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Brilliant 4.77rating (196)
  • Decent Work And Economic Growth

Hotel & Tourism Internships

location
4 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Gain insights into the tourism industry in Guatemala.
  • receive 1 hour of private Spanish lessons every day (Monday to Friday)
  • Gain Spanish practice by living with a host family and sharing daily life with locals.

Highlights

  • Gain insights into the tourism industry in Guatemala.
  • receive 1 hour of private Spanish lessons every day (Monday to Friday)
  • Gain Spanish practice by living with a host family and sharing daily life with locals.
  • Make memories you'll never forget during your time abroad.
  • Learn more about the Latin American ways, customs and habits.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Level up your skills & experience Guatemala! Dive into the world of business as an intern, learning from Guatemalan professionals and supporting local growth. 🇬🇹


    Hospitality & Tourism internship placements are with hotels, hostels, tourist agencies, tour operators, or restaurants. All placements are with small, locally-owned businesses. Work may vary depending on the time of year (high/low season) and current business projects and goals at your placement. 

    At

    About the program


    Hospitality & Tourism internship placements are with hotels, hostels, tourist agencies, tour operators, or restaurants. All placements are with small, locally-owned businesses. Work may vary depending on the time of year (high/low season) and current business projects and goals at your placement. 

    At hostel and hotel placements, interns will particpate in the following activities:

    • Assist with sales, reservations, and pre-arrival service
    • Provide sales and marketing support through both online and direct promotion
    • Attend to reception desk responsibilities, including check in, check out, and guest requests 
    • Recommend hotel services and facilities to guests 
    • Provide information about local activities, restaurants, and travel
    • Maintain and ensure full guest satisfaction
    • Aid in coordination of day-to-day operations of hotel/hostel

    At tour agencies and operators, interns will particpate in the following activities:

    • Assist with sales, reservations, and pre-arrival service
    • Provide online sales and marketing support through website updates, social media management, and review sites (e.g. traveladvisor.com)
    • Update and develop promotional materials
    • Maintain and ensure full customer satisfaction
    • Aid in coordination of day-to-day operations of tours and transportation
    • Provide assistance on local tours

    At restaurants, interns will particpate in the following activities:

    • Provide online sales and marketing support through website updates, social media management, and review sites (e.g. traveladvisor.com)
    • Assist with community outreach and promotion
    • Update and develop promotional materials
    • Maintain and ensure full customer satisfaction
    • Assist with basic accounting and stock and supply purchases
    • Help with day-to-day restaurant operations

    As part of the internship program, participants receive 1 hour of private Spanish lessons every day, Monday to Friday. The classes can be personalized to the level and work schedule, and focuses on vocabulary relevant to the internship placement. 

    Our Native Spanish Program is taught by experienced, certified, native Spanish instructors. Maximo Nivel uses the Communicative Method of language teaching, which is focused primarily on immersive, spoken interaction as a means of learning. For this reason, please note that teachers speak only in Spanish 100% of the time during class.

    All interns are required to submit weekly journals and a final deliverable.

    Internships os less than 8 weeks require either a 10-20 page written paper or a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation. Internships of 8 weeks or longer require both a 10-20 page written paper and a 1-hour PowerPoint presentation.

    Final Deliverables are expected to cover the following:

    • Overview of the company worked with and the intern's role
    • Organization review
    • Sector analysis in host or home country
    • Analysis of obstacles incurred
    • Outcomes/results
    Interns are always supported by Maximo Nivel’s in-country coordinators, but they are not with them at the placement every day. Please be prepared for some independence and leadership.

    Internship placements are located in the Antigua area. Walking or taking the bus is the most effective and cheapest way to get to and from your placement. Travel time varies widely from project to project, and interns should expect to spend 15-60 minutes traveling each way. Taxis  are also widely available. For the first visit to the placement, interns are taken by a Maximo Nivel representative using the local transport and given additional information about how to get to and from your work place. Local bus rides are very affordable and a one way trip typically costs Q8 (about $1) or less, but may cost more if the project is further outside Antigua. 

    Typical day

    Working hours vary by placement, but interns can expect to work 4-6 hours per day, Monday to Friday. 1-hour Spanish classes are Monday to Friday, and interns may have additional planning or tasks to do outside of work. Weekends are free to relax, explore, travel, or do any independent work they ...

    Typical day

    Working hours vary by placement, but interns can expect to work 4-6 hours per day, Monday to Friday. 1-hour Spanish classes are Monday to Friday, and interns may have additional planning or tasks to do outside of work. Weekends are free to relax, explore, travel, or do any independent work they have.​

    Free-time activities

    There is plenty to see and do around La Antigua including cultural events, tours and treks, andexploring the various markets. Our local staff also posts a monthly events calendar to let participants know of the activities going on around Maximo. Just outside of La Antigua, there is even more to ex

    Free-time activities

    There is plenty to see and do around La Antigua including cultural events, tours and treks, andexploring the various markets. Our local staff also posts a monthly events calendar to let participants know of the activities going on around Maximo. Just outside of La Antigua, there is even more to explore including nearby coffee farms, volcanoes, and both Mayan and colonial ruins. Further outside the area, participants can visit beautiful Lake Atitlán, Semuc Champey, and the famous Tikal archaeological site. Our staff are experts on Guatemala and can answer any questions clients have. Tours and trips can also easily be booked through our on-site travel partner.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    at High School level

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Our fees include:

    - Airport pick-up
    - Host family accommodations (private room with breakfast and dinner)
    - Spanish classes (5 hours of lessons/week)
    - Program and safety orientation
    - Walking tour
    - Official certificate of internship
    - Emergency contact number 24/7
    - Program management
    - Free Tandem Conversation Program
    - Free office-wide WIFI and computer lounge
    - Free social activities
    - Free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar
    - Maximo Nivel Institute open 7 days/week

    Airport Pickup at La Aurora International Airport

    Airport pick up in Guatemala City is included. Interns find our representative outside the airport bringing a yellow flag with a smiley face on it.

    Accommodation

    Interns stay in a traditional family-stay where you they are placed with a pre-approved middle class Guatemalan family. Breakfast and dinner are included in their home stay.

    Food & Beverages

    Interns have 2 meals included (breakfast and dinner) 7 days a week.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. We assist you to find cheap flights to Guatemala. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Guatemala provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Guatemala you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Guatemala. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Every Monday, all year round.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $304 per week 4 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 50 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Travelers’ Choice
    One of the most loved volunteer experiences, according to travelers

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Guatemala > La Antigua

    Meet your project coordinator

    Stephan
    196
    reviews
    4.77
    Brilliant
    2003
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: Spanish, Afrikaans, English
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