Tutor Volunteering in Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca was everything I hoped it would be. I got so much experience improving my Spanish by speaking with the locals, and everybody I had the pleasure of interacting with was extremely kind and gracious to me. I also had SO many opportunities to expand and explore my artistic journey, including painting a mural, which led to two more opportunities for me to create art for businesses outside of the program. I made so many friends, and re-discovered my true passion for art and illustration. This trip sparked my interest in traveling solo more often, and I can confidently say Mexico has such a magical soul.

I spent three months in Oaxaca studying psychology. Understandably, this is a difficult discipline to study as an intern due to the often confidential nature of the work. Despite this, I felt that the program coordinator Carlos did a great job connecting me with local psychologists to learn, assist with presentations, practice Spanish, observe therapy sessions, and even lead sessions on my own. I wanted to learn what it would be like to work as a psychologist and I feel Adelante helped me reach this goal. I also was afforded plenty of time and flexibility to travel throughout Oaxaca and to spend time with my brilliant housemates. The language courses were much-needed and I felt much more prepared going into my work placement having that introduction. The best part of this experience for me was the housing placement. Myself and the girls I lived with were placed with an extremely hospitable family from Oaxaca. Talking with them was the best practice I had for my Spanish. They were also some of the most pleasant people I have met and I felt they really embraced me as part of the family. If you are thinking of traveling with adelante, I recommend it. It was extremely affordable compared to other programs I have seen. The process was as stress-free as possible, from the pre-departure materials and interviews, the arrival and integration with language classes, and the departure, everything was well-organized. It was also important to me to have independence and to be able to tailor the program to my goals, and this was fulfilled. Everyone I worked with from Adelante was pleasant and helpful. If I decide to study away again, I will likely choose adelante. If you are thinking of traveling to Oaxaca, also, I recommend it. Some of the best food I’ve had on my travels, some of the kindest people I’ve met, and some of the best places to visit, from the vibrant city to the ruins to the mushroom mountains and to the beaches on both sides. One could spend a lot of time studying and traveling Oaxaca, and by the end, they will want to make it home. Carlos was great as a program coordinator. If you have any concerns about speaking Spanish, I entered the program knowing a decent amount of Spanish but mostly unable to communicate at all with native speakers without great trouble. Through the classes and being integrated I quickly grew in confidence and was able to communicate much more clearly. if you have any specific questions about the program you want to ask a former participant, I am happy to chat. My email is [email protected]. Bon voyage.

I did a legal internship in Oaxaca for three months and had the best time. I had great roommates, a kind host family and the best internship placement. The spanish lessons at the beginning were so helpful and I can definitely say that my spanish has improved and I also learnt so much from my internship. The internship isn't too intense and leaves you with plenty of time to explore the city and participate in other classes and activities. This was the experience of a lifetime, really helped with my university application and I will definitely be returning to Oaxaca!

I spent 3 months doing a business/marketing internship. I applied on late notice and everything was organised for me very quickly and I am hugely grateful for that! My internship was wonderful. All my colleagues were extremely accommodating of me and I have gained a valuable experience from working with them. Oaxaca de Juarez is a truly beautiful city with lots to do - after 3 months here, it feels like a second home. I cannot recommend Oaxaca enough! I had one of the best experiences of my life! Thank you Adelante!

My internship with Adelante Abroad was a great first internship experience. They are extremely helpful with pairing you with an internship experience that aligns with your interests as well as with your values. With my internship, I was able to learn and achieve the goals I set for myself. This was what really my experience worth while. Now, three months later, I have learned the basics of web design, branding, and design within my desired field. What an exceptional experience.

In compliance with my university, I needed to complete an unpaid internship or study abroad for academic credit. I said why not both? Adelante Abroad helped me find an internship that aligned with my values and introduced me to an entirely new place I had never been before. Oaxaca is a special place that any creative should go to at least once in their life. This is the center of where your experience can be extremely impacted because of Oaxaca's huge artisan community. Therefore, when it came to my experience and my internship they helped contribute to how much I learned and grew as a designer and a person.

Adelante are a great company that make the sometimes daunting experience of moving to a new country, very accessible. Even though I felt it was quite expensive, they do provide all the relevant information you will need and make the process of finding placements and housing very easy. I had a fabulous time during my time in Oaxaca de Juarez. I found the introductory Spanish lessons at the local language school to be invaluable. The teachers shared some really useful tips on local hotspots and made lessons interesting and fun with healthy debates and engaging worksheets. Equally my internship with a Printing Studio was a great experience and I loved being part of their team. I really noticed the positive impact that the placement and language school had on my competence in speaking Spanish. One of my favourite things about my time in Mexico was the housing. The landlady Irma, her son Octavio and the cleaner Leti all made me feel so welcome and helped me settle in with ease. I would love to go back!

I had a fabulous time during my time in Oaxaca de Juarez. I found the introductory Spanish lessons at the local language school to be invaluable. The teachers shared some really useful tips on local hotspots and made lessons interesting and fun. Equally my internship with a Printing Studio was a great experience and I loved being part of their team. I really noticed the positive impact that the placement and language school had on my competence in speaking Spanish. One of my favourite things about my time in Mexico was the housing. The landlady Irma, her son Octavio and the cleaner Leti all made me feel so welcome and helped me settle in with ease. I would say the program is catered for more independent people but would recommend it to anybody as an incredible opportunity. I would love to go back!

What one pays for, essentially, with Adelante, that one couldn't find by themselves, is great contacts. It's difficult to find internships in other countries for a variety of reasons and Adelante does all the hard work for you. Adelante also helps to provide an essential structure to this internship, defining the number of work hours, the assigned tasks and expectations.

This program was perfect for me, and it was a great way to get to know a new city. It made the transition to living in another place as easy as it really could be — finding me housing, an internship, and contacts within the city that could answer any questions or help show me around. The internship was a fantastic fit, which really showed how much Adelante listened to what I wanted from the experience, as well as they attention they payed to what skills I already had. I learned a lot, met many new people, and got to know the amazing city. I even decided to move back to Oaxaca for the rest of the year to work at the art studio where I was previously interning!

Volunteering in Oaxaca was one of the best experiences of my life. My program helped me interact with indigenous Master artisans who taught me many valuable lessons about Oaxaca's culture and about their indigenous heritage. Oaxaca itself is a very rich source of cultural knowledge and colorful experiences. After exploring the markets, trying chapulines, meeting folk artists, and going to museums and galleries, I now consider Oaxaca one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico. After my volunteering experience at Casa de las Artesanías de Oaxaca my only concern is to go back as soon as possible to Oaxaca again. Everyone was very warm and helpful at Casa de las Artesanías de Oaxaca and they guided me throughout my volunteering experience. Adelante also did a great job at finding very centralized housing options, and providing guidance and suggestions for my time in Oaxaca, like assisting to Guelaguetza, a beautiful tradition in which all the regions of Oaxaca showcase their traditional attires and dances. In summary, I can't wait to go back to Oaxaca again.

I loved my experience in Oaxaca. The city is really neat and the people are wonderful. I was there during the big July festival, the Guelaguetza, and that is the time to be there! The city is always hopping with cultural activities and markets. There is so much to do there and I made great friends very quickly! The Adelante staff were very friendly and helpful, and they were not constantly involved, which I greatly appreciated. They didn't hold your hand, but they were there if you needed them, so I was able to really experience the city in my own way and have my own experiences there. I enjoyed my work assignment as well; I worked a good amount but was not overworked, and I felt very involved. The climate is nice too; it is not too hot and there are not a lot of bugs, and my living quarters were very comfortable and safe. Overall, it was an incredible experience and I can't wait to go back again and again!

I'm here in Oaxaca, Mexico, spending my last two weeks in bliss! I'm sad that 2 months have gone by so fast, but all worth it for the experience I've had making new friends and exploring a career field of interest. As an art history and anthropology student from Canada, I had the opportunity to work at the archeological site of Atzompa not far outside of town and even come into close contact with Zapotec archeological pieces dating back to hundreds of years. I'm really happy to have invested my time with Adelante and working very hard in order to achieve this long-lasting dream. I will miss the food, music, and festivals when I make my way back! Best luck to all future volunteers and intern takers who decide to come to this beautiful place. Te quiero mucho, Oaxaca!

It was really memorable eating the traditional chapulines or grasshoppers! They are sold in every market in Oaxaca! I chose this program because Adelante had all the requirements I was looking for in a program. Apartment with 3 other rooms, the rooms were large with a desk and double size bed. The apartment was attached to a house where the "made" lives with her son and is there for you if you need anything. The whole building is guarded by a large gate. Very safe.

I loved Oaxaca! I had some great experiences there and had some great friends from all around the world in the process. You are immersed in the Mexican culture, all while being in a very safe city. I also felt safe and comfortable walking around the streets of Oaxaca, day or night. The people are very nice and welcoming and willing to share their culture to everyone.