Volunteer Abroad in Mexico

  Mexico

• Puebla: 
Puebla

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Description: United Planet's Mexico program is multifaceted and growing and there are many opportunities for volunteers to make a critical difference. Volunteers can play an important role in contributing to the local community and in building bonds of understanding. Many opportunities are offered, both short and long-term on projects supporting the environment and focusing on community development, with some possibilities to have a Spanish language immersion.

Highlights: Work with children in Mexico (2-16 weeks)
* Ejercito de salvación: This project is run by a Christian non-profit organization and provides support to the local orphanage. Volunteers' main tasks will be focused on supporting the children helping them with homework, playing with them, and making them feel loved. Volunteers stay with host families in the community.

* Casa Hogar Rafael Hernández Villar : This orphanage in Puebla is home to about 120 abandoned children between the ages of 6 and 12, many of whom are from families with problems of addiction, single parent homes or with access to limited economic resources. Volunteers will have the chance to teach English in the mornings and help the children with their homework in the afternoons. Volunteers stay with host families in the community.

* Comamos y crezcamos con Alegría A.C.: This non profit organization is dedicated to eradicating malnutrition, illiteracy, and health disorders for children with low economic resources. It aims to help children achieve good physical and mental development. Volunteers will serve lunch, help children with their studies and play with them. The project is located in an urban area of Puebla. Volunteers stay with host families in the community.

* Albergues Infantiles: This project gives volunteers an opportunity to assist in local orphanages located in urban and rural areas of Chiapas. Volunteers can design activities to do with the children as well as assist with computer lessons, handcrafts workshops, dance and music workshops, and even educational workshops for mothers. This project requires 4 weeks minimum stay.

Spanish Language Immersion Option (4-16 weeks)
Volunteers staying 4 weeks or longer in Mexico can choose to add 15 hours of Spanish language classes per week to the first 2 weeks of their Quest! Volunteers who choose this option will volunteer at their project in the mornings, then take 3 hours of Spanish classes in the afternoons. After these first 2 weeks, volunteers will work full days at their project for the remaining weeks.

Summer Work Camp:
This 2-week work camp gives volunteers an opportunity to work with a local organization in San Miguel Atlautla, México. The organization works with local communities to build youth centers for various programming. Volunteers can be involved in both social and environmental projects which include developing children's skills and talents through art activities, distributing nutrition supplements to local children, as well as collecting trash in the forest while learning about local methods of protecting natural resources. In addition, volunteers will learn about Mexican culture, traditions and lifestyle through activities and excursions.

Cost in US$: prices starting at USD 795

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Mexico Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

United Planet's Mission Statement: As an international non-profit organization, United Planet (UP) strives to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. United Planet's global network of leaders and volunteers fosters cross-cultural understanding and addresses shared challenges to unite the world in a community beyond borders. In 2008, United Planet was one of only ten organizations selected by CNN to be part of its "Be the Change" initiative.

Year Founded: 2001