FAQs

What makes this program different?

This program’s unique approach takes service to a new level, examining non-profit organizations and how they operate from an academic perspective. By gaining insight into the goals, needs and challenges of the non-profit organizations we are working, you will form a deeper connection to the hands-on service work you are doing and an understanding of volunteering around the globe!

What about the crime in Guatemala?

Like any other country, parts of Guatemala are more prone to crime than others. During the program, we will exclusively be in the Western and Central regions of Guatemala. We will not be visiting the Peten Department, the northern district bordering Mexico, the Department of Izabel, or any other districts in the eastern region of the country near the borders of El Salvador or Honduras where crime is more prevalent. We will spend most of our time in the city of Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela, where volunteer tourism is a leading industry and there is a large ex-patriot population. We will be working closely with a local organization that is familiar with the area and often hosts student groups like ours. As with all our programs, we conduct thorough risk management assessments for the locations we visit and stay up to date on current events in the countries and regions we visit. Please call us if you’d like to talk specifically about our protocols for this course.

Does community service always benefit the community?

Successful community service projects start with the needs of the community. A well-designed program and a strong, ongoing relationship with the community are essential to effective service that benefits the community. Unlike some volunteer trips where community service can be a hollow attempt to help, on Broadreach we contribute to projects that are sustainable and meaningful to the communities we serve.

What community service will we do on this program?

We will work with the communities in and around Xela on a variety of projects. Work alongside community members on a project related to maintaining indigenous Mayan art and heritage. Spend a few days on a coffee farm cooperative, assisting farmers with preparing fields for the coffee process. Participate in a reforestation project with a unique approach to environmental service work. Volunteer with an afterschool program for Guatemalan children-at-risk. Get your hands dirty and help build a safe and sustainable household stove in a rural Quiche village, benefiting people and environment alike. Working on vital projects alongside the local community gives us the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships, gain insights into the culture and make a real difference in the community. You can expect to earn around 60 hours of community service credit.

What activities will we do on this program?

You will be involved in a variety of activities during your time in Guatemala. To start the trip off, you will do a multi-day hike to Lago Atitlan, passing through small mountain towns and enjoying breathtaking scenery along the way. While in Xela, you will partake in cultural workshops in addition to the service work you will be doing. Take a salsa dance lesson and a local cooking class, check out a traditional weaving demonstration and partake in introductory Spanish classes. You will also visit a coffee farm, zip line through the jungle, explore local hot springs, and visit Guatemalan markets.

Where will we sleep?

In Xela, where we will be for majority of the program, we will stay in a local guesthouse. In Antigua, we will spend the night in a small lodge. While hiking, we will overnight in remote mountain villages, sleeping in the town-hall of these indigenous communities and getting a real taste of Guatemalan culture.

What will we eat?

Throughout the trip, we will be eating traditional Central American fare, consisting mainly of rice, beans, some meat, fish, chicken, pasta, breads, vegetables and fresh fruits.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

You don't. Our leaders and the local guides we will be working with in Guatemala will all speak English. At least on of your trip leaders will be proficient in Spanish to serve as translator when needed. If you do speak Spanish, great! You'll have many chances to talk to locals and our guides to practice your Spanish skills!

What will the weather be like?

The Guatemalan highlands and Xela typically have warm days and cool nights all year long due to its elevation. May through October is the wet season, so you can expect afternoon showers during your adventure!

Do I have to be doing this for my major?

Most of our programs are designed to be appropriate for Majors and non- majors alike. Please give our office a call to discuss which program is right for your particular situation.

What are the application deadlines?

Students are accepted on a Rolling basis. Spaces are very limited so it is best to apply early to guarantee your first choice. Your spot is secure only when you have put down your deposit and had your secondary application accepted.

What is the application process?

Step one: go online and submit your initial application with a $1000 deposit. If there is space in your your first choice your deposit will secure your place on it while you complete the secondary application. Step two: we will send you login details to complete your secondary application(essay, teacher reference, personal reference, study abroad approval). Once we receive and accept all your secondary application paperwork your place on the program is finalized!

Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?

We have limited scholarships available. To see ways to fund your trip, please visit these two pages on our college website: http://www.academictrekscollege.com/application/Scholar_info.asp or http://www.academictrekscollege.com/application/FIn_aid_info.asp.

What age do I have to be?

These programs are aimed at college age students. But as long as you have either at least completed 1 semester at university, or graduated High School over a year ago (taking a gap year) you can apply!

How does the college credit work?

Upon completion of the course, you will receive a transcript from Lesley University, MA. This credit should transfer easily to schools through out the country. If you have any questions about the credit transfer process, please call our office for assistance.

Has my school accepted credit?

Students from over 100 different schools have succesfully transferred credit from their Broadreach trip! A partial list of schools accepting this credit can be found at www.broadreachcollege.com , but even if your school is not on this list, getting the credit transferred should be easy.

What are the prerequisites?

Some courses have specific prerequisites. Please check the program page for these. Otherwise anybody who has a GPA over 2.5 and have at least completed 1 semester at university, or graduated High School over a year ago (taking a gap year) may apply!

What additional expenses can I expect?

Most expenses are included in the tuition cost. Exceptions include Airfare, travel insurance, books, optional activities and meals on days off.

What does my program tuition cover?

Program tuition covers all classes, scheduled activities, transportation, certifications (where applicable), lodging and most meals.

Is there any free time on program?

Yes. Although each program is different, on most programs you will typically have one day a week off from classes and scheduled activities. Students can use these days to explore the area, experience additional activities or just relax.

Do I need trip, travel or medical insurance ?

All participants on Broadreach programs are required medical insurance including coverage for international medical care. Since many personal medical policies do not cover international medical care and evacuations or have exclusions for certain sports, we have partnered with Trip Mate to offer a choice of travel insurance plans for our participants.
The minimum required policy includes coverage for medical care, emergency evacuation, lost or damaged luggage, travel delay, etc.
Most families also take advantage of our recommended tuition protection coverage , which offers 75% tuition refund FOR ANY REASON up to 72 hours before your trip departure and 100% tuition refund if you cancel for a covered reason.

Do you have any family discounts?

We do. We will give a 5% discount on the second (and any subsequent) enrollment in one summer. This offer is available to an individual student, or siblings. This 5% discount will be applied to the program of lesser cost, and cannot be combined with any other discounts.

Does your staff have emergency medical training?

At least one of the two lead instructors on each trip has completed training in either Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) courses. They are trained in managing emergency situations and field care and can handle most minor medical problems. In the unlikely event that your instructors can't handle your problem with their First Aid kit, they will take you to a local doctor for medical attention. We do our best to work with local medical personnel that we know and trust. However, it's important to understand that medical care can sometimes be delayed or inaccessible from our program locations. Note that the modernity of medical facilities and the number of medical services they provide will vary by country and location.

Can you give me the names of other families in my area that have done Broadreach?

Absolutely. Just call the office and we can put you in touch with past participants who have done the trips that interest you. Broadreachers past and present are part of a strong community that’s always there for one another. No need to be shy either, people will be glad to hear from you.

Where does everyone come from?

Broadreachers are a diverse group comprised of teenagers from across the country and all over the world. Very few participants know each other before the program begins, but everyone walks away with life-long friends at the end of the trip.

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Please feel free to call the Broadreach office if you have any questions or would like to discuss our adventures. We’d love to talk to you! You can also email us at questions@gobroadreach.com

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