As a college student from Washington State, I decided to spend my summer pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Instead of relaxing at home or doing what most students might, I chose to volunteer in Guatemala with Maximo Nivel, working on a construction project for the entire month of July. I had no background in construction and didn’t speak much Spanish, but that was part of the appeal—this was a chance to challenge myself, learn new skills, and contribute meaningfully to a community in need.
I had seen friends sharing photos from their volunteer experiences abroad, and I was always drawn to the idea of doing something similar. It wasn’t just about helping others—it was also about immersing myself in a new culture and growing as a person. This journey was about more than just experiencing a volunteer opportunity. I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of life in another part of the world, foster cultural connections, and make a lasting impact. What I didn’t expect was how transformative the experience would be. Over those four weeks, I gained practical skills, formed lifelong friendships, and grew in ways I hadn’t imagined.
From the moment I landed in Guatemala, I felt supported. I was greeted at the airport by a Maximo Nivel driver holding their signature yellow smiley flag, ready to take me to Antigua. Since my flight arrived early in the day, I was immediately taken to the Maximo Nivel campus in the heart of Antigua. It was a beautiful space where I received a warm welcome and attended an orientation. There, I met other volunteers and students starting their programs that same week.
After orientation, I was introduced to Fredy, the local construction foreman. Fredy’s patience, expertise, and calm demeanor made him the perfect mentor for first-time volunteers like me. He had a unique ability to teach construction techniques clearly, ensuring that even complete beginners felt confident and capable. Tasks that initially seemed intimidating quickly became manageable—and even enjoyable—with Fredy’s guidance.
My construction duties focused on improving the facilities at a local exotic animal shelter, the main organization in Guatemala that rescues and rehabilitates exotic animals. Their critical work had outgrown their existing space, and they desperately needed new enclosures to care for the animals they rescue every week.
During the first week, I worked on fixing and rebuilding cement floors in some of the enclosures being constructed. Mixing and laying cement was something I had never done before, but with Fredy’s help, I quickly learned the process. By the end of the week, I felt like I could confidently tackle any cement project back home—my family better watch out the next time they need a patio fixed!
The following weeks brought even more challenges and opportunities to learn. I helped build new enclosures for the rescued animals, working with wood and learning basic welding techniques. Handling tools and materials was initially intimidating, but Fredy’s patient teaching made it easy to grasp the skills. Seeing the new enclosures take shape and knowing they would provide a safer, more comfortable environment for the animals was incredibly rewarding.
Although I couldn’t stay long enough to see the entire project completed, it was fulfilling to know that some of the enclosures were already in use before I left. If I could, I would have stayed longer to see the entire expansion project through to completion.
One of the most inspiring parts of the experience was meeting the other volunteers. It was incredible to see people of all ages and backgrounds dedicating their summer holidays to making a difference. I was particularly moved by the families volunteering together—it showed me that giving back is something anyone can do, regardless of their stage in life. Seeing parents and children working side by side and sharing this meaningful experience was a powerful reminder of how impactful even a few weeks can be.
At the Maximo Nivel campus, I also connected with local and international students participating in various projects. The campus was buzzing with energy, and daily activities like soccer nights, dance classes, cooking lessons, and tandem language exchanges created a unique intercultural experience. These events weren’t just fun; they allowed me to forge meaningful relationships with people from around the world who shared similar goals of learning and giving back.
Maximo Nivel didn’t just provide a meaningful volunteer experience—they also made sure we had opportunities to immerse ourselves in Guatemalan culture. From exploring vibrant local markets to participating in traditional activities, every day offered something new to discover. Sharing meals with fellow volunteers allowed us to exchange stories and perspectives, adding even more depth to the experience.
Before this trip, I had hesitated to travel to a foreign country. The farthest I’d been from home was Canada during a high school family vacation. But with Maximo Nivel’s support, I felt prepared, safe, and confident throughout my stay.
If I were to do it again, I’d prepare by taking online Spanish classes with Maximo Nivel before heading out. Learning more of the language beforehand would make it easier to communicate with locals and deepen my connections with the community and the experience overall.
My time in Guatemala was about more than fixing floors and building enclosures; it was about building connections, challenging preconceptions, and discovering the power of teamwork. With the Maximo Nivel team’s guidance and Fredy’s patient teaching, I went from a complete novice to someone capable of contributing meaningfully to a construction project—and to a community in need.
If you’re considering volunteering abroad but feel unsure, I can’t recommend it enough. The lessons I learned, the people I met, and the experiences I had will stay with me for a lifetime. And who knows? Maybe next summer, I’ll be back in Guatemala, helping improve one of the clinics or schools Maximo Nivel partners with—and speaking a little more Spanish.