International volunteering | One Two... Tree

18 August, 2025 In Interviews, News

Why Volunteering Abroad Matters—Insights from the Ground

Volunteering abroad is more than just an adventure—it’s a powerful way to make a lasting difference in communities around the world, while also growing as an individual. From teaching English in rural schools to supporting community-led education initiatives, international volunteering has the potential to transform lives on both sides of the experience.

At One, Two… Tree!, we’ve welcomed volunteers from across the globe—each bringing unique backgrounds, energy, and perspectives. In this blog, we explore why volunteering abroad matters, featuring reflections from our dedicated team of global volunteers. Whether you’re considering teaching English as a volunteer, joining global volunteer opportunities, or looking for a meaningful way to spend your gap year or career break, these stories might just inspire your next step.

Making a Tangible Impact

One of the most rewarding aspects of joining volunteer programs abroad is seeing the direct impact of your efforts. In underserved communities, access to quality education or language training can open doors to jobs, scholarships, and international opportunities.

Our volunteers support English language programs in rural public schools and community centres where resources are limited. By contributing their time and skills, they help build local capacity and increase opportunities for students and teachers alike.

Otto, a volunteer from Sweden who recently volunteered in Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala, as a volunteer English teacher reflects upon his experiences:

Empowering Local Communities Through Sustainable Education

Sustainable volunteer work is about partnership, not just charity. At One, Two… Tree!, we prioritise collaboration with local teachers, school directors, and community members. Volunteers don’t impose change—they support it.

We work side-by-side with local educators to share methodologies, create engaging lessons, and offer tools that empower students. This approach fosters sustainable education programs and ensures that the impact lasts long after the volunteer has returned home. When done ethically, volunteering abroad strengthens local initiatives rather than creating dependence.

A Two-Way Exchange of Knowledge and Culture

Volunteering abroad creates a dynamic exchange that benefits both the volunteer and the host community. As Ania from Australia, one of our former volunteers in Guatemala, puts it:

“I came to teach English, but I ended up learning more than I ever imagined. Every class is a window into local culture, language, and values. It’s humbling, and deeply enriching.”

Whether you’re teaching English as a volunteer or supporting community projects, you’re not just giving—you’re receiving. These experiences build empathy, cross-cultural understanding, and long-term relationships.

Personal Growth and Professional Development

While the focus of international volunteering is often on service, it also sparks profound personal growth. Living and working in a new environment builds resilience, adaptability, and cultural intelligence—qualities highly valued in today’s global job market.

Many volunteers return home with increased confidence, a broader worldview, and new career pathways in fields like international development, education, or social impact.

Building a Global Volunteer Network

Volunteering abroad also connects you to a vibrant global community of like-minded individuals. At One, Two… Tree!, our team includes volunteers and staff from over a dozen countries—all united by a shared passion for education and social justice.

These connections often lead to lifelong friendships, future collaborations, and a deepened sense of global citizenship.

How to Get Involved in Volunteering Abroad

We offer flexible global volunteer opportunities in Guatemala that focus on inclusive, community-led education. You don’t need to be a qualified teacher—just passionate, open-minded, and ready to learn.

Our volunteer program typically includes:

Delivering English lessons in local public schools
Offering English lessons to youth and adults in the community
Supporting teacher training and resource development
Developing bespoke English programs for community organisations
Engaging in cultural exchange and local immersion activities

And beyond the classroom, you’ll explore Guatemala’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture—from volcanoes and lakes to markets and Mayan traditions.

Hear from Nina, another one of our volunteers who recently finished up her 6-week volunteer teaching placement with One, Two…Tree!:

Why It Matters—Now More Than Ever

In a world facing growing inequality, climate change, and displacement, volunteering abroad offers a way to respond with compassion and purpose. It’s about standing alongside communities, learning from them, and sharing knowledge respectfully.

Teaching English as a volunteer breaks down language barriers that limit access to education and opportunity, while fostering empathy and solidarity.

Ready to Make a Difference Abroad?

If you’ve been looking for a way to give back, explore global volunteer opportunities, and grow personally and professionally, volunteering with One, Two… Tree! might be the perfect fit.

Visit our website and check out our Instagram to learn more about our programs and how you can get involved. Together, we can build a more connected, compassionate world—one classroom at a time.

17 April, 2025 In Interviews, News

Volunteer Life: How Changemakers Impact Communities

Volunteers are the heartbeat of NGOs like One, Two… Tree! They are more than just helpers—they are changemakers. These are individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and passion to transforming communities and creating sustainable, positive impact.

In Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala, volunteers play a pivotal role in expanding access to education, promoting cross-cultural exchange, and igniting a lifelong love for learning. But what does it truly mean to be a changemaker? And how can volunteers drive real, lasting change?

Let’s dive into the transformative world of international volunteering and how changemakers like you help shape the mission of One, Two… Tree!

What It Means to Be a Changemaker

A changemaker isn’t just someone who wants to do good—it’s someone who takes action. In the context of NGOs and volunteer abroad programs, changemakers are those who create meaningful change through service, education, and empowerment.

At One, Two… Tree!, volunteers step into this role by:

Teaching English to students in underserved communities
Supporting local educators and building teaching resources
Connecting with students through culturally enriching experiences
Inspiring confidence, creativity, and curiosity in the classroom

These efforts may seem small on the surface, but they add up to real, measurable impact—helping to bridge the educational gap and build brighter futures for young learners in Guatemala.

Why Volunteers Are Essential to NGOs Like One, Two… Tree!

Volunteers Empower Communities Through Education

Without the commitment of volunteers, organizations like One, Two… Tree! wouldn’t be able to offer free, accessible English education to local communities. Volunteers help level the playing field by giving students the tools they need to succeed in a globalized world where English is a powerful skill.

Volunteers Foster Cultural Exchange

When volunteers immerse themselves in local communities, they bring a unique perspective that enriches both sides. Students learn about the world beyond their borders, and volunteers gain a deep cultural understanding and appreciation for the lives, traditions, and values of the people and the community they serve.

Volunteers Spark Lifelong Change

The presence of an engaged, passionate volunteer can shift the course of a student’s learning. By simply showing up, listening, and investing time and energy into learning, volunteers plant seeds of confidence and motivate students to dream bigger.

And the change doesn’t stop there—volunteers often leave transformed as well. Many report gaining clarity on their values, purpose, and place in the world. Volunteering becomes not just an act of giving but also one of personal growth and reflection.

A Day in the Life of a One, Two… Tree! Volunteer

Wondering what your days might look like as a volunteer with One, Two… Tree!? While every experience is unique, here from some of our volunteers as to what a typical day involves.

From lesson prep to lakeside sunsets, volunteers become an integral part of the community—immersing themselves in daily life and forming bonds that last far beyond their time in Guatemala.

How You Can Become a Changemaker

Feeling inspired? There are many ways you can start your journey as a changemaker through volunteer abroad programs.

Where to Find Volunteer Opportunities

Explore these platforms to find the right fit for your interests and goals:

One, Two… Tree! – Come join our team and help deliver English education programs in Guatemala
Volunteer Latin America – Numerous opportunities throughout Central and South America
Workaway – Global volunteer placements with host families and NGOs
GoAbroad – A wide range of international service opportunities
Volunteer World – Filter by cause, country, or organization type
Idealist – Listings for social impact jobs and volunteer roles

Whether you’re passionate about education, environmental sustainability, youth development, or community empowerment, there’s a volunteer opportunity out there waiting for you.

The Lasting Impact of Volunteerism

Volunteers Change Lives—Including Their Own

At the core of it all, volunteers are changemakers in every sense of the word. They bring skills, energy, and compassion into spaces that need it most. In return, they gain a sense of fulfilment, a broadened worldview, and connections that transcend borders.

At One, Two… Tree!, volunteers don’t just teach English—they inspire dreams, break down cultural barriers, and contribute to a global movement for equity and education.

Ready to Be a Changemaker?

Are you ready to step into a role that makes a difference? Whether you’re a gap year traveller, a career breaker, or simply someone looking to give back, volunteering abroad with One, Two… Tree! is a powerful way to transform lives—yours included.

Apply today and become part of a global community of changemakers building a more connected, compassionate world.