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 2004, short-term groups have come alongside our regular work to support our school, help build houses, train local businesspeople and learn more about the lived experience of Guatemalan community members.
With visiting groups, our goal is that you would encounter the Lord and His work in Guatemala. We believe short-term groups can contribute in meaningful ways and experience a greater understanding of long-term development work. We’re always looking for ways to align team skills with local needs—but our greatest desire is that God would work in the hearts of those who come long after they return home.
REGISTER OR GIVE TO A TEAM!
What Teams Do
The School
Our school is the heart of our ministry—teams participate in school life through devotionals, recess and help in English classes.
Hands-on Service
Each team provides funds for a local work project and participates in the work.
Church Involvement
Teams partner with the “La Gloria Que Impacta” church network, experiencing the global church and partnering with local congregations to expand reach in local communities.
Spiritual Development
We believe a short-term trip can have a long-term impact in your life. Our staff work with teams before, during and after trips to encourage reflection and spiritual transformation, engage in discipleship and support a healthy return home.
Outreach
In partnership with school staff and/or local pastors, teams visit homes to listen, encourage and pray for families.
Cultural Experiences
El Tizate is 15 minutes away from the historic city of Antigua. Teams tour the city, learning about local history and culture. Meals in local homes let team members experience authentic Guatemalan cuisine, and an afternoon is offered to explore the city of Antigua. Many teams also dedicate a half-day to hiking a local volcano.
Custom Elements
We work to put team talents and skills to good use, whether that be carpentry, IT, teaching, landscaping, theatre, or something we haven’t heard of yet.
GLENN COON
GLENN COON
GLENN COON
PHARMACIST, PORT ROWAN, ON
PHARMACIST, PORT ROWAN, ON
PHARMACIST, 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
PASTOR, 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
EMILY FRIESEN
STUDENT, ABBOTSFORD, BC
STUDENT, ABBOTSFORD, BC
STUDENT, ABBOTSFORD, BC
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!
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! It's truly a life-changing experience!
Beyond the Classroom
Interested school groups can integrate educational elements into our traditional trip model. During the planning process, we work with school organizers to integrate activities and assignments that meet learning objectives in a variety of courses, including but not limited to Social Studies, English Language Arts, Bible Study & Religion, Spanish, Home Economics and Religion. With flexible dates and a certified Canadian teacher on our Short-Term Opportunities staff, we’re confident that we can plan a trip that enriches your curriculum offerings and expands your students’ understanding through cross-cultural experience.
School groups are invited to integrate their educational efforts with the work that God is doing here in Guatemala: to allow students to make a difference, and to come away changed as well. Contact us to start dreaming about curriculum integration and strategies to take your students’ learning beyond the classroom.
Location & Facilities
Our ministry is located in a beautiful, mountainous region, and our school sits atop the hill in our town, El Tizate. 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 in town, equipped with washrooms, warm showers, an eating area, a kitchen, nine dorm-style bedrooms, beautifully terraced gardens and a large meeting room. Bedrooms are outfitted with bunk beds, some of which can accommodate couples. The facility is securely locked at all times. Meals are catered or billeted out to local families in the community.
Dollars & Cents
Our base cost for short-term opportunities is CAD $1600 + flights per person. Trips are usually ten days in length. Depending on the type of project or length of trip, trips may cost more or less. This cost covers 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.
This price does not cover: passport costs, travel/medical insurance, flight cancellation insurance, immunizations, travel and meals to and from the airport, personal spending money.
We host teams of all ages, whether from school, church, family or friends who want to serve together. Our preferred team size is 10-12 people; however, we can accommodate team sizes up to 25 people.
Luis, Projects Coordinator
Luis organizes and leads our on-the-ground projects, connecting with staff, pastors, families, neighbours, teams and everyone in between to make sure that our work is meaningful and effective!
Diane, STO Coordinator, Canada (Interim)
Diane is volunteering with GSO to help organize and prepare Short-term teams before they arrive in Guatemala. Email Diane for more information about short-term opportunities.