---
title: Cultural Preparation to Volunteer in Guatemala
description: History, culture, and language overview for volunteers going to Guatemala on a Brigade
---

[Skip to content](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support/cultural-preparation-guatemala#main-content)

English

Show submenu for translations

![Global Brigades Logo-Aug-27-2025-09-44-15-6089-PM.png\]](https://info.globalbrigades.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Global%20Brigades%20Logo-Aug-27-2025-09-44-15-6089-PM.png?height=40&name=Global%20Brigades%20Logo-Aug-27-2025-09-44-15-6089-PM.png)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- English
  
  Show submenu for translations
- Visit our website

 Visit our website

 Let's Brigade! How can we help you?

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

1. [Brigade Support](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support?hsLang=en)
2. [Preparing to Brigade](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support/preparing-to-brigade?hsLang=en)
3. [Cultural Preparation](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support/preparing-to-brigade?hsLang=en#cultural-preparation)

# Cultural Preparation to Volunteer in Guatemala

## History, culture, and language overview for volunteers going to Guatemala on a Brigade

**[Guatemala](https://www.globalbrigades.org/countries/guatemala/)** marked the continued expansion of Central American partnerships in 2019. Guatemala's programming currently focuses on economic development, [**sustainable healthcare**](https://blog.globalbrigades.org/what-is-sustainable-development?hsLang=en), and water sanitation in rural Mayan Guatemala communities.

To learn [**more about Guatemala**](https://blog.globalbrigades.org/4-reasons-to-include-an-add-on-in-your-guatemala-brigade?hsLang=en), please review the following information and videos: 

**A Brief History of Guatemala** 

- Guatemala has a complex history, from Mayan origins to Spanish conquest, independence, and dictatorship.
- Despite economic stability, Guatemala still faces poverty, inequality, and a large income gap.
- Guatemala has tourist attractions and natural resources but needs to address economic challenges to reach its full potential.

<iframe src="https://www.loom.com/embed/c4288ff402364169989d46dc5106cd26?sid=8ab3aa9c-8404-4727-9e22-88ad11397a65" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen style="position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;"></iframe>

**The Culture of Guatemala**

- The name "Guatemala" means "place of many trees."
- The country's capital is Guatemala City, and Guatemala is divided into 22 departments.
- Guatemala has a unique blend of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences.
- National symbols include the quetzal, their national bird, La Monja Blanca, their national flower, and the ceiba, their national tree.
- The economy is based on exports like bananas, coffee, and sugar. Imports include petroleum products and textiles.

<iframe src="https://www.loom.com/embed/ce8d3ed8e98944beaac52135f0e62bad?sid=dcee85c9-3129-4d1f-b4e2-53435b5af4fb" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen style="position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;"></iframe>

**The Language** **of Guatemala**

- Guatemala's official language is Spanish.
- Familiarize yourself with basic words and phrases that will help you communicate effectively in Guatemala using the video below.

<iframe src="https://www.loom.com/embed/3bfeec95a5bc4d6b90328194e4c9c375?sid=9a28c5dd-77cd-4e99-8464-b39caaae60f0" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen style="position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;"></iframe>

 

- [Fundraising](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support/fundraising?hsLang=en)
- [Recruitment](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support/recruitment?hsLang=en)
- [Safety and Security](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support/safety-and-security?hsLang=en)
- [Leader Resources](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support/leader-resources?hsLang=en)
- [Preparing to Brigade](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support/preparing-to-brigade?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Brigade Preparation Requirements](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support/preparing-to-brigade?hsLang=en#brigade-preparation-requirements)
    - [Cultural Preparation](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support/preparing-to-brigade?hsLang=en#cultural-preparation)
    - [What makes Global Brigades different](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support/preparing-to-brigade?hsLang=en#what-makes-global-brigades-different)
- [Chat with us](https://info.globalbrigades.org/support/chat-with-us?hsLang=en)

The world’s largest student-led movement for global health and economic development

Copyright © 2025, Global Brigades