Discover a new world, learn Spanish, and do good
'I enjoyed Guatemala so much that I actually didn't want to go home.'
Anyone who makes the long journey to Guatemala should stay for as long as possible, right? That's what Celina thought too, and as our first participant in the Volunteer Program, she spent 5 weeks in Guatemala. During this time, she not only learned Spanish but also filled her backpack with many impressions and experiences for life.
She shared with us in an interview what she experienced and how, despite the chilly wind, she fell in love with the Land of Eternal Spring.
How did you decide to participate in The M Story’s Volunteer Program?
It was my mother who told me about The M Story. I love traveling in general and wanted to travel alone for the first time. So, I did some research myself and found the project and the Volunteer Program really fascinating. I decided to sign up
How was your first day in Guatemala?
I arrived at my accommodation, and Michelle and Elisa were already there to greet me and visit my new home. They gave me a brief introduction and showed me around. Of course, I was exhausted from the journey and had so much to process, so I rested for a bit before the three of us went out to eat together. It was a really nice start to my adventure.
Did you ever feel lonely during the trip?
No, I never felt lonely. Although I'm someone who enjoys spending time alone and is comfortable being by myself, having Michelle and Elisa with me definitely made the trip easier. They took me everywhere and showed me Guatemala in a different way, which I found really cool. Before traveling to Guatemala, I had never traveled completely alone, so having them with me made the transition much smoother.
What did you enjoy most about the trip, and what didn’t you like as much?
Everything! We did so many incredible things, and Guatemala has so much to offer. The nature there is incomparable. The most emotional part for me, though, was visiting the school. Before that visit, I couldn't really imagine how people in Guatemala live day to day. It gave me a real insight into their lives, and it was incredibly fascinating. The people were amazing! In general, Guatemalan people are very kind, warm, extremely friendly, and not intrusive at all.
As for what I didn't like so much, that's really hard to say because I genuinely enjoyed everything so much. The only thing I could mention is the wind because at times, it was really strong.
Did you feel safe in Guatemala?
In Antigua, it's not a problem to be out alone during the day. I never worried about being robbed or stolen from. It was also fine to be out alone as a woman. However, once it got dark, I strictly avoided walking home alone and always took an Uber or a taxi. The streets are not built to Swiss standards, and the lighting is poor. Still, I never felt threatened even once.
'Before I went to Guatemala, I was rather reserved. Now, I don't mind approaching people directly or even going for coffee alone. I would never have done that before.'
How was the length of your stay for you?
In Guatemala, I enjoyed myself so much that I didn't really want to go home anymore. However, since I was mainly in Antigua, I find 5 weeks generally ideal.
What did you personally take away from the Volunteer Program?
Aside from learning Spanish, I've become much more open through the trip. Before going to Guatemala, I was rather reserved. Now, I don't mind approaching people directly or even going for coffee alone. I would never have done that before.
And the most important question at the end: Would you participate in the Volunteer Program again?
Absolutely! I would go again right away and also recommend it to everyone. For me, it's an experience that you just have to have. Before traveling to Guatemala, I did some research and gathered information online, but when you're there, everything is completely different. I don't even know how to describe it. The culture is incomparable and absolutely fascinating.