Description

The field of Microfinance provides financial services to low income or small business owners in order to give them access to loans, marketing tools, and education to help them grow. Microfinance programs help small business owners improve their skills to help them run more successful, efficient, and competitive businesses. ELI works with a microfinance institution (MFI) in Yucatán which helps small businesses to position their products in the international market and promote the trade of local products. Interns in this program can work in a wide variety of projects in different departments within the organization including business skills development, developing exportation plans, marketing, branding, design, and promotion. Interns will help develop, improve, and promote local product outside Mexico.

Highlights

Experience the incredible beauty and culture of Mexico while assisting local organizations and gaining a deep understanding of the people and culture. Volunteers and interns work in community run organizations, gaining firsthand knowledge of the complex development issues Mexico is facing. Participants have plenty of time to explore the country during the weekends. Yucatan has many wonderful places to visit and almost endless possibilities for adventure.

Qualifications

This program requires a minimum of 2 weeks commitment and participants should have a background on finance, marketing, international business, design or other related areas. Please keep in mind that an intermediate level of Spanish is necessary.

Intern Types

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Costs vary. Please contact us for details

Program Fees Include:

* Pre-departure Support: ELI's staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help volunteers and interns to prepare for their travels.

* Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Merida and provided with transportation to their host family.

* In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a two to three day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Mexico, city tours and help with transportation.

* In-country Staff Support: ELI's Mexico coordinator is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

* Accommodations: Volunteers will stay with a local host family where they will be provided with a room and breakfast and dinner each day. By living with a family, volunteers will learn about the day to day rhythms of Mexican life first hand as well as sample traditional meals not usually available in restaurants. Host families are eager to welcome volunteers and are a fantastic resource for learning about the local culture and sights.

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International'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