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Volunteer in Mexico

Oaxaca, Mexico Internship & Volunteer Programs

In Oaxaca, we emphasis VOLUNTEER work rather than internship work. Our candidates will participate in volunteering with a company while getting experience working in different sectors.

The difference is in nuances: Volunteer work has a more socially involved connotation, whereas an internship is straight up business oriented. Volunteer work gives back to the community, whereas Internships are to directly benefit you and growing your resume. Our Volunteer positions in Oaxaca, Mexico are based on helping out those around you and those in need.

Oaxaca is a beautiful, old colonial city in south-central Mexico with an alternative, artsy vibe. Located along the Sierra foothills, the city is home to towering Zapotec pyramids and high plain deserts. It’s an idyllic, vibrant area for artisans and craftsman from the surrounding indigenous pueblos and a gateway to many mountain and beach destinations. Home to ancient Zapotec, Mixtec and Aztec peoples, the culture is rich with diversity.

Oaxaca has been called the craft capital of Mexico and is fairly far south, past Mexico City. Its population is around 210,000 and the weather is mild year-round. It boasts one of the largest Saturday markets in the country and each nearby village has its own craft specialty from rugs to pottery and linens to hand-carved wooden animals.

Program Pricing

1 Month
*Teaching English Only*
$2,920
6 Weeks
*Mid-May Only*
$3,325
2 Months$3,700
3 Months$4,440
4 Months$5,010
5 Months$5,840
6 Months$6,660

Oaxaca, Mexico Internship & Volunteer Programs

Oaxaca has been called the craft capital of Mexico and is fairly far south, past Mexico City. Its population is around 210,000 and the weather is mild year-round. It boasts one of the largest Saturday markets in the country and each nearby village has its own craft specialty from rugs to pottery and linens to hand-carved wooden animals.

When you look at our list of Volunteer Assignments, you will notice the large number of ways to positively impact the people of Oaxaca. Whether you sign up for just one month in our program or 12 months, the impact you make will be remembered forever. We offer placements in sectors such as Archaeology, Arts, Business, Culinary, Ecology, Education, Graphic Design, Law, Medical /Healthcare, Non-profits (NGOs), Psychology, Social Work, Teaching English, Theatre, Volunteer, Women’s Studies & Health, Working with Children, and more!

We have taken our years of experience sending candidates abroad to Spain to develop the same valuable and customized Volunteer program in Mexico!

We can confidently say that we offer the most affordable volunteer programs in Oaxaca, do your research! Begin your internship experience by applying now.

NOTE** For most international internships in Oaxaca, Mexico some Spanish language skills are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's Included in the Volunteer in Oaxaca, Mexico Program?

Our Volunteer in Oaxaca programs include some key features, here are just a few:

Airport or bus pickup when you arrive in Oaxaca, and taken directly to your apartment.
Volunteer for 4 hours each day in locally owned companies, museums or grass-root organizations. You will gain real, international experience to add to our resume.
Some excursions are available during your 2-week intensive Spanish coursework. To that effect, we help cultivate the cultural side of the program for you by organizing these events.
Housing is included. Live like a native in a shared apartment with other international students or elect to live with locals.
The amount of time you choose to intern is flexible, with program lengths ranging from 1 to 12 months; all begin the first Monday of the month.
Program can be done for academic credit (240 contact hours for a three month program, for example)
2 weeks of intensive Spanish language classes are included in the program payment.
The Adelante Director in Oaxaca speaks English fluently, having taken graduate coursework in Michigan, and is a native of Oaxaca. Our Director is available to all candidates as needed for counsel and assistance.

Is This Program Right For You?

Answer the following questions:

Are you an independent-minded individual?
Will you be 18 years of age or older by the time you begin your program?
Do you speak fluent English (This program is open to candidates worldwide)?
Do you desire the opportunity to live and work alongside local people abroad?
Are you flexible and open to situations outside of your comfort zone (i.e. public transportation, new environment, different customs, etc.)?
Are you looking for a program duration between 1 to 12 months?

If you answered YES to these questions, then this program is right for you!

For many programs, Spanish skills are required (at least a low-intermediate level), but placements can be found in some sectors for complete beginners (e.g. Teaching English). Certain fields may have specific requirements for prior experience or studies.

Our programs work for the right candidate, even if you haven’t yet begun your international travels. We’ll create a customized, once-in-a-lifetime program for you!

Have Questions About the Program? Ask Us!

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Application Process

The application deadline is 60-90 days prior to your chosen start date.

Late applications are accepted on a case by case basis and are subject to a $250 late fee.

Apply For An Internship Abroad

Academic Credit

Academic credit can be given to applicants who are currently in universities. Academic credit for volunteering in Mexico are given by the applicant’s university. Adelante Abroad is happy to assist applicants who want to get credit for their program by providing any documents necessary. Student will just need to speak with their study abroad or academic advisors to see how credits will transfer.

Internship Credit Information

Why Should You Choose Adelante Abroad?

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Volunteer in Mexico FAQs

Where will I live during my volunteer program in Mexico?

All volunteers in Mexico through Adelante Abroad can either stay in a shared guest house, shared apartment, live with a local, or homestay. All housing arrangements are with vetted individuals and in a centralized location. Our accommodations provide a great way for travelers to dive into the Mexico culture and improve their Spanish language skills daily.

How long are the volunteer placements in Mexico?

Our volunteer placements in Mexico usually range from 2-6 months. the longer you stay the more you get out of your volunteer program. We do have some one month options for Mexico which include Teaching English and Social Media.

How much should I budget for living expenses per month, above and beyond what is included in the program fee?

For Mexico, we suggest approximately $100 USD per week, and this covers normal expenses like groceries, bus money, some going out and one or two nearby excursions a month. The price goes up when you start going out at night more and when you begin to travel further away (which we do encourage!).

Is there an Adelante contact in Mexico?

Yes – Carlos Ortega, our director abroad and a Mexican national, will work to ensure that you have an educational and fun experience in Mexico. He is highly involved in the cultures, dialects and art forms of Oaxacan communities, both in the city and the outer lying indigenous areas. You will be meeting with Carlos during your first week of classes before your work assignment starts. Carlos is accustomed to working with groups from abroad, speaks English fluently and is an extremely good liaison between long-term visitors to Oaxaca and their new “home”.

What is the difference between interning and Volunteering in Mexico?

In Mexico, the majority of Adelante Abroad placements are focused on giving back to the community. Mexico is the perfect place for this. Internships on the other hand are more internally focused with building your resume and business working skills.

Resources

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