Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in Mexico
- Poverty is more prevalent in rural areas than in urban areas, with rural poverty rates nearly double those of urban areas.
- Indigenous communities in Mexico have some of the highest poverty rates in the country, with almost 75% of the indigenous population living in poverty.
- Poverty disproportionately affects women in Mexico, with higher rates of poverty and lower rates of employment and access to education compared to men.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on poverty in Mexico, with estimates suggesting that the poverty rate increased by around 10 percentage points in 2020 due to job losses and reduced economic activity.
- Despite the existence of a universal healthcare system, access to healthcare remains a significant issue in Mexico.
HOW can you help?
- Offer local children opportunities for educational growth
- Teach English alongside local teachers
- Embrace the challenge and join us on this exciting journey!
- Cross-cultural exchange experiences for both locals and visitors.
WHAT can you do?
- Assist the school and local staff and be a part of the day-to-day culture and society in Mexico
- Create lesson plans for different grade levels and ages
- Teach English alongside local teachers
- Play un games, arts, songs, dances,grammar and conversational exercises, sports, and other related activities
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Org & Charity with 33+ Years Experience
- Impactful Projects to Choose From in Mexico
- Social Experiences - Sharing with International Volunteers
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: ENGLISH TEACHING
LOCATION: TEPOZTLÁN
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: HOSTEL
MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: N/A
Overview
Government-owned schools catering to a diverse student population from elementary to high school levels. You will be working alongside a local teacher.
Recognising the importance of English proficiency for national and global engagement, these institutions have made English instruction mandatory for students in grades seven to nine. Although the schools rely on traditional teaching methods and lack experience with native English-speaking teachers, the students are eager to learn from enthusiastic and fluent educators who can bring innovative techniques to the classroom.
Class sizes range from 15 to 35 students per grade or classroom (aged 6-16 years), and teachers are encouraged to bring supplementary materials and employ creative approaches to make lessons both educational and enjoyable.
Previous teaching experience in English is not required to participate in this program. The main objective is to introduce students to the language in an approachable and engaging manner. Instead of expecting immediate fluency, the focus should be on helping students grasp fundamental words and phrases that will enhance their language comprehension. Demonstrating how education unlocks opportunities and broadens horizons is crucial, encouraging students to pursue further education and professional development for a brighter future. Furthermore, this multicultural exchange fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives beyond the scope of English lessons alone.
Generally, you can expect to:
• Teach English alongside local teachers.
• Create lesson plans for different grade levels and ages.
• Prepare monthly goals to be achieved by the pupils/students alongside local teachers and local program coordinator.
• Organise fun games to help them learn through play.
• While teaching English, you might also pass on important lessons like motivation, the importance of education, and even hygiene and sanitation routines the students could benefit from, as well as sharing with them a piece of your own culture and background.
• Join other activities conducted at the school.
• Facilitate learning activities such as playing fun games, arts, songs, dances, grammar and conversational exercises, sports, and other related activities.
Location
Tepoztlán is a charming town is surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges, creating a picturesque backdrop for its cobblestone streets and traditional adobe houses. This hidden gem is renowned for its rich history, ancient archaeological sites and a majestic pyramid atop Tepozteco mountain. The town’s vibrant culture is evident in its lively markets, where local artisans showcase their handcrafted treasures. Whether exploring the ancient ruins, indulging in traditional cuisine, or simply basking in the town’s serene ambiance, Tepoztlán leaves a lasting impression!
Project Tasks
- Improve the quality of life for underprivileged citizens in the area.
- Assist the locals on daily construction and renovation tasks as an organized team.
- Connect and create local multicultural exchange experiences that both locals and participants can benefit from.
- Gain practical experience in constructing and renovating spaces.
Food & Accommodation
Our accommodation can accommodate 1-8 people per room in a hostel setting. It is a typical Tepoztlán neighborhood, and our local hostel host is enthusiastic about providing local family-style interactions and cultural exchanges.
You will stay in one of two downtown hostels with shared bedrooms but separate genders. The accommodation is located in Tepoztlan’s downtown area. There are fans, heaters, hot showers and Western toilets. There is no wifi but this can be found in local cafes.
This small mountain town has a charming downtown area populated by a friendly and welcoming local community. In addition, this town echoes ancient civilizations and has a rich history. Both colonial and indigenous, Tepoztlan is a perfect mix. It’s also located close to a famous Tepozteco Pyramid and archaeological landmark site, a pyramid built at the top of a mountain that overlooks the town, and the Excovento Dominico, a beautifully restored convent and now Catholic Church.
There is a traditional market, or “Mercado” right in the town centre, and plenty of activities in and around the area. You are free to explore and roam around the town centre during your spare time, after your program schedule, or on the weekends.
The food will be traditional Mexican, with plenty of corn tortillas, beans, rice, chili peppers, potatoes, wheat and other grains, and chicken, all of which are vegetarian-friendly. Keep in mind that some local dishes may be spicy!
All meals will be provided at the mentioned accommodation. Every day of the program, three full meals will be provided, beginning with breakfast at 8am, lunch at 12pm, and dinner at 6 p.m. On weekends, there are two meals available: brunch at 10 a.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Food consists primarily of traditional local dishes prepared and served at the accommodation or in the surrounding area. Meals will be served based on your dietary requirements, but you must notify us in advance.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
FAQ
There’s no need for special qualifications needed, so whether you would like to go into teaching, or are already qualified, this program allows you to gain teaching experience in a foreign country, whilst giving back to the local communitiy!
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day & 2 p/day at weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to AICM Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez (MEX) or Cuernavaca International Airport on Sunday.
If you arrive outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer for an extra fee.
If you want to book any extra nights before or after your program, you can do this for an extra fee.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From both airports to your accommodation it takes around 45 minutes – 1 hr by bus.
Volunteer for around 4 hours each day.
Our comprehensive program, curated with the utmost diligence, is designed to cater to the needs of participants with the support of a dedicated local program coordinator. The schedule commences at 9 o’clock in the morning and concludes at 11 o’clock, providing ample time for an invigorating break before resuming at 2 o’clock in the afternoon and drawing to a close at 4 o’clock.
One of the many benefits of our program is its accessibility; participants can quickly reach the venue by simply walking. With comfort as our priority, we encourage our attendees to bring comfortable shoes to maximize their experience while traversing to the placement. Embrace this remarkable opportunity as you learn and grow during our meticulously organized sessions.
Explore the ancient ruins: Mexico is home to many ancient ruins, including the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and the Aztec ruins of Teotihuacan. These sites offer a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture.
Relax on the beaches: Mexico has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including the popular resort towns of Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta.
Experience the local cuisine: Mexican cuisine is world-renowned, and there’s no better place to experience it than in Mexico. From street tacos to fine dining, there’s something for every taste and budget.
Visit colonial cities: Mexico has many charming colonial cities, such as San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato, that offer a glimpse into the country’s Spanish colonial past.
Attend cultural festivals: Mexico has many vibrant cultural festivals throughout the year, such as Dia de los Muertos, which celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Explore natural wonders: Mexico has many natural wonders, such as the Copper Canyon and the Cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula, that are worth exploring.
Take a boat tour to see whales and dolphins: Mexico’s coastlines are home to a variety of marine life, including whales and dolphins. Take a boat tour to see these majestic creatures up close.
Go on a hot air balloon ride: See the stunning landscape of Mexico from a new perspective by taking a hot air balloon ride over the countryside. This is a unique way to experience the natural beauty of Mexico.
Explore the art scene: Mexico has a thriving art scene, with many museums and galleries showcasing both traditional and contemporary Mexican art. The Frida Kahlo Museum and the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City are must-sees for art lovers.
Visit the monarch butterfly sanctuaries: Every winter, millions of monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico’s forests to escape the colder climate up north. Visit the sanctuaries in Michoacán to witness this incredible natural phenomenon.
Go on a jungle adventure: Mexico is home to some of the most biodiverse jungles in the world, offering opportunities for hiking, zip-lining, and wildlife spotting. The jungles of Chiapas and the Yucatan Peninsula are particularly popular for outdoor activities.
Additional Requirements
For older participants, it is mandatory to obtain a medical clearance before engaging in the program, while participants under the age of 18 may require legally signed consent from their parents or legal guardians. Additionally, since the program involves working with children who have diverse personalities and varying levels of energy, it is essential to possess a reasonable level of energy and patience to ensure the effective management of the participants and successfully achieve program goals.
Additional Equipment
There is no specific equipment required for this task; however, we encourage you to bring any Teaching materials you may have, such as:
- Games, books, color pencils, chalk, rulers, etc.
- Pictures from your country, family, and friends
- Other small cultural objects from your country of origin
- Modest or business casual attire is required while on the school grounds. It must be totally covering the knees and shoulders (nothing revealing, tight fitting, sheer, low cut, or with any offensive/inappropriate displayed on it).
Mexico is a fascinating country located in the southern part of North America. It has a rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and a vibrant and diverse population. Mexico is known for its iconic landmarks such as the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan, the beautiful beaches of Cancun, and the impressive Mayan and Aztec architecture found throughout the country.
Mexico’s culture is a unique blend of indigenous, European, and African influences, making it a fascinating destination for travelers interested in history, art, and culture. The country is also renowned for its delicious cuisine, including dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole. Visitors can explore the vibrant cities, picturesque towns, and natural wonders that Mexico has to offer, from the bustling streets of Mexico City to the tranquil beaches of Tulum. With its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes, Mexico is a destination that has something to offer for everyone.
Mexico has a diverse climate due to its large size and varied topography. The climate in Mexico ranges from tropical to desert, with the temperature and rainfall patterns varying depending on the region.
In general, Mexico’s climate is characterized by two seasons: a wet season and a dry season. The wet season typically runs from May to October and brings heavy rainfall, particularly in the southern and eastern regions of the country. The dry season runs from November to April and is characterized by sunny and dry weather, with cooler temperatures in the northern regions of the country.
The coastal areas of Mexico, particularly on the Pacific side, are known for their hot and humid climate, with temperatures averaging between 25-30°C (77-86°F) year-round. Inland areas are generally cooler, with the central highlands experiencing a temperate climate with cooler temperatures and occasional frosts during the winter months. The northern regions of Mexico, including the Baja California peninsula and the Sonoran Desert, have a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters.
The country’s culture is famous for its colourful art, music, and cuisine, as well as its vibrant traditions and festivals.
One of the most significant aspects of Mexican culture is its art. From the ancient Mayan and Aztec art to the contemporary works of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, Mexican art is renowned for its vibrant colours, bold designs, and powerful symbolism. Mexican music is also an essential part of the country’s cultural identity, with styles ranging from mariachi and ranchera to salsa and cumbia. The country’s rich cultural heritage is celebrated through its festivals and traditions, such as Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a holiday that honours deceased loved ones through colourful altars, food, and music.
30 Years Non Profit Experience
IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
Affordable Volunteer Travel
We’re not motivated by shareholder profits. Our fees are fully transparent to ensure maximum benefit where it is most needed.
Safe & Responsible Projects
All projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management team, operational & risk assessment & overseas support contact. All projects are personally inspected to ensure very high quality.
Work Experience & University Credits
We place thousands of Uni students and can assist you with course credits and in-field experience points. Many of our project coordinators are qualified practitioners in their respective fields allowing unique in-field supervision and Uni accreditation options
Check out this amazing blog with step by step info on how to raise funds for your overseas volunteer experience to help maximize your impact abroad. Guide to Fundraising
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