Volunteer Mexico Locations: San Isidro Arenal

San Isidro Arenal is situated in the Sierra Mountains of Oaxaca in an area known as "La Chinatla" well known for it richness in vegetation. Its an excellent place for those wishing to get to know the real rural Mexico to volunteer. San Isidro Arenal is a "Chinateco" village. The Chinatecos are an ethnic group that were never colonized by the Spaniards and as a result tend to maintain a lot of their cultural heritage.

To participate in this program volunteers have to be able to speak Spanish since they stay in a village 2 hours away from the nearest city. The inhabitants of San Isidro do not speak English; they speak their native language "Chinateco" and Spanish. We prefer that volunteers stay for one to three months (no short stays). And an open mind and flexibility is highly recommended.

Volunteering in San Isidro Arenal:

English and Computer Teaching
Here our volunteers teach English and Computers to the children of the village and its surroundings. Voluntreers can also participate in the TEQUIO (which is an obligated community work for all Chinanteco men over 17 years of age). We also have reforestation programs in the area.

If you are interested in volunteering in this project please keep in mind that you will be staying with a Mexican family in a Village with around 500 inhabitants. The family will treat you as one of their own and there is electricity and running water available, but this IS rural Mexico, NO LUXURIES. It is quite possible that you will be the only volunteer there, so…if you are ready for the adventure of your life join us in San Isidro Arenal!

We also have teaching programs within Mexico in Xalapa.