A Guide to Volunteer in Mexico

Travellers Quest

Volunteer in

MexicoThe Ultimate Step by Step Guide to Volunteering in Mexico

Table of ContentsChapter 1: Getting started - volunteer in MexicoWelcome to MexicoWhy you should volunteer in MexicoWhat are some popular volunteer projects available in Mexico?Where are some popular places to volunteer in Mexico?Which is the best season to volunteer in Mexico?

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Chapter 2: Choosing your Mexico volunteer programHow you can select the best organization to volunteer withWhich organizations offer the best volunteer opportunities in Mexico?

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Chapter 3: Getting ready to volunteer in Mexico

Visa, passportVaccinationsAir ticketRaising fundsSuggested books to readPacking advice and tipsGifts for projects

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Chapter 4: Information you must know about the project

Project detailsWhat to expect when volunteering in MexicoLearn about your host familyLocal supportMake the final call

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Chapter 5: Arriving and Volunteering in MexicoHow to make your volunteer in Mexico experience rewardingSafety while volunteering in MexicoDo’s and don’t in MexicoCulture shockThings to do in Mexico

1718192020

Chapter 6: Completion of project & follow up 21

Chapter 7: Most frequently asked questions from volunteers 22

www.travellersquest.com 3

CHAPTER 1: Getting Started – Volunteer in MexicoWelcome to Mexico

Hola Amigos/Amigas! Known for its Tacos, Te-quila and Sombreros, Mexico has made its mark on the world map, but it has lots more to of-fer than these things. As a volunteer in Mexico you’ll discover the hidden depths of this won-derful country for yourself. In Mexico, You will explore exquisite cuisines, colourful costumes/cultures and fiestas, 33 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and diverse natural resources and land-scapes. Mexico will have something to thrill and delight to everyone.

Mexico has an unstable economy, resulting in poor living and health conditions and less edu-cational opportunities for people in many areas of the country. Volunteers who have the de-sire to help improve and develop facilities and resources, or offer support to communities in need will thrive during their volunteer experi-ence in Mexico. It is an excellent opportunity to give something back to the world while creating positive changes for those in need and explor-ing the landscapes, cultures and character of Mexico.

Photo Credit: Globalcrossroad.com


Why volunteer in Mexico?

Mexico is a great country to volunteer and explore. Ranging from nature to culture, and food to people, there are many reasons to join Mexico volunteer program, here are some pop-uar reasons

Traditional Food and Beverages

Volunteering in Mexico lets you experience authentic versions of national specialities which have rightly become popular all over the world. In Mexico, you can taste unique flavours of tacos, tortillas and tamales, all packed full of flavour and spices. More adventurous eaters can enjoy dishes like Maguey worms and fried grass-hoppers. Of course Mexico is also home to the popular alcoholic drink of tequila, but refreshing cold soft drinks are also readily available from street carts.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

Mexico is steeped in natural beauty, rich cul-tural heritage and historic sites, and is home to 33 UNESCO World Heritage sites. From Mayan ruins, ancient cities, archaeological sites, pre-historic caves and pre-Hispanic cities, to natural reserves and landscapes; Mexico is a country which really deserves to be explored. As a vol-unteer in Mexico you’ll have the perfect oppor-tunity to travel and discover everything on offer for yourself.

Stunning Landscapes:

Mexico is blessed with breathtaking coastlines, mountain ranges, volcanoes, forests/jungles and national reserves, along with Agave plantations, deserts, caves, canyons and waterfalls. When volunteering in Mexico you will be overwhelmed by the amazing natural landscapes that will both surround and captivate you.

Unique Cultures and Celebrations: Influenced by Aztec, Mayan, Iberian and the modern day contemporary Mexico offers a heady blend of diverse cultures in one amazing coun-try. Home to 52 different indigenous groups, Mexican culture varies from region to region.

This makes travelling in the country an exciting and fresh experience. During a volunteer place-ment in Mexico you will get to immerse yourself in these different cultures, and be fascinated by their traditions, music and cuisines.

Adventure:

If you are looking to experience a bit of adven-ture while undertaking your volunteer place-ment then Mexico will not disappoint. From the mild to the extreme, you will be able to experi-ence it in Mexico. With water-based adventures like snorkelling, diving, swimming and surfing, or active options such as mountain hiking jungle trekking, or rock climbing there is something to suit all tastes.

Learn Spanish and Embrace the Culture:

Choosing to join a volunteer project in Mexico gives you the perfect opportunity to learn the Spanish language and also to practice your skills. Plus, living with a host family and working with Mexicans gives you lots of exposure to the unique cultures, traditions, cuisines, music and language of Mexico.

Give a Helping Hand to those in Need:

Still a large proportion of the Mexican popula-tion live below the poverty line, without access to stable living conditions, good healthcare or education. When you volunteer in Mexico you will be providing invaluable benefit to communi-ties in need, while enriching the lives of people in Mexican communities.


Life Changing Experience:

When you volunteer in Mexico and work within Mexican communities you will be exposed to new ways of thinking, living and embracing life, while also enjoying all that Mexico has to of-fer in terms of adventure, landscapes, history, culture, traditions and cuisines. A volunteering placement in Mexico will be an enriching and life changing experience.

What are some popular volunteer projects available in Mexico?

There are many volunteer opportunities avail-able throughout Mexico. Many volunteers go to Mexico to volunteer in different projects that ranges from children to turtle conservation. However still following are the popular volun-teer projects in Mexico

English Teaching Projects:

English teaching programs aims to help students in both schools and the general community to develop their English skills. Volunteers in these projects are likely to deal with learners of all ages - from pre-school children to adults - who share the desire to enhance their language skills. Volunteers will be involved in preparing and teaching solo lessons, assessment, assisting with homework and team teaching with local teachers.

Orphanage Projects:

Sadly there are many orphaned children in Mex-ico. Orphanage projects are set up to provide housing, support, care and learning opportuni-ties for these children. When volunteering on an orphanage project you will carry out general duties of care such as brushing hair and teeth; washing clothes; providing food and maintaining a clean and friendly environment. Other pos-sible tasks may involve assisting with learning

opportunities, creating a positive and caring environment, offering nurturing support and spending quality time with the children.

Marine Conservation Projects:

Marine conservation projects aim to monitor and protect the wondrous and diverse marine life of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Volunteers on these projects get involved in collecting data and monitoring the health of the coral reefs, its marine life and their habitat. On some marine conservation projects you will also have the op-portunity to obtain your PADI diving certificate. Turtle Conservation Projects

These projects have been set up in Mexico to protect their various species of turtles; as moni-toring and protecting their health and habitats helps to create a safe environment where tur-tles can both survive and reproduce. Volunteers

Photo Credit: Thefamilyinternational.org


on these projects will be involved in research, monitoring nesting, rehabilitation, creating safe habitats, and both protecting and caring for the turtles’ natural environment.

Healthcare and Medicine Healthcare standards in Mexico may be rising but there’s still a long way to go, especially for poorer Mexicans. Wait times for medical assis-tance can be lengthy, even in emergency situ-ations, and access to qualified medical profes-sionals in the public hospital system is lacking. Volunteer healthcare and medical projects in Mexico aim to promote better healthcare for all citizens. As a volunteer you will be involved in providing assistance to medical professionals in a variety of tasks, including monitoring and car-ing for patients and assisting with consultations and medical examinations.

Where are some popular destinations to volunteer in Mexico?

There are many places where you can volunteer in Mexico. However, because of safety, avail-ability of projects, opportunities for travel and cultural immersions, few places are very popu-lar among volunteers in Mexico. Here are few popular cities for volunteering in Mexico

Mexico City – located 7240 feet above sea level in the Valley of Mexico, this sprawling and bus-tling capital city is full of Aztec culture infused with Spanish and contemporary influences. With stories of the past on nearly every corner Mexi-co City is home to some fantastic old cantinas, museums, galleries, murals, ancient canals, and lots of great shopping and nightlife. Popular volunteer projects in Mexico City are: teaching, working with children, health, conser-vation and farming.

Guadalajara: located in the state of Jalisco, and home to Tequila and Mariachi Music, Mexico’s second largest city combines old world charm

and contemporary chic. It boasts a historic cen-tre with architecturally beautiful colonial build-ing and statues, theatres, churches, galleries, the UNESO world Heritage site of Hospicio Caba-nas and the largest indoor market in Latin Amer-ica, Mercado Libertad. The more contemporary area of Chapultepec offers a great selection of cafes, restaurants, bars and lively nightlife. Guadalajara is a vibrant city full of character and charm, so take the time to explore the city and the surrounding neighbourhoods with their individual charm.

Popular volunteer projects in Guadalajara are: orphan care, conservation, teaching and child-care.

Oaxaca City- located in the State of Oaxaca and surrounded by mountains, Oaxaca City is consid-ered the safest city in Mexico. With influences from both the ancient world and modern day, the city is home to many archaeological sites and tombs, and offers one of the most diverse and vibrant cultures in Mexico along with some of the biggest fiestas and best cuisine in the country.

Popular volunteer projects in Oaxaca City are:


working with children, teaching, social develop-ment, conservation, construction and health

Playa del Carmen – located in the Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsular this third largest city of Mexico possesses European chic, exceptional eating experiences great shopping and nightlife, along with palm-lined beaches and fantastic snorkelling and diving opportunities.

Popular volunteer projects in Playa Carmen are: childcare, teaching and marine conservation.

Merida – the largest city in the state of Yucatan, Merida considered the second largest historic centre in all of Mexico. Built on the site of an ancient walled Mayan city, Merida is clean, modern, cosmopolitan and safe. It features rich history, and some fantastic galleries, restau-rants, boutiques, cultures and traditions, as well as delicious food. It is one of the best places to experience Mayan culture and heritage. While volunteering in Merida be sure to also check out the surrounding areas, where you can dis-cover Mayan ruins and underwater sinkholes, (cenotes).

Popular volunteer projects in Merida are: teach-ing, special needs care, childcare and animal care

Which is the best season to volunteer in Mexico?

Mexico has two main seasons; the rainy season - which runs between May and mid-October, and the dry season, which runs from mid-October to April. However, climates do vary drastically throughout the country. Along the coast you are likely to experience warm tropical weather, while the mountainous regions have much cold-er temperatures, especially in cooler months. Most volunteers choose to join a project during the summer months. Be sure to check with your organization about the location of your volun-teer placement in Mexico to learn more about the climate and temperatures you are likely to experience.


CHAPTER 2 : Choosing Your Mexico Volunteer Program

Photo Credit: Projects-abroad.org

How to select the best organization

Selecting the best organization to book your Mexico volunteer experience through can be confusing as so many companies offer similar projects. Here are a few important things to consider which will help you research and iden-tify the best choice for you.

Cost of program: Volunteer program fees vary greatly depending on location, project type, and duration. Program fees for volunteering in Mexico can range anywhere from $300 to $2000 for a one week program. Taking this into consid-eration it is important to select an organization that has both the best price and rating.

It is also important to know what your program

fee actually includes, and if there are any extra costs involved. This lets you decide if the pro-ject offers value for money. Also check out how your fees are being distributed, so you know your project and host family are being finan-cially supported from your fee. The best organi-zations are always affordable and honest, so be sure to look for these attributes.

Support your cause: It is important that you choose a project and organisation with a mis-sion to create positive change, and to achieve both short term and long term improvements and developments in the project, communities and environment. Look for evidence that the organization is committed to providing financial support to the project and host families, while working with local organisations to ensure goals


set provide valuable benefits.

Professionalism: When selecting an organization to book your volunteer experience through, it is important to check that they are professional and reputable. Find out how long they have been in the industry, how many projects they have, what they specialise in, where they have projects, and how many volunteers they have worked with, as these are often good indica-tors of their professionalism. Take some time to check their website for their goals and mis-sions, up to date information, relevant images, and clear, concise details about any supporting companies, recognitions, achievements and suc-cesses.

Reviews: Check the company’s website for any reviews from previous volunteers, as these provide a good indicator of the experiences that others have had. Volunteers who have had exceptional experiences through their organiza-tion are likely to leave in-depth reviews with lots of detail. Also look for any online network-ing or volunteer communities which mention the organization, this is a great way to contact previous volunteers if you have any questions or queries about specific projects. A reputable company should have many positive reviews or testimonials.

What are a few of the best volunteer or-ganizations in Mexico

There are many organizations which offer a variety of projects to potential volunteers in Mexico, but lots of choice makes it hard to know which once to go for. Here is a list of some of the top organizations for volunteering in Mexico, to help you find both a project that you want to support and a company you can believe in.

IFRE Volunteers http://www.ifrevolunteers.org

Committed to providing authentic hands-on

experience with local people, and grass roots projects for their volunteers, along with full support to the local projects and host families they work with, IFRE are a trustworthy USA based company. In business since 2005, they offer 200 volunteer projects in 18 countries, and have placed 17,000 volunteers into fulfilling placements.

IFRE Volunteers offer projects in Mexico in the following areas: orphanage care (Bucerias), English teaching (Melaque), special education (Barra de Navidad) and sea turtle conservation (Majahaus). Program fees for a one week place-ment start from $585.

Global Crossroads http://www.globalcrossroad.com

Global Crossroads is a USA based company which began in 2003 and now has projects in, and has sent 18000 volunteers to, 18 countries around the world. They are committed to offering op-portunities for learning and development to people in poor living environments, while creat-ing life-changing experiences through cultural immersion for their volunteers.

Photo Credit: Globalcrossroad.com


Volunteer projects in Mexico offered by Global Crossroads are: orphanage Care (Bucerias), Eng-lish teaching, special education and sea turtle conservation (Majahaus). One week volunteer placements start from $585.

Love Volunteers http://www.lovevolunteers.org

Love Volunteers are a New Zealand based com-pany which has been providing volunteers with meaningful cross-cultural volunteer opportuni-ties in 35 countries around the globe since 2009. They are committed to providing financial sup-port, skills and resources to the local commu-nities in which they work by assisting with the development of locally beneficial projects.Their Mexico-based volunteer projects include: teaching and healthcare in Temixco, and work-ing with children or on medical projects in Oaxaca. One week placements in Temixco start from $585, and from $460 from Oaxaca.

International Volunteers HQ – (IVHQ) https://www.volunteerhq.org

International Volunteers HQ are a New Zealand based company who started operations in 2007. They now work in 30 different countries, and have sent a total of 42,000 volunteers abroad to work with local communities in need of sup-port and development. They are committed to working directly with local projects to develop the most relevant and useful programs based on each community needs and wants. Volunteer projects offered in Mexico include: teaching, special needs care, child or animal care in Me-rida, and environmental conservation and Maya agriculture in Yucatan. Program fees for a one week project placement start from $550.

Volunteers for Peace http://www.vfp.org

Established in 1982 in the USA, Volunteers for Peace are committed to providing opportuni-ties for volunteers to create global connections,

while developing leadership skills and creating positive change through intercultural education and community development.

Volunteer placements offered in Mexico include: children’s education (Chiapas), environmental conservation (Cuautla), construction (Michoa-can) and community development (Nayarit). Program fees for a 2 week volunteer placement start at $722.

Frontier http://www.frontiergap.com

Established in 1989, Frontier are committed to working with under privileged communities, and creating positive long term changes in areas of conservation, community and society develop-ment.

Frontier offer volunteer work in Mexico in the following areas: sea turtle conservation (Ver-acruz) and childcare (Playa del Carmen). A two week project placement ranges from $1295 to $2095.

Photo Credit: Frontiergap.com


GoEco http://www.goeco.org

Sending over 1000 volunteers to 32 countries each year, GoEco are a US based company which began in 2005. Their aim is to develop projects which have an impact on the sustainable devel-opment of ecological situations, nature/wildlife and the lives of people in need of resources, funding, education, facilities, and care.

Mexico volunteer projects offered by Go Eco include a 4 week diving for marine conservation project in Pez Maya which starts at $3050, and a two week animal rescue and veterinary assis-tance project in Playa de Carmen, which starts at $1690.

GVI http://www.gviworld.com

GVI are a UK based company which have de-livered life changing volunteer experiences to over 20,000 people. Established in 1998, the

Photo Credit: Goeco.org

organization now works with 450 projects in 25 countries. They are devoted to working hand-in-hand with local NGOs, governments and commu-nities to develop projects which create positive change.

Mexico volunteer placements offered by GVI are based in Yucatan. Opportunities include a one week veterinary project ($1690), 2 week place-ments in childcare and health ($1990-$2090) and a 4 week marine conservation Project ($3390).

Projects Abroad http://www.projects-abroad.org

Established in 1992 in the UK, Projects Abroad have over 20 years of experience in creating positive and rewarding volunteer experience for 60,00O volunteers in 28 developing countries around the world. They are committed to assist-ing those who are in great need, and having a positive impact on individuals, communities and the local environment.

Volunteer projects offered by Projects Abroad in Guadalajara Mexico are: a one week place-ment teaching physical education ($2395), 2 week placements on general care projects or veterinary & animal care ($2690-$2790), and a 4 week teaching project ($3280). They also offer a 2 week turtle conservation project in Teacoman ($2690).

Fundacion En Via http://www.envia.org/index.html

Fundacion En Viva are a Mexican organization which began in 2008 and aims largely to pro-mote the empowerment of women and their families by providing learning opportunities, skills, knowledge and tools to women who strive to improve their life and achieve success.Fundacion en Via offer projects in teaching, photography and tour guiding in Oaxaca. Pro-jects start from $55 per day for a tour package, with some money going towards a loan scheme for the women of Fundacion En Via.


CHAPTER 3 : Getting Ready to Volunteer in Mexico

Once you have been accepted onto your chosen volunteer placement you will be excited about the experience ahead, but there’s a lot to do before you set off on the journey of a lifetime. Help make your trip planning a smooth and or-ganized experience with this handy list of things to think about.

Visas

You must have visa to go to Mexico. Most of the volunteer organizations run program in tour-ist visa. So, please check with your organisa-tion about your visa needs, or get more details from an official website such as http://www.inm.gob.mx/index.php/page/Paises_No_Visa/en.html http://www.inm.gob.mx/index.php/page/paises_visa/en.htmlPassport

To be granted entry into Mexico citizens from all counties must hold a valid passport which has at least 6 months validity following the date of entry into the country. Passports must also have at least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

Vaccinations

Before heading off on your exciting volunteering placement in Mexico it is vitally important that you visit your medical practitioner to find out about any vaccinations you need to help protect against potential illnesses or infections you may be exposed to while in Mexico. Regardless, it is recommended that your tetanus, mumps/mea-sles and rubella vaccinations are all up to date. Consult your doctor or the site below to find out more about both recommended vaccinations and medical advice when travelling to Mexico.

Photo Credit: Gviusa.com


http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/mexico

Air ticket

Most likely your program fee will not cover your airfare. So it is always good to plan in advance for air ticket. Finding a good deal on an airfare is not always easy, but with so many airlines of-fering flights to Mexico you can use these tips to help find affordable flights.

Know your closest airport: Find out where your volunteer placement is located and the clos-est airport to it. There are many international airports in Mexico, so you may be able to find a direct flight.

Receive alerts: Sign up to online airfare search engines to get news on deals and airfare alerts.

Flexible travel dates: Try to be flexible with your travel dates. Airfares vary in price depend-ing on seasons, the day of the week and often even the time of day. By searching for fares on different days and dates you may be able to score a cheaper ticket.

Book in advance: If you are lucky you might be able to find a bargain airfare at the last minute, however it is likely that the closer you leave booking your ticket to your departure date the higher the price will be. When you find an af-fordable ticket book it – don’t wait.

The cheapest is not always the best: A cheap airfare is always appealing but it may come with lots of annoying rules. Many cheap fares do not include any checked in baggage, so you should check out the luggage charges to see if it is really such a bargain price. Cheap fares can also often include multiple stopovers or long layovers, which may be both inconvenient and expensive as you are likely to spend on food and drinks at each stop. Finally, be sure to check the cancellation and change policy fees your cheap ticket comes with. These tend to be either very

high or even non-existent on the lowest priced tickets.

Raising funds

So you’re ready to volunteer in Mexico, but not sure how you can raise the finances you need. There’s no need to panic, as these days it’s easy to set up an online giving campaign to fund your volunteer project. Many people like to donate generously to campaigns which support a good cause, so with some promotion effort you’ll be able to spread the word and find them. Set up your campaign in a professional manner, in a way where your supporters can feel they are having a positive impact on your cause and be-ing part of your experience, as this creates the greatest support from friends, family and the general public.

Check out these sites for online campaign ideas and getting started on your volunteer Mexico campaign. http://www.gofundme.com/tour/ https://www.volunteerforever.com/

Suggested reading

Before departing for Mexico get your hands on a copy of a good guidebook and read up on various destinations, (especially the place where you will be volunteering), things to see and do, cul-tures, traditions, maps and how to get around.

Some handy guide books are:

Lonely Planet – Mexico Travel GuideDK Eyewitness Travel Guide - MexicoSam Spector - Mexico: A Guide to the Must-See Cities in Mexico!

It’s also worth getting yourself a copy of a good phrase book, and studying some Spanish before you head off to volunteer in Mexico. Try the:Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary


What to pack

So it’s not too long now before you set off on your Mexico volunteer experience, which means it’s time to think about packing. This will not be the same as packing for a vacation, so use this handy list as a guide to make the process really easy.

Type of placement: This will definitely influ-ence the type of clothing you will need to pack. For a teaching or medical position in Mexico you need to wear neat, professional looking attire, while on a conservation position shorts and t-shirts may be acceptable. Check with your or-ganization about what you are expected to wear during your placement.

Region and Climate: Check where your place-ment is located, as this is a good guide on what to take. You will want different clothes for a beach, jungle, mountain or city placement, and of course it also depends on the regional cli-mate and the season you will volunteer in.Baggage Restrictions: Check with your airline about weight limits for checked baggage, as this will help you decide what is necessary and what you can leave behind.

Don’t forget these:

▪ Passport and travel documents (insurance, itinerary, confirmations)

▪ Credit card and cash (Mexican Pesos) ▪ Cables, chargers, batteries and adapters for

your electrical devices ▪ Torch or head lamp ▪ Any required medications

Gifts for the project

A small gift for your project is recommended as a sign of thanks and appreciation. Gifts that you can give could be things that are unique to your home country or represent your home city/town. If working in a project with children then learning resources, games, books and stationery are always good choices.


CHAPTER 4 : Information you must know about the project

Before heading off to volunteer in Mexico you may experience emotions ranging from excite-ment to anxiety. Knowing as much as you can about your destination and placement will ease some of those pre travel nerves, and help make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible on your arrival.

Here are a few handy tips to help you out.

Get all the details about your project:

Before you embark on your exciting journey to volunteer in Mexico contact your organisation and double check you have all the information you need about your project.

Here are some important details to ask about:

• the location of your volunteer project• any rules and expectation• the duties you are expected to undertake• start and finish times• what you are required to wear or bring• how you will get to and from your placement• airport pick up details

Learn about your host family:

When you volunteer in Mexico will probably be placed with a Mexican host family. They are not only there to provide you with accommodation and meals, as most host families want to help you fully integrate into the lifestyle. If pos-sible try to establish contact with them before you go. Exchanging photographs and some basic information will create a connection that will

Photo Credit: Oneworld365.org


smooth over any awkwardness you may feel when meeting for the first time in person. Find out:

• where they live• how many members of the family you will be

living with, and their names• about their interests• if they have any house rules

Get connected with local support:

Before you leave for Mexico it is important to find out if local or in-country support will be available if you need assistance during your vol-unteering placement. Call your organization and find out what is available, and get all the rel-evant contact details for them. It is also a good idea to contact the local support team before you go. Introduce yourself and forge a positive relationship with those who will be a valuable and helpful resource for any questions, concerns or issues regarding your project or host family once you are in Mexico.

Make the final call:

A couple of days before you leave your home country call your volunteer organization and ask questions about anything you still feel unsure about. Also take this opportunity to check there have been no changes made to your volunteer placement or host family, and that your flight, and airport pick up details are all confirmed.


CHAPTER 5 : Arriving and Volunteering in Mexico

Photo Credit: Gvi.co.uk

Your real volunteer abroad experience will start once you arrive to Mexico. You have already spent lot of time and money to gain meaningful volunteer experience, however still there are many things you can do to make your volunteer experience rewarding

How to make your volunteer experience rewarding

Know what is expected of you: Before you begin your volunteer placement in Mexico it is best to find out exactly what will be expected of you by both by the project staff and your host fam-ily. With a clear understanding of any rules and expectations you can avoid any awkward situa-tions which may arise.

Learn the language: At times throughout your placement you may run feel frustrated by your weak Spanish language abilities. Knowing even some basics before you go will help create a more enjoyable experience. Grab a Spanish phrase book or download an app on your smart phone to help you, and make the most of every opportunity to practice speaking with locals. You will find understanding the language will enhance your experience, and of course learning another language is a reward in itself.

Get to know the country: While volunteering in Mexico make the most of your free time. Get out and explore the diverse landscapes, cul-tures, customs, history and places Mexico has to offer.


Get to know your host family and locals: Liv-ing in a foreign country can be quite a daunting experience, and not knowing anyone can seem difficult at times. Make the most of your host family, local project staff and the locals. Get-ting to know them opens a window into Mexican culture, and the best local places to hangout. Integrating into a community can make all the difference to creating a positive and rewarding experience.

Remember why you are volunteering: If you are passionate about your project, its mission and the work that you undertake during your volun-teer placement you will experience a greater sense of reward. You’ll find that even the small-est impact or positive change to a community or individual will be a heart warming moment.

Safety while volunteering in Mexico

Mexico has earned a reputation for being a dangerous country and one you should avoid travelling to. Yes, Mexico can be a dangerous country, however it is cleaning up its problems with drugs, crime and violence, and there are now only a handful of regions you should avoid travelling to or through. Although the majority of Mexico is actually relatively safe, like any-where in the world it is important to know of any potential risks or dangers before travelling.Your volunteer placement in Mexico will not be located in any areas which are deemed as being unsafe, and the most popular tourist destina-tions are located in areas of Mexico that have no travel warnings issued about them. Before travelling to Mexico it is important to do some research, and be up to date with current events and situations which may have an impact on your safety while volunteering and travelling in Mexico.

Remember:

Passport: Do not carry your passport around with you; instead you should make photocop-

ies of the photo Mexican entry stamp pages and carry these with you at all times. Send a copy of these pages to your family in case of an emer-gency.

Credit Cards: Be sure to notify your bank about your plans to travel to Mexico. This avoids your card being suspended while they check out if the card has been stolen.

Travel Insurance: Before you leave your home country buy a good insurance policy which pro-tects you against any unexpected delays, illness-es or other disruptive situations. Email copies of the company’s contact information and policy document to trusted contacts as a backup meas-ure.

Travel documents: Make sure you have copies of all your travel documents. If you are taking a smart phone take photos of them, or email copies to yourself, family members and good friends, (Useful if you lose access to your per-sonal email.)

Register details: Before leaving for Mexico be sure to register your travel and personal details with your local embassy in case of an emergency where you need their assistance or they need to contact you.

Do’s and Don’ts when travelling in Mexico

DO

• Only hail a taxi at a designated area to en-sure that you use a registered cab.

• Write down your destination to give to a taxi/bus driver or ticket officer. This avoids any potential language misunderstandings.

• Be aware of your surroundings and belong-ings at all times.

• Enjoy the local food and beverages.• Immerse yourself in the unique cultures,

traditions, history and fiestas.• Try to speak with the locals.• Explore the country and have some adven-


tures.• Always wear smart business attire for meet-

ings.• Respect all religious or cultural requests such

as removing sunglasses and hats when enter-ing a church

DON’T

• Wear shorts outside of beachside locations if you want to blend in with the locals.

• Drink the tap water • Disrespect Mexican culture or belief systems. • Ignore your surroundings. Remain aware of

where you are and who is around you.• Walk around at night on your own, especially

if in an unsafe area, or after drinking alco-hol.

Culture Shock

Once in Mexico you will discover a whole new sensory world packed with unfamiliar sights and sounds. Sometimes you may find these exciting and new, but at other times these experience might get you down. Parts of Mexico still suf-fer from bad economic situations, poverty, poor living conditions, beggars and homeless people, dirty streets and toxic odours. This is all part of your Mexican experience, and earning to accept and embrace these differences in cultures will help you to adjust much more quickly.

It is not always easy to embrace a new country, but here are a few things you can do to help your transition and integration go more smooth-ly..

Research your destination: Before you head off on your volunteer placement in Mexico it is wise to read up on the history, culture, economic sit-uation, laws and current events of the country. This will help prepare you for many situations you may be exposed to, and also provides you with a greater understanding of the country and its people. Some suggested guides for research

are travel guides; Mexico based blogs, previous volunteer reviews of Mexico placements, and current news reports.

Embrace the Spanish Language: If you have no Spanish language skills, or lack the confidence to use what you know, your Mexico volunteer experience is a great opportunity to change this. Spend time listening to and practicing with your host family, they will be more than happy to help you out. Try to ask for directions and order food in the local language too. Like any new skill it takes practice. The more you expose yourself to the experience the more you will improve, and soon the language barrier will not feel so daunting.

Get to know the culture of the people: Part of learning and understanding a new country involves getting to know the people, and their cultures and traditions. Spend time with locals and find out as much information as you can. Visit rural towns and villages, arts and crafts markets, and ancient tribal areas, embracing each experience as a chance to learn while im-mersing yourself in daily life. Attend local festi-vals and gatherings to discover the true essence of the people, their culture and beliefs.

Network and Make friends: It’s not always easy to be far away from home, and there will be times when you really need some company. Use your volunteer experience as a way to network and make friends. You are likely to work with other volunteers who are experiencing the same range of mixed emotions who are also looking for someone to hang out with. Remember you are not alone, so make the most of the opportu-nity to spend time getting to know your fellow volunteers both during and outside of your vol-unteer placement. You should also make friends with the local staff, who can help you out by suggesting places to see and do, and giving you advice from a local’s perspective.

Things to do in Mexico

Mexico is full of delights, so exploring its ex-


traordinary beauty and history and immersing yourself in the culture and traditions will not be hard. In fact there will be opportunities on nearly every corner. Whether it is visiting tradi-tional indigenous villages, attending festivals or events, tantalising your taste buds with unique flavours, being mesmerised by archaeological wonders, snorkelling crystal waters and explor-ing underwater gems, hiking volcanoes or relax-ing in natural hot springs: from its cities to its beaches and mountains, Mexico has so much to offer during your volunteering adventure.

Some suggestions for things to see and do:

• Visit one or more of the 33 UNESCO World Heritage listed sites around the country

• Take the time to explore Mexico City and its neighbourhoods. Rich in history and culture, the city has many stories to tell.

• Taste the regional cuisines and dine in tradi-tional cantinas

• Learn how to appreciate Tequila and witness the production and making of the popular drink in the town it was named after

• Visit regional towns and villages to get a glimpse of the real Mexico

• Visit indigenous villages and learn about their customs and cultures

• Witness one of the many colourful festivals or events such as the ‘Day of the Dead’

• Visit one of the many pre-Hispanic cities• Watch lucha libre (Mexican wrestling)• If you are looking for great beaches and par-

ties than Cancun is worth the trip• Head to Cozumel for fantastic snorkelling

and diving opportunities

• Hike one of the snow capped volcanoes (Popocatepetl or Iztaccihuatl), visiting 16th century monasteries and indigenous villages along the way

• Enjoy one of the many Pacific or Caribbean beachside towns

• Head to Chichen Itza – a Mayan city built over a thousand years ago

• Be mesmerised by the Mayan ruins in Tulum• Immerse yourself in the historic city of

San Miguel de Allende and relax in the hot springs


CHAPTER 6 : Completion of project & follow up

Photo Credit: Unitedplanet.org

When you return from volunteering in Mexico you will be experience a range of feelings, from excitement about sharing your stories, sadness at having left your placement and inspiration to continue creating positive change throughout the world.

Share your experiences: Every volunteer wants to share their experience with family and friends. Blogging is a great way to record your highlights, lowlights, favourite moments, details of friends you made, and memories of things you did. By adding photographs of your desti-nation, project, friends and travel adventures you can add color to the stories you posted. If you set this up before you go it will be easier to keep it updated on a weekly or daily basis while you are on your volunteer placement.

Reviews and feedback: To assist your project, the organization, host family and future vol-unteers write an honest review of your experi-ence, and provide any constructive feedback that will help in enhancing the project or expe-rience.

Continued Support: Find out ways in which you can continue to support your project. This could involve supporting them financially, donating resources or raising awareness of the project by hosting events or campaigns.

Network: Keep in touch with those you met along the way. These will be great contacts for future volunteer placements, career opportuni-ties and even future travel experiences.


CHAPTER 7 : Most Frequently Asked Questions From VolunteersHow will I get from the airport to my host family/volunteer house?

Your booking organization will organise your airport pick up and transfer to your host family or ac-commodation. It is important that your organization have all your contact details, and you have reconfirmed your flight details with them. If there are any delays or cancellations it is important to inform them as soon as possible.

Will there be volunteer support from staff in Mexico?

Yes, when volunteering in Mexico there will be in-country support available for you. Contact your booking organization before you go to obtain all the relevant contact details you need.

How many other volunteers will be participating with me?

Volunteer numbers usually depend on a number of factors, such as how many applicants the pro-ject accepts at any one time, and the season you are volunteering. Summer is generally the most popular month for most people to participate in projects, so you will probably meet a higher num-ber of other volunteers during this time.

If I volunteer with my friend can we be placed in the same project and housed together?

If you plan to volunteer in Mexico with a friend than yes, it is possible that you can be placed in the same project and with the same host family. It is however highly recommended that you notify the booking organization of these requests during the booking process so that suitable arrange-ments can be made.

Are meals and housing provided? When volunteering in Mexico your program fee will generally cover accommodation and meals with a host family.

Do I have to bring my own bedding and mosquito nets?

No, it is not necessary as these things are provided at your accommodation. What if I don’t speak the native language? Although you should be able to get by without knowing the language it is a good idea to learn some basic words and phrases before you go, either by your-self or by joining a class. To learn more or improve your language skills take a phrasebook or dic-tionary with you, download some Spanish learning apps to your phone or enrol in a local language class.

How will I get to my project every day?

This will generally depend on where your project is located. Some volunteers live close enough to walk to their placement, while others need to use local public transport. Check with your organisa-tion before you leave to find out what your options are for getting to and from your project.


What kind of food will I eat while I’m there?

When staying with a host family it is most likely that you will be served traditional Mexican cuisines which may vary from region to region. However, if you have any special dietary requirements let your organisation prior to arrival, so your host family can cater for your needs.

Does the volunteer project or organization offer treks or excursions?

Your booking organization will not offer organized activities for you to book, but it’s easy to ar-range these things yourself. Get to know the locals and ask them for the best recommendations of things to see and do, and about the best local and national tour providers.

How many hours per day will I be volunteering?

Usually volunteers will spend 4-6 hours a day at their project, although some may require more or less time. Check with your organization to find out the expected work hours for your specific pro-ject.

How much money do I need to bring?

This will really depend on how you want to experience Mexico. Your volunteer project program fee covers your accommodation and 3 meals a day, so you will only need to budget for any personal expenses such as shopping, nights out, public transport costs, sightseeing activities and any travel-ling around you plan to do. Before you leave work out and cost a rough guide of what you plan to do and budget accordingly.

This free eBook is just written to help volunteers. So please use this book just as a general reference or source

of information. We cannot guarantee the validity of information as changes in the field can be sudden. As it is

impossible to provide a definite or authoritative guide it is vital you verify information directly with a relevant

and up to date source. We cannot be held liable in any way for damages caused should you choose to overlook

this advice.

A Guide to Volunteer in Mexico

Travel

Transcript of A Guide to Volunteer in Mexico