MEXICO (2014-2015)
Come experience the natural beauty, vibrant culture, and authentic Mexican food of Puerto Vallarta. From breathtaking views of the Pacific ocean to luscious palm-covered mountains, this beach resort city offers a unique blend of tourist attractions and rich cultural history. Tourist related industries such as lodging, transportation services, and restaurants employ approximately half of the local workforce.
Despite the economic benefits of international tourism, Puerto Vallarta continues to experience issues with poverty. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in developmental play with children at local orphanages, attend educational seminars to gain insight into poverty, and experience local food, customs, and culture.
Counseling, Language Experience, & Service in Mexico
SERVICE PROJECTS (2014-2015)- Community service at orphanage by supporting staff and engaging with children.
- Community service a Compassion for the Family women’s shelter.
- Collaborate with staff to identify needs and develop fundraising ideas.
WORKSHOPS & LECTURES (2014-2015)
- Q&A with American Expats from orphanage.
- Q&A with staff at Compassion for the Family Center.
- Pre-trip education of enculturation model.
TOURISM
- Sightseeing around Puerto Vallarta.
- Marina Vallarta.
- Nuevo Vallarta Resort and beaches.
GENERAL
- Location: Metropolitan area on west coast of Mexico.
- Language: Spanish, though many local have basic understanding of English.
- Weather: Tropical, humid average daily high of 85℉.
- Currency: Peso (1 Peso = 0.055 US Dollar).
- Government: Presidential Federal Republic.
- Religion: Catholic (82%) followed by Christian (8%).
Course Competency Standards and Guidelines
Course Goals and ObjectivesGoal 1: Provide international experience to enhance multicultural awareness of social, political, and economic state of destination.
Objective 1: Visit historical, spiritual, and cultural sites.
Objective 2: Engage in cultural activities such as meals with locals, traditional festivities, and local markets.
Goal 2: Increase cross-cultural mental health awareness.
Objective 1: Attend lectures from local clinicians to gain understanding of local implementation of mental health interventions.
Objective 2: Attend professional development workshops.
Objective 3: Exchange mental health expertise with local clinicians.
Goal 3: Develop understanding of local underprivileged populations.
Objective 1: Engage in service at hospitals, orphanages, elderly facilities.
Goal 4: Earn CE credit.
Objective 1: Attend training.
Objective 2: Submit program evaluation.
Accommodation
HotelDouble occupancy room in mid-range hotel near shops, restaurants, and local cultural activities. Single occupancies rooms may be available for an additional fee.
Fees
Program fees include:- Roundtrip, economy class airfare.
- Ground transportation to and from all activities identified in itinerary.
- Entry fees into activities identified in itinerary.
- Lodging in double occupancy room.
- 24 hour trip leader knowledgeable of local medical and crisis resources.
- Workshops, trainings, lectures.
- CE credit.
Program fees exclude:
- Ground travel to destinations not included in itinerary.
- Medical and travel insurance Passport.
- Immunizations recommended for destinations.
- Optional excursions.
- Food expenses and personal.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Fly from Pocatello or Boise to PVR (other cities might be available). Hotel Mayan Palace Puerto Vallarta. Visit the city of PVR. Visit Nuevo Vallarta and enjoy the beaches.DAY 2: Breakfast with the children and help with the children and provide community service on the grounds of the center. Evening - Class Process Meeting
DAY 3: Breakfast with the children and help with the children and provide community service on the grounds of the center. Evening - Class Process Meeting.
DAY 4: Morning Breakfast in Mariana market and tour the various Markets. Volunteer at the Women Shelter at www.http://www.compassionforthefamilymx.org/en/ Class Process Meeting.
DAY 5: Breakfast with the children and help with the children and provide community service on the grounds of the center. Evening – Thanksgiving Dinner with American Expat Volunteers from Orphanage.
DAY 6: Breakfast with the children and help with the children and provide community service on the grounds of the center. Afternoon - Use local buses to tour the city. Dinner hosted by local Expiate. Class Process Meeting.
DAY 7: Explore the Marina - stay in the city square area. Use local buses to tour the city. Explore local Markets. Check out of hotel and travel to airport and take flight.
Requirements
- Valid ID and passport.- Participants must be at least 18 years old. Children 16 years or older may be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Spouses are welcome at same rate less fee for CE credit.
