VOLUNTEERS:

We will start in 2010 with several new groups of students (internship) and volunteers at the orphanage San José. Also it is possible to do your internship in other places in Colima, Mexico. More information about this visit the website www.dicemexico.com.

For all volunteers and all students we have the same package prices available on our site “costs” in the menu above.

All groups start in JANUARY, MAY AND SEPTEMBER of 2010. You can stay with us being a volunteer or doing your internship from 1 month to 6 months. Internship students can stay longer. Special prices for this are on request.

Price is all-in for everyone and includes accommodation, guidance and a Spanish course (depends which level is available). If you want more information about our prices and terms, please write us: info@amiguito.nl

Are you interested and want to know more about all the rules and term, please feel free to ask for our rules in PDF format.

FAQ (frequently asked questions)

These are frequently asked questions and we will try to give some answers:

-      What is the minimum period of time for voluntary work?

This period is 1 month, but we prefer 3 months because of your Spanish. Also if you stay 1 or 2 months, the price per month is higher.

-      Do I have to take the Spanish course?

No, it’s not an obligation to take the Spanish course. It’s in the package and if you don’t want it you still pay the same amount per month. Also we usually have basic level students and we start higher level groups with a minimum of 4 students.

- What kind of work do I have to do as a volunteer?

All kinds of work from working in the garden to bathing toddlers and preschool children… from helping in the kitchen to do activities with the children.

         Do I have to pay the amount in advance?

It’s an “all-in-one” package price which we like to receive two months before we start. It is possible to pay in monthly payments. Therefore you need to sign a payment contract. If you pay in advance we will give you a 5% discount on the total amount.

- If I decide to stop sooner with being a volunteer or with the Spanish course, do I get my money back?

No, there is no refund. If you decide to come for a specific time, you have a commitment with us and you need to pay what we agreed upon.

- How often am I free and how many hours do I need to work?

You will work no more than 32 hours a week. With the Spanish course you get a total of 40 hours a week. Usually you work 5 days a week, Monday till Friday, but once every 4 to 6 weeks you will work one day in the weekend extra, so that week you will work 6 days.

         Do I have vacation or days off?

No, you will not get any vacation or days off. We advice everyone who wants to travel around Mexico that he or she does that before or after his/her stay as a volunteer. We do give some days off on special holidays.

- What kind of clothes do I need to wear?

Conservative clothes in which you do not show too much skin. No sleeveless shirts or shorts or short skirts. You should wear long pants, shoes, a shirt with short or long sleeves, polo-shirt. Do not wear tight shirts.

         what if I am sick?

You have the obligation to tell us before you come if you have a medical problem or history. If you do not mention this and you get sick, then we will not help you and charge a daily fee of 50 Euros (75 dollars). If you did mention all medical problems or history then we will help you with doctor visits during work hours or in urgent cases outside work hours or in the weekends.

- Do I have to share my room with someone?

You will pay an “all-in-one” package price and we divide all accommodations under our volunteers and students. This means you can be sharing your room, apartment or house with someone. Most apartments we have are for 4 – 6 persons and rooms for 1 – 2 persons. If you have special requests please let us know and for an additional cost we can see what we can do.

- Should I bring sheets and can I wash my clothes?

Yes, you should bring 1 set of sheets and you can wash your clothes in a “lavanderia” for a very good price.

-  Do I have to vaccinate before arrival and what are the health problems in Colima?

Yes, you should visit your doctor for advice. There is no malaria, but we do have cases of dengue in Colima. Most common problems are food infections of eating in not healthy places.

         How often can I eat at the orphanage?

Only twice a day on workdays. On free days or in the weekend you will have to take care of your own meals. At the orphanage you can eat breakfast and lunch. They will cook one meal for all, so there is no menu or something you can choose from. If you are allergic to some kind of food, then you have to understand that we cannot take this in mind and prepare something different. 1 meal for all.  

         is it allowed to drink alcohol on the orphanage and to go out?

No, it is not allowed to use alcohol at the orphanage. If you need to work the next day then you need to be in your apartment at 23:00. If you are free the next day, you have to be in at 2 in the morning at the latest. If you are going away for a weekend then you have to be in Sunday night at 23:00. We as a foundation take care of the volunteers and students on the orphanage. What happens in the weekend or in free time is your own responsibility.

These are the most frequently asked questions with answers. If you have more questions, please feel free to send us and e-mail.