Community Development Internship in Mexico

I undertook the community development internship in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. It was an unbelievable and life changing experience that really broadened my horizons. I learnt so much about the local community and the developmental challenges to the region; I underwent Spanish lessons and was immersed in a vibrant and welcoming culture, and I successfully completed an ILM-endorsed leadership course. More than all I gained though, the GVI community at the base is so homely and family-like, it felt like I never left home and I was able to make friends for life. I would highly recommend to anyone and look forward to my next program.

Overall lthe experience was great. I learned so much - both from diving certifications and the science portion of the program - and was able to hone a lot of diving skills. I feel more confident diving and am so happy with my expanded knowledge base. There are two areas I believe the program could be improved, however. First, I think the program could benefit from somehow determining which volunteers are here simply as a gap year or more of a vacation, and the volunteers that are more serious and here to gain experience for future career opportunites. Secondly, while the food is good, I think it would benefit from some more variety as well as more nutritious ingredients (protiens and fresh veggies). These points, however, are minimal compared to the overall experience which was absolutely wonderful. I will cherish it forever!

The community program was fantastic! helping children in puerto morelos has been such a rewarding experience! The base however could use some work, Even though I came durring the winter I found the heat very demanding especially at night, small changes I could see would be maybe having a fridge in the common room so that we have close access to cold drinks and not have to venture out to the kitchen, supplying staff and volunteers with effective bug repelant espeically as 4 people over the course of my time contracted dengae and were unable to fulfill their volunteering duties. Also I think the meals could use some structure in the same way that we have breakfast we should have for lunch and dinner knowing what we would be having for lunch and dinner would able those who are a bit more fussy in eating to make arrangements, Speaking of breakfast I think that a industral toaster would be awesome to have, toast is the best breakfast option ever! it can be vegan, GF, veggo you name it! having bread on base as all times would give people a quick, easy and cheap meal. I also dont want to sound like a grandmother but I think an age limit may need to be looked at, maybe 21 and over as I found the people who were in their teens extreamly lazy when it came to assiting in duties and you could tell while they were here to assist somewhat in the program they were also here to party. in regards to duties I totally undertsand why we had to do them but I think the base would also benefit from some form of cleaner as not all peoples definition of clean is actually a sanatary option.