Adelphi Guatemala Spring 2014

ADELPHI UNIVERSITY

Alternative Spring Break Program Itinerary

Guatemala

March 15-21, 2014

Overview

fundabiemThis Volunteer program will feature work with Fundabiem. The Foundation for the Welfare of the Disabled (Fundación Pro-bienestar del Minusválido) a private, nonprofit organization, chartered in 1986. It is widely known by its acronym, Fundabiem. It is Latin America’s largest rehab network, and counts 26 facilities in Guatemala: centers, clinics, and puestos (outpost clinics open one day a week) in 19 of the nation’s 22 provinces, plus a special home for disabled orphan girls. The Visionis to provide, at the national level, enablement and holistic rehabilitation to people with handicaps, with the goal of realizing their integration into society to the extent possible, that they may avail themselves of the rights and opportunities enjoyed by other citizens. Our emphasis is on people with handicaps that are physical or largely physical.

Faculty Directors

Della Hudson, Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Anna Zinko, Adelphi University

Day 1: Saturday, March 15- To Guatemala City and on to Antigua (D)

Depart from JFK for Guatemala City. Arrive Guatemala City and after Immigrations and Customs, head to our reserved hotel accommodations in Antigua Meet with Chaperones (Dean Hudson and Anna Zinko) Free time until dinner. Welcome dinner at our hotel.

Day 2: Sunday, March 16 – At the hotel – Fun and Relaxation (B)

After breakfast, spend a day relaxing, unwinding and recharging at the renowned Ceiba Spa & Gym. The Ceiba Spa features a relaxation area, dry and wet saunas and a gym which is equipped with the latest cardio and weight-training machines. Or just hang by one of the two swimming pools. The day is yours. Lunch and dinner on your own with Della and Anna. Meet for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3: Monday, March 17- Training at FUNDABIEM (Volunteer Program) in Ciudad San Cristobal

Travel to FUNDABIEM for training and orientation. Return to the hotel for some free time.

Dinner and reflection on the day’s work will occur in the evening.

Day 4: Tuesday, March 18 – Working with FUNDABIEM (Volunteer Program) in Interior Guatemala

Travel to FUNDABIEM for training and orientation. Return to the hotel for some free time.

Dinner and reflection on the day’s work will occur in the evening.

Day 5: Wednesday, March 19- In Guatemala City – Volunteer Program (B/L/D)

Travel to FUNDABIEM for training and orientation. Return to the hotel for some free time.

Dinner and reflection on the day’s work will occur in the evening.

Day 6: Thursday, March 20- Full day touring Chichiecastenango & Lake Atitlan (B/L/D)

Depart on the road to The Western Highlands, the region of Guatemala that most travelers think about when daydreaming about a trip to this country. The region is home to quaint and colorful mountain villages, highland lakes, pine forests, and the majority of Guatemala’s indigenous peoples. Arrive at Chichicastenango Market and begin your walking tour inside the market. It is the center of the town and heart of commercial life for “maxeños” (name given to the natives of Chichicastenango, derivative from Max that means Tomás in Quiché language). The merchants go down every Thursday and Sunday to the central plaza to sell their products in this impressive indigenous market that has changed very little throughout the centuries. Explore the pathways of the market and view the colorful handicrafts and produce offered by the local people of the region. In Chichicastenango, we will also visit Santo Tomás Church, built in 1540 over the base of an archaeological pre-Hispanic temple. This church is a splendid example of colonial architecture, as the Mayan and Latino influence is mixed throughout both the interior and exterior of the building. After exploring the market you will enjoy a delicious lunch and then continue to the town of Panajachel, which sits on Lake Atitlan. We will explore Santander Street and enjoy a spectacular view of Lake Atitlan, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Three spectacular volcanoes, Tolimán, Atitlán and San Pedro form the natural frame of the lake itself.

Return to hotel. Farewell Dinner at hotel.

Day 7: Friday, March 21- Guatemala City to/JFK (B)

Transfer to the airport for our connecting flight s to JFK.

Tour Portion will include:

  • Roundtrip air transportation from JFK to Guatemala City
  • Breakfast throughout
  • Lunches as per itinerary
  • Dinners as per itinerary
  • Local Transportation throughout
  • Airport transfers
  • Chichiecastenango & Lake Atitlan sightseeing tour
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing tours

FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS AND REGISTRATION CONTACT

Della Hudson
Hudson@Adelphi.edu
(516) 877-3661