Mexico: Teaching English as a Volunteer

Introduction

Join our program in Mexico and make a positive impact on the lives of underprivileged children by teaching them English and providing them with better educational opportunities. This program aims to connect with children from low-income backgrounds and spend quality time with them, shaping their futures for the better.

Working closely with local school teachers and staff, you will have the opportunity to teach English to smaller groups or entire classrooms of children. Creativity and innovation are encouraged in designing engaging activities to make learning English a fun and interactive experience for the students.

By dedicating your time and skills to this program, you can contribute to empowering these children with valuable language skills that can open doors to better educational and employment opportunities in the future. Your efforts will help shape their lives and provide them with a brighter future.

Daily Life

The teaching project takes place in several government-owned schools located in downtown Tepoztlan. These schools cater to students in elementary and high school education levels. English has become a mandatory subject from seventh grade through ninth grade as it is recognized as a crucial skill for the country’s growth and its engagement in the globalized economy.

The traditional education system in these schools is not accustomed to receiving English classes, especially from fluent speakers. Therefore, your time and expertise will be highly appreciated and valued by both the students and the school staff. While most of the teaching will take place in the classroom, we encourage you to be creative and find ways to make each lesson fun and unique for the students.

During the orientation, you will be assigned a specific school, classroom, and provided information about the students’ level of learning and overall abilities. This will enable you to better understand your specific group of students and create lesson plans accordingly.

Class sizes vary from school to school, with an average of 15 to 35 students per grade or classroom. We encourage you to bring any teaching materials or resources that you see fit, as the students will be excited to work with new materials they may not have encountered before. Donations of teaching materials are always appreciated and welcomed.

Intro Week

Immerse yourself in an (optional) first week of pure magic as we invite you to join our captivating Mexican culture week! This program is a kaleidoscope of culture, creativity, and coastal beauty that will leave you breathless. From the moment you step off the plane, you’ll be welcomed into the heart and soul of Mexico, embarking on a journey that promises to awaken your senses and ignite your imagination.

Discover the secrets of Mexican customs, history, and artistry as you dive into an orientation like no other. Unleash your inner artist in a vibrant workshop where tradition meets innovation, crafting your own masterpiece amidst the backdrop of ancient techniques and contemporary inspirations. Feel the ocean breeze on your face as you sail along the rugged Oaxacan coast, followed by a culinary adventure that unveils the tantalizing flavors of this region.

Encounter the wonders of Mexican wildlife, catch a wave in the Pacific, or become a guardian of sea turtles. Finally, prepare to be enchanted by the luminous beauty of a bioluminescence boat excursion, leaving you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. Get ready to write your own story in the book of Mexico’s wonders!

Monday:
Start your day with a hearty breakfast, followed by an orientation meeting covering house rules, safety tips, and document handling. Learn about Mexican customs, history, and “Do’s and Don’ts.” Spanish lessons prepare you for local interactions. Enjoy a tasty lunch and explore the city and market. End the day with a delicious dinner, reflecting on newfound friendships.

Tuesday:
Today, we embark on a vibrant journey through the heart of Mexican creativity, where the air is infused with the scent of molten wax and the streets echo with the rhythmic clinking of artisans’ tools. In this enchanting workshop, our souls will be painted with the colors of tradition and innovation, as we meld ancient techniques with contemporary inspirations. With each brushstroke, each thread woven, and each bead strung, we’ll unravel the tapestry of Mexico’s artistic soul, a kaleidoscope of culture and craft that dances to the rhythm of our collective imagination. Today, we become artists, storytellers, and dreamers, in a world where creativity knows no bounds.

Wednesday:
Today, we embark on a voyage of wonder, setting sail on a coastal boat trip that promises to sweep us off our feet with its breathtaking scenery. As the waves dance beneath us, we’ll be captivated by the rugged beauty of the coastline, where lush jungles meet the azure embrace of the Pacific Ocean.

But our adventure doesn’t end with the boat ride. No, we’re in for a treat as we anchor on the shores of Oaxaca. Here, amidst the vibrant culture and flavors of this region, we’ll immerse ourselves in an Oaxacan cooking class. The secrets of age-old recipes will be unveiled as we don aprons, chop fresh ingredients, and stir pots filled with tradition.

Thursday:
Witness the incredible wildlife of the Oaxaca coast thriving in their natural environment. Explore the stunning Zipolite Beach and savor the opportunity to indulge in a delectable seafood brunch at Estacahuite Beach.

Explore the wildlife at the Laguna Ventanilla Ecological Park
Take a boat through the mangroves and watch some migratory birds
Admire the famous beach of Zipolite
Cross the little ex-coffee port of Puerto Angel
Swim in the quiet water of Estacahuite Beach.

Friday:
Kickstart your day by catching some waves with a thrilling surf lesson suitable for both novice riders and seasoned surfers. OR you could choose to immerse yourself in the world of turtle conservation during the day.

Cap off your evening with a captivating bioluminescence boat excursion that will leave you spellbound. Bid farewell with a grand dinner fiesta.

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

Travel and Accommodation

Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our team and taken to the project headquarters. From there, you will be provided with all the necessary information and orientation to familiarize yourself with the program and its activities.

During your stay, you will be provided with delicious Mexican cuisine for all your meals. The meals will reflect the local flavors and culinary traditions, offering you a taste of authentic Mexican food. This will not only keep you energized and nourished throughout your time in Mexico but also allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture and gastronomy.

Requirements

• Minimum age 18.
• No previous skills are necessary, however you will need to speak English at a native or near-native level.
• Minimum 2 weeks commitment – 30+ hours a week
• CRB Police check (or equivalent) showing that you have no previous criminal convictions
• Necessary vaccinations.
• Necessary flight & visas.
• Full travel & medical insurance. Please see our info pages for more information and to get a quote.

Costs

£600 GBP per week

* Check the latest currency conversions with xe.com
** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee
*** Placements are confirmed with a 1 week deposit

What’s Included:

Project Fee includes food, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation, in-country support and project activities.

Private rooms are available for an additional €100 per week.

What’s not included:

Flights, insurance, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.

Premium Support Upgrade

We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.

We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.