There is a wide range of volunteer programs in Oaxaca available to individuals from all over the world. Since Mexico is a developing country, Oaxaca is in need of many social services and forms of community support; however, there are a number of volunteer placements in Oaxaca outside of the latter two fields too.

Education. The most prominent type of volunteer placement in Oaxaca is English teaching. With 16 indigenous languages still spoken in Oaxaca, the state has maintained its indigenous Mexican heritage and culture through significant isolation. However, because of this, modern education has been somewhat lost, which includes English language education. Considering the number of indigenous languages still spoken in Oaxaca, English has become less of a priority in primary schools, despite the growing demand for English language skills to remain competitive in the global market. To teach English in Oaxaca you must have intermediate to advanced fluency in the Spanish language in order to effectively carry out lessons and manage your classroom and students. It’s also highly recommended that foreign English teachers have a deep understanding of English grammar and rhetoric. Some teaching volunteer opportunities in Oaxaca will also require either a college degree and/or a TEFL certificate, so Oaxaca can be a great option for teachers seeking professional teaching experience abroad.

Most other forms of volunteering in Oaxaca revolve around social work and community development. Volunteer programs in Oaxaca in the latter areas encompass a variety of industries, such as healthcare, environmental sustainability, and youth development. While these volunteer programs in Oaxaca may last up to a year, volunteers can typically stay for as short as one or two weeks (unlike teaching placements that sometimes require a full year commitment). Some knowledge of Spanish is highly recommended for anyone who wants to volunteer in Oaxaca, but is less of a concern in social service placements than in English teaching.