DISCOVERING A NEW WORLD, LEARNING SPANISH, AND DOING GOOD
"I enjoyed Guatemala so much that I actually didn't want to go back home."
Anyone who embarks on the long journey to Guatemala should stay as long as possible. That's what Celina thought too. She spent 5 weeks in Guatemala as our first participant in the Volunteer Program. During this time, she has not only learned Spanish, but also filled her backpack with many lasting memories and some life experience.
In an interview, she shared her experiences with us and told us how she fell in love with the country of eternal spring - despite the sometimes icy winds.
Why did you decide to participate in "The M Story" Volunteer Program?
My mother told me about "The M Story" because I generally love to travel and wanted to travel on my own for the first time. I did some research myself and found the project and the Volunteer Program very interesting, so I decided to sign up.
What was your first day in Guatemala like?
I arrived at my accommodation, and Michelle and Elisa were already there, visiting me in my new home. They gave me a brief introduction and showed me some things. Of course, I was exhausted from the whole journey and had a lot to process, so I rested briefly before the three of us went out to eat. That way, I had a really nice start into my adventure.
Did you ever feel alone during the trip?
No, I never felt alone. Although I need a lot of time to myself and like to be alone sometimes. Still, I believe that the presence of Michelle and Elisa definitely made the beginning of my journey easier for me. With them, I got to know Guatemala in a different way, because they took me everywhere - and that was really cool. Before traveling to Guatemala, I had never traveled completely on my own, and the two definitely made arriving in Guatemala so much easier for me.
What did you like best and least about the trip?
I liked everything! We did so many incredible things. Guatemala has so much to offer, and its nature and landscape are incomparable. But the most emotional part for me was when we visited the school class in Suchitepéquez. Before this visit, I couldn't imagine how the people in Guatemala really live. It gave me an insight into the real life of local people, was incredibly exciting and the people were just great! In general, the people in Guatemala are very kind and warm, extremely friendly and not intrusive at all.
And what didn't you like so much?
That's really difficult to say, because I liked everything a lot. The only thing I didn’t particularly like was the wind, because at times, it was really windy!
Did you feel safe in Guatemala?
In Antigua, during the day when there's light, it's not a problem to be out alone. I never feared being robbed or anything like that, even as a woman on her own. However, once it got dark, I strictly avoided walking home by myself and always took an Uber or a taxi. The streets are not built to Swiss standards, and the lighting is poor. However, I never felt in danger, not even once.
"Before I went to Guatemala, I was rather reserved, now I don't mind approaching people directly or even going for a coffee on my own. I would have never done that before."
Did the 5 weeks of your stay feel long to you?
I enjoyed Guatemala so much that I actually didn't want to go back home. However, since I was mainly in Antigua, I find 5 weeks to be ideal in general.
What did you personally take away from the Volunteer Program?
Apart from learning Spanish, I've become much more open through the journey. Before I went to Guatemala, I was rather reserved. Now, I don't mind approaching people directly or even going for a coffee on my own. I would have never done that before.
And the most important question: Would you participate in the Volunteer Program again?
Absolutely! I would go again, right away, and I would also recommend it to everyone. For me, it's an experience that you simply must have made. Before I traveled to Guatemala, I had already researched about it and gathered information on the internet, but when you're there, everything is completely different. I don't know how to describe it. The culture is incomparable and absolutely fascinating.
