Mexico - FAQ

Tell me more about Mexico
Mexico is a large country with a diversity of settings, cultures and languages. The northern half is dessert-like with a vegetation and climate typical of this type of biome. Ciudad Guzman is a modern town of 100,000 people located in the southern half, near Puerto Vallarta, an international beach resort. It is an important center of trade for a multitude of smaller cities as well as an agricultural region in the center of a fertile valley surrounded by mountain ranges with an active volcano next to a 13,000 feet mountain peak. It is a paradise for all kinds of mountain climbers, if you are in relatively decent shape, you can be in the middle of a pine forest after a 30 minute walk from your home. There are several beaches that can be reached within ninety minutes via a modern toll road to the west coast. For more information I suggest you purchase the Lonely Planet's guide to Mexico. You can find more information here.

What is the climate like in Mexico?
Before the global warming, the climate was ideal. For centuries, there was no need for heaters or air conditioners. The winters are mild, you usually need a sweater or a jacket. The summers are relatively hot with maximum temperatures around 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 Centigrades) between March and August. The rainy season begins in June, making the temperatures fall to a very pleasant level from June to August. The mountains are colder, you will need a jacket; temperatures may fall to 60 degrees (15.5 centigrade at night) even in the summer. Plan to bring a jacket anyway.

What kind of volunteer work is available?
After the personal development stage of the program, you may participate in the following activities, depending on your education and experience:

• Collaborating with a government agency helping people overcome poverty, promoting organic gardening in undeveloped communities and implementing technologies to minimise environmental degradation effects such as deforestation and contamination of natural habitats
• Collaborating in hospitals, nursing homes or orphanages
• Working with disadvantaged children in collaboration with government programs (teaching, sports)

What hours do I work?
Typically, the schedule consists of a five-day week with a variety of jobs during the day. Daily work varies considerably. There are "office" days with normal 9 to 5 schedules and there are days of field work and very odd schedules. You will have breaks during the day, the length of which will depend on the tasks you are involved with. A sample of the schedule is available and you will get a copy upon arrival. Where possible, activities are rotated as fairly as possible so that volunteers have variety. On your days off (not necessarily on the weekends) you can go sightseeing or visit other parts of Mexico. Many people choose to relax on the beaches of the nearby resorts. You can arrange your days off with the volunteer coordinator. The atmosphere is informal and relaxed and by mutual agreement many things are possible. You will be scheduled where you are most needed and where your skills can be used to the maximum advantage. Please understand that it is not the idyllic and easy holiday that some people expect. We work with poverty and you must be able to live with it.

Where will I be located?
The program is located in Ciudad Guzman, Jalisco state, Mexico. Volunteers will need to travel from the Guadalajara airport to the designated host family in Ciudad Guzman. Volunteers may be accommodated in either single or shared rooms (depending on availability); may walk or use inexpensive public transport in town; or be transported to more distant placement sites by a staff member.

Tell me more about flying into Mexico?
Volunteers will fly into Guadalajara International Airport and will be met by a representative from our partner organisation or will take a taxi or bus to Ciudad Guzman where you will meet your host family.

When do I need to arrive in Mexico?
You need to arrive on 1st August, by 3pm so that you can be met at the airport at 6pm and taken to your accommodation in Ciudad Guzman. Your orientation will begin the next day.

How do I get to the project?
Volunteers who arrive on the 1st of August by 3pm will be met by our partner at 6pm and taken to Ciudad Guzman. Those arriving before that day are responsible for traveling from Guadalajara to Ciudad Guzman independently (a 90 minute trip) by taking an airport taxi (there is a taxi window before you exit the airport). It takes about three hours from landing in Guadalajara to arriving at Ciudad Guzman and costs about $60 US dollars. Purchase a ticket to Ciudad Guzman; the cost is fixed regardless of number of passengers. Schedule your trip so that you arrive in Ciudad Guzman before 10 pm. You should have by this time the address where you will be staying in Ciudad Guzman (along with a phone number and email if available). You may want to contact them in advance and get to know them if possible.

If you want to travel by bus, it will take from four to five hours after landing. Buy a taxi ticket at the airport window (about $20 US dollars) and ask to be taken to the main bus terminal in Guadalajara (Central de Autobuses). There are several bus lines. A first class coach ticket costs about $10 US dollars and leave to Ciudad Guzman every 30 minutes or so. The first bus leaves around 6am and the last bus leaves the terminal around 8pm. We recommend first class whenever possible. Make your plans ahead of time so that we can provide you with addresses and phone numbers to make a timely contact with your host. Once in Ciudad Guzman, the office of Global Mexico will be within walking distance from your home. If living in a village, you will find that everything will be within walking distance in most cases.

Tell me more about the accommodation?
Accommodation varies and we can provide you with pictures and family profiles of potential host families. The first part of the stay will be in an urban home with the usual amenities. The field experience includes staying in a rural home that will be clean and secure but will not be necessarily a home with the comforts that you may be used to.

I have relatives/friends in Mexico. Can I live with them while volunteering?
No. All volunteers must stay in accommodation arranged by our Mexico partner. This encourages focus on the project and provides the opportunity to stay with other volunteers.

Do you make provision for special diets?
It is possible for special arrangements to be made if you have a vegetarian diet or other special dietary requirements.

What age do you have to be to volunteer?
You must be 18 years old and above. There is no upper limit. You just have to be in good condition, able to walk hilly terrain and have no special health needs.

What immunisations/vaccinations will I need?
This is a suggestion of what may be needed - please consult with your medical professional or travel specialist for more details.

• Hepatitis A & B
• Polio
• Typhoid
• Diphtheria and tetanus
• Rabies

What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program?
Each applicant is considered by the information they provide on the application. If further information is required applicants will be emailed to request this. Please refer to the program requirements listed on the program page which outlines the minimum expectations of what is required for volunteering in this specific program. We also look further at your application as to skills and experience specifically related to the program you have applied to. We look at volunteer experiences, travel experience and also your particular interest in the program to make our decision.

Do I need to speak English to volunteer?
Yes, English is the main language used at the project. Some Spanish will also be necessary, the level of which depends on your placement and skills.

Can I bring my own family with me to the program?
Because of the nature of the accommodation, and the work that volunteers participate in on this project, it is not appropriate to bring children under 18 with you. It is fine to volunteer as a couple.

Are there more expenses once I arrive?
The in-country fee covers accommodation, meals (except Sunday dinners), and supervision. If you arrive early or intend on staying on in Mexico for longer than you are volunteering, then you will need to bring more funds for that time. Also some money may be required for your days off. Other costs include getting to and from Ciudad Guzman, your flights, visa, shots, travel insurance, departure tax and any shopping.

How safe is it to volunteer in Mexico?
Ciudad Guzman is generally safe and friendly however you do need to use common sense and follow the guidelines and behavior code set out by our partner to avoid putting yourself at unnecessary risk. You need to be aware of pick pockets, and bicycle and automobile accidents. Wear your seatbelts and do not accept rides on the back of a pick-up truck.

Most volunteers will be accommodated in a home stay situation. The host families have all been carefully selected to provide you with a safe family environment and an insight into Mexican life. As in many countries, foreigners are perceived as wealthy in Mexico. Although the people are generally warm and friendly towards foreigners, as well as appreciative of the work done by volunteers, not every individual is the same. We work extremely hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering and security policies are in place to achieve this. However, as in any situation at home or abroad, there is no way to erase all potential threats. For additional travel advice you may like to check out AllSafeTravels - a provider of travel safety advice for anyone who travels internationally.

How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?
There will be between 3 and 8 volunteers in this program.

Is there the opportunity to take classes such as language or more cultural activities while on the program?
Yes. Conversation clubs are conducted. Locals trade "Spanish for English" with volunteers at scheduled times during the first two weeks of the program. There is also opportunity to learn Mexican cooking with your host family.

Are we able to do any sightseeing?
Yes, you can do this on your days off. You are also welcome to travel further around Mexico before or after your placement.

What clothing is appropriate for the program?
It is important to wear conservative clothing in this environment: no halter tops or short shorts. Bring an umbrella and a sweater as well. You should also bring one semi-formal outfit (tie for men) in case you are invited to a special occasion. You will need to bring a sleeping bag and a towel is necessary in the rural areas.

Can you tell me more about your partner in Mexico?
The aim of the project is to provide an experience designed for self-growth: dialogue, reflection, inner awareness and acceptance. Our partner believes that such awareness by itself makes us better human beings. Volunteers become role models and are held to strict moral standards by program staff and as such, inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Participants choose the level of exposure they undertake, in sharing the lives of those less fortunate and often receive much more than was given. Volunteers learn from each other as well as from the members of the communities they work with.

Who organises my visa for my volunteer placement?
If a visa is necessary, you will organise your Visa through your travel agent or independently. Also our detailed program guide includes links to Mexico Embassies through out the world.

Do I need travel insurance?
As with any overseas traveling, insurance is recommended. The Global Volunteer Network has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident cover as well as a 'loss of deposits' cover which covers all fees paid to GVN, Airlines etc (up to US$10,000). The cost is US$150.00 for the first month and then US$100.00 per month after that. If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.volunteer.org.nz/insurance/.

How do I pay my fees?
Your application fee secures your place on the program. Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 8 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer's expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. The program fee is non refundable, in accordance with GVN's legal terms of service.