Long Way Home needs help from people just like you! We accept volunteers throughout the year for periods of one to three months. Individuals or groups are welcome.

Long Way Home’s volunteer program is very popular. Occasionally we can accommodate last minute applications, but it is best to plan your time with us in advance. Our application process is crucial to giving you the best possible volunteer experience.

Volunteer activities cover a wide spectrum: pounding dirt, plastering walls, teaching English, creating art, engineering services and more. We accept volunteers with a variety of skill sets and proficiencies…but everyone needs to bring a positive attitude.

Groups from organizations (i.e. schools, churches, etc.) should proceed to the Groups page to review our distinctive group programming. A week in Guatemala will change your definition of service!

Students wishing to receive academic credit should visit the Internships page for specialized volunteering opportunities. We may be able to work with your college or university to help you receive credit for opportunities beyond what we have listed.

If you can answer yes to two or more of the follow questions, please fill out our online application (right side of this page) and our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch with you soon.

Can you speak a little Spanish?
Can you lay concrete?
Do you enjoy being covered in mud?
Do you have experience in alternative building methods?
Do you know how to weed a garden?
Can you live communally?
Can you design and install a solar water heating system?

You should come prepared to work hard (7am – 4pm, Mon-Fri), contribute to a project that will change a community, meet people with common interests and passions, and learn to understand a new culture.

Whether you are coming solo, with a friend or two, or in a group, please read our Volunteer Manual (right side of this page) carefully to understand what living and working with Long Way Home in Comalapa will be like. In particular, the Volunteer Manual provides in-depth information about the program including accommodations, travel, food and costs.The Manual is required reading for all our volunteers prior to arrival.

Long Way Home recommends that you purchase travel insurance before coming to Guatemala. This will financially protect yourself in the unlikely event you are injured in your time here.

Please contact us with any further questions. We hope to meet you soon.