Guidebooks are full of superlatives about the richness of culture and nature in Mexico, but the realities of environmental degradation, social deprivation and poverty cannot be ignored. The Mexican economy has been struggling and 30 million people here survive on just 30 pesos a day, with around 37% of the population live in poverty.
Best Volunteer Programs in Mexico
Sea Turtle Conservation in Puerto Morelos
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £3,445
How to Help
Mexico is a huge country with immense contrasts and diversity. There are thousands of villages where the population live unchanged lives, bound by tradition, the family and fiestas. The country contains an astonishing variety of climates, landscapes and eco-systems. There are deserts and vast mountainous canyons, tropical jungles and cool, cactus-covered sierras.
Mexico is a land of contrasts, a developing country yet one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Other attractions away from the beach resorts include ancient Aztec and Mayan cities, Spanish colonial architecture, and bustling markets selling local handicrafts.
Local and international organisations give volunteers the opportunity to be a part of challenging projects trying to address these needs. This really is one of the most popular places to volunteer abroad and the perfect opportunity for a meaningful vacation or gap year in Mexico.
Location of Projects
Projects are based all around the country, from Mexico City, to Cancun and rural areas. Some projects are in the beautiful Bay of Banderas on the Pacific Coast, in the coastal town of Puerto Vallarta, others are in the more traditional villages dotted around the bay.
Volunteer in Mexico City
Known for its deep roots in Aztec culture Mexico City is a metropolis full of stunning urban scenery and natural attractions. By volunteering in Mexico you are offering skills and expertise to the locals from a wholly different perspective and an opportunity for the locals to learn of another’s culture and passions. Whether you are placed in a classroom, workshop or orphanage your place here will help children, students and adults to gain the necessary skills to follow their own personal paths.
Volunteer in Yucatan and Quintana Roo
One of the most popular destinations to help in Mexico is to volunteer in the Caribbean Yucatan and Quintana Roo peninsula’s. There are lots of worthwhile programs in and around the steamy tropical cities of Merida, Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Help at community centres, children’s homes, nurseries, schools and an animal shelter, there is plenty to try! Helping in this region is a great experience as you get the chance to live in the stunning Yucatan peninsula, a culturally unique part of Mexico and a must-see region for any tourist.
Volunteer teaching English
Volunteers leave at 8am by pre-booked taxi to the bus station and then take a 35 minute bus to the village project at San Antonio Tehuitz. Volunteers help with activities between 9 and 11/12:30, then lunch, then with the children again between 2:30 and 4pm. Some Spanish is useful but not essential.
Activities are mostly pre-planned by your volunteer coordinator so you will not be at a loss for what to do. The emphasis is on English teaching but art and craft activities can be included. An ideal placement for anyone wanting to gain teaching experience and sport and games organisors.
Volunteers can also teach at the local state academy and help with student’s pronunciation. Sessions usually run on Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 5 and 7pm although exact days can vary sometimes. The great thing with these placements is that it is within walking distance of the volunteer house. Spanish is not needed and English is encouraged to help the students gain the most they can.
Can I work with animals?
Anyone who loves dogs from veterinary students to dog lovers! Volunteers leave the volunteer house at 7am by pre-booked taxi to the bus station and then it is a 30 minute bus ride. Volunteers help out between 8am and midday between Monday and Friday although the need for volunteers varies, for example the shelter may need volunteers for one or two days only a week if they are doing other things or have vets visiting.
For this reason, most volunteers working at the shelter mix up their week with community volunteering or exploring the area. Whilst at the shelter, volunteers bath and walk the dogs, help the vets when they visit, groom, preparing food.Basic Spanish or a phrasebook and dictionary may come in useful for the staff.
Can I work in a hospital or clinic?
Healthcare volunteers usually work in one of the hospitals in or city clinics. Depending on experience and qualifications, schedules vary depending on whether supervision is available to provide support during your placement. Most healthcare volunteers will combine a clinical placement with community volunteering when full time hours are not available.
Basic Spanish is required for healthcare placements in order to get the most out of the experience although it may be possible to shadow or play with the children at the clinics on a casual basis. For undergrad nurses and medics, closed shoes, clean smart clothes and a lab coat or white shirt/blouse should be worn.
Volunteering in Mexico FAQ
Do I need a Visa?
British (and most European) passport holders do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days. Other nationalities should check with their nearest Mexican Embassy or Consulate for requirements. Supporting letters can be provided if required.
Language
For most projects, volunteers are not expected to speak fluent Spanish, but in order to integrate with the local people it is important to have some knowledge of it. Organisations will expect you to put every effort into learning the language and you will get much more out of your project if you can communicate properly with the community. You might want to sign up for an online language course or use apps which will take you from being a complete beginner to a reasonable conversational standard. You could also search Spanish schools in Mexico.
Expeditions and Travel in Mexico
Organisations are particularly keen that volunteers should travel in Mexico and beyond during your stay. Local reps are able to help you plan specialised itineraries and trips.
Time Off and Volunteer Interaction
There are no rules about time off, but in most cases weekends are free and many volunteers choose to travel after their projects. All projects are linked to initiatives involving Mexican staff, so you will quickly adapt to the Mexican style of working.
The key here is to be flexible and to use initiative. Organisations demand a serious commitment from all volunteers, but at the same time recognises that the nature of voluntary work demands a flexible approach, and we definitely want you to have an enjoyable as well as a rewarding time.
Food
Mexican food is excellent and volunteers can expect to eat well, but again within the context of local conditions and cuisine. There is an abundance of gorgeous fresh fruit and vegetables grown locally. This includes avocados, oranges, pineapples, chillies and limes. Fish is eaten more commonly than meat and vegetarians are catered for.
Health and Insurance
All volunteers should have full insurance to cover personal accident, medical and emergency travel expenses and personal liability during project activities. Make sure a policy is very comprehensive and gives you unlimited medical cover, public liability cover and baggage cover.
The cost of insurance is included in some programs. Once in Mexico, a local office will assist volunteers with any health or accident problems that may arise. If you apply with an international agency they will inform you as part of a preparation package of what immunisations and medication are needed for their stay in Mexico.
Cost
Some organisations charge fees to volunteer in Mexico. The cost of placements varies depending on the project, location and duration. This price covers all support and training, including training and fund raising days, food and accommodation, an in-country language course, all project related travel, insurance and comprehensive in-country support. It usually does not cover the cost of flights.
Spending Money
There are many things to do and buy in Mexico, including wonderful restaurants and a vibrant nightlife, so volunteers should budget for spending money for their visit to the country. In some placements in distant rural areas there will be little opportunity to spend personal money, but in other less rural locations there will be daily temptations and pleasures that need to be considered!
