Volunteering in Mexico

To search for projects currently available in Mexico please visit the VFP Open Projects Directory.

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	"The teacher had difficulty speaking and understanding English herself, and some of the teaching strategies were a bit poor, so I think that I made more of a contribution here than on the beach" Edward Mack ~ 2009
	Edward Mack ~ 2009
	Volunteer Britt Willey spent two months in the fall of 2008 leading volunteers on the Colola Beach Turtle Project in Michoacan. Britt Willey / Mexico ~ 2008
	A sea turtle preservation project. Alex Nelson / Mexico ~ 2006
	Construction project at sea turtle rescue camp. Connie Bock / Mexico ~ 2005
	Work to protect sea turtles. "For the February 2005 Turtle Camp, volunteers from Finland, Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, Holland, England, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and the United States, united with teams of local volunteers from the nearby village of Colola, to promote the survival of sea turtles. ...the Turtle Camp was a small action to increase the chances of survival of animals that are under threat of extinction. It also was a help to the economy of the village of Colola, and a boon to renew their enthusiasm for their rare natural treasure. It also provided an opportunity for volunteers from many nations to gain knowledge of and respect for turtles, Mexico, and the other nations from which the other volunteers came." Ross Studler / Mexico ~ 2005
	....on the final day of a project to protect sea turtles. Miranda Gerzon / Mexico ~ 2004
	A bird habitat restoration project. Cara George / Mexico ~ 2003
	Volunteers traveled in and around the city of Morelia to promote inter-community sporting events. Jody Kent / Mexico ~ 2002
	"Being able to live with local people gave me the opportunity not only to look at things from their own perspective, but also to have access to places and situations that as a tourist I would have not had." Maria Pinto / Mexico ~ 2002
	Working at a community center. Kelly Nalty / Mexico ~ 2001
	Holding a baby crocodile in front of the Environmental Education Center in Campeche. Stefanie Laaser / Mexico ~ 1999

“Our volunteering work was to take care of sea turtle nests and ensure that the hatchlings could reach the sea. In particular we were collecting sea turtles eggs and burying them in a secure incubator location. We were monitoring the eggs that were put underground by a previous team of volunteers, watching them hatch, and releasing the new born baby turtles to the ocean. Overall it was a blast, unforgettable memories, thanks to VFP for making it possible.” Igor Kogan ~ 2009

“My experience volunteering in Tzajala, Chiapas in Mexico was on the whole a positive one. Spending 3 weeks at the work camp was a rewarding and eye-opening experience. I was able to make new friends from France, Korea, Japan, England, Ireland and Mexico and participate in a lively community where we were all sharing something interesting. I found this to be a challenging and yet enjoyable way to experience Mexico.” Joshua Harriman ~ 2009

“Each of the classrooms had set activities organized for each day, with a clear timeline and structure. That said, it was also wonderful how the teachers were open to collaboration, and having you try some of your ideas in the classroom. It was really a team effort. There was a creative and challenging atmosphere to grow in.” Anna Flores-Amper ~ 2009

“The entire town was very pleased to have us volunteers there and we couldn't of felt more welcome and appreciated. the students would  make meals for us almost every day and we were constantly invited to  get-togethers and sports events. Senguio is a small, lower class town but not one person I met there said they didn't like it, they're the   type of people who are pretty much happy anywhere and its great to   see. I learned so much from the people there, anything from Spanish to the problems the country is facing with drugs. I definitely feel that the experience was a good one and it has encouraged me to do another such trip in the near future.” Scott MacKinnon / Mexico ~ 2008

“In sum, there were definite challenges and elements I would change the second time around, but ultimately I couldn’t have anticipated a better introduction into international community work. I plan to remain in contact with community leaders to assist with continued program development.  I hope to return in this spring to implement our proposals and solidify my supportive presence in the community. My experience in Colola has certainly given me the confidence to continue and the burgeoning abilities to succeed. I can only hope for the same level of success in my future endeavors.” Britt Willey / Mexico ~ 2008

“I went primarily to learn about turtles, help save them, and have a cross-cultural experience. All of these goals were met, though I probably learned less about turtles academically since my Spanish was not fluent. The experience was extraordinary though and catching eggs from a mother turtle as she lays them is something I won’t easily forget. I am really glad that I went on this expedition and am eager to sign up for another at the earliest opportunity! Thank you for making it possible for people to do global volunteer work on a limited budget. It is definitely work worth doing!” Sarah Stapleton / Mexico ~ 2007

"Most importantly, I learned the way of living from people who have different backgrounds and the way of thinking. I learned from others and taught them of my way of living. I felt a great sense of joy when I taught them some cultural backgrounds and basic expressions of my language, Korean and learned from their language and cultures. We could build a real friendship by exchanging our own cultures and languages. We were all the ambassadors of their own countries. Now, back to routine life, I feel much more refreshed than any moment in my life before and I am ready to live in a different way. I strongly recommend this camp for the people who need a break so that they can get energy from people and live with refreshed mind." Young Jae Jeon / Mexico - 2006

"Casa de la Imaginacion has endless possibilities for creativity, cultural education, and team building. The children are an inspiration as is the village of Yelapa." Dana Gregg / Mexico - 2006

"I really appreciate how VFP and VIVE give an opportunity to the young to share and do something for a better world .Bravo." Jean-junior Montout / Mexico - 2006

"For the February 2005 Turtle Camp, volunteers from Finland, Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, Holland, England, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and the United States, united with teams of local volunteers from the nearby village of Colola, to promote the survival of sea turtles. …the Turtle Camp was a small action to increase the chances of survival of animals that are under threat of extinction. It also was a help to the economy of the village of Colola, and a boon to renew their enthusiasm for their rare natural treasure. It also provided an opportunity for volunteers from many nations to gain knowledge of and respect for turtles, Mexico, and the other nations from which the other volunteers came." Ross Studler / Mexico - 2005

"The conditions were not what the West is used to (for example most houses didnt have running water) but that did not bother me at all. The workcamp was set in a tiny village in Michoacan, Mexico close to the monarch butterfly reserve. Our project was to paint the workshop (interior and exterior) which we accomplished. On some days, we also worked with the ladies to print notebooks. The workshop was set up by a graphics professor from the city to give the locals the means to produce souvenirs for the tourists that come to see the butterflies. It's a way for the people to be in touch with their natural resources and have more appreciation for the reserve and surrounding area, some of which is on their common shared land. He hopes it will give them a little extra income and strengthen the community awareness to help fight problems such as illegal logging. The group of volunteers was pretty small, only 7 and the leader, but overall we got along well. The local people we stayed with were really wonderfull, and I had a lot of fun talking with them and playing with the kids, which were just precious, very friendly and curious and eager to help us. We had dances and parties and walks around the area. On one of the walks we even had a spontaneous clean up of the path. The place was just beautifull, in the foothills of the mountains and the view was superb. Plus I learned how to make tortillas and make cheese from fresh milk! During two of the weekends we had field trips to some other sights and towns (such as the colonial city of Morelia, Patzcuaro and pre-Aztec ruins). I'm really glad I participated in this workcamp, and definatelly the best part was the interaction with the people! Viva Mexico!" Simona Rosu / Mexico - 2005

"a tremendous journey and a life-changing experience." Danielle Dineen / Mexico - 2005

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