Guatemala 2012 Informational Presentation

Trip Overview -Guatemala -Flores, Peten - Antigua, Sacatepequez -Car pool to San Francisco for departure and return

Activities -Explore Tikal ruins -Zip line through the jungle -Volunteer with orphanage girls -Travel to island hot-spots -Climb a lava-spewing volcano -Tour Antigua and shop at the market -Travel to Lago Atitlan -Meet and spend time with native Guatemalans

Photos of 2010 Trip

FAQs -Approximately 12 days total -During intersession or at the end of school (depends on next years calendar) -Cost is approximately $1,600 with monthly payments of approximately $250 - Everything except souvenirs is included! -Student-led fundraising opportunities -Chaperone ratio is approximately 10 : 1 -No vaccinations required, some recommended -Safety has not been an issue, precautions have been established

FAQs, cont. -Not having traveled before is not an issue -Siemer goes through everything THOROUGHLY -Communication home via internet is inexpensive and easy -School trip means school rules apply -Rooming -choice of roommate(s) -choice of type of accommodations

Student Comments Mrs. Siemer- Just express to your students that it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to have one of the most memorable experiences a person can have. Nothing you did in Spanish class (and I mean no offense) can compare to the experiences I had in Guatemala. It was the highlight of my high school career. The ruins, the tuk-tuks (who knows how to spell that), the wandering around aimlessly that led us to some of the most incredible and eye opening things around. Getting caught in a rainstorm at a restaurant where they tell you to watch out for the uncooked foods; but its still ok because you get to watch a round of the world cup with people that care more about it than people here that watch the super bowl. Not to mention the ruins. Go into the jungle find some ruins and pretend to be in another time. All of these things are great by themselves however, you get to do it with your friends. ~Jason Wallace

Student Comments Mrs. Siemer- Some of my favorite things were Tikal, the orphans, and just walking around seeing everything. Once it was over, the zip lining was fun. Things to remember or know... Bug spray is a must. Toilet paper. You don't have to do AS much walking with our backpacks as you said there was. Bring more money than originally planned - I wish I had planned for more spending money… Learn how to haggle. In the right places, you can bring them down in price. If you are a picky eater, you will have to learn not to be while you are there. There is a lot of food that looks gross, but tastes amazing! And also, there are really good Smoothies! Get ready for some crazy drivers when you ride the buses. It's scary at first, but you get used to it. :) ~Heidi McCormick

Requirements -Students must be a junior or senior during the 2012 school year -Students must have and continue to maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA and be passing ALL their classes with a C grade or better (up to trip departure date!) -Students must have completed a minimum of two years of Spanish with at least a C grade -Students choosing to pursue advanced Spanish will receive priority -Students must be in good behavioral standing, ANY referrals will be closely scrutinized

If interested, to do now: -Begin saving money! -Apply for a US Passport! -Learn more about Guatemala! -Keep practicing your Spanish! Application packets will be handed out at the beginning of September along with informational flyers. Packets will be due mid-September and applicants will be notified of successful selection by late September