Guatemala Service & Language

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Introducing our Guatemala Service & Language Experience, a new program exclusively for Guatemalan adoptees aged 18 and older. Immerse yourself in the vibrant city of Antigua, living in shared housing with fellow adoptees, and adult adoptee mentors while learning Spanish and working alongside Guatemalans. This unique experience includes 10 days of language instruction at one of Antigua's best language schools and a service component with one of our partner organizations. Join us for a transformative journey, where you'll deepen your connection to Guatemala through language learning and meaningful community service while in community with other adoptees.

  • Guatemala Service & Language Experience

    June 27 - July 12, 2025

    16 Days

    ✓ Improve Spanish Language Skills

    ✓ Support Community Service Initiatives

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  • Day 1 - Arrive Antigua and Orientation Dinner

  • Day 2 - Explore Antigua: Find Language School, Grocery Shop, and Cooking Class with Tia (Dinner)

  • Day 3 - Explore Antigua

  • Day 4-8 - Morning Language Class and Afternoon Volunteer Activity with Partner Organization (Day 6, language classes only)

  • Day 9 - Free Time to Explore Antigua. Option for Reconnection. Optional weekend trip to the beach.

  • Day 10 - Free Time to Explore Antigua. Option for Reconnection. Cooking Class with Tia (dinner)

  • Day 11-12 - Morning Language Class and Afternoon Volunteer Activity with Partner Organization

  • Day 13 - Free day with optional Pacaya hike

  • Day 14 - Morning Language Class and Afternoon Volunteer Activity with Partner Organization

  • Day 15 - Morning Language Class, Transport to Guatemala City in the afternoon. Closing dinner in Guatemala City with overnight at Barcelo Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 16 - Depart

Other Ways to Travel to Guatemala with Ties

  • Heritage Trips: Guatemalan Ties

    Experience the wonders of Guatemala on our heritage tour designed for all adoptees and their loved ones.

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YOUR TIES PROGRAM MANAGER

Rebecca Blessing

Rebecca joined Ties in 2017 and became the Guatemalan Program Manager in 2019. In her more than twenty years in child welfare and adoption, she's assisted adoptees and families at all stages, from initial applications to heritage journeys. She's spoken globally on child welfare and adoption issues and has advised organizations and governments on comprehensive child welfare and adoption policy. Today, you can find her in Denver, CO where she is also an adjunct professor, a yoga teacher, and is currently working on a novel.

Please note: Rebecca may not travel on every trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The average size of our heritage travel groups can vary depending on the country and specific trip itinerary. Typically, our groups range in size from 20 to 70 participants. The size of the group is influenced by factors such as the destination, the type of trip, and the preferences of our travelers.

    For specific information about the group size for a particular trip or destination, please feel free to reach out to us directly. We can provide more detailed insights based on the specific heritage journey you are interested in.

    We aim to create inclusive and engaging experiences for our travelers while ensuring that each participant receives personalized attention and support throughout the journey.

  • Yes, anyone important to your journey is welcome to join our trips, subject to availability and trip-specific considerations. Many of our participants choose to travel with loved ones who share an interest in exploring their heritage and culture. Our goal is to facilitate meaningful experiences for all participants, including extended family members and friends who wish to join the journey.

    Also, we encourage you to check out our blog post on "Questions Adoptees Should Ask When Choosing Travel Companions for a Heritage Journey" to help determine who to bring on your heritage trip. For more information about bringing extended family members or friends on a specific heritage trip, please contact us so we can assist you further.

  • Yes, we welcome registrations of larger groups interested in participating in our heritage trips. Registering a big group allows for a shared experience and can enhance the journey for all participants.

    To accommodate a big group, we recommend reaching out to us directly to discuss availability, logistics, and any special arrangements that may be needed. Our team is committed to facilitating memorable and enjoyable experiences for groups of varying sizes.

  • No, the registration fee is separate from the program fee. For travel insurance purposes, the registration fee is a separate administrative charge that covers processing and securing your spot on the trip and does not count as the first land payment. The first land payment refers specifically to the initial installment of the program fee, which covers the costs of accommodations, transportation, and activities during the heritage trip.

    If you have specific questions about the payment structure and its impact on travel insurance, feel free to reach out to our team for further assistance.

  • Visa requirements vary depending on the destination country. Some countries may require visas for entry, while others allow visa-free travel. Look up your destination using the U.S. State Department's Learn About Your Destination search tool. On the country’s information page, you will find entry, exit, and visa requirements. You will also find travel advisories and a link to the country’s embassy. It's important to check the specific visa requirements for your destination well in advance of your travel dates. Our team can assist you with visa information and guidance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

  • Absolutely! Our itineraries include designated free time where participants can explore independently, relax, or pursue personal interests. This allows adoptees and their loved ones to customize their experience and make the most of their journey. Costs are adjusted accordingly based on the activities participants choose. Travelers are not required to attend every activity on the itinerary. You are welcome to opt out of an activity or day as long as you inform your group guide. Additionally, some of our trips offer days with options to choose between activities or to enjoy free time instead. Please note that the program fee covers all planned activities, and opting out of certain activities is a personal decision that does not affect the program fee.

  • Some meals are included in the program fee. Details about which meals are included will be provided in the detailed itinerary that you will receive after requesting information about a specific trip. This itinerary will outline all meal arrangements and provide clarity on what to expect during the trip.

  • Our partner organization, Gift of Identity offers grants specifically for adoptees traveling on our group travel FLAGSHIP, LITE, or Next Gen trips. You can find more information about this grant and how to apply on the Gift of Identity website. Additionally, please visit our Financial Assistance page for more ideas and resources to support your travel plans.

  • Cancellation policies varies by trip, and is included in the information packet you will receive when submitting an Information Request form.

    Ties is both a group and an adoptee + loved ones travel experience. Planning involves coordinating group activities and services AND customizing for each adoptee and those traveling with them.

    Customizing individual adoptee connections involves gathering information from adoptees and their loved ones related to their personalized desires; contacting them to confirm understanding of their desires; gathering further information, if necessary; asking questions; assembling this information in a format our in-country partner prefers; exchanging correspondence with the in-country partner related to individual requests; communicating information with each adoptee and their loved ones which may lead to further requests; communicating with our in-country partner on additional requests; working with our in-country partner on customized individual itineraries that mesh with larger group activities; monitoring these arrangements; and accommodating changes that may need to be made. This work begins shortly after registration is received and continues through departure.

    We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance and highly suggest obtaining cancel-for-any-reason coverage.

  • Throughout your journey, Ties staff will facilitate informal, optional discussions and activities for adoptees and adult loved ones traveling.

    Connect & Chat provides a space for adoptees and internationally adopted siblings to form connections and build community, with adoptees. These gatherings aim to strengthen bonds, foster inclusivity, and ensure everyone has a good time. Some Connect & Chat sessions delve deeper into personal reflections based on participant needs. Our skilled staff are adept at facilitating these organic discussions.

    Adult loved ones traveling with adoptees are invited to our signature Talk Time sessions, which are more discussion-based than activity-based. While all activities are optional, Connect & Chat and Talk Times are highly rated by participants, and we encourage your participation.

    *Groups of 25 or fewer people may be accompanied by a well-trained staff member with adoption expertise serving as the group leader. For groups with less than 10 participants, an in-country guide will accompany the group. In this scenario, your program will not include Talk Time or Connect & Chat sessions.