Description

Volunteer Work Camps in the indigenous communities of Yucatan serve the social , environmental, infrastructure and community education needs in Ek Balam.

Ek Balam is a mixed community of Mayan origin in the Yucatan Peninsula, located 2 hours from the capital city of Merida. Volunteers can stay from 3 to 8 weeks. These projects only run until December 2012.

Volunteers work during the week starting Monday at 8 am and complete their work on Friday at 4 pm with an evaluation of the project. Weekends are free to travel.

Highlights

This is an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of the Mayan world. Participants on this project will live and work with a Mayan community and share their experience with other volunteers around the world. Weekends are free to explore the wonders that the Yucatan Peninsula has to offer.

Qualifications

We need participants to join the indigenous community of Ek Balam and work together on projects that are aimed at improving the quality of life of the inhabitants of this Mayan village. Participants collaborate on four projects during their stay, emphasizing one of them depending on the season and their skills.

There is a project supervisor, who coordinates the work with the community and is available to answer your questions at any time.

Volunteers in this program must be in good health and able to perform manual labor. Knowledge of Spanish at an intermediate level is required.

Languages

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Starting at USD1,140

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* Transportation from the airport in Merida
* Orientation and training on environmental issues
* Volunteer Placement
* Accommodation
* Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
* 24-hour in-country support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

All placements are made in an individual basis, according to your expectations and the needs of the organization in each program.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 4 to 20

Application Process Involves

• Online Application
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI's Mission Statement

ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded

2001