Study in Guatemala, Summer 2027

Study in Guatemala

Study in Guatemala, Summer 2027

Guatemala 2027: Global Issues and Service-Learning

Monday, August 16鈥揝unday, August 29, 2027

two young adult girls with two children

Embark on a service-learning journey with Foothill classmates in Guatemala as you study global issues, help build a school, and contribute to community-selected projects.

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Program Overview

Embark on a Service-Learning journey in Guatemala while learning about poverty alleviation, migration, women鈥檚 empowerment, human rights, and climate change. You will connect classroom learning with meaningful community engagement and reflection. In addition to our educational journey, you will engage in some physical service-learning as we help build a school and participate in community-selected projects developed with people in Antigua.

During the Fall, Winter and Spring quarters prior to travel, interested students will have the opportunity to learn about community needs, explore solutions using Stanford鈥檚 design thinking methodology, and help plan a project to implement in Guatemala. Once there, we will also participate in a field day with local students, hike a volcano, attend a f煤tbol match, swim and stay at Lake Atitl谩n, visit a Maya cultural center, dance salsa, and much more! The program is offered in partnership with an amazing local nonprofit: .

large standing on volanic rock with mountain in backgroud

The Destination

Antigua is a UNESCO heritage town full of cobblestone streets and trendy coffee shops. It is surrounded by majestic volcanoes and has a vibrant local culture. This will be our base.

The Academic/Cultural Focus

The program offers three connected learning opportunities. In the Global Issues course (GLST 2鈥�4 units), taught by economics instructor Brian Evans, students will explore human rights, poverty reduction, inequality, and migration. In the Introduction to Community and Civic Engagement course (SOSC 79鈥�1 unit), taught by business instructor Laurence Lew, students will learn how academic study, community engagement, action, and reflection come together. Students may also earn independent study units in winter and spring quarters if they want to participate in the planning and delivery of community projects.

Students from all majors are welcome. Spanish is not required. This program will push you out of your comfort zone as you learn about, and contribute to, the local Guatemalan community. You will be part of a Foothill team of students. It is safe, fun, and educational. Many students comment that the trip is life-changing.

Program Highlights

Take GLST 2 or SOSC 79 from July 22 to August 29, 2027. The first weeks will be online; travel to Guatemala will be August 16-29.

Participate in an optional yearlong community project during fall, winter, spring quarters prior to travel. Option to earn independent study units in winter or spring.

Experience Mayan culture.

Help build an elementary school outside of Antigua.

Climb Volcan de Pacaya.

Spend a night at Lake Atitlan鈥攐ne of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Attend a f煤tbol match.

Volunteer at a secondary school that supports local underserved youth鈥攊ncluding a field day in which you will team up with several students in a crazy day of fun competition.

Visit and learn about Friendship Bridge鈥攁 microcredit organization working with Mayan women.

Visit and learn about the Women鈥檚 Justice Initiative鈥攁n organization empowering Mayan women who have faced discrimination and poverty.

No Spanish required

We will all stay together at the same hotel鈥攁nd will be the only group there!

You will share a room with other Foothill students鈥攅ach has its own bathroom and shower with (some) hot water.

Wi-Fi at the hotel.

All meals at our hotel included (except for the days we go to Lake Atitlan). Most dietary restrictions will be met.

The itinerary may change as the trip approaches due to scheduling and other issues.

Travel Dates

Monday, August 16, 2027 (arrival date)
Sunday, August 29, 2027 (departure date)

Course Dates

July 22鈥揂ugust 29, 2027 (the first few weeks of the courses will take place online)

Program Itinerary

Specific details to follow as the trip approaches.

Program Faculty

Brian Evans (Economics)
Laurence Lew (Business)

Program Hosts

We are running this trip through 鈥�a Mountain View, California, nonprofit focused on creating changemakers through education, service learning, travel, and cross-cultural connection.

Courses Offered

GLST 2 Global Issues (4 units) or SOSC Introduction to Community and Civic Engagement (1 unit).
Prerequisites: None. Independent study can be offered for students that have taken the required courses.

Application and Costs

As part of the application process, please complete the interest form to tell us a bit more about yourself. If you meet the initial program eligibility criteria, you will be directed to complete the application through Dream Volunteers.

Program Cost, Fees, and Deadlines

Program Cost: $2600 per student + airfare + course registration fees.
Payment Schedule:
- $200 due by 11/15/2026 or upon acceptance if applying after 11/15/26 to reserve your spot
- $1,200 due by 3/1/2027
- $1,200 + airfare for group flight due by 6/1/2027
Cancellation Policy: Prior to June 1, 2027, all fees are fully refundable. After June 1, 2027, all fees are non-refundable.