Onda partners with grassroots, community-driven organizations that understand local challenges. Every project comes from real need. This way, your Gap Year comes out of the direct feedback of the community. The work you do is designed for lasting, sustainable impact. This isn’t even considering the tremendous personal effect of those around you, as you participate in building a better future for generations to come. Impact and progress are what we all go for and, with Buena Onda, you see them happening right before your eyes.
We keep our fee low so that Buena Onda trips are available to as many volunteers as possible. we develop a budget that fits within the guidelines you give us.