Donor visits
We value the personal connections that our sponsors have with their sponsored student, and we invite sponsors and donors to come to Guatemala to visit their sponsored students or families. These visits can be combined with volunteering with Mayan Families, or it can be limited to a visit with your student, leaving the rest of your vacation free to explore the beautiful Lake Atitlan region.
If you would like to arrange a visit, please email susie[at]mayanfamilies[dot]org.
Some things to keep in mind to ensure your visit is a great experience for all involved:
- Mayan Families is happy to arrange for your student to come to the office to meet with you, and to provide a translator if necessary. Unfortunately, due to the number of sponsors that we have, we are not able to provide other services, such as transportation to the student's home, without asking for a donation to cover our costs.
- Students and their families are usually very excited to meet sponsors, but parents often have to take time off from work, and the families sometimes have to travel--often walk--long distances to get here. Many sponsors choose to give food or another gift as a polite way of thanking them for their trouble.
- Guatemala is generally more conservative than the USA or Canada. Please dress modestly. Tank-tops and shorts are not appropriate when visiting traditional communities.
- Guatemala is notorious for everything running behind. It's a part of the culture. Waiting 30 minutes or more for a date or meeting is not uncommon.
- Distributing donations can be difficult. Things don't always run smoothly and culturally people are not accustomed to waiting passively in line for their turn. Please be patient and use your hosts as an example of appropriate etiquette. Being fair and consistent will help avoid conflict.
- In impoverished rural Guatemala incomes are low and eating in a restaurant is a rare occurrence for most. If you are touring the local community with our staff members and stop for a meal please remember this. Please support Mayan Families staff with their food expenses.
- Guatemala has a non-fixed price economy. Prices fluctuate, and ‘gringos’ often pay more than locals. Staff can often make recommendations on the best places to buy to minimize this.
- When entering a community please remember you are a guest. Follow the etiquette of your Mayan Families staff and respect their directions.
- Please remain conscious that everyone likes to be consulted before their photo is taken.
- It is essential that you have adequate travel insurance for the duration of your stay. Please note that many household polices and conventional travel polices do not provide adequate coverage for volunteer projects and traveling overseas. In the unlikely event that you do have an accident you must be covered for all contingencies including medical emergency air evacuation.