International Development & NGO Internship
Coordinator | Bethany
Coordinator | Bethany
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Gain hands-on work experience at NGOs and help address different issues that affect the population, from women’s rights to immigration
Get involved in all kinds of practical work, from fundraising for the NGOs, to field work in the communities themselves
Support immigrants travelling through Mexico
Explore Mexico with its beautiful beaches, arresting art galleries, and buzzing restaurants
There’s plenty to see and do in your free time, and you’ll also have the opportunity to learn or practice your Spanish!
Work with local and international NGOs to address problems facing local communities in Guadalajara
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 16+
Singles
Couples
The work you do on this project depends on the area you wish to focus on. You can expect to get involved with these kinds of activities:
- Support immigrants travelling through Mexico
- Work to empower women in marginalised communities
- Help to address child malnutrition
- Get involved in community land rights issues
Support immigrants travelling through Mexico
People travelling through Mexico en route to the United States face a perilous journey. Our partner NGO works to support these immigrants with food, shelter, and clothing, as well as with legal matters.
As an intern, you’ll help to distribute supplies, fundraise, and promote the work of the organisation. This will involve writing press releases or running social media campaigns. You may also assist with interviewing immigrants and get statements about human rights abuses that have occurred.
Work to empower women in marginalised communities
Another one of our partner NGOs works with women in marginalised communities, helping them to start up their own small businesses. Here you have the opportunity to work on fundraising initiatives, do some translation, and organise educational workshops. If you have previous business experience, this will be an asset. You will then be able to assist the women with the design and implementation of their business plans.
Help to address child malnutrition
Those with an interest in socioeconomics and public health may find this particular option ideal for them. You’ll intern with a local NGO that has been working for over fifty years to reduce levels of child malnutrition. You’ll assist with their campaigns to promote health education and good eating habits.
Get involved in community land rights issues
One of our partner organisations is an NGO that provides legal services to communities whose land is threatened by the construction of dams and mines. You’ll work on initiatives that keep the community active and engaged, and promote democracy and human rights.
Typical day
Once you’ve enjoyed breakfast at the home of your friendly host family, it’s time to head to work. You’ll travel there by bus, which is extremely affordable. On your first day, a local staff member will show you the way.
A typical day on this internship runs from Monday to Friday, with around six hours of work per day. Your exact working hours depend on your placement, but in general you will be busy between 8.30am and 4pm. There is also the possibility of weekend work, as well as work trips.
Your specific work activities and daily schedule will vary according to the organisation that you are working with. You will usually find yourself assisting with their current projects. On any given day, you may spend time on administrative tasks and fundraising proposals, or take part in field work within local communities.
With so many different activities to get involved in, you’ll never be bored. But it’s not all work and no play. When you’re finished for the day, it’s time to explore your new surroundings.
Why not spend some time getting to know your host family over a delicious Mexican-style dinner? Or discover the delights of Guadalajara, one of the most important cultural centres in the country. We also organise regular social events for our interns, such as barbecues or cooking classes. This is a great way to make friends while learning about the local way of life.
Free-time activities
With beautiful beaches, arresting art galleries, and buzzing restaurants, there’s something for everyone in Mexico. You’ll have plenty to do during your free time on your project in this dynamic country.
There’s something captivating about touring through old buildings. If you’re into neo-gothic architecture, treat yourself to a trip to the Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacramento. It’s a work of art with its ornate steeples and glowing stained glass windows.
There are also plenty of museums, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in the country’s rich history. For something different, you can spend the day appreciating the wildlife and lush vegetation of Las Peñas Ecological Park.
You can’t take a trip to Mexico without tasting authentic Mexican cuisine. You can spend an evening enjoying pozole or tamales at a local restaurant and watching the vivid orange-red sun melt into the horizon.
We have a host of different projects in Mexico so there’ll likely be lots of other volunteers in the area during your trip. So you can choose to travel and explore in a group or on your own.
Swimming
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Museum/
Opera
Opera
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.
You need to speak Spanish (basic level)
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
from
08:30
- 16:00
What's Included
Accommodation
Food (three meals a day)
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Full induction and orientation by an experienced staff member on arrival
Transport to and from your work placement
In-country support and 24-hour back-up from our team of full-time local staff
Emergency assistance from our international emergency response team
Project equipment and materials, including access to our database with thousands of resources
Training and workshops from our experienced local staff
Regular social events and community activities with other volunteers and interns
Access to our local office with internet connection
Certification of project completion
A cultural awareness course
Membership to our volunteer social media groups, to share information and to get in touch
A member of Projects Abroad staff will be waiting for you with a sign when you arrive at Miguel Hidalgo Costilla Guadalajara International Airport. Depending on where you’re travelling from, you may need to stop over within the United States, and then transfer to another flight to get to Guadalajara.
From the airport, we’ll take you directly to your host family. The drive from the airport to your host family will be between 45 minutes and 1 hour.
Our main offices are based in Guadalajara.
You'll stay with a host family in Guadalajara. They will welcome you into their home, eager to share their customs and have you teach them about your own culture. We believe that this is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of Mexico and have a truly unique experience.
We will always try to let you live alongside at least one other Projects Abroad volunteer or intern at the same host family. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.
Your programme fee includes three meals a day.
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Don Miguel Hidal Y Costilla International Airport (GDL) in Guadalajara. We assist you to find cheap flights to Mexico.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Mexico provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Mexico you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Mexico.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
The internship is available year-round, apart from a short time over Christmas and Easter. You need to join for a minimum of four weeks. However, our start and end dates are flexible, so you can choose a time that suits you.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2 - 50 weeks
Program fees
2 weeks
(min. stay)
$1,615
3 weeks
$1,835
4 weeks
$2,055
5 weeks
$2,275
9 weeks
$3,155
17 weeks
$4,915
50 weeks
(max. stay)
$12,175
Average fees
$526
/week
The organization charges its fees in GBP. The price table in USD is subject to currency fluctuation.
Projects Abroad
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with Projects Abroad during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
Why book with Volunteer World
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application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
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Change your reservation at no extra costs
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All program fees are charged directly by Projects Abroad.
What are people saying about Volunteer World?
International Development & NGO Internship
Work with local and international NGOs to address problems facing local communities in Guadalajara
$526/week
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