Volunteer in Mexico

Approximately 1/5 the size of the United States, Mexico’s large land area is made up of extremely varied regions. The weather, geography and culture of each land area can differ considerably – from the mountains to the deserts, and agricultural villages to urban city-centers. Volunteers in Mexico find joy in the tremendous variety and wealth of customs. The mountains that divide Mexico have helped keep each region’s unique culture in-tact by making it difficult for outside influences to spread. Architectural sites and traditional celebrations like Dia de los Muertos are enjoyed by locals and volunteers alike.

United Planet is the US and Canadian partner of the International Cultural Youth Exchange, or ICYE. As a volunteer in Mexico, you will be hosted by Siijuve, ICYE’s Mexican partner organization. Siijuve has been at work since 1965 helping volunteers get involved in local activities. With six regional offices, Siijuve has a multitude of projects and communities where volunteers can make a difference.

United Planet also offers mid-term (4 weeks to 16 weeks) volunteer abroad programs and virtual volunteering and virtual internships (1 month to 6 months) in Mexico.  Learn more about all of our volunteer abroad programs and virtual volunteering and virtual internship countries and projects in Latin and South America.

Actual Mexican street tacos. You can try to imitate them, you can tell your friends that your TexMex is just as good, but if you have ever ventured beyond the Southern border, you know that is a lie. There is no way around it. Just through it. And that way is with your mouth…

Read more on United Planet’s blog

Volunteers are actively involved in encouraging children and young people to stay in school through tasks such as providing care to the children and creating social workshops. Activities also include working in kindergartens or schools as a teacher’s assistant. Rural placements include educational projects which work toward the local development of the community.

Organize reforestation activities and environmental workshops for the community’s youth. Volunteers can also participate in all aspects of the Francisco Peláez Ethno-botanical Garden–planting, maintaining insects and local bird species, and promoting awareness.

Volunteers work with children from a variety of disadvantaged backgrounds including disabled children, children from troubled families,  and orphans. Volunteers have the opportunity to assist in fundraising, supervising play, and developing activities and workshops to support families from the main and neighboring communities.

Volunteers help and interact with children from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds. The work can include supervising play, constructing games and activities, and assisting organizations with fundraising at day centers or boarding child care centers.

There are many neighborhoods within Mexico City, each have their own parks, markets, and plazas for you to visit. Go to the Modern Art Museum or the National Museum of Anthropology to see more of Mexico’s vibrant culture.

Some of the well-known sites are Tula, Huapalcalco, and Xihuingo. You will be able to see ancient Mexican architecture and art from hundreds of years ago.

Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is one of the most celebrated holidays in Mexico. You’ll be able to see the altars that families create to honor their loved ones who have passed on. Celebrate this holiday by attending the parades and festivals that go on in the center of town.

Also known as El Grito, Mexico’s Independence Day takes place on September 16 each year. See the ceremonies and parades, the largest of which take place in Mexico City.

• Extensive pre-departure preparation, including a training weekend in New Hampshire with United Planet staff or online
• Food and lodging in your host country
• Airport transfers
• Emergency medical insurance
• In-country orientation upon arrival and ongoing support and supervision throughout your Quest
• Language training
• Mid-year camp (for 1 year volunteers) and final camp
• Monthly stipend for incidental expenses

• 18 – 35 years old
• Citizen or resident of the United States or Canada

• Volunteers are responsible for booking and covering the cost of their own flights (including pre-departure training).
• Volunteers will obtain the necessary visas with support from our Long-Term staff to volunteer in their host country.