While on your educational program in Guatemala. . .

Do the Following . . .

• Listen carefully to all safety information during your in-country orientation. 

• Keep your passport with you at all times, inside your clothing if possible (unless the CGEE leader directs you otherwise). 

• Stay close together as a group when you are out in public and always travel in groups of two or more. Always ask permission of a person before photographing or recording. 

• Be careful of your volume. North Americans tend to speak in louder voices, so keep your voice at a low level-- even when in your hotel room. 

• Be respectful of in-country community resource people, even those with whom your views differ. This doesn’t mean that you have to avoid asking the “hard” questions, just ask them in a non-confrontational way. 

• Be respectful of other group members. Before asking multiple questions of resource people, look around to see if other people have questions. People have varied learning styles and may need more time before asking questions. Remember that you are part of a learning community and not simply an independent traveler. 

• Drink a lot of water to maintain good health. When the weather is hot, you will dehydrate much more quickly! Your CGEE leader will give you guidelines for finding sources of safe water.

 Don't . . .

• Leave suitcases, bags, or purses unattended, even for a minute! 

• Handle large amounts of money in public. Know how much you have and where it is. 

• Give anybody any reason to rob you. That means don’t wear flashy (or any) jewelry, watches, bulging pockets, or expensive-looking sunglasses. 

• Disclose the tentative schedule or names of resource persons and groups of which you may be aware. This information should not be given either to "friendly strangers," to other resource persons on the program, or to anyone outside of your group. 

• Photograph military personnel or military installations. In many countries, airports and bridges are included in this prohibition. This is true for U.S. immigration and customs areas as well.

NOTE: It's likely you will hear the above guidelines again at various points during your program. We ask for and appreciate your patience with this fact in advance of your trip.

And Remember...

• Police and customs officials have the right to search your luggage for drugs. 

• In many countries local laws make no distinction between hard and soft drugs. 

• U.S. laws DO NOT apply to U.S. citizens or U.S. residents abroad who violate foreign laws. Once you are overseas, you are subject to the same penalties for drug violations as the nationals of the country you are visiting. 

• In some countries, anyone who is caught with even a very small quantity of drugs for personal use may be tried and receive the same sentence as a large-scale trafficker. If you are arrested for drug possession abroad you may be subject to interrogation and/or solitary confinement for up to a year before trial and receive a mandatory prison sentence of seven years to life if you are convicted.

Your group will have an orientation session upon arrival in Guatemala. You will receive additional information and have the opportunity to ask questions at that time. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the information above, contact the Customized Programs staff at CGEE.