Chiapas

Hey everyone!
I have the opportunity to go to Chiapas for 9-12 months starting in about October 2007 doing volunteer work in my sector after I've fiunished my Masters. I'm thinking that I'll regret it if I don't go for it, but I'm not sure if I'd be better off going straight into work. I can only speak a bit of basic Spanish. Has anoyone got any advice??

Without knowing what type of service work you're planning to do for the year, I don't think it's possible to offer much advise. What I will say, though, is to stay away from work that's involved with policicial or religious issues (especially Zapatista (EZLN) or other para military groups (of the PRI or other organizations)), demonstratons, protests, etc. . . . and enjoy yourself and the experience. Maybe you'll tell us what type of work you'll be doing.

I'm sorry I forgot to say what work I'll be doing out there! I'll be looking at soil conservation in the Sierra Madre mountains I think. My degree in in soil management, so it could be an invaluable experience.

Volunteer work by people who actually have relevant studies (like yours) or experience are far more likely to be a rewarding excercise for you and the people you will be working with, than all those occasional posts of "I want to help but have no relevant skills and don´t really know in what".

It seems I went down a similar road as yours: organizing a volunteer post directly with an organisation in my field of interest (and I had relevant studies - geography - and related experience for what I was planning to do). After 8 months as volunteer I got offered a post in the same organization, and am now working in a different rural development organization.

Some of my recommendations if you consider this seriously:
1. Study as much Spanish as you can beforehand - if not you will be frustrated a lot and some of what you can offer might go to waste due to lack of communication.
2. Try to find out as much as you can about the organization beforehand, preferably from people who know them in some way (some organizations have a very different look on paper / internet than their reputation on the ground).
3. Try to find out about the communities where you will be working (again reliable first-hand knowledge is far more important than what you research online).
4. If in any way possible (I wasn´t able to do this and it worked out fine - it doesn´t always: I have seen many frustrated volunteers) - visit before you commit - to actually meet the people and get to know the place to decide if you really want to do this.

And make sure you have the proper permits if you do decide to go ahead. Mexico welcomes volunteers but has fairly strict requirements, which can be seen on the website of the consular office nearest you.

Caroline

Go!

Go for it. I think you´ll have a great time!

John