Free Volunteer Opportunities in Central America

Teach English & Make a Lasting Impact

Every year, One, Two…Tree! delivers around a dozen English education programs across rural Guatemala, supporting hundreds of children, teenagers, and adults on their English learning journey. We are also powered by a growing community of international and local volunteers who contribute thousands of teaching hours each year. Together with our local partners, we are helping create brighter futures through education.

Every volunteer plays an important role in delivering these programs and creating lasting impact in the communities we work with.Discover what volunteering involves, explore our program requirements, and find out how you can become part of the One, Two…Tree! community.

What You'll Do

Whether you’re taking a gap year, building your teaching experience, changing careers, or simply looking for a meaningful way to give back, volunteering in Guatemala with us is an opportunity to make a real difference while becoming part of a welcoming local community.

Unlike many international volunteer programs, we don’t place volunteers on the sidelines. From your first week, you’ll become part of our team, supporting English classes that respond directly to community needs and working alongside local teachers, schools, and community partners. As a volunteer-run organisation, we value collaboration, creativity, and initiative. Every volunteer experience is a little different, but you can expect to:

Teach or co-teach English classes in local public shools.
Support children’s, teenagers’, and adult English programs at our Learning Centre.
Plan engaging lessons, games, and communicative activities.
Prepare and deliver assessments, and track and report on student progress.
Maintain class diaries to help ensure continuity in our students’ learning and smooth class handovers between volunteers.
Help learners build confidence speaking English.
Participate in community events and educational projects.
Work closely with local teachers and fellow international volunteers.
Contribute ideas to improve our programs and resources.

We also encourage volunteers to bring their own skills and ideas to the project. A volunteer’s passion can open the door to something new. For example, one of our female volunteers, who loved football, worked with local community members to start football training for girls. Initiatives like these grow from the interests and strengths of our volunteers, while being shaped in collaboration with the community and responding to local interests and opportunities.

A Typical Week

Every week offers a balanced mix of teaching, lesson preparation, collaboration, and free time to experience the stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and welcoming communities of Guatemala.

Our English language programs run from Monday to Thursday, giving volunteers a three-day weekend to relax, explore Lake Atitlán and beyond, or immerse themselves in local life. From time to time, we also organise community events and activities over the weekend, and volunteers are warmly encouraged to get involved. We always welcome new ideas and initiatives from our volunteers that can create a lasting, positive impact and further support the community of Santiago Atitlán.

While every week is a little different, here’s what a typical week as a volunteer with One, Two…Tree! looks like:

Monday–Thursday

Morning

Teach English in local public schools.
Support classroom activities and small-group learning.

Afternoon

Lesson planning, resource preparation and class admin.
Free time with your host family or volunteers.
Spanish lessons with a local teacher (optional).

Evenings

Teach community classes for children, teenagers, or adults.
Volunteer meetings and professional development.

Weekend

Friday – Sunday

Explore Guatemala’s volcanoes, markets, lakes, colonial towns, coffee farms, and Mayan heritage sites.
Take a weaving, pottery or embroidery class or simply enjoy life by Lake Atitlán and its towns!

Volunteer Program Structure

Our English education programs follow the Guatemalan academic year, which runs from February to the end of October. To ensure continuity across our programs, we have scheduled volunteer intake periods throughout the year, while also offering flexible placement dates whenever possible.

Volunteer Intake 1

February – April

Volunteer Intake 2

May-July

Volunteer Intake 3

August – October

We ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of six weeks, giving them time to settle into the community, build confidence in the classroom, and make a meaningful contribution to our programmes. Longer placements are especially encouraged, as they provide greater consistency for our learners, foster stronger relationships with the local community, and allow volunteers to make an even greater impact.

Accomodation and Cost of Living

Unlike many volunteer organisations, One, Two…Tree! does not charge programme fees. We believe volunteering in Guatemala should be accessible and transparent, with your contribution directly supporting the local community rather than covering high administration costs.

Our volunteers stay with carefully selected local host families in Santiago Atitlán, providing an authentic homestay experience where they can immerse themselves in Guatemalan culture, practise Spanish, and become part of everyday family life. Homestay accommodation payments are made directly to the host families upon arrival, ensuring that your contribution goes straight to the local households who welcome and support our volunteers. Living with a host family includes:

Comfortable accommodation with essential amenities, including electricity, Wi-Fi, hot showers, and a private bedroom. Depending on the accommodation selected, volunteers will also have access to either shared or private cooking facilities.
Daily opportunities for cultural exchange.
Support from local families who know the community well.

Santiago Atitlán has a relatively low cost of living, making it an affordable destination for both short- and long-term volunteering in Guatemala.

Volunteers are responsible for covering their own travel expenses, accommodation, meals, and day-to-day living costs throughout their placement. To help you plan your budget with confidence, we’ve prepared a Volunteer Financial Guide (PDF), which provides an overview of typical expenses in Guatemala, including accommodation, food, transport, and other everyday costs.

We encourage all prospective volunteers to review this guide before applying to ensure they have a clear understanding of the costs involved and can determine whether volunteering in Guatemala is the right fit for their budget and travel plans.

Who Can Volunteer?

We’re looking for enthusiastic, adaptable people who enjoy working with others and are passionate about education and cultural exchange. You don’t need to be a qualified teacher or have previous teaching experience to volunteer with us. We provide all volunteers with a comprehensive onboarding process, ongoing training, guidance, and teaching materials to help them feel confident and effective in the classroom.

We welcome:

University and college students
Gap year travellers
TEFL-qualified teachers and aspiring English teachers
Experienced educators
Career changers
Retired professionals
Working professionals taking a career break or sabbatical
Local volunteers from Guatemala
International volunteers from around the world
Anyone with strong English skills, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn how to teach

Requirements:

Minimum age: 18 years
Good English communication skills
Commitment to your volunteer placement
Background check
Travel insurance for the duration of your placement
Ability to commit to up to 25 hours of volunteering per week
Positive attitude, flexibility, and cultural sensitivity
Openness to learning and working as part of a multicultural team
panish is not required, but a basic conversational level will help you settle into the community and make the most of your volunteering experience

Can’t travel to Guatemala? You may still be able to make a meaningful impact! We welcome volunteers with professional skills to support One, Two…Tree! remotely in areas such as curriculum development, website and graphic design, marketing, fundraising, grant writing, finance, administration, and other behind-the-scenes projects. Whether you can contribute to a one-off project or volunteer regularly, your expertise helps us strengthen our organisation and expand educational opportunities for our students and we’d love to hear from you!

Application Process

Joining One, Two…Tree! is a simple process designed to help us get to know you, understand your goals, and make sure the volunteer experience is the right fit for everyone. To get started:

1. Submit your application: Complete our online volunteer application form with information about your background, interests, experience, and motivation for joining our program.

2. Application review and follow-up: Once we receive your application, our team will review your information and get back to you with further details about the programme, expectations, and next steps.

3. Interview and teaching activity: We will arrange an online interview to learn more about you, answer any questions you may have, and discuss your expectations for volunteering in Guatemala. As part of the interview process, we ask volunteer candidates to complete a short teaching activity. This is not a test of teaching experience or qualifications – it helps us understand your communication style, creativity, and ability to adapt to a classroom environment.

4. Confirmation of your placement: Following the interview, we will let you know the outcome of your application. In many cases, we can confirm your placement during the interview; occasionally, we may need a little more time to make a final decision.

5. Prepare for your arrival in Guatemala: Once your placement is confirmed, you can begin making your travel arrangements. Our team will support you with practical preparations, including guidance on arrival, arranging transport from the airport to Santiago Atitlán, and organising your accommodation with a local host family.

Why We're Different

There are many ways to volunteer abroad, but One, Two…Tree! offers a meaningful and authentic volunteer experience in Guatemala. Our community-based English teaching programme connects passionate volunteers with local schools, learners, and families in Santiago Atitlán, creating opportunities for genuine cultural exchange and sustainable educational impact.

Community-Led Volunteering

Our programmes are developed in partnership with local schools, teachers, and community members. By working closely with the community, we ensure our English teaching volunteer opportunities respond to local educational needs and priorities.

Meaningful English Teaching Experience

Volunteers play an active role in planning and delivering English lessons, gaining hands-on experience while supporting learners to develop valuable language skills. Whether you are an experienced educator or new to teaching, our programme provides the training, resources, and support needed to become an effective classroom volunteer.

Volunteer-Run Organisation

We’re powered by passionate volunteers and a dedicated local team, allowing us to keep our focus where it matters most: delivering high-quality educational programmes and creating meaningful opportunities for learners and volunteers alike.

Authentic Cultural Immersion

Volunteers live with carefully selected local host families and work alongside Guatemalan educators, providing a unique opportunity for cultural immersion in Guatemala. You’ll practise Spanish, experience everyday community life, and build genuine connections beyond the typical tourist experience.

Real Community Impact

Through teaching English abroad, volunteers help expand access to language education while building lasting relationships with learners, families, and community members. Your contribution supports a community where English skills can open doors to future educational, professional, and personal opportunities.

A More Ethical Way to Volunteer Abroad

We believe in responsible, community-led volunteering that prioritises long-term relationships over short-term experiences. By working directly with local partners and avoiding expensive programme fees, we ensure that your time and contribution create a positive impact where it is needed most.

PREPARING FOR LIFE ON THE GROUND

FAQs

Do I need teaching experience?

No. While teaching experience is helpful, it’s not essential. We provide guidance, teaching materials and resources, and ongoing support throughout your placement.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

No. English is the language of instruction when delivering lessons, but learning some Spanish can enhance your experience and help you connect with the local community.

How long should I volunteer?

We require a minimum placement of 6 weeks, although longer stays provide greater continuity for students and a more immersive experience for volunteers.

Will I receive support?

Yes. Our local volunteer and project coordinator and experienced volunteers provide orientation, mentoring, and ongoing support throughout your placement.

Is Guatemala safe?

Like travelling anywhere, it’s important to take sensible precautions. We provide guidance before you arrive and support throughout your stay to help you feel confident and prepared.

Life Outside the Classroom

Volunteering is about more than teaching. During your time in Santiago Atitlán, you’ll experience:

Traditional Mayan culture
Local markets
Lake Atitlán
Hiking and nature
Spanish language practice
Festivals and celebrations
Artisan workshops
Incredible Guatemalan food

Many volunteers describe the friendships they build within the community as one of the most rewarding parts of their experience.

Hear From Our Volunteers

“When I was looking for a volunteering opportunity, there were two things that mattered most to me. First, I wanted to volunteer with an organisation that was genuinely ethical—one that exists to serve the community rather than profit from it. Second, I wanted an opportunity where I could make a meaningful contribution and feel that I was giving something back.

One, Two…Tree! is exactly that. It was created with the sole purpose of supporting the local community, creating opportunities, and empowering people through education. The public school English classes are completely free, and the Learning Centre is accessible to anyone who wants to learn. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that everything the organisation does is centred around making education available to everyone.

One of the things I love most about One,Two…Tree! is the freedom volunteers have to contribute their own skills and passions. Whether you’re interested in art, music, sports, or another subject, you’re encouraged to share what you can. For example, one volunteer studying engineering is planning to build resources for the classrooms, while another runs art classes in English .I think this flexibility is what makes the program so special, it allows every volunteer to make a unique and lasting impact.

The structure of the program is also fantastic. Rather than expecting volunteers to know how to teach from day one, you’re supported every step of the way. You begin by observing experienced volunteers, gradually take on more responsibility, and receive weekly feedback from the coordinator on how to improve. This means that anyone, regardless of their previous experience, can develop into a confident and effective teacher.

When I arrived, I had absolutely no teaching experience. I was nervous, lacked confidence, and questioned whether I was capable of teaching. But through the support, encouragement, and guidance I received, I have learnt so much – not just about teaching English, but about myself. Whilst I am still learning, I’ve become more adaptable, more confident, and much better at communicating with others. The program has shown me that I am capable of far more than I believed.

What makes this experience even more meaningful is that the skills you gain won’t just stay in Guatemala.The impact of this programme doesn’t end with the community it serves – it also equips volunteers with skills they can carry forward and use to make a difference elsewhere.

Beyond the volunteering itself, the community at One,Two…Tree! has been incredible. I’ve made friendships that I know I’ll carry with me long after leaving, and I’ve been welcomed into a culture in a way that simply isn’t possible through traditional tourism. Living in Santiago Atitlán has allowed me to experience everyday life, celebrate local traditions, build genuine relationships with local people, and gain a much deeper understanding of Guatemalan culture. It has shown me what ethical, authentic travel can truly look like. I am incredibly grateful for everything this experience has given me.”

Carmel, UK – Volunteer in 2026

“Living in Santiago Atitlán for six weeks and volunteering with One, Two…Tree! I had the chance to learn so much, not only about the rich cultures and complex history of Guatemala, but also about the deep politics of language.

I observed that, in Santiago, language is deeply tied to its history and identity. The community has fought hard to protect its rich indigenous culture and preserve its native language, Tzʼutujil. Keeping this language alive, in spite of Spanish dominance, has been both an act of resistance against historical oppression and a proud expression of their Mayan heritage.

Yet, the students’ continued ambitions for learning new languages like English, within this context, showed me that, whilst language has historically been used as a tool for oppression, it is equally an instrument for connection and growth.

During these six weeks, I learnt a lot about the motivations of the students for learning English – from travelling, to education, to music, to work – each person had their own personal goals. Language is truly a window into different cultures – it allows us to connect with new people, to learn from different places, and to access different resources – and all communities deserve the freedom and choice to embrace new languages without being forced to abandon their own. I think that sharing our languages and learning those of others, is one of the best ways to expand our horizons and build a society that is more tolerant and inclusive, and therefore, opportunities to do this should be more widely accessible for everyone.

Thank you One, Two…Tree! It has been inspiring to contribute to an organisation that involves both local and foreign people, combining knowledge and skills to make a positive and lasting impact.”

Nina, UK/Brazil – Volunteer in 2025, check out Nina’s experience as a volunteer in the video below!