With 112 336 538 inhabitants in 2010 (including more than 20 millions in the capital : Mexico), Mexico city, federal republic is the third biggest country of Latin America and the most populated Spanish-speaking country. This country has the particularity to be located in “the meridional part of the North-American continent while belonging historically and culturally to Latin America”.
Mexico was marked by a bloody colonial time and by the disappearing in the 16th century of one of the biggest tribute : Aztecs. However, “the indigenous populations were not entirely submitted due to the collapse of the Aztec empire. Many revolts took place during the three centuries of the colonial period”. It is only at the end of the 20th century that the country gets out of all these revolutions and violence movements.
Life on site is cheap. Here is a few examples :
Basic products | Prices in Euros / Mexican Pesos |
---|---|
1L of water (botel) | 0,43 € / 9 MXN |
1 meal (2 dishes) | 3,87 € / 80 MXN |
1 bus ticket | 0,34 € / 7 MXN |
These pre-Colombian civilizations (Incas, Aztecs and Mayas) let us treasures all around Latin America. Moreover, Mexico overflows with a biodiversity and a relief very varied. It is crossed by many chains of mountains, waterways and plateaux. About its environment, it is “considered as the second country in ecosystems and the 4th in total number of species”.
Mexico is a country marked by a very strong Latina culture. Whether in its cuisine or in its traditions, Mexico is rich in resources. So we won’t forget to try the famous tortillas or the many tropical fruits!
Vaccine and specific advice :
Find out what vaccines are recommended for the country and what are the diseases preventive and/or treatment measures on site.
Checklist :
Vaccine renewal, country-specific vaccinations: 1-3 months before leaving
Visit your doctor or specialist for any health problem, repeat of medical prescriptions, contraception, to have a sufficient initial stock of drugs, adjustment of dosages. Moreover, you will need to send your coordinator a certificate from your doctor certifying that you are well able to participate in an international volunteer project.
Dentist: a dental check-up can be useful before you leave !
We recommend you to visit the mentioned below websites to consult the travel advice :
UK : https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico/safety-and-security
Vimex is a nonprofit organization, apolitical and nongovernmental organization founded in 1985 within the Polytechnic National Institute to promote to young Mexicans the volunteering workcamps in Europe and to host international volunteers on animal, environmental and cultural projects. Vimex encourages global solidarity, tolerance and mutual understanding between different cultures and ethnics.
Viva México is the biggest international organization in Latin America specialized in the global youth development. Viva México encourages peace between nations and international solidarity by organizing since 1996 International Cooperation Projects within Mexican communities. These social, cultural and environmental projects host between 15 and 20 young volunteers who come from 10 to 20 different countries.
With regard to obtaining a visa and entry requirements, we invite you to contact the embassy in question :
Embassy of Mexico in the UK :
16 St. George Street
Hanover Square
London W1S 1FD
United Kingdom
TELEPHONE (+44) 2 7499 8586
FAX (+44) 20 7495 4035
EMAIL [email protected]
WEBSITE embamex.sre.gob.mx/reinounido/
Embassy of Mexico in the USA :
1911 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
United States
TELEPHONE (+1) (202) 728 1600
FAX (+1) (202) 728 1698
EMAIL [email protected]
WEBSITE embamex.sre.gob.mx/eua/
Embassy of Mexico in Canada :
45 O’Connor Street, Suite 1000
Ottawa, ON K1P 1A4
Canada
TELEPHONE (+1) 613 233 8988
FAX (+1) 613 235 9123
EMAIL [email protected]
WEBSITE embamex.sre.gob.mx/canada/