Are you looking to study Spanish at a school that gives ALL its profits back to the community? We seek motivated students that want both an intensive Spanish immersion experience and want to participate in the educational and social development of some of the poorest communities in Quetzaltenango.

Students study Spanish 4 hours a day, 5 days a week and volunteer in our educational social service programs in their free time (10-15 hours a week). El Nahual offers daily cultural activities including a Guatemalan cooking class, a weaving class, free salsa lessons, and a weekly lecture on the history and politics of Guatemala.

All students and volunteers are given the opportunity to stay with a Guatemalan family during their time at El Nahual.

“El Nahual” is a Mayan term that means “protective spirit” of each person. Our vision is to become a guiding force for those who need us. We strive to encourage personal growth and human rights awareness by providing access to education.

The El Nahual community center offers a:
• Free school for children
("Manos de Colores")
• Free adult school
• Organic community garden

El Nahual also runs its "Manos de Colores" educational programs at 3 other low-income schools in the area.

The majority of our volunteer opportunities involve teaching English, art and/or music at 4 schools/ after school programs. Other opportunities include teaching English to adults in a 14-and-over primary school, working in our community garden, fundraising, and constructing our new community center.

Volunteers' Spanish level may determine the type of project they work in. All levels are welcome and all are guaranteed volunteer work. Beginners, when teaching, will be paired with a more advanced speaker.

No teaching experience is necessary -- just a love of children and a desire to make a difference!

Students and volunteers may begin at any time, all year-round. There are absolutely NO FEES associated with volunteering!