This program is affordable and approachable. The people and the location is safe, and the orientation helped to make me feel like an insider in a new country.
Volunteer in Mexico
Discover International Volunteer HQ’s exciting Mexico volunteer abroad program. Choose from a wide range of trusted Mexico volunteer projects, including Teaching English, Childcare, Animal Care, Special Needs Care and a unique Sustainable Agriculture project. Volunteer work in Mexico is based in the vibrant city of Mérida. With affordable Program Fees and top rated volunteer projects trusted by over 143,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Mexico.
Highlights:
- 5 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from CA$521 for 1 week
- Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, breakfast and dinner and 24/7 in-country support
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Accommodation in a dormitory-style volunteer house in Mérida
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Volunteer and learn Spanish in Mexico with affordable Spanish Language lessons available
Key information
Volunteer opportunities in Mexico
Protects animals
4-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from CA$521
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based in shelters in Mérida
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist in cat and dog shelters while volunteering with animals in Mexico. Play, feed and clean the animals, adding fun and activity to their lives while giving them the best chance of being re-homed.
Increases access to education
3-4 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from CA$521
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based in daycare, therapy or community centers
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
As a childcare volunteer, you can support children’s mental development, creativity and physical coordination by assisting in daycare centers, crèches and community centers for economically disadvantaged families in Mexico.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-4 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from CA$521
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based in residences for disabled people
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Bring care and compassion to local people living with disabilities, helping with therapy, learning and activities. Homes are charity-run and rely on the support of the community and volunteers.
Conserves the environment
4-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from CA$911
- Duration: 2 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Farms outside Mérida
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Get your hands dirty as you support this environmental volunteer project alongside local farmers. Assist in implementing contemporary and forward-looking farming practices to help combat the challenges of growing environmental pressures.
Increases access to education
3-4 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from CA$521
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based in schools, community centers and childcare facilities
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Give students better prospects for their futures and share your passion for education as a volunteer teacher. You'll provide a valuable English-speaking perspective to language lessons in schools, community centers and childcare facilities.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
As someone who is not fluent in Spanish, this trip forced me to get out of my comfort zone and find new ways to communicate with the locals and children I volunteered with.
Don't think twice about volunteering to help those in need. The biggest reward is the satisfaction we give each individual through our stay and support. They will remember you and really value your assistance throughout the journey.
I appreciated having access to the online guide because I referred to it a lot to ensure I had every document ready to go. I had a really good time with everyone there, it was hard to leave the placement but the whole experience re-boosted my motivation to pursue my career in special education and expand it to speech therapy. If you like travelling, getting to know new people, learning a new language or culture, and helping people, you're going to love it. Just go with an open mind!
When it came to seeking guidance and having help with preparation, IVHQ was always available as the volunteers are welcome to ask questions and seek more information if needed. They would answer phone calls and help me with any questions I had. The local team was very welcoming! As my first time volunteering and my first solo trip, they made me feel safe and supported. They would explain in detail how the program would go.
By far, the best moment was when one of the kids gave me a painting they made to keep and take home. Another favorite moment was going to explore on the weekends and going to Cenotes (a deep sinkhole in limestone with a pool at the bottom). I loved learning about the culture and seeing kids who are getting help with physical therapy and being given access to healthcare providers. Some families would travel two hours to get to the facility I was volunteering with. Those families were truly inspiring. You only live once! To go abroad and volunteer it is a worldly experience that you can't just read about it, you have to live it.
I learned the importance of working patiently and really focusing on good quality, and hard work and I learned to be much more independent. My favorite thing was getting to work every single day in the bus and being received by everyone at my placement, they where all so kind. If you're hesitant, I would say to do it! there is minimal risk associated with volunteering abroad, especially with IVHQ and even if you are afraid like I was, you will meet great people and make an impact on the world. this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Mexico
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Mexico program.
Introductory package of affordable Spanish lessons offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers, tailored to your current level of Spanish.
Introductory package of affordable Spanish lessons offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers, tailored to your current level of Spanish.