Human Rights Internship in Antigua, Guatemala

Overview

Gain practical experience in the field with a human rights internship. Internships are typically with community organisations, NGOs, and government agencies. As an intern, you will work alongside change agents and social workers dedicated to empowerment and social justice.

You’ll assist with community outreach, education, research, and fundraising, while immersing yourself in the local culture and observing how politics, religion, gender, and ethnicity influence social values.

When selecting your internship placement, we consider your goals and interests. You will gain valuable experience in your desired field, but tasks may vary based on the organization’s current projects and objectives. Keep in mind that placements are designed to be mutually beneficial.

You’ll always have support from our in-country coordinators, though they will not be present at your placement every day, so you should be prepared for some independence and leadership.

Spanish Language Requirement
The organizations we partner with primarily speak Spanish. Since coordinators are not always present at your placement, we require an intermediate level of Spanish. A phone interview will be conducted prior to your program to assess your language proficiency.

Working Hours

• Work Hours: 4–6 hours per day, Monday to Friday.
• Spanish Classes: 1 hour daily, Monday to Friday.
• Additional Tasks: You may have extra planning or work outside of your regular internship hours.
• Weekends: Free time to relax, explore, or engage in independent work.

Dress Code
In Guatemala, personal hygiene and style are important. People generally dress neatly and professionally. Even in hot weather, avoid beachwear in the city. Bring clothing ranging from casual to business casual, and be prepared to cover your shoulders and knees. Avoid revealing or extravagant outfits.

Interns are expected to dress in business casual attire and maintain a clean and professional appearance at all times.

Transportation
Internship placements are located in the Antigua area. The most effective and affordable transportation options are walking or taking the bus. Travel times may vary depending on the placement, ranging from 20 to 60 minutes each way. You may need to change buses depending on your housing and internship location. Taxis are also available but more expensive.

On your first day, a representative will accompany you on public transport to show you the route.

Note: As an intern, you are responsible for your daily transportation to and from the internship site. Local bus rides are affordable, costing about Q8 (approximately $1) each way, though it may be more expensive if your placement is farther from Antigua. Taxis are significantly more expensive. We recommend budgeting around $5 per day for transport.

Deliverables
All interns must submit weekly journals and a final deliverable.

• Practicums (<8 weeks): Either a 10-20 page written report or a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.
• Internships (≥8 weeks): Both a 10-20 page written report and a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.

Final Deliverables Should Include:

• Overview of the organization and your role.
• Review of the organization.
• Sector analysis in the host or home country.
• Challenges faced during the internship.
• Outcomes/results.

Spanish Classes
As part of your internship, you will receive 1 hour of Spanish lessons every day, Monday to Friday. Classes are tailored to your language level and work schedule, focusing on vocabulary relevant to your internship tasks.

Our native Spanish instructors use the Communicative Method, emphasizing immersion and spoken interaction. Please note that classes are conducted entirely in Spanish.

Maximizing Your Experience
The success of your internship largely depends on your initiative. Be prepared for cultural differences, including language barriers, work hours, and management styles. We strongly encourage you to take an active, proactive approach to your work, making the most of your time abroad.

When selecting your internship placement, we consider your goals and interests. You will gain valuable experience in your desired field, but tasks may vary based on the organization’s current projects and objectives. Keep in mind that placements are designed to be mutually beneficial.

You’ll always have support from our in-country coordinators, though they will not be present at your placement every day, so you should be prepared for some independence and leadership.

Spanish Language Requirement
The organizations we partner with primarily speak Spanish. Since coordinators are not always present at your placement, we require an intermediate level of Spanish. A phone interview will be conducted prior to your program to assess your language proficiency.

Working Hours

• Work Hours: 4–6 hours per day, Monday to Friday.
• Spanish Classes: 1 hour daily, Monday to Friday.
• Additional Tasks: You may have extra planning or work outside of your regular internship hours.
• Weekends: Free time to relax, explore, or engage in independent work.

Dress Code
In Guatemala, personal hygiene and style are important. People generally dress neatly and professionally. Even in hot weather, avoid beachwear in the city. Bring clothing ranging from casual to business casual, and be prepared to cover your shoulders and knees. Avoid revealing or extravagant outfits.

Interns are expected to dress in business casual attire and maintain a clean and professional appearance at all times.

Transportation
Internship placements are located in the Antigua area. The most effective and affordable transportation options are walking or taking the bus. Travel times may vary depending on the placement, ranging from 20 to 60 minutes each way. You may need to change buses depending on your housing and internship location. Taxis are also available but more expensive.

On your first day, a representative will accompany you on public transport to show you the route.

Note: As an intern, you are responsible for your daily transportation to and from the internship site. Local bus rides are affordable, costing about Q8 (approximately $1) each way, though it may be more expensive if your placement is farther from Antigua. Taxis are significantly more expensive. We recommend budgeting around $5 per day for transport.

Deliverables
All interns must submit weekly journals and a final deliverable.

• Practicums (<8 weeks): Either a 10-20 page written report or a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.
• Internships (≥8 weeks): Both a 10-20 page written report and a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.

Final Deliverables Should Include:

• Overview of the organization and your role.
• Review of the organization.
• Sector analysis in the host or home country.
• Challenges faced during the internship.
• Outcomes/results.

Spanish Classes
As part of your internship, you will receive 1 hour of Spanish lessons every day, Monday to Friday. Classes are tailored to your language level and work schedule, focusing on vocabulary relevant to your internship tasks.

Our native Spanish instructors use the Communicative Method, emphasizing immersion and spoken interaction. Please note that classes are conducted entirely in Spanish.

Maximizing Your Experience
The success of your internship largely depends on your initiative. Be prepared for cultural differences, including language barriers, work hours, and management styles. We strongly encourage you to take an active, proactive approach to your work, making the most of your time abroad.

Location

Projects are located in and around the city of Antigua. Which was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. This is a popular tourist spot due to the pretty colonial buildings and ancient ruins. From the streets and rooftops, you can even see volcanoes towering over the city. Antigua’s Central Plaza has plenty of restaurants, shops, markets, and regular cultural events, making it an exciting city to call home.

Project Tasks

• Assist with marketing efforts, including updating websites, managing social media, and creating promotional materials.
• Conduct interviews with potential recipients or beneficiaries.
• Collaborate on projects or events.
• Translate or edit documents.
• Create presentations for potential projects.
• Attend organizational meetings.
• Support staff with daily office tasks.