Volunteer in Michoacan, Mexico!

  Mexico

• Gulf Coast: 
Michoacan

Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Summer

Description: Volunteers will collaborate with El Sistema para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia to promote healthy life styles through nutrition education. Volunteers will work with community groups to run planting and cooking demonstrations and to promote the benefits of community and family gardens. Volunteers will also co-facilitate activities on environmental education and preservation, working with children ranging in age from 5 to 12. Topics include reforestation, recycling, water conservation and care of the general environment.

Highlights: Amigos volunteers will be immersed in vibrant Mexican culture and Spanish all summer as volunteers help plan, implement and evaluate local service projects. Projects in Michoacan have an environmental focus. Local youth will also help faciliate the classes for younger children. In addition to the cross-cultural experience, volunteers learn invaluable skills such as teaching, facilitating, teamwork, problem solving, resource allocation. All while living in the rolling hills and lakes of Michoacan!

Qualifications: To serve as an AMIGOS Volunteer in Latin America, you must:

- Be at least 16 years old by September 1st of the year of volunteer service
- Have completed two years of high school level Spanish, or the equivalent
- Adhere to the AMIGOS' Standards of Conduct and Community Behavior
- Fulfill fundraising and training requirements
- Receive required immunizations

Cost in US$: $3,995 USD

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Amigos volunteers enjoy experiencing other cultures, are motivated, can take intitiative to start a project, have studied Spanish or Portuguese, enjoy being around children and enjoy sharing about themselves to a host family. Amigos volunteers believe in collaborative community service.

Age Range: 16 - 25

This Program is open to American, Canadian and European Participants.

Participants Travel to Mexico in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2-4

Scholarships are Available.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Job and Internship Network

Amigos de las Americas's Mission Statement: Amigos de la Americas (AMIGOS) builds partnerships to empower young leaders, advance community development and strengthen multicultural understanding in the Americas.

Year Founded: 1965