1. Do you have to pay to take part in an Experience Mex-ECO project?
Yes, all volunteer placements have a cost; please see our ‘dates & prices’ page, which also explains what is included in the fee.
2. Is there a brochure available with all of the information on the website?
No, we do offer a small leaflet to advertise our volunteer projects, but as an eco-friendly company we try to keep printing to a minimum and therefore offer all our information online.
3. Is it essential to speak Spanish in order to take part in an Experience Mex-ECO placement?
Although speaking Spanish is not essential to take part in our placements, it will definitely help you immerse yourself into local culture and traditions. Throughout your there will always be a member of staff who speaks both Spanish and English. Volunteers who choose to take trips to other areas do not usually encounter any difficulties, as most tourist destinations have a high level of spoken English, and generally staff in bus stations, airports and travel agencies speak at least a basic level of English.
4. When is the best time to take part in a volunteer project?
It is important to us that volunteers are only assigned to projects when they are actually needed, which is why we have date restrictions on each of our projects. Please see our ‘Dates & Prices’ page, where the months of the year during which we accept volunteers are shown for each project.
5. Would I be doing a job that locals would otherwise be paid to do?
Absolutely not; our volunteers support professionals in their work, rather than taking it from them. Most of the groups that we work with have limited financial resources and therefore rely on volunteers for both financial and physical support to help maintain and develop the projects.
6. Can you help me arrange flights and insurance?
Flights and insurance are not included in the fee for any of our projects, however our staff can offer advice and support in procuring them. If you require help, please say so on your application.
7. Which airport should I book my flights to?
All of our projects are based in the Costalegre region of Jalisco state in Mexico. The nearest airport is Manzanillo, in the state of Colima, immediately to the south of Jalisco, however flights to this airport from the UK are often harder to get or more expensive. Puerto Vallarta airport is a 4 hour drive from Melaque and Barra de Navidad (Teaching, Special Education and Spanish projects) and 2 hours from the Sea Turtle Conservation project. Pick-ups from either of these airports are included in the project fee.
Volunteers often find it much cheaper however to fly into Guadalajara, which is a 5 – 6 hour drive from project sites. Please contact us if you decide to fly into Guadalajara and require an airport pick-up at extra cost.
8. Will there be other volunteers on my project?
Volunteers are never left alone on a project, always either accompanied by Experience Mex-ECO staff, teachers or other volunteers. We do not however, guarantee that there will be other volunteers on your specific project throughout your stay.
9. What skills and/or qualifications do i need in order to take part in a project?
Please see our ‘Projects’ page, at the bottom of each specific project summary there is a section about any experience required by volunteers in order to take part in the project.
10. Can I keep in touch with Experience Mex-ECO after my project and keep up-to-date on its progress?
Yes, we encourage ex-volunteers to keep in contact with our staff and send out updates on our projects. |
