Teaching, Sports, Art, Music, Drama, Adventure

Product Details

The placement at a glance

Following our 10- to 12-day language and orientation course you travel to the village and settle into Mexican life! Accommodation is in groups of four to six in a central village, travelling daily to neighbouring communities and schools which are within reach (two to four km). After your teaching placement you join the rest of the group for an awesome safari in either the beautiful Veracruz or Oaxaca region. Following this you have a period of free travel built into the scheme.

Country knowledge

Mexico is a country of startling geographical, cultural and social contrasts. It is a land of almost 100 million people of whom two thirds are under the age of 30. The majority are Spanish-speaking but 60 native languages are still spoken by more than 50 indigenous groups. Ancient past and rich cultural heritage lie side-by-side with a burgeoning modern state.

Spanish language, orientation and training

Before starting your placement you will attend a 10- to 12-day language and orientation course near Valle de Bravo. Spanish will form a major part of the course; this is a great opportunity to become fluent! Some knowledge of the language before departure is desirable. We also advise you on health precautions, security, safe travel and wellbeing whilst in the country. It also provides an opportunity for you to get to know others in your group.

School selection

AV has built up incredible relationships worldwide and selects suitable rural primary and secondary schools in which volunteers will be placed in pairs. Pupils have a huge desire to learn and with some class sizes from 40 upwards there will be lots of smiling faces to get to know!

School location

We have selected projects in rural villages in the Valle de Bravo region some 100 km west of Mexico City. These rural communities are relatively poor and are traditional Mexico! Schools are selected within areas that allow you to meet up with other AVs most weekends, though we do encourage you to contribute in full to festivals and ceremonies in your village as well as the extra-curricular activities in your school.

Teaching

The schools are a mixture of day primary and secondary. Schools work to a timetable and standards in dress and discipline are relatively high. Volunteers will teach mainly English including extra classes in the afternoons, plus sports like football and basketball if you wish. There are also opportunities to teach Art. The school year in Mexico begins in mid August and ends in early July. Holidays take place over Christmas and Easter for two weeks in July/August. Of your total five months in Mexico you will join the villages/schools for four months from mid October to mid February or from mid February to late June.

Adventure, travel and safari

Following your time in the villages and schools you will join the rest of the AV group for an awesome safari in either the beautiful Veracruz or Oaxaca region. This includes rafting, rappelling and camping. Alternatively, a more cultural trip to the Oaxaca region may be your preferred choice. After this you are free to travel throughout Mexico to savour its extremes of deserts, mountains and beaches, such as Acapulco and around Cancun. During the Christmas or Easter breaks you will have time to enjoy these special festivals and probably head for the coast to chill out.

Culture shock and security

Many volunteers have walked this path before you, but this is not a scheme for the faint-hearted. There will be periods of frustration and, initially, a considerable culture shock. The safety and security of our volunteers is our utmost concern. We provide a comprehensive medical and general travel policy arranged by Bennetts Insurance. Our main representative is Genardo Tirado, who will provide regional support, including assisting on the orientation/language course and visiting your project. Other support will come from Teresa Badenoch and her family in Mexico City.

For more information or a free brochure, fill in the form below. There is no application fee.