High School Experiential Learning Programs in Mexico

Join us for a transformative adventure in Mexico! This action-packed program combines surfing, hiking, and cultural exploration, perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers. Kick off your journey in Oaxaca City, the cultural hub of Mexico, where you'll spend a couple of days discovering vibrant street art and savoring the incredible local cuisine. Next, venture into the stunning mountainous terrain of Hierve el Agua, known for its bubbling springs and petrified waterfalls. Then, travel to Puerto Escondido and settle into surf camp on the spectacular coastline. Spend a week surfing the Pacific, taking lessons, and exploring the breathtaking beaches of Puerto Escondido and Chacahua. Surf in the morning and enjoy coastal activities, including snorkeling, paddle boarding, aquatic tours, and more! This program has everything you’ve ever dreamed of, and more—adventure, culture, and unforgettable experiences await! What are you waiting for? Join us for this incredible journey filled with waves, nature, and camaraderie.

Strengthen your Spanish immersed in the modern and Mayan culture of Yucatan. Grow your Spanish with four weeks of language immersion in one of the safest and most scenic cities in Mexico—Mérida. After language classes, engage in conversations with locals at bustling markets and on visits to cultural centers, like The Palace of Music and The Great Museum of the Mayan World. Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of lively squares, such as the iconic Plaza Grande, and get to know about the local culture while watching the Mayan ball game Pok ta Pok or the jarana dance during La Vaquería. Experience weekend excursions to awe-inspiring places, such as El Corchito, where you’ll dive into refreshing cenotes among lush mangroves, and el pueblo mágico (magic town) of Valladolid, where you’ll find Chichén Itza, a large pre-Columbian city built by the Mayans.

Come explore Pez Maya, home to a conservation site aimed at protecting the local coastal marine species and their coral reef homes, while also studying their populations. Participants will assist researchers in conserving a portion of the Mesoamerican Reef, which faces increased problems due to development in the nearby cities of Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Volunteers will help with long term goals to ensure the area will remain protected. Through education of the community and gaining specific knowledge on the functioning and elements of the ecosystem, participants will be better able to understand the biodiversity. The project will be split into two portions. Participants will be trained for the first three weeks on diving in order to obtain PADI certification for open water, study local specimen, and learn techniques for data collection. After this, volunteers will begin to directly assist with monitoring and researching including cleaning beaches, collecting information on coral and fish, helping with tasks such as chores and equipment prep, and reaching out to local people through education.

At THINK Global School (TGS), the world's only traveling high school, students live and learn across four countries each year, gaining the skills, perspectives, and friendships needed to thrive in today's interconnected world. In an age of constant digital connection, TGS prioritizes authentic human experiences through real-world immersion and genuine cultural exchange. Students ages 16–18 experience life in up to 8 countries over two years while earning a fully WASC-accredited diploma. Instead of textbooks and lectures, students dive into project-based learning through TGS's innovative Changemaker Curriculum, tackling real-world challenges while drawing inspiration from each host country's culture, environment, and community. With a 4:1 faculty-to-student ratio, students receive individualized guidance from multicultural educators who act as mentors. Since 2010, TGS has called 34 extraordinary countries home, creating a truly global classroom. TGS uses sliding-scale tuition based on family circumstances, ensuring accessibility for qualified students from all backgrounds who have a passion for travel and a desire to improve the world.

Dive into the world of marine science and conservation in Baja, Mexico—home to one of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth. Snorkel vibrant reefs, track marine species alongside professional researchers, camp on wild Pacific beaches, and explore coastal ecosystems where ocean and desert meet. Assist with hands-on research projects that support conservation goals, from species monitoring to coral health surveys. Learn about marine biology careers and discover how science, community, and policy intersect to protect underwater habitats. Gain field experience, build confidence in the water, and return home energized by a future supporting our oceans.

Use your spring break to take a volunteer trip this year. Our volunteers get to travel to the Caribbean and immerse themselves in the world of marine conservation. A highlight of the trip is earning your PADI Open Water certification and learning research techniques to help contribute to marine conservation efforts in the future. Mexico has some spectacular sights to explore; use this opportunity to discover the ancient Mayans and the area's cultural delights. Explore Mexico! The region, along with diving, is famous for its bountiful cenotes, stunning beaches, historical ruins, and vibrant atmosphere.