Volunteer Abroad GT was founded in 2009 in Antigua, Guatemala. We are a multicultural, international organization built in close collaboration with local NGOs and community groups. From the beginning, our focus has been clear: creating affordable, meaningful volunteer opportunities with real impact at a community level.
VAGT started as a small initiative offering volunteer programs exclusively in Guatemala. By working directly with local organizations, we built strong, long-term relationships rooted in trust, shared values, and on-the-ground impact. Our goal has always been to support projects that genuinely benefit the communities we live and work in.
In 2012, one of the founders, Jonathan Dprera, continued developing VAGT independently while also supporting other international organizations by hosting volunteers in Antigua. This hands-on experience strengthened our operational knowledge and deepened our understanding of ethical and sustainable volunteering.
Since 2019, VAGT has been re-focused and refined to strengthen what matters most: our programs in Guatemala. While our roots remain firmly planted in the cultural and spiritual heart of Antigua, our experience, network, and values allow us to deliver high-quality, affordable volunteer programs with transparency, care, and long-term impact.
Today, Volunteer Abroad GT remains committed to Guatemala. By focusing on one destination, we ensure deeper connections, stronger partnerships, and a more meaningful experience for both volunteers and local communities.
We work alongside universities, colleges, businesses, churches, families, and various other groups and individuals who are looking to volunteer or take part in an internship. Our volunteer placements strive to create a long-lasting impact with every person, family, school, community, city, country we have involvement with. Our main goal is to generate a positive outcome and change the lives of communities living in extreme conditions and lacking economic resources. We believe that it is our moral responsibility to actively participate in repairing the world. That economic justice requires a transfer of wealth from the economically privileged to the economically disadvantaged.
At Volunteer Abroad GT, we leverage on working with grassroots programs and spend time strategically developing volunteer abroad programs that create long-term, positive impact. With a demonstrable track record and credible reputation in creating affordable, safe and transparent programs. As well as delivering increased fundraising, corporate sponsorship, and donations, we aim for long term achievement of community goals and measurable outcomes. We pride ourselves in providing cultural immersion experiences for all our volunteers, achieved by living and working with local people, communities, organizations, and families.
Passion and inspiration to make an impact, are OUR driving forces to offer these amazing, exciting, and rewarding programs for YOU!
We provide affordable volunteering experiences.
We provide affordable volunteer abroad experiences while creating a local social impact. VAGT hosts hundreds of volunteers every year and we aim to provide cultural immersion experiences, achieved by living, working and investing in the local people, communities, organizations, and families. We create a high social impact by providing jobs for those who otherwise could not provide for their families. Your support and efforts will not go unnoticed, every time we host a volunteer, lives are changed!
We believe that all the costs associated with volunteer tourism should be transparent for everyone. We employ local experts to keep costs down and knowledge high. They speak the local language and are in the best position to give guidance and advice, expert tips and support 24/7 for volunteers to get the absolute most out of their volunteer abroad program.
We find creative ways to help nonprofit organizations and other individuals.
By having teams of experts in all areas: admission, recruitment, logistics and field coordination, we provide programs that exceed our volunteer's expectations. This allows you to fully focus on your volunteer experience without having to worry about any of the details. If you have a passion for helping others, as a VAGT volunteer, you will have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful contribution, creating a life changing experience both for yourself and for the community where you volunteer. We can assure you that our programs will exceed your expectations and you will enjoy a first class experience provided by locals.
HOW WE DO IT
WHAT WE DO
Why volunteers choose us
01
AFFORDABLE
We work directly with local organizations to keep costs low and impact high.
02
TRANSPARENT
You know exactly where your contribution goes and how it supports long-term impact.
03
EXPERIENCED
Our team has lived, worked, and volunteered abroad and supports you every step of the way.
04
FLEXIBLE
Projects run year-round and can be adapted to your availability and goals.
