gap year
Your Gap Year Adventure with Purpose
Make a Difference While Exploring the World
Are you looking for a meaningful way to spend your gap year? Long Way Home offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sustainable development, community engagement, and eco-friendly construction while immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Guatemala.
Why Choose Long Way Home?
Hands-On Impact: Work on real-world projects that promote environmental sustainability and improve local communities.
Skill Building: Learn eco-construction techniques, sustainable agriculture, and leadership skills.
Cultural Immersion: Experience the rich traditions, language, and hospitality of rural Guatemala.
Adventure & Exploration: Hike volcanoes, visit ancient Mayan ruins, and explore lush landscapes.
Global Connections: Collaborate with like-minded individuals from around the world.
What You'll Do
As a gap year participant, you’ll be actively involved in projects such as:
Constructing sustainable buildings using alternative materials like tires, bottles, and rammed earth.
Assisting in permaculture and small gardening projects.
Supporting local education programs and community outreach.
Learning Spanish through immersion and optional classes.
Who Should Apply?
Our gap year program is perfect for students who are:
Passionate about sustainability and social impact.
Interested in learning new skills outside of the classroom.
Looking for a transformative experience before college or career.
Eager to contribute meaningfully to a global community.
Program Details
Duration: Flexible programs ranging from 4 weeks to 12 months.
Location: Comalapa, Guatemala.
Accommodations: Stay in shared volunteer housing with access to communal kitchens and common spaces.
Meals: Enjoy delicious, locally sourced meals.
Cost: Program fees cover lodging, meals, training, and project materials. Scholarships and fundraising support are available.
-GAP YEAR Packages-
Choose LWH for your gap year program
We offer a variety of packages to accommodate different budgets and schedules. The most popular one is our Typical 1 Week Package that costs US$600 p/person, and includes:
Transport
Roundtrip transportation from the airport to Comalapa, with a staff member present to greet the group.
Cultural night
At the Volunteer House local chef will prepare a traditional dinner, entertainment from a local marimba band, and some of Comalapa’s artist will display their work.
lodging
6 night stay at our green-designed Volunteer House, which sits beside the school. Each volunteer is provided a bed in one of our dorm-style bedrooms, access to shared common spaces, and bathrooms.
meals
An excellent local chef provides lunch and dinner on-site. Breakfast can be prepared in the fully equipped kitchen of the Volunteer House or added on to the group plan.
Excursion
We provide an overnight excursion to Antigua, chaperoned by the Volunteer Coordinator, who will show you Antigua’s main sites and history. (Includes accommodation and transport, but not meals)
Check out the volunteer house
See what gap year group carpe diem has to say about their 2022 group visit
how to apply?
If you are interested in coming to Long Way Home during your Gap Year, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@lwhome.org.