The Guatemala Youth Leadership and Language Exchange Program brings together leadership development, cultural exchange, language learning, and community engagement across Washington, DC and Guatemala.
Students begin by meeting their cohort and adult mentors in Washington, DC. After two days of orientation, leadership activities, college exploration, and preparation, the group travels together to Guatemala for nine days of immersive learning and cultural experiences. The cohort then returns together to Washington, DC before students travel home.
The itinerary below reflects the current Summer 2027 program design. Specific activities, locations, and scheduling may be refined before travel.
Before travel, students and families participate in required virtual orientations covering program expectations, health and safety, cultural preparation, travel logistics, and opportunities to connect with the cohort.
Students meet their cohort and adult mentors in Washington, DC for orientation, leadership and team-building activities, a college visit, and preparation for international travel.
The cohort travels together to Guatemala for nine days of Spanish-language practice, cultural immersion, leadership development, community and service learning, outdoor exploration, and reflection.
Students and adult mentors return together to Washington, DC and stay overnight before students depart for their home communities the following day.
Washington, DC serves as the cohort’s meeting point and the beginning of the shared program experience. These first two days help students transition into the program, connect with their peers and adult mentors, and prepare to travel internationally as a group.
The planned Washington, DC experience includes:
• Welcome and in-person program orientation
• Introductions to fellow students and adult mentors
• Leadership and team-building activities
• A college or university visit
• Review of group expectations and safety procedures
• Cultural and travel preparation for Guatemala
• Time to begin building a supportive cohort community
Students stay in pre-arranged program accommodations with adult mentors and program staff nearby. The cohort then travels together from Washington, DC to Guatemala.
Leadership and Teamwork
Build confidence, practice collaboration, take initiative, and contribute responsibly to the cohort.
Language and Culture
Practice Spanish at an appropriate level while learning through everyday interactions and cultural experiences. No prior Spanish study is required.
Community Engagement
Learn with and from Guatemalan organizations and communities through respectful, thoughtfully designed activities.
Environmental Learning
Explore connections among water, agriculture, conservation, community life, and sustainable development.
Reflection and Growth
Use guided reflection and journaling to process new experiences, recognize personal growth, and connect learning to future goals.
Washington, DC: June 20–21, 2027
Guatemala: June 22–30, 2027
Return to Washington, DC: June 30, 2027
Departure for home: July 1, 2027
Washington, DC: July 9–10, 2027
Guatemala: July 11–19, 2027
Return to Washington, DC: July 19, 2027
Departure for home: July 20, 2027
Washington, DC: August 5–6, 2027
Guatemala: August 7–15, 2027
Return to Washington, DC: August 15, 2027
Departure for home: August 16, 2027
Cohort 3 will be offered based on enrollment, program capacity, and final confirmation. Applicants rank their preferred cohorts when applying, but placement in a specific cohort cannot be guaranteed.
Students and families receive guidance about travel, documentation, health and safety, cultural preparation, communication, and program expectations.
Each cohort travels with at least two adult mentors or chaperones. In Guatemala, Somos Impact Travel staff and field educators provide additional local coordination, bilingual facilitation, and in-country support.
Students stay in pre-arranged program accommodations in Washington, DC, Antigua, and the Lake Atitlán region. Program transportation during the Washington, DC and Guatemala experiences is arranged in advance.
