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Food and Accommodation - Africa and Asia Venture

Food and Accommodation

Photograph of AV volunteers preparing a meal - Gap Year Projects & Volunteering Opportunities in MexicoAV houses with fellow volunteers

In Mexico you will live in designated AV houses with fellow volunteers, either within the school grounds or not far away. An important part of the AV experience is living in local accommodation, shopping at the markets, being invited to fellow teachers’ houses as well as entertaining the staff or fellow AVs in the evenings. Depending on the school and size of the house you may be paired with between four – six AVs in one house. Other AVs from your group will be in schools nearby; there will often be a chance to meet up in evenings or at weekends.  The villages, which will be your home, are in attractive farming country and not far from the hacienda (1-10 kilometres). Santa Maria, San Francisco, Polvillos and Amanalco each have a character of their own and the villagers will make you very welcome. You will quickly get to know the shopkeepers and children, who will be delighted to see new AV faces!

Photograph of AV accommodation - Gap Year Projects & Volunteering Opportunities in MexicoYour house will be brick built and, though basic, will have running water, shower, kitchen, inside loo and decent beds. We encourage independence and so you won’t have someone cooking and looking after you – it’s a chance to step up and take responsibility. You will be given a daily food allowance and will be expected to shop at the markets and cook for yourself. Cooking is made easy with colourful markets nearby with an abundance of vegetables, fruit and burritos to buy. Mexicans are always eating, especially anything that blows your head off e.g. chilli, so be warned! Religious festivals abound and you will experience at first hand how the Catholic Church and Mexican Indian culture entwine. You will make local friends and may well be invited to a wedding! Mexicans love to party; dancing and fireworks will enliven many a night. Fully immersing yourself in the community is the best way of getting to know people, developing your Spanish and gaining the best possible understanding of living there – you are not a bystander watching from afar.

Whilst not living with you full time the AV representative is never far away and there whenever you need them. They can be contacted by phone 24/7 and will visit you during your project.

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