Your Best Info Source for Peace Corps Mexico

Flag of Mexico: A tricolor flag with vertical stripes of green on the left, white in the middle, and red on the right, featuring the national emblem, an eagle perched on a cactus, holding a snake, in the center of the white stripe. Peace Corps Mexico has been in country since 1962

Welcome to the top spot for info on Peace Corps Mexico! If volunteering in Mexico interests you, you came to the right website. We’ll fill you in on Peace Corps’ past in Mexico. We’ll also give details about Mexico as a country. You can find out the languages spoken there. You can also check out stories from other volunteers. Here you can get info about safety and health. We’ll also provide ways to reach out to former Peace Corps peeps in Mexico. Get set to learn more to help choose if Mexico is a good fit for you!

Volunteers in Mexico work on projects in Education and the Environment (leave in August).

What is the History of Peace Corps Mexico?

The Peace Corps came to Mexico in 1962 and has been there ever since. Many volunteers have helped in various ways. They’ve taught English, worked on health projects, helped with farming and the environment, supported small businesses, and worked with young people and communities. The Peace Corps in Mexico adapts to what the country needs. The number of volunteers and the programs can change, but they always aim to help make a positive difference.

Map of Mexico showing it's location in North America. Peace Corps Mexico has operated there since 2004

What about Mexico as a nation?

Mexico is a diverse and culturally rich country in North America. It has a long history with ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans. Mexico is known for its delicious food, colorful traditions, and strong sense of community. But it also faces challenges like poverty and inequality. The country has beautiful landscapes, from coastlines to mountains. Mexico has its own unique identity and is an important part of the world.

What languages do they speak in Mexico?

In Mexico, the main language people speak is Spanish. It’s the official language used for everything like government, and schools. But in Mexico, there are also many different indigenous languages spoken by various groups of people. These languages include Nahuatl, Yucatec Maya, Mixtec, Zapotec, and more. So, while Spanish is the most common language, Mexico is a diverse place with different languages reflecting its rich culture.

During their service in Mexico, Peace Corps volunteers learn to speak Spanish.

How safe is it serve as a volunteer in Mexico?

In general, 89% of volunteers felt safe or very safe where they lived in Mexico. And 96% felt safe or very safe where they worked. 8% of volunteers early terminated mostly due to medical reasons and resignation. But more detailed information about safety compared to other Peace Corps countries can be found in the Mexico Crime, Harassment, and Early Termination of Service Data.

Most of the medical problems seen in Mexico are also found in the United States, such as colds, diarrhea, skin infections, headaches, minor injuries, sexually transmitted infections, adjustment disorders, and emotional problems. For Volunteers, these problems may be more frequent or compounded by life in Mexico because local factors raise the risk of or exacerbate the severity of certain illnesses.

The medical problems specific to Mexico are gastrointestinal infections, dysentery, parasites, trichinosis, Hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, rabies, brucellosis, HIV/AIDS, skin infections, respiratory infections, minor injuries, and STIs. Health problems also can result from local environmental factors, such as dust, humidity, insects, and disease-producing microorganisms. In the coastal areas of the country, malaria is also prevalent and Volunteers are required to take anti-malarial medication. 

But more detailed information about health related issues at Peace Corps Mexico can be found in the Mexico Health and Medical Care Summary.

What do volunteers think of serving in Mexico?

Since 1975, the Annual Volunteer Survey has been a source of information on the state of the Peace Corps (PC) program for the agency, Congress, researchers, the media, and the general public. In 2019, 87% of volunteers found their overall Peace Corps service rewarding or very rewarding. 78% of volunteers would still make the same decision to serve with the Peace Corps today. 84% of volunteers would recommend Peace Corps service to others. More information can be found in the Mexico Annual Volunteer Survey Satisfaction Results.

Where can I learn more about Peace Corps Mexico volunteer experiences?

PCV blogs and YouTube channels offer a unique look into the daily life of volunteers serving in Mexico. These blogs and channels can help you understand the challenges and triumphs that come with being a volunteer. Explore these links for inspiring stories and practical advice from current and past volunteers.

Flag of Mexico: A tricolor flag with vertical stripes of green on the left, white in the middle, and red on the right, featuring the national emblem, an eagle perched on a cactus, holding a snake, in the center of the white stripe. Peace Corps Mexico has been in country since 1962

If you’re interested in learning more about serving in Mexico, I’ve got you covered! Click here to see all of my posts about Peace Corps Mexico with details on the experience, culture, food, packing tips, and more.

How can I connect with Returned PCVs who served in Mexico?

A Peace Corps Mexico volunteer playing with two very happy children

And where can I find official information about Peace Corps Mexico?

"Peace Corps Mexico Welcomes You" book cover - 2015

This is an old PC publication called “The Peace Corps Welcomes You to Mexico“, published in 2015. In the past, before the internet, this is how volunteers learned more about Mexico. Even though it is many years old, there is still a lot of good information there. You can download it here but remember it is just for informational purposes. For up-to-date information, always check with you Peace Corps contacts and staff.

Conclusion:

This blog post provided insights to help determine if serving in Mexico is right for you. You got info on Mexico’s culture, languages, and growth. We also covered safety tips and health facts for volunteers. Plus, we explained how to connect with former Peace Corps peeps. To learn more about Peace Corps Mexico, check their website or the resources here. We hope this post was helpful for getting details on Peace Corps Mexico!

About Jim Damico

My name is Jim. And I have served in the Peace Corps in Thailand, Mongolia, Nepal, and now Armenia. I set up this website to help others interested in PC or already serving. For more info click the "About" link at the top of the page.

View all posts by Jim Damico