Short-term teams can help us transform Guatemala through Christ-centred education.
SHORT-TERM
OPPORTUNITIES
WHEN DONE WELL, SHORT-TERM TEAMS MUTUALLY BENEFIT BOTH HOSTS AND VISITORS.
Since the beginning of 2005, short-term groups have come to Guatemala to support our school, help with construction projects, train local businesspeople and learn more about the lived experience of Guatemalans.
We believe short-term groups can contribute meaningfully while gaining a greater understanding of long-term development work, and we’re always looking for ways to align team skills with local needs. But our greatest desire is that team members would encounter the Lord and His work in Guatemala and that God would continue transforming their hearts long after they return home.
2025 Short-term Teams Calendar
Family Trip 2025
An open trip focused on parents, children, grandparents, and anyone in between!
July 14-23
TRIP FULL
Grad Trip 2025
Sponsors of graduating students and general supporters of GSO are invited to come celebrate our graduating class of 2025!
October 13-22
REGISTER OR GIVE TO A TEAM!
What Teams Do
The School
Our school is the heart of our ministry—teams participate in devotions, help serve breakfast, practice English in the classroom, and have fun at recess! Teams gain a deeper understanding of the heart and ministry of GSO through the testimonies of staff and students.
Church Involvement
Teams participate in the life of the global church through partnership with our local network of congregations, “La Gloria Que Impacta ” (Glory Impact Ministries). By attending services and hosting VBS, teams have a genuine and rich experience of Guatemalan church life.
Spiritual Development
Our staff works with teams before, during and after trips to encourage reflection and spiritual transformation, engage in discipleship and support a healthy and meaningful return home.
Outreach
In partnership with school staff and local pastors, teams visit the homes of families connected with our ministry, bringing them food supplies, listening to them, encouraging them, and praying for them.
Hands-on Service
Each team provides funds for a local work project and contributes to the labour.
Cultural Experiences
Our ministry is located 15 minutes away from the historic city of Antigua. Teams tour the city, learning about local history and culture, with a free afternoon to explore. You can see handmade textiles, jade, and chocolate products and experience all the sights and sounds of the open market. Many teams also hike a local volcano or visit a coffee plantation.
GLENN COON
GLENN COON
GLENN COON
PHARMACIST, PORT ROWAN, ON
PHARMACIST, PORT ROWAN, ON
PORT ROWAN, ON
I can think of no better way to be exposed to and immersed in a culture for such a short period of time.
Global Shore provided an opportunity that stretched each one of us. It was physical, cultural, adventurous, wondrous, emotional, educational and for me, most of all, it was spiritual. I can think of no better way to be exposed to and immersed in a culture for such a short period of time.
Global Shore provided an opportunity that stretched each one of us. It was physical, cultural, adventurous, wondrous, emotional, educational and for me, most of all, it was spiritual. I can think of no better way to be exposed to and immersed in a culture for such a short period of time.
DAN & HEATHER JANZEN
DAN & HEATHER JANZEN
DAN & HEATHER JANZEN
MISSION, BC
MISSION, BC
MISSION, BC
Our trip with Global Shore has been a journey of discovering the power and depth of our God's love.
Our first missions trip to Guatemala with Global Shore has been a continuing journey of discovering the power and depth of the love our God has not only for us individually but around the world. God’s Spirit is alive in El Tizate, the school, students, staff and local church.
Our first missions trip to Guatemala with Global Shore has been a continuing journey of discovering the power and depth of the love our God has not only for us individually but around the world. God’s Spirit is alive in El Tizate, the school, students, staff and local church.
PAUL ROBINSON
PAUL ROBINSON
PAUL ROBINSON
PASTOR, TILLSONBURG, ON
PASTOR, TILLSONBURG, ON
TILLSONBURG, ON
Lives are being changed and disciples are being raised up. It truly is a work of God!
In the past few years, I have had the wonderful opportunity of travelling on three separate occasions to El Tizate where I was privileged to witness and experience first-hand the amazing ministry of GSO in Guatemala. Lives are being changed and disciples are being raised up. It truly is a work of God!
In the past few years, I have had the wonderful opportunity of travelling on three separate occasions to El Tizate where I was privileged to witness and experience first-hand the amazing ministry of GSO in Guatemala. Lives are being changed and disciples are being raised up. It truly is a work of God!
EMILY FRIESEN
EMILY FRIESEN
DAYMION
STUDENT, ABBOTSFORD, BC
STUDENT, ABBOTSFORD, BC
FAMILY TRIP, JULY 2023
I served with GSO in my Grade 12 year. If you have the chance to go serve in Guatemala, definitely do it!
I went to Guatemala and served with GSO in my Grade 12 year and I fell in love with the country and people and miss it so much. I sponsored a little girl at the school and am counting down the days until I return and see her again! If you have the chance to go serve in Guatemala, definitely do it!
When you’re here, it’s like God gets your feet wet and then invites you to go swimming.
Beyond the Classroom
School groups can integrate educational elements into our traditional trip model. During the planning process, we work with school organizers to incorporate activities and assignments that meet learning objectives in various courses, including but not limited to Social Studies, English Language Arts, Bible and Religion, Spanish, and Home Economics. We’re confident we can plan a trip that enriches your curriculum and expands your students’ understanding through cross-cultural experience.
We invite school groups to integrate their educational efforts with God’s work here in Guatemala. Students can make a difference and be transformed! Contact us to discuss curriculum integration and strategies to take your students’ learning beyond the classroom.
Location & Facilities
Our ministry is located in the beautiful town of El Tizate, where our school sits atop the hill surrounded by breathtaking views. The days can be hot but not humid, and the weather cools off in the evenings, thanks to our high altitude.
Teams are housed in our private compound, just a short walk down the hill from the school. The facilities are equipped with washrooms, warm showers, an eating area, a kitchen, and nine dorm-style bedrooms with bunk beds, some of which can accommodate couples. The beautifully terraced gardens, hammock, campfire area, and a large meeting room help teams bond and relax during free time. Meals are catered by our private chef, and the facility is securely locked at all times.
Dollars & Cents
Our base cost for short-term opportunities is CAD $1600 per person + flights. USD costs are calculated based on the current exchange rate (approximately $1200 + flights). This includes a non-refundable $100 application fee, all accommodations and meals, all in-country transportation, translators, tourist activities (ruins sites, a volcano or coffee tour) and funds for service projects. Trips are typically seven to ten days long and may cost more or less depending on the project type or trip length.
The trip cost does not cover passports, travel/medical insurance, flight cancellation insurance, immunizations, transportation to and from the airport, meals while travelling to or from the country, or personal spending money.
We host teams of all shapes and sizes, and all ages are welcome—whether from school, church, or family and friends who want to serve together! Our ideal team size is 10-12 people; however, we can accommodate teams of up to 25 people.
Blake, STO Coordinator, Guatemala
Blake helps host and lead teams in Guatemala, serving as a cultural liaison and on-the-ground coordinator.
Diane, STO Coordinator, Canada
Diane helps organize, prepare, and debrief teams for their trip to Guatemala. Email Diane for more information about short-term opportunities.
Wily, Projects Coordinator
Willy helps coordinate teams in Guatemala, meaningfully connecting them with projects and people.