Volunteer in Mexico
Mexico is a land of contrasts. 50% of the population lives barely above the poverty line, and 28% of the population in rural areas live in conditions of extreme poverty. Yet, Mexico is a country rich in natural resources and is the tenth largest economy in the world.
Volunteering in Mexico focuses on those living in poverty. Volunteers can make a valuable contribution in communities that are in danger of being left behind as a result of poverty, abuse of the environment and the lack of economic opportunities.
Participants will begin their program in Mexico City with a welcome orientation. Mexico is the second largest city in the world and is full of contrasts from modern avenues with fancy high-rise buildings to historical areas, middle class neighborhoods and poor suburbs. Everywhere in Mexico workers, professionals and the illiterate all struggle to look for better opportunities in life. Read about a volunteer's account of her first months in Mexico.
Arrival and Orientation - Project Overview - Program Fees
Volunteers should arrive to Mexico City where they will be met at the airport by one of our staff members and transferred to a hotel for a welcome orientation and overnight stay. The following morning our Program Co-ordinator will introduce the volunteer to the life in Mexico, to the goals of the program and the characteristics of the area where the project takes place. Orientation will continue after lunch as part of a mini tour of the City. A bus transfer will be arranged to the project location the following evening.
ACCOMMODATION
You will spend the first nights in a hotel in Mexico City. During the project your accommodation will be with a local Mexican host family, or in community residential facilities. Living with a local family gives you the opportunity to get to know more about Mexican culture and to improve your language skills.
OPTIONAL SPANISH COURSES
Optional Spanish Courses are available for participants taking part in our Volunteer Programs for an additional fee. Attend a total immersion program in Oaxaca City or Amecameca in a warm and friendly atmosphere. You will be placed with a Mexican host family for 
the duration of your classes which can be from 1 to 6 weeks long. The courses include Spanish language classes, cultural workshops, and one on one conversation sessions with a Mexican student. This opportunity will enrich you knowledge of Spanish and of Mexican culture and daily life. Ask your local VIP representative for more information.
WORKPLACE CONDITIONS AND LOCAL SUPPORT
Workplace conditions vary depending on the project. Volunteers work 35 – 40 hours per week, with 2 days off. Depending on the project there may be other international volunteers as well as local people working with you.
You will get the assistance of a local representative during your stay in Mexico City and during your time with the volunteer project. They will help you to get familiar with bus transportation, local facilities and sites of interest around the area (eg. the archaeological monuments and other places of interest).
2012 PROGRAM FEES
4 weeks - USD 1565
6 weeks - USD 1780
8 weeks - USD 2050
10 weeks - USD 2190
12 weeks - USD 2475
16 weeks - USD 2870
Please note:
Projects in Yucatan and Chiapas have an extra charge of 100USD due to the need of an airplane transfer.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Airport pick up (weekdays, between 7am and 9pm): It is strongly recommended to have participants arriving in Mexico City the last Thursday of every month.
- Two nights of accommodation in a hostel in Mexico City, including breakfast. Optional hotel accomodations with breakfast are available for an additional fee of $100. Note: Night buses leave around 10pm, so you may wish to hold your room until late the second night at your own expense.
- Meals during the stay in Mexico City
- Welcome orientation to the program on arrival in Mexico City (1.5 days)
- Mini tour of Mexico City
- Placement in volunteer project
- Accommodation and meals with a host family or in community facilities
- Donation or contribution to the project
- Support by a local representative for the duration of the project
- Transfer by bus from Mexico City to host community
- Visa extension fee, when applicable
- 24/7 emergency support
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Cost of international flights
- Transportation from project to point of departure at the end of the program
- Personal expenses
- Health and accident insurance (mandatory)
- Optional Spanish Language courses
ELIGIBILITY
Participants must be minimum 18 years old (19 if a US citizen), have a commitment to voluntary work, be flexible, be able to work as part of a team and be willing to learn about and adapt to a new culture. Good Spanish skills are a plus but participants can always apply for an intensive course of Spanish before the program starts at extra cost.
