A hands-on leadership and cultural exchange experience in Washington, DC and Guatemala
The Guatemala Youth Leadership and Language Exchange Program is an immersive Summer 2027 experience for students ages 15–18 from across the United States. Participants strengthen their leadership skills, practice Spanish, engage meaningfully across cultures, and take part in structured community and service learning.
The journey begins in Washington, DC, where students meet their cohort and adult mentors for orientation, leadership activities, and a college visit. The cohort then travels together to Guatemala for nine days of cultural immersion, language practice, leadership development, community engagement, and reflection. No prior Spanish-language or international travel experience is required.
Applications are now open for Summer 2027.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply by November 15, 2026 for priority consideration and the greatest availability across program cohorts. The general application deadline is January 15, 2027. Applications received after January 15 may be considered if space remains.
Interested in learning more? Join our interest list to receive updates on information sessions, applications, and program announcements.
Travel alongside a supportive cohort of peers and adult mentors while participating in leadership activities, Spanish-language practice, cultural experiences, and meaningful community engagement. Students ages 15–18 from anywhere in the United States may apply. No prior Spanish-language or international travel experience is required.
Selected educators and youth-serving professionals serve as adult mentors and chaperones, supporting student learning, safety, reflection, and group participation throughout the Washington, DC and Guatemala experience.
Built on Trusted Partnerships
The program is administered by Partners of the Americas, an international nonprofit with more than 60 years of experience connecting people and communities across the Americas.
Guatemala programming is developed and implemented in collaboration with Somos Impact Travel, a Guatemala-based educational travel organization.
Together, Partners and Somos are designing an experience that is educationally meaningful, culturally grounded, and supported by trusted local relationships.
The Guatemala Leadership and Language Exchange Program is thoughtfully designed to support students from application and preparation through their return home.
Review the program dates, tuition, eligibility requirements, itinerary, and FAQs. Students and adult mentors may then complete the appropriate online application.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants who advance will be invited to a virtual interview. Admission decisions are generally communicated within two weeks of the interview.
Accepted students have 14 calendar days to confirm participation and submit the $500 enrollment deposit. Participants then complete required forms, payments, virtual orientations, and travel preparation before meeting in Washington, DC.
Meet your cohort in Washington, DC for orientation, leadership activities, and a college visit. The group then travels together to Guatemala for nine days of language practice, cultural immersion, leadership development, community engagement, and reflection before returning together to Washington, DC.
Summer 2027 student tuition is $3,850. Tuition includes round-trip international airfare between Washington, DC and Guatemala, program lodging, designated meals, ground transportation, scheduled activities, program materials, and program support.
Not Included: Domestic travel between the student’s home community and Washington, DC, required travel and medical insurance, passport costs, and personal expenses are not included.
The program is administered by Partners of the Americas, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., with more than 60 years of experience and a legacy of sending over 2,300 young leaders on life-changing exchanges throughout Latin America and beyond.
Summar is committed to creating international experiences where students feel supported, confident, and prepared to learn in a new cultural setting.
Michael provides strategic guidance and institutional oversight for the program.
Participants leave with:
Safety & support include:
Participant Conduct:
Technology & Communication:
Students may use personal phones during designated times. Expectations for technology use will be reviewed before departure to support student safety, well-being, cultural engagement, and full participation in program activities.
Families will receive emergency contact information and guidance about routine student communication before travel.
Families are required to obtain travel insurance for the full program period, including the student’s travel to and from Washington, DC. The policy must meet the program’s requirements for medical care, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation or interruption. Specific requirements and guidance will be provided to accepted families before travel.
Eligible participants will also be included under Partners of the Americas’ AIG group travel accident and emergency insurance while traveling outside their home country. For most U.S.-based participants, this coverage begins when the group departs Washington, DC for Guatemala and ends when the group returns to the United States. This coverage does not replace the travel insurance families are required to obtain.
The Guatemala Leadership & Language Exchange is a 9-day international program for high school students ages 15–18 that combines leadership development, Spanish immersion, cultural learning, and meaningful community service.
The program is hosted by Partners of the Americas and is designed to be safe, structured, and developmentally appropriate for first-time and returning international travelers.
The program aims to:
Students
Educators
Parents, Schools, and Sponsors
Students in the International Student Travel Program will develop essential skills that prepare them for success in their academic and professional journeys. Key skills include:
Leadership and Personal Responsibility: Students learn to take initiative, lead projects, and be accountable for their actions, fostering personal growth and maturity.
Communication Across Cultures:
Through interactions with diverse groups, students enhance their ability to communicate effectively in multicultural environments, which is critical in today's globalized world.
Problem-Solving and Adaptability:
The program encourages students to think critically and creatively, adapting to new situations and finding solutions to challenges they encounter.
Civic Engagement and Global Perspective: Participants develop a sense of social responsibility and an understanding of global issues, empowering them to make informed contributions to their communities and beyond.
Participants can look forward to a variety of engaging activities. The program includes leadership workshops and facilitated group discussions, where students will delve into essential skills and concepts.
Students will complete 16–20 hours of community service, contributing to meaningful projects that foster collaboration and cultural understanding.
Daily practice of Spanish in real-world settings will enhance their language skills and confidence. Exploring Guatemalan history, culture, and daily life adds depth to their learning experience.
Structured individual and group reflections will help students internalize their experiences and insights.
All activities are supported by trained program staff and trusted local partners, ensuring a safe and enriching environment for personal and academic growth.
The program prioritizes safety through:
Students are supervised at all times by:
Educators must meet the following qualifications:
Student Tuition: $2,700
Estimated Airfare: $400–$600
Please note that international airfare is not included in tuition.
Students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
To apply for the Guatemala Leadership & Language Exchange program, students must submit their applications by the deadline of March 30, 2026.
Students can apply here
Educators can apply here
After submitting an application, applicants will receive an email update from the program team acknowledging receipt and outlining next steps.
All applicants, both students and educators, should be prepared to participate in a short interview to further assess their interest, readiness, and motivation for the program.
Partners of the Americas is an international nonprofit organization with a long history of facilitating people-to-people exchanges, leadership development, and cross-cultural learning across the Americas.
Your support helps strengthen the Guatemala Leadership & Language Exchange and the meaningful learning experiences it provides.
Gifts help Partners of the Americas sustain and grow opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills, engage across cultures, and build connections throughout the Americas.
