Description

GCN seeks volunteers to participate on our trips to Xiloxochico, Mexico. High in the Sierra Norte region about 185 kilometers north of the city of Puebla in Mexico is the village of Xiloxochico (pronounced Shi-lo-sho-chee-ko). The land is lush, humid and mountainous, where coffee, vanilla, macadamia and cinnamon trees grow.

The Nahua are an indigenous group descended from the Aztecs that have maintained their customs and their language. The primary occupation is agriculture, although some of the people work in the town of Cuetzalan. Some homes have electricity, but most people live simply with few modern amenities.

A women's group in the village, named Sital Siwame (Star Women) has organized to work on issues of common concerns to all. They have begun making handicrafts, e.g. embroidery, for sale. The majority of village homes are spread throughout the hills, with several key community buildings located in the central village.

The women have secured a piece of land in the center of town, on which to build a casita, small (work) house. The casita serves as a communal place to work on their artesania collectively, store their goods, and serve as a meeting place. In 2005 Sital Siwame invited GCN to assist them with the building of the casita, which is now a two-story building. GCN participants will collaborate on the trip to see the completion of the work on the building's back wall, garden and fencing.

When you have the chance to learn first-hand about people from other cultures, you will feel connected to others in ways you may have never experienced before.

Highlights

With 17 years of experience arranging cross-cultural expeditions for globally-minded participants, GCN provides a truly unique travel experience emphasizing understanding and service learning:

* Strong partnerships with host communities
* Family focus
* Age-diverse teams
* Off the Beaten Path

Qualifications

Although no special skills are required to participate, we believe everyone has skills--some yet to be discovered. Each participant contributes what they can. If any expertise is needed for a project, the local community will provide these skills.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 1,775

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The program cost covers in-country travel and lodging, most meals, orientation materials, medical and emergency evacuation insurance, a share of the team leader's expenses (team leaders are not paid) and a donation to the village project. Airfare is additional. All trip-related expenses are tax-deductible in the U.S.

Many people ask why they have to pay to volunteer. GCN receives no outside funding or grants and other than two part time time staff people is completely volunteer driven. Also, while individuals may be able to travel for less to many of these places, GCN provides the entrance into a village and exposure to a culture that one could not receive if traveling solo to these places. Through the long-term partnerships that GCN has established with communities around the world, participants gain a unique perspective into life in a Guatemalan village or on the Navajo Indian Reservation.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Participants range in age from 8 on upwards, and come from the U.S., Canada and beyond. Students, nurses, computer programmers, social workers,teachers, families, individuals and retirees...these are just some of the people who join our trips.

Age Range

8 - 88+

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 6-12

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Global Citizens Network's Mission Statement

In partnership with people of diverse cultures, GCN promotes cross-cultural understanding and interconnectedness through authentic immersion experiences.

Year Founded

1992