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Internships & Volunteering in Oaxaca, Mexico

A placement matched to your background and goals. Housing and in-country support are included.

Apply free, then book a free consultation call with an advisor.

A colonial Mexican town of low rooftops and flowering yellow trees around a stone church with an orange dome and twin bell towers, mountains behindOaxaca, Mexico

  • Rated 9 out of 10 from 465+ reviews on GoAbroad

  • Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 445+ reviews on Go Overseas

Your first step
Free consultation
A call you book right after you apply
Next start you can still make
January 4, 2027
Apply by November 5, 2026
Length
1 Month to 6 Months
Starts the first Monday of each month
Hours
Part time, 4 to 5 hours a day
Language classes
At the start of your program
Location
Oaxaca, Mexico

Is This Program Right For You?

It tends to be a strong fit if you can answer yes to most of these:

  • Are you an independent-minded individual?
  • Will you be 18 years of age or older by the time you begin your program?
  • Do you speak fluent English? (This program is open to candidates worldwide.)
  • Do you want the opportunity to live and work alongside local people abroad?
  • Are you flexible and open to situations outside your comfort zone, like public transportation, a new environment, and different customs?
  • Are you looking for a program duration of 2 to 6 months?

Eligibility

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Spanish skills are helpful, and a low-intermediate level is typically required for placement. Teaching English and Social Media are open to complete beginners.

Eligibility

What you need before you apply.

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Spanish skills are helpful, and a low-intermediate level is typically required for placement. Teaching English and Social Media are open to complete beginners.

An advisor answers your questions about placements, housing and costs, and helps you choose a city and a start date.

Book My Free Call

Not Sure Yet? Talk to Us. It’s Free.

An advisor answers your questions about placements, housing and costs, and helps you choose a city and a start date.

  • Phone or Google Meet
  • No commitment
Book My Free CallSee Pricing

What You’ll Do in Oaxaca

Examples from past placements here. Yours is built around your field, your goals and your Spanish level.

  • Teaching English

    Interns can be placed in public primary schools, government human rights offices teaching employees, low-risk boys’ juvenile hall programs, government social assistance offices running academic and cultural activities for local youth, and, most uniquely, teaching English to artisans who create Oaxacan wood carvings and helping them market their work.

    Teaching English

    Past placements in Oaxaca

    Interns can be placed in public primary schools, government human rights offices teaching employees, low-risk boys’ juvenile hall programs, government social assistance offices running academic and cultural activities for local youth, and, most uniquely, teaching English to artisans who create Oaxacan wood carvings and helping them market their work.

  • Art

    In Oaxaca, Mexico, past interns have worked within art cooperatives and creative studios that are deeply embedded in the local community and cultural tradition.

    Art

    Past placements in Oaxaca

    In Oaxaca, Mexico, past interns have worked within art cooperatives and creative studios that are deeply embedded in the local community and cultural tradition.

  • Culinary

    In Oaxaca, Mexico, past interns have learned how to prepare traditional Oaxacan dishes, including the region’s celebrated mole, from chefs who have dedicated their careers to preserving and sharing these techniques.

    Culinary

    Past placements in Oaxaca

    In Oaxaca, Mexico, past interns have learned how to prepare traditional Oaxacan dishes, including the region’s celebrated mole, from chefs who have dedicated their careers to preserving and sharing these techniques.

  • Environmental, Ecology & Horticulture

    In Oaxaca, placements are available with an established organization focused on water issues in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca.

    Environmental, Ecology & Horticulture

    Past placements in Oaxaca

    In Oaxaca, placements are available with an established organization focused on water issues in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca.

  • Social Work

    Oaxaca is one of Mexico's most culturally significant regions, which combines volunteer and internship work across social work, community health, women's studies, and environmental advocacy.

    Social Work

    Past placements in Oaxaca

    Oaxaca is one of Mexico's most culturally significant regions, which combines volunteer and internship work across social work, community health, women's studies, and environmental advocacy.

  • Veterinary & Equine Veterinary

    In Mexico, small animal clinic placements provide hands-on experience with domestic animals.

    Veterinary & Equine Veterinary

    Past placements in Oaxaca

    In Mexico, small animal clinic placements provide hands-on experience with domestic animals.

Your People in Oaxaca

English-speaking Adelante staff are on the ground where you’ll be. You meet them in your first week, and you can reach them day and evening.

  • Carlos Ortega

    Director abroad

    A Mexican national deeply involved in Oaxaca’s communities, cultures and art forms; you meet him in your first week.

Questions About Safety?Book a Free Consultation

Health & Safety, 24/7 Support

  • A Pre-Departure Orientation Packet with safety guidance, emergency contacts and practical information about living and working abroad
  • In-country coordinators available throughout your program to help with any issues that arise
  • Emergency contact information before you leave, and for the whole program
  • Safe housing, arranged before you arrive
  • Regular check-ins from Adelante throughout your program

Our team is available 24/7 for emergencies, and we encourage you to be as independent as you can: getting yourself through the challenges of a new place is part of the growth.

Location & Program Information

  • About Oaxaca

    Oaxaca is a colonial city in south-central Mexico, home to Zapotec, Mixtec, and Aztec heritage, towering pyramids, and a thriving artisan culture. With a population of around 210,000 and mild weather year-round, it’s known as the craft capital of Mexico, with one of the country’s largest Saturday markets and distinct craft traditions in each nearby village.

    About Oaxaca

    Oaxaca, Mexico

    Oaxaca is a colonial city in south-central Mexico, home to Zapotec, Mixtec, and Aztec heritage, towering pyramids, and a thriving artisan culture. With a population of around 210,000 and mild weather year-round, it’s known as the craft capital of Mexico, with one of the country’s largest Saturday markets and distinct craft traditions in each nearby village.

  • Housing

    Housing is included and arranged with vetted individuals in a centralized location. Options include a shared guest house, shared apartment, living with a local, or a homestay.

    Housing

    Oaxaca, Mexico

    Housing is included and arranged with vetted individuals in a centralized location. Options include a shared guest house, shared apartment, living with a local, or a homestay.

  • Life in Oaxaca

    Outside your placement, Oaxaca offers artisan markets, indigenous craft traditions from nearby villages, and access to mountain and beach destinations. The city’s mild, year-round weather makes it comfortable to explore at any time.

    Life in Oaxaca

    Oaxaca, Mexico

    Outside your placement, Oaxaca offers artisan markets, indigenous craft traditions from nearby villages, and access to mountain and beach destinations. The city’s mild, year-round weather makes it comfortable to explore at any time.

  • Visa Information

    Visa requirements depend on your nationality, so confirm specifics with your local Mexican consulate or embassy well ahead of your program start.

    Visa Information

    Oaxaca, Mexico

    Visa requirements depend on your nationality, so confirm specifics with your local Mexican consulate or embassy well ahead of your program start.

  • Academic Credit

    Academic credit is available to applicants currently enrolled in a university, arranged through the student’s own institution. Adelante provides supporting documentation, but it’s the student’s responsibility to confirm with their study abroad or academic advisor how credit transfers.

    Academic Credit

    Oaxaca, Mexico

    Academic credit is available to applicants currently enrolled in a university, arranged through the student’s own institution. Adelante provides supporting documentation, but it’s the student’s responsibility to confirm with their study abroad or academic advisor how credit transfers.

Hear From Adelante Abroad Candidates

Read what past interns, students and volunteers say about their time abroad with Adelante.

Read More Reviews
  • Gaby S. in MexicoGaby S.New York Barnard College, USANon-Profits · Mexico
    “Volunteering in Oaxaca was one of the best experiences of my life. My program helped me interact with indigenous Master artisans who taught me many valuable lessons about Oaxaca’s culture and about their indigenous heritage. Oaxaca itself is a very rich source of cultural knowledge and colorful experiences. Everyone was very warm and helpful at my volunteer organization and they guided me throughout my volunteering experience. Adelante also did a great job at finding very centralized housing options, and providing guidance and suggestions for my time in Oaxaca, like assisting to Guelaguetza, a beautiful tradition in which all the regions of Oaxaca showcase their traditional attires and dances. In summary, I can’t wait to go back to Oaxaca again.”
    Read More: Gaby S.
  • Ella S. in MexicoElla S.Bennington College, Portland, OR, USAArts · Mexico
    “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 really showed how much Adelante listened to what I wanted from the experience, as well as they attention they payed to what skills I already had. I learned a lot, met many new people, and got to know the amazing city. I even decided to move back to Oaxaca for the rest of the year to work at the art studio where I was previously interning!”
    Read More: Ella S.
  • Emily M. in MexicoEmily M.Flagler College, WI, USAWork with Children · Mexico
    “I spent two months in Oaxaca de Juarez with the Adelante volunteering program for working with kids. My time there was amazing, being able to experience local life and history of the state. The housing location was in a great spot, and my landlord was unbelievably kind. My time at the language school was also great as I met and made wonderful friends from around the world and also received a one-on-one tutor which helped me immensely. I also met great people at my internship. The program truly opens you up to many differing walks of life and exposes you to so many new things – not just originating from Oaxaca. The trip being my first solo travel forced me to become independent and actually rely on myself instead of using others as a travel-buddy crutch. When Adelante says that the program is for independent travelers, they’re not kidding.”
    Read More: Emily M.

Program Pricing

Housing is included in every price. Applying is free, and a $325 confirmation fee holds your spot once you’re accepted.

Every Adelante Program Includes

  • Affordable ProgramsAmong the most affordable programs you’ll find.
  • Centralized AccommodationsYour own room in a shared city-center apartment.
  • Guaranteed, Contracted Internship PlacementA signed contract from your host organization before you arrive.
  • Customized Program BuildingBuilt around your background, interests and Spanish level.
  • Guided Reflection ExercisesTurn your time abroad into resume and interview language.
  • Academic Credit SupportFull documentation for your home institution.

Not included

  • Flights
  • Meals and daily expenses

Living costs

About $100 a week for groceries, buses, going out and a nearby trip or two.

  • Housing included
  • Next start you can still make: January 4, 2027Apply by November 5, 2026
  • Applying is free. A $325 confirmation fee holds your spot once you’re accepted.
Apply NowBook a Free Consultation
2027 prices
1 MonthTeaching English only$3,475
6 WeeksMid-May only$3,975About $663 a week
2 Months$4,475About $2,238 a month
3 Months$5,225About $1,742 a month
4 Months$5,975About $1,494 a month
5 Months$6,725About $1,345 a month
6 Months$7,475About $1,246 a month
View Full Pricing

Financial aid and scholarships from your university can often go toward a program abroad. Ask your financial aid office what carries over.

How the Application Works

  1. Up Next

    Apply Online

    Free, and it takes a few minutes. Eligible candidates get a link to book their free consultation.

  2. Free Consultation

    A call with an advisor by phone or Google Meet about your background, interests, Spanish level and goals. Results come by email in real time or within 1–2 business days, with an acceptance letter and clear next steps.

  3. Confirm and Prepare

    Confirm your spot within one week of acceptance with a $325 confirmation fee. A second interview, your full placement details and a pre-departure packet follow.

Apply to Volunteer AbroadBook a Free Consultation
After you apply, an advisor sets up a free intro call. You don't need every detail figured out yet.

Internships & Volunteering in Oaxaca, Mexico FAQs

Where will I live during my volunteer program in Mexico?

All volunteers in Mexico through Adelante Abroad can either stay in a shared guest house, shared apartment, live with a local, or homestay. All housing arrangements are with vetted individuals and in a centralized location. Our accommodations provide a great way for travelers to dive into the Mexico culture and improve their Spanish language skills daily.

How long are the volunteer placements in Mexico?

Our volunteer placements in Mexico usually range from 2-6 months. The longer you stay the more you get out of your volunteer program. We do have some one month options for Mexico which include Teaching English and Social Media.

How much should I budget for living expenses per month, above and beyond what is included in the program fee?

For Mexico, we suggest approximately $100 USD per week, and this covers normal expenses like groceries, bus money, some going out and one or two nearby excursions a month. The price goes up when you start going out at night more and when you begin to travel further away (which we do encourage!).

Is there an Adelante contact in Mexico?

Yes – Carlos Ortega, our director abroad and a Mexican national, will work to ensure that you have an educational and fun experience in Mexico. He is highly involved in the cultures, dialects and art forms of Oaxacan communities, both in the city and the outer lying indigenous areas. You will be meeting with Carlos during your first week of classes before your work assignment starts. Carlos is accustomed to working with groups from abroad, speaks English fluently and is an extremely good liaison between long-term visitors to Oaxaca and their new “home”.

What is the difference between interning and Volunteering in Mexico?

In Mexico, the majority of Adelante Abroad placements are focused on giving back to the community. Mexico is the perfect place for this. Internships on the other hand are more internally focused with building your resume and business working skills.

Still Have Questions?

Ask the Adelante team directly, by email or phone.

Contact Us

Fields You Can Intern In

Start Your Free Application

Applying is free and takes a few minutes. We’ll follow up to book a call.

Next start you can still make: January 4, 2027Apply by November 5, 2026

Apply NowBook My Free Call

Your Consultation

Free

An Adelante advisor

By phone or Google Meet

What you’ll talk about

  • Your background
  • Your interests
  • Your Spanish level
  • Your goals

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