Adelante: Oaxaca - Volunteer in Oaxaca
Adelante Abroad
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Oaxaca is a colonial city in south-central Mexico with an artsy, alternative vibe, known as the country's craft capital and rich in indigenous heritage. Volunteering here is community-focused rather than resume-focused: you’ll give back to local o... read more
All Reviews
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 rea... Ella Stewart - Bennington College View Entire Review
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 ... Beatrice R - Concordia University View Entire Review
I learned a lot about agriculture, politics, and how other people live. It was very eye-opening and definitely worthwhile! A student - University of Colorado - Colorado Springs View Entire Review
It was very worth it and I would recommend it to anyone Raquel R - Dominican University of California View Entire Review
About
Oaxaca is a colonial city in south-central Mexico with an artsy, alternative vibe, known as the country's craft capital and rich in indigenous heritage. Volunteering here is community-focused rather than resume-focused: you’ll give back to local organizations across a range of sectors rather than building professional experience the way an internship would. We pick you up at the airport on arrival, and you'll spend your first weeks in Spanish classes before your placement begins.
Placement
You’ll be matched to a guaranteed placement with a local organization in your area of interest. Your Adelante director builds it around your background, interests, and Spanish level, so it’s never a cookie-cutter role. Placements are with locally owned companies, museums, and grassroots organizations, with a focus on giving back to the community. They usually run two to six months, with one-month options available for Teaching English and Social Media.
Spanish Classes
Starting the program with Spanish classes means you’re not thrown into a Spanish-speaking placement on day one, and living in Oaxaca gives you daily practice to build on.
Housing and Daily Life
Housing is included and arranged with vetted individuals in a centralized location. Options include a shared guest house, a shared apartment, living with a local, or a homestay. Beyond your placement, Oaxaca offers artisan markets, indigenous craft traditions from surrounding villages, and access to nearby mountain and beach destinations, with mild weather year-round that makes it comfortable to explore anytime. Most participants budget around $100 a week for everyday costs beyond the program fee.
What’s Included
- Airport pickup and in-country orientation
- A guaranteed placement with a local organization
- Spanish classes at the start of the program
- Included housing with a vetted host in a central location
- An in-country director for support throughout your program
Visa Information
Visa requirements depend on your nationality, so confirm the specifics with your local Mexican consulate or embassy well ahead of your start date.
Academic Credit
Academic credit is available if you’re currently enrolled at a university and arrange it through your own institution. We provide supporting documentation, but you're responsible for confirming with your study abroad or academic advisor how credit transfers.
Who Can Apply
Open to independent-minded students, recent graduates, and anyone drawn to a meaningful living-abroad experience. All applicants must be 18 or older and fluent in English, and the program is open to candidates worldwide. Spanish helps, and a low-intermediate level is typically required for placement, though Teaching English and Social Media are open to complete beginners.
Program Type(s):
VolunteerProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Summer
- Spring
- January Term
- Custom
- Short Term
Instruction Language(s):
- Spanish
Language Requirement(s):
- Spanish
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Environmental Studies
- Spanish Language, Literature
- Legal Professions and Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Drama, Theater, Theatre Arts
- Health Professions
- Business
Year Founded:
1999Website
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