Social Work Volunteering in Oaxaca, Mexico

Step out of your comfort zone with our amazing internships in Mexico, a country famous for its ancient ruins and stunning beaches! With Adelante Abroad, you will combine practical experience in your chosen field and cultural immersion through a discovery of a new country. Our internship programs in Oaxaca emphasize giving back to the community rather than pure work. Sign up for 1-12 months and choose from placements in various sectors - Arts, Social Work, Psychology, English Teaching, Culinary, Education, and more. These internships and volunteer opportunities are on a rolling basis, where assigned programs start the first week of every month! Housing will differ depending on the location of your internship, and candidates will be placed either with a local or with other international candidates. Both living options will allow you to improve your Spanish speaking level. Adelante Abroad offers internships and volunteer assignments based on the program's availability and your experience in the sector. Contact us to confirm placements in advance or inquire about other opportunities!

During the first portion of the program, take 50 hours of intensive beginner Spanish classes focusing on basic grammar, conversation and medical Spanish used in patient histories and physical exams. After language classes, learn about the social determinants of health by engaging with staff of local non-profits that provide temporary housing for young children of sex workers and after school activities and meals for street children. Assist with on-site projects including teaching English and computer skills, arts and crafts classes, helping students with homework, or helping in the kitchen. During the last half of the program practice your language skills while taking part in clinical rotations such as community clinics serving low-income populations. Understand the implications of social, economic and cultural factors of the patient, provider, and healthcare system. Come away with increased confidence communicating in Spanish in social and professional settings, as well as a holistic view of healthcare in Oaxaca City and how Mexicans access these services.

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Volunteers For Peace (a Vermont-based nonprofit) can place you on a team of international volunteers who contribute to a meaningful community service project designed, planned, and hosted by local partners. We offer the most affordable projects and the best way to meet people from all over the world. Work project types vary by country but may include environmental and wildlife conservation, historic preservation, educational and language learning, archaeology, organic farming, and arts and festivals. We also have social services projects, which could involve working with children, the elderly, or refugees. Projects are designed to combine service with recreational activities and cultural exchange – whether by visiting local beaches, learning local dances, meeting local officials, or volunteering with residents at the place you’re visiting. Each project is unique, but all bring people together for the most meaningful travel experience imaginable. Please note that VFP can only place US Citizens. This is due to our agreements with our international partners.