I have been to a few countries in Europe and throughout all of Mexico, but I have to say that my favorite travel memory was arriving to Mérida, Yucatan for the first time.
I arrived as an energetic backpacker eager to learn about Mexican culture and ended up staying in my first destination (Mérida) for two years. The people are welcoming, the food is delicious, and the culture is vibrant.
I have become more open to different things and more understanding of people in different circumstances. Our volunteers come from different backgrounds all over the world - for some people it can be more difficult than others in adapting to Mexico.
I've learned the importance in taking into consideration different backgrounds to create the best possible experience for them. It has given me patience and more understanding in my everyday life.
There are so many amazing volunteers that pass through our programs, and they give us great stories. I think that the fact that we have had two married couples come out of our program is amazing.
My favorite story is of a past volunteer that ran a marathon to buy computers for the students of the school where he volunteered at as a teacher. This is leaving a long lasting impact that will change the life of hundreds if not thousands of students - giving them access to computer knowledge that will help them advance in their careers.
I love all the programs we have - but if I had to choose one specific program it would be the Mayan Agriculture project.
In these projects volunteers spend a minimum of two weeks in ecological conservation projects - such as small farms or jungle conservation projects. The projects are usually located in rural areas and the volunteers experience more rustic living situations than living in the dorms or with a host family.
However, in terms of cultural immersion, volunteers learn all about Maya daily life, native flora and fauna, and help with really important projects that will determine the future of our planet.
The part I love the most is not only getting lost in the jungle for five days a week (on weekends volunteers are given the option to go to the city for a few days but normally choose to stay on the farm and explore local cenotes), but most importantly - bringing the knowledge of sustainability home with them after the program.
I have talked to past volunteers who have created home and community gardens after returning from the Maya Agriculture project!
Our team is extremely passionate about volunteer work. We are a social enterprise giving help to the communities where it is needed it most.
One of the things that I love most about our team and working for Volunteer Inn is that we work very well together - if someone needs something we don't hesitate to ask for it - and we help each other out always.
Communication is key - we try to keep clean and direct communication with out volunteers so that they know exactly what to expect and we answer all possible questions that they have. We want our volunteers to be 100% comfortable with the staff.