Get to know Willy Wonka’s dreamland! Explore chocolate’s birthplace! Guatemala is a country loyal to its Mayan heritage, full of natural beauties like Atitlan Lake and bursting with friendly and welcoming people.
You will feel the magic of this enchanted country as soon as you step a foot on this land not only because of it priviledge geography but because everything seems to be unknown territory. Street markets, misterious paths and dark caves that take you back ages!Of course locals will help you and assist you in every  step of your journey.

Guatemala’s varied topography makes it the perfect venue for ecotourism, outdoor sports lovers and thrill-seekers. Aside from climbing up ominous volcanoes, you can also explore the depths of ancient caves or chop a path through the rainforest with your "machete".
There's a program in Guatemala for you! Book it now before Oompa Loompas steal it away!

The best of the country

Food & Drinks	Music & Dance
It is primarily influenced by the country's Mayan and Spanish cultures. Corn, beans, rice, cheese and tortillas form the backbone of most Guatemalan meals. Many meals in Guatemala take advantage of the country's abundant tropical fruits, like bananas, papaya, mangoes, and avocado.	The music of Guatemala is diverse. Music is played all over the country, even in the remotest corners. Towns also have wind and percussion bands -week processions, as well as on other occasions. Also, dozens of Rock bands have emerged in the last two decades, making rock music quite popular among young people.
Plastic Arts	Cinema
With varied influences, specially from the ancient civilizations once lived here, art is embedded in every corner of the country. Museums and art galleries offer, throughout the year, art exhibitions and various activities  presenting the different eras in the history of art.	Movies such as the american films "Across the Line" and "The fountain" were filmed in the country because of the outstanding landscapes it offers. Some local films you can find online are "El Silencio de Neto"  and "Los orígenes del silencio" both directed by Luis Argueta, an acclaimed film director and producer.
Science and technology	Sports
Guatemalan expenditure on research and development has incresed in the last years. You can find throughout the country many societies devoted to natural history, pediatrics, and engineering, and research institutes concerned with nuclear energy, industry, and earth sciences.	Guatemalans have a furious appetite for spectator sports and the daily papers always devote four or five pages to the subject. Football tops the bill, and if you get the chance to see a major game it's a thrilling experience, if only to watch the crowd.
Spare time	Literature
Guatemalans as most of Latin American people like to spend time with the family. On top of that, thanks to the nice weather and topography they get to do all sorts of outdoor activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, climbing volcanoes and festivals.	The "Popol Vuh", a compendium of Mayan stories and legends, is the most significant work of Guatemalan literature in the Quiché language. Today, literature is strongly influenced by politics. Most important writers are novelist Miguel Ángel Asturias, poet Luis Cardoza y Aragón, short story writer and novelist Augusto Monterroso and playwright Carlos Solórzano.

Video and Map        The best of the city        Featured trips        Transport         Climate

Antigua is a beautiful city lined with cobblestone streets and authentic colonial buildings. The city is also known as "The Rare World Heritage" for its unique and traditional culture. Between trendy court cafes and beautiful gardens, this city attracts students and travellers from all over the world, while emanating a relaxed and hospitable atmosphere.

Antigua also provides both international and local cuisine at very affordable price. For those interested in international nightlife, Antigua beautifully lit with bars, discos, and Latin salsa clubs. Antigua displays a world of incredible places to visit.

As soon as you arrive in Antigua, you will admire its colonial architecture, local vegetation, tree lines and the famous Mermaid Fountain.

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The best of the city

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Transport

Within the city the best thing to do is to walk. Antigua is fairly compact and is almost completely flat and being a small city, most importante places are at a walking distance from everywhere. You can also find picturesque buses to move around and out of the city.

Climate

This city's climate is lovely year round and is generally hot throughout the country, making travel possible at any time. The rainy season is generally from May to November. Climate variations are due to altitude and the north has a hot, tropical climate with maximum rainfall between May and September.

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Available Accommodation Options in Antigua

Families & Homestays In Antigua - View Examples
Residences  In Antigua - View Examples

Families & Homestays

Our families know, due to their experience, what it means to be a real host. They have received many students from different nationalities, occupations and ages. We will take into consideration your likes and preferences.
Living with a local family is the best way to learn their customs, likes, flavors, while you learn a new language.

Families & Homestays Features

  Example of Families & Homestays in Antigua  

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Residences

If you want to live with several local and foreign students, you can choose to stay in a private or shared room in any of the students' residencies we offer you. Sharing a place with young people from all over the world is a great opportunity to learn about different cultures and make new friends as well as learning about the place in which you are studying.

Residences Features

Example of Residences in Antigua

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Why do an Internship abroad?
Why do an Internship with COINED?
What kind of Internships do you offer?
Which is the difference between a Standard Internship and a Customized Internship?
Where can I do my Internship, in which areas and in which Organizations?
When can I start my Internship?
When is the best time to intern abroad?
When will I receive the confirmation of my position and the information about my Host Organization?
Can I get a second proposal if I don't like the first placement that you have sent to me?
What is the length of the Internships?
Will an Internship improve my job opportunities?
What level of Spanish do I need?
Can I do a Professional Internship if I don’t speak Spanish?
Can I do an Internship while I take a Spanish course?
What documentation is required to apply for the Program?
How important is my Letter of Intent?
Who is eligible to apply for the Internships Program?
What happens if my Internship is not successful?
Can I change my Internship if it is unsuitable?
Can I send a last minute application to my Internship?
Where do I stay during my Internship?
What type of insurance coverage do I need?
How will it be my arrival?
Will I meet other Participants?
Can I contact previous Participants to find out about their experiences?
How many hours a week do I have to work in my Internship?
How do I get credits for my Internship?
Can I work during and after the Internship?
What kind of visa do I need to do my Internship?
How much is the cash incentive I will receive if I participate in the Paid Internships Program?
When do I receive the cash incentive?
Who is in charge of giving me the cash incentive every month?
Why do I receive the money from COINED instead of the Host Organization?
How is the Paid Internships Program financed?

Why do an Internship abroad?

Nowadays, experiences abroad and especially Professional Internships are an important value added in your professional career. Language skills, intercultural competence and flexibility, as well as the willingness and ability to adapt and integrate into new cultures, are important requirements in recruitment processes. Living abroad and the acquisition of knowledge about other countries, other cultures and their customs are also enriching personal experiences.
 

Why do an Internship with COINED?

We offer the possibility to do an Internship in one of the following locations: Buenos Aires and Córdoba (Argentina); Santiago de Chile (Chile); Heredia and San José (Costa Rica); La Antigua (Guatemala); and Barcelona (Spain). We work with important Host Organizations, which have been pre-selected through a rigorous process that ensures the successful development of your Internship. You have our assistance and support from the moment we receive your inquiry until the day you finish your Program. We have an extensive experience and an excellent relationship with our Host Organizations and we know the desires and expectations of our Participants.
 

What kind of Internships do you offer?

We offer Paid and Non-Paid Internships, either Standard or Customized. Paid Internships are the ideal option if you want to get a valuable experience into the working world and receive a cash incentive. The pocket money offered is usually less than the one you would make if you worked in a standard job, but it is enough to live on. Non-Paid Internships focus on international non-formal education and on acquiring experience in a real working environment. For Standard Internships you can make a selection from the list of areas and sub-areas available online. For Customized Internships we look for a position that fits your needs and expectations.
 

Which is the difference between a Standard Internship and a Customized Internship?

The main difference between our Standard and Customized Internships is that for a Standard Internship you apply for an existing Internship position within our Host Organizations. For the Customized Internship we carry out a personalized search according to your requirements.

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Where can I do my Internship, in which areas and in which Organizations?

You can do your Internship in one of our Host Organizations from the public and private sector. When you decide to apply for an Internship, you need to select three areas of interest from the online list available at our website. Then, in order to have more specific knowledge about what you want to do, you can choose three sub-areas. Once we evaluate your profile, you will receive a proposal according to your preferences and interests.
 

When can I start my Internship?

Our Host Organizations are usually flexible regarding your start date, but keep in mind, though, that once you have sent your Internship Application Package and deposit, you must wait for confirmation of your Internship placement before organizing your flight.
 

When is the best time to intern abroad?

Many students embark on an Internship during their junior year at university, but it ultimately depends on you to judge when is the best time to pursue an Internship. Positions are available all year round. Still, you should bear in mind the holiday calendar of each location, since there is little activity.
 

When will I receive the confirmation of my position and the information about my Host Organization?

Once we’ve received all the documentation of the application, we’ll process your information and confirm availability. Then you’ll receive a position proposal according to your profile and interests. The process takes 8 (eight) weeks, including the confirmation from the Host Organization in which you will do your practice and the details of your position. Customized Internships’ processes take 10 (ten) weeks.

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Can I get a second proposal if I don't like the first placement that you have sent to me?

Once you are accepted in our Internships Program you will receive a placement proposal according to your academic needs and your professional profile. That proposal is subject to the Host Organization's confirmation, based on availability at the moment you apply, as well as on the information you submit in the Internship Application Package. If the placement you chose has been already assigned, you will be presented with an Internship placement option of similar characteristics.
 

What is the length of the Internships?

It depends on the location chosen, the field of interest and Host Organizations. Non-paid Internships have a minimum length of 2 (two) months, with the possibility to extend it to 6 (six) or 12 (twelve) months. Paid Internships have a fixed duration of 3 (three) or 6 (six) months. It also depends on your nationality and the legal requirements of the entry country.
 

Will an Internship improve my job opportunities?

Nothing is more advantageous for a professional than having a Résumé that shows international work experience. Students who have done an Internship have a clear working and academic advantage. Having international experience shows your potential employers that you have the capacity to interact with people from other cultures, that you are independent, and flexible. Also, having done an international education program represents advantages when applying for a post graduate studies scholarship.
 

What level of Spanish do I need?

It is recommended that you have at least an Upper-Intermediate level of Spanish before starting the Internship. You will be working in a Spanish-speaking environment and it is unlikely that you find people speaking your language. However, attitude and openness are often more important than language skills. If you have any questions about your language proficiency, do not hesitate to contact us. Our staff members can offer you advice about your skills.

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Can I do a Professional Internship if I don’t speak Spanish?

To begin your Internship you must have at least an intermediate level of Spanish. This is a very crucial barrier some students face. Not knowing the language prevents you from performing many activities, and this is why it is important to have an intermediate to advanced level of Spanish. Keep in mind that the more Spanish you know, the more responsibilities you will be given and in turn, you will learn more.
 

Can I do an Internship while I take a Spanish course?

One of the requirements to start an Internship is having an intermediate level of Spanish. If this level isn’t reached before the Internship starting date, the beginning of your activity will be postponed. If your level of Spanish is intermediate or higher, you can attend Spanish courses whilst you carry out your Internship.
 

What documentation is required to apply for the Program?

To start the process, it is essential that you send us your CV and a Letter of Intent in Word format, together with the Program Application Form and Terms and Conditions signed. You should preferably complete it in Spanish. Also, you should provide a copy of your medical insurance and comply with all the formal and legal requirements of the Program.
 

How important is my Letter of Intent?

It is very important since your potential supervisors will read all your documents, and will pay particular attention to your spelling and grammar skills. This is important if you are looking for a position in an Internship that requires a lot of writing. Your application, essays, and other documents are the supervisors’ first impression about you; therefore, we recommend writing the letter with special care. We suggest writing your Letter of Intent in Spanish and attach your CV. It is very important that you include the reasons why you want to do an Internship abroad, what are your interests and expectations.

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Who is eligible to apply for the Internships Program?

We look for University and College students who are curious about the world, enjoy new challenges, and have a good academic background. Priority is given to those who demonstrate open mindedness, flexibility, and understand the meaning of “Team Work”. Students who have not decided a course of study yet but who want to have some previous working experience before making up their minds can also apply.
 

What happens if my Internship is not successful?

We cannot predict how your experience will turn out to be, but we will do everything we can to make your Internship a great experience. In case of any inconvenience, we have trained professionals to solve and / or manage a new search, if necessary. Our selection process is designed so that it is unlikely for our Participants not to be successful in their Program.
 

Can I change my Internship if it is unsuitable?

In some rare instances the Internship placement or the Host Organization’s workplace culture may not meet your needs. If this is the case it is important that you speak to our local mentor and the company tutor to document your concerns. Our local mentor will act to ensure that your Internship placement work or workplace environment better responds to your needs. However, in some cases it will not be possible for the Organization to meet your requirements. If this is the case, by mutual agreement, your Internship would be terminated. COINED would be under no obligation to find you an alternative Internship but is responsible to evaluate the particular case and act in consequence.
 

Can I send a last minute application to my Internship?

We may accept last minute applications for the Standard Internships program under special circumstances. If you wish to apply for an Internship less than 8 weeks in advance of your desired start date, please contact us as soon as possible and make sure to mention in your Internship Application Form that you are requesting a "Fast Search Standard Internship". Your particular case will be evaluated, as well as the possibility of confirming your Internship placement within your required deadlines. You will get a confirmation of acceptance to the program within 72 hours. Last minute applications will incur an extra cost. The objective of COINED Internships Program "ad honorem" is to broaden your professional knowledge and to prepare you for the area in which you would like to specialize as a professional.

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Where do I stay during my Internship?

We can arrange your accommodation. You can choose to live with a Host Family or in a Residence with other foreigners. For further information, please contact us to guide you and manage your booking.
 

What type of insurance coverage do I need?

For the Professional Internship you will need an accident, illness and third party liability insurance coverage. If you want, we can also arrange your medical insurance; please contact us for further information.
 

How will it be my arrival?

On your first day,we will welcome you with an orientation talk. You will also receive a welcome folder containing useful information about the country and location chosen. Our staff will also clarify all doubts, concerns, and questions you may have upon arrival about your Internship program. On this first meeting, the COINED Tutor will inform you of your role and the tasks you will be completing in the Host Organization, as well as the first day of your Internship, to which you will go with your COINED Tutor.
 

Will I meet other Participants?

Yes. We offer a weekly schedule with cultural and recreational activities for you to share with other Participants of the Program and other programs such as Spanish for Foreigners, Volunteers and Salud, among others. Moreover, you will have daily contact with your co-workers, which will allow you to practice the language and get to know the local culture in depth.

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Can I contact previous Participants to find out about their experiences?

Our team will be happy to send you the views of Participants from previous years, we will provide you with their e-mails so you can contact them and ask them all the questions you may have. This information will be available upon explicit request.
 

How many hours a week do I have to work in my Internship?

Interns usually work five days a week, no more than 6 hours a day according to each project. It is between you and the person who you report to, to work out your schedule. Internships are flexible; but sometimes, projects can have deadlines, and you could be asked to work extra hours with the rest of the staff.
 

How do I get credits for my Internship?

Some Academic Institutions require their students to keep an Internship journal that will be read and graded by the appropriate faculty member at the home University. Then, we suggest that you contact your study advisor abroad to help you decide whether or not to keep a journal.
 

Can I work during and after the Internship?

You will not be able to work while you are doing your Internship due to the regulations that govern this kind of program.

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What kind of visa do I need to do my Internship?

You can use a tourist or student visa, depending on the country you select and its regulations. For further information, we suggest visiting the following websites:
Argentina: www.migraciones.gov.ar
Chile: www.extranjeria.gov.cl
Costa Rica: www.migracion.go.cr
Guatemala: http://www.migracion.gob.gt/
Spain: http://extranjeros.mtin.es/es/index.html
 

How much is the cash incentive I will receive if I participate in the Paid Internships Program?

The monthly pocket money is up to U$D 350 (US dollars) in Latin America and 300 € (Euros) in Spain. The incentive depends on the destination site.
 

When do I receive the cash incentive?

You will receive it between the 1st and 10th day of each month. If you start the Internship after the 10th day of the month, you will receive the corresponding proportional.
 

Who is in charge of giving me the cash incentive every month?

We are in charge of providing you the pocket money every month. You will receive the money in cash, at the exchange rate in the local currency and you will have to sign the corresponding receipt.

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Why do I receive the money from COINED instead of the Host Organization?

The aim of the Paid Internship is, precisely, to contribute to cover your expenses from the moment you initiate the Internship, giving you also the opportunity to receive the proportional payment for the days worked (if you start the program after the 10th day of the month).
 

How is the Paid Internships Program financed?

The financing of the program is possible thanks to a fund that comprises three factors: COINED, many of our Host Organizations and the Internships Program itself. This allows us to provide our Participants with the benefit of receiving a fixed monthly cash incentive to stimulate their personal and professional development and to recognize the contribution their work means to our Host Organizations.

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Your safety first...            Travel Cancellation           Transfer Service

Your safety first...

When engaging in any of our programs a travel and health insurance is essential for yours and your familiy's peace of mind. We want your experience to be as exciting as possible and in order for it to be like that, feeling safe and protected is a must. We offer an International Travel Insurance tailored specially for experiential travelers like you.
You can choose different plans according to your insurance needs and expectations. The plans Silver and Bronze feature Travel Health/Accident Insurance, Emergency Travel Insurance, Travel Accident Indemnity Insurance, Travel Assistance, Travel Luggage Insurance, Travel Third Party Liability Insurance limited to your desired coverage amount. The Gold plan features unlimited coverage (including extreme sports) at a really competitive market price.

Some of the benefits of booking your Travel Insurance with us are:

• You'll be making sure that your full experience is organized as a whole, taking care of each aspect of it
• We make sure that you get the best coverage, adapted to your individual needs.
• Our International Travel Insurance is known worldwide and accepted by health facilities and professionals all over the world.
• Our insurance provider offers the best cost/quality rates of the market with over 20 years of experience and has been taking care of our participants for many years.
• Our tutors will be able to assist you with the insurance usage, the contact with the company and the relation: hospital-insurance

For your safety, we will ask you your insurance information when you book your program. We recommend that you use our Travel Insurance provided by CareMed International Travel Insurance. You'll be able to enjoy your journey knowing that any sudden or unexpected situation will be taken care of. And your family will be able to feel happy for you and your life-changing experience instead of worrying during your stay abroad.

Prices insurance for destination Latin America

For more information please click here!

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Travel Cancellation Insurance

For more information please click here!

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Transfer Service
 

COINED provides airport transfer service to meet students at the airport and transfer them to their accommodation. We can meet students at the domestic or international airports.

Students must always inform COINED about the date and time of  arrival, even in cases where the transfer service has not been requested. Airport pick-up only transfers students from the designated airport to the designated accommodation.

- Flight details (date, time, airport, airline, and flight number) must be confirmed in writing before arrival; otherwise COINED shall not guarantee the transfer service and no refunds shall be given for this service.
- All costs incurred due to failure to notify COINED of arrival information in due time are the participant's responsibility.
- In case of flights delays, changes, and so on, COINED will provide the transfer service but will reserve the right to charge additional costs, if necessary.
- If any changes regarding flight details are not duly informed, COINED shall not take responsibility for the proper provision of the transfer service.

For more information regarding our transfer service please contact us. We will be happy to assist you!.

* Please contact us for more information about Arrivals / Departures Transfer Service.
** Price per person, per week.

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