Participants:
We welcome participants from all nations. Age for participation is 18-25.

Requirements:
All participants need to go through a selection process which requires sending an application.  The application includes essay questions and personal recommendations.  The project is limited to forty-five participants. Some staff positions are available.

Costs:
Air travel is the responsibility of the participant.  The admission fee for the project is $ 350, which will cover the food, housing, local travel and programs during the project.

Local travel:
Participants will be meet at the airport in Guatemala City where they will be brought to a local Roman Catholic reflection center for the orientation. Following orientation, participants will travel and visit and sight see on their way to the village of Santiago Atitlan. The work sight is located four hours away from the capital and is located on one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, Lake Santiago. After the week of work is completed they will return to the capital and have a time for reflection and cultural visitations and programs.

Travel dates:
Arrival and departure dates: International participant arrivals are on June 15. The International staff should arrive on June 13th for the staff orientation.  All international departures are on June 29th.

Norms:
Participants are expected to be involved in all daily programs that involve the community. No alcohol, drugs or exclusive relationships are permitted during the project. Participants need to be healthy and able to do physical work.

Work Project:
The RYS will help work on several projects related to improving schools in the Mayan community of Santiago Atitlan; this is a community of traditional Mayan families, which faces the problem of overcrowded schools.  We will work on light construction, restoration and landscaping.  Work will be done with the help of local professionals.

Language:
The project is bi-lingual (Spanish and English).  It is a real plus if you speak some Spanish.

Health and Climate:
The climate in both Guatemala City and Santiago Atitlan is mild during the summer. No medical shots are required.  Tetanus and Hepatitis shots are optional.

This Project:
This project will provide for youth and young adults an opportunity to work with peers from over ten nations.  The program includes periods of work service, cultural programs, education presentations, sightseeing and team discussions.
Participants will come from various faiths and will be in an environment where all faiths are respected and appreciated.  All participants will be given an education packet to help them for the culture and environment of Guatemala.

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