5 Things to do in:
Guatemala
1. Antigua, Guatemala: This UNESCO world heritage site was founded in the 16th century and destroyed by and earthquake two and a half centuries later. Today, you can see the ruins of the destroyed ancient colonial city as you walk around. Antigua was the old capital city that housed the Spanish colonial government and was the economic, religious and political power for the region until it was moved to Guatemala City.
2. Tikal: The Mayans are one of the well known empires that prevailed from the 6th century to the 10th century and many of the fabulous stone structures remain for us to marvel at today. Tikal is a UNESCO world heritage site in which you can visit temples, pyramids and public squares that were once used by the Mayans. This is a magical place you cannot miss on your visit to Guatemala.
3. Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in Central America and is one of the few lakes that does not flow to the ocean. The lake was shaped by the three volcanoes that surround it and is characterized by a dozen Mayan villages near the shore, most notably Panajachel. The locals and visitors through history have boasted that it is "the most beautiful lake in the world".
4. Chichicastenango or "Chichi" is a small town that hosts a native goods market on Thursdays and Saturdays. Chichi has always been a large trading center, even in the time of the Mayans, and people from all over the world come to visit this market. While you are walking around, look for the church called Santo Tomas that has been standing for four centuries and is located next to the market. This is a great day trip easily accessible from Antigua and it's a great place to stop on your way to Lake Atitlan.
5. Quetzaltenango ("Xela"), the home of our World Endeavors volunteers, is a beautiful city situated in the mountains and surrounded by volcanoes. Xela is also home to several important private universities and many people come from the surrounding areas and internationally to study here. While it is an important commercial center, it's also a wonderful starting place to take part in camping and hiking to explore the fantastic landscapes this area offers.
Learn more about our World Endeavors volunteer program in Guatemala, which has great projects available.
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Featured Alumni Profile:
Kelly, Volunteer in India
"I found very few programs that offered short-term alternatives," said Kelly. "Most want you to stay for a year, if not two or three years." World Endeavors, on the other hand, allowed her the flexibility to volunteer abroad for a shorter period of time. "They were also very attentive to my inquiries, which was important. It's comforting to know that you're not alone, and that there's always someone you can call to ask questions."
Read the full interview with Kelly and find out more about Volunteering in India.
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Internships for December Graduates!
Are you graduating in December? Do you know what your next step is going to be?
World Endeavors offers a variety of internships for college graduates that will give you the hands on experience you need to build your resume. It is becoming more notable and relevant now more than ever for a job applicant to have international experience on their resume.
For most of our programs you can start on any Monday of the year! Applications need to be submitted at least 12 weeks before the program start date.
For anyone still wanting to apply for a study abroad program in the spring, here are the upcoming deadlines:
November 15th 2012:
Study Abroad in France (Universite Catholique de L'Ouest)
Study Abroad in New Zealand
(University of Waikato)
December 1, 2012:
Study Abroad in China (Yantai University)
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Testimonials
"World Endeavors and [my volunteer placement] allowed me to live in India, rather than be another Western tourist. I was not 'experiencing a culture', I was engulfed in the day to day life of Tamil Nadu. It was one of the more remarkable experiences of my life."
Maxwell, Volunteer India
I for sure want to go back to Guatemala. It has made me think about the way that I live here in the States-I'm trying to simplify my life and better myself as a person. Everybody I met [in Guatemala] was absolutely wonderful. Samantha, Volunteer in Guatemala After completing this internship I feel greatly more prepared to conduct an actual career in my fields of study. Knowing all that I know now, I feel like a much more well-rounded, informed worker.
Brady, Intern in Brazil
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Connect with WorldEndeavors
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World Endeavors
3015 E. Franklin Ave Minneapolis, Minnesota 55406
612-729-3400 866-802-9678 9:00AM-5:30PM CST www.worldendeavors.com
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Dancing Around the World
Dancing is one of the many unique ways to express yourself and your culture.
Flamenco is a dance that originates from southern Spanish region of Andalucia and is well-known in Seville. This unique dance has been around for about 400 years and used to be a dance for the poor, which usually included the Gypsies, Moors, and Jews in the 16th century. Typically a woman dances, while a man plays the guitar and sings. Today the songs can either be dramatic and forceful to express a protest or dissatisfaction, or lighter to show happiness or a sense of humor.
Khon is one of the six traditional dances from Thailand, in which the dancers wear masks and elaborate costumes. The story told through dance is based on the Hindu Ramayana epics from India and is depicted as a drama as the performers act and dance. While they dance, a chorus sings to create a narrative for the audience to follow since the dancers cannot speak. Originally, only men were allowed to participate in the dance and it was held in a royal court, but now women are also an important part of the dance that now takes place on a stage. Some of the sets of characters: male, female, demons, celestial beings and monkeys. In Brazil, the fast paced couples dance called Samba originates from the 16th century when Brazil was a colony of Portugal. The slaves that were brought over from Angola were told they couldn't worship their own gods by their Christian Portuguese masters. After awhile, the Portuguese became suspicious of the slaves dances and tried to outlaw the parties where they gathered to dance. Today, Samba is a national symbol of Brazil, most common in the Rio de Janeiro and S�o Paulo region. It is a typical dance during Carnival and is well-known throughout the world. The music is typically composed with drums and guitar. There are many unique dances around the world. So next time you travel, make sure you make some time in your agenda to see the dances live or even take a class!
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November Promotion!
Hello World Endeavors community! We have some exciting news about a promotion that we just kicked off. For any World Endeavors program you apply for between now and NOVEMBER 30, 2012 you will get your application fee back. All applicants will get their application fee back upon payment of program deposit. It's like applying for free!
This promotion is applicable for all internship, volunteer, and study abroad programs. Applications are accepted up to a year in advance of the intended program start date.
Eligibility: * Applicable for all World Endeavors internship, volunteer, and study abroad programs, to any location! * Application must be received no later than November 30, 2012 * Program start date must be no later than one year from the date the application is submitted * Open to current students & graduates * Applicable to both credit-bearing and non-credit programs
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Featured Video:
Intern in Spain
World Endeavors Spain internship program is based in Valencia, on the Mediterranean. Interns gain professional experience and enjoy the warm, friendly Spanish culture. For more information about World Endeavors' internships in Spain or other study, intern or volunteer programs abroad check out our website at http://www.worldendeavors.com/Intern/Spain
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Featured WE Staff Member: Kristen Culbertson Outreach Assistant
Kristen was born and raised in a small town south of Madison, Wisconsin. She went to college at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities and studied Anthropology, Spanish and History. Her love for different cultures began in high school with trips to Costa Rica with her school and then to Mexico with her family. She is interested in learning about different cultures, salsa dancing and playing soccer.
In her junior year, Kristen studied abroad in Toledo, Spain. Since her previous trips to other countries, she hadn't left the country and was eager to start her next educational and exciting adventure. Her study abroad experience allowed her to meet new friends from around the world, travel around Europe and also led her to apply for a teaching abroad program in Spain after graduation. After graduation, she spent two years teaching English and traveling to new places such as Romania, Istanbul, Morocco and others. She will remember her incredible co-workers and Spanish roommates/friends forever. Her favorite memory from traveling is when she made a solo trip to Scotland and Istanbul. Even though she traveled alone, she met lots of people in hostels and tours to keep her company and have fun with along the way.
Kristen now interns at World Endeavors and feels right at home surrounded by people who love to travel and go abroad. She says the best part about interning at World Endeavors is helping others get experiences like she had that will last a lifetime.
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