Social Media Volunteer — Mezcal Edition

France

5

I was part of the first volunteers of this project : this experience was super special ✨ we had the chance to start the project ! It's hard work for sure but with really nice and fun people and everything is planned to enjoy OAXACA at the same time : we work 4 full days and got 3 days off (plenty off time to visit around). The kind of work I did : Farm work (cleaning the field, harvesting agaves), babysitting, painting, cooking, cleaning… there is always something to do 👌🏻 If you are autonomous, easy going and you want to learn everything about the organization it's the right place ! I'll be back soon

over 3 years ago

Netherlands

3

Overall I had a good experience in Miahuatlan. Although I do have to make some notes for future (potential) volunteers. I found that machismo did occur during work at the farms. Female volunteers, including myself, were treated differently than the male volunteers. For example, I was asked more times if I was ok and if I needed a break than the male volunteers. A few times I was asked to stop my work / a task mid way and let the host or one of the (male) locals take over. But the worst was when I got the "Shut up" signal from the host. I would get a pat on my shoulder and be interupted.

about 3 years ago

Jorge replied

Hi Wilma!

I'm very surprised, sad and disappointed for getting my project (where I put all I can) affected by sometime which could have been solved in a 10 minutes conversation, specially when I live so close to the volunteers and I work together at all times.

The only time I had to interrupt the conversation was, as I remember, when some opinion was stated in a choice of words and tone which could result in a longer quarrel with the local guy we were with. The approach of the project is soft, since we are in a rural area of Mexico and a strong confrontation with their reality could harm the relationship between the locals and me, as head of this idea.

I volunteered before and I believe that travellers, different from tourist, do what we do to immerse and understand the culture. For example, I didn't like the strict structure and way of some projects, but it's part of them, and I can't go and confront them. Something similar happens with machismo; we gradually are making some changes but we are still far from being as open as Western Europe, and that is ok, since is part of world's diversity and this diversity is the reason of people like us to travel.

If I asked more times to girls to rest is something I don't do on purpose, even though I asked at all times which tool the team wants to use. I guess is something part of my culture, as well as argentinians drink mate, for example.

Well, I guess you did it for helping but please next time approach to your host first, is not cool to harm the projects where we dedicate our time, money and hearts.

United States

2

Miahuatlán and the people we met there are incredible. As someone interested in sustainable agriculture, meeting the organization maestros/farms was an unforgettable learning experience. However, the last 2 weeks of our 5 week stay were really impacted by the host's behavior. This included little available food, often no water, disrespectful comments and gossiping, him constantly disappearing or changing plans, and laughing at any volunteer concerns. Many people were in very uncomfortable situations. It saddens me to write this because the project idea is so cool and I hope it will one day improve.

about 3 years ago

United States

2

This was a special opportunity to learn and be immersed in local culture and I loved meeting and learning from the organization maestros. However due to hosting, we had many issues including sexism, drunk driving, disrespect, inconsistency, talking behind volunteer's backs, etc. I never got an in person or messaged goodbye/thank you after working hard for Jorge for 5 weeks. If you're a carefree and flexible man, this could be a good fit, otherwise I cannot say I honestly recommend the experience which makes me sad. I hope one day another local starts something similar, as it's a great opportunity.

about 3 years ago

Chile

5

La organización fue una experiencia muy agradable. Las tareas son muy variadas y permiten tener una conexión con la comunidad del pueblo. Jorge es un muy buen lider, casi un voluntario más por lo que entrega esa confianza. Me voy lleno de aprendizaje y experiencias tanto en la elaboración la organización como en temas culturales y sociales de Miahuatlán. Sin dudas una experiencia que no olvidaré nunca.

10 months ago

Jorge replied

Muchas gracias Inti!! Tu vibra fue muy buena, espero verte a la proxima en México!!

Spain

5

La experi3ncia fue super interesante y nutritiva, volveria a repetir sin lugar a dudas.

over 1 year ago

Venezuela

5

Mi experiencia en la organización fue muy positiva y hasta diría que catártica, me ayudó de descubrir un montón sobre mis propias capacidades y mi habilidad para relacionarme con personas nuevas y también me ayudó a sobrellevar problemas emocionales y de vocación. El proyecto es interesante y fomenta la inmersión en la cultura local tanto en las labores como en las actividades de ocio. Jorge es un gran anfitrión y valoro mucho que sea muy claro en su comunicación con los voluntarios, además que ha hecho posible esta mezcla de diversión y trabajo. El trabajo es duro pero vale la pena!

almost 2 years ago

France

5

C'était super ! Jorge est très accueillant ! L'ambiance était superbe, on se sent comme à la maison. Le lundi et parfois le jeudi sont destinés à d'autres travails que dans les champs donc c'est bien car ça permet de varier et la région est vraiment super à visiter. Que du bonheur !

over 2 years ago

Jorge replied

Marie, thanks a lot for your great help and strong spirit!!

It was a pleasure to host you, come back anytime!

Spain

5

Una experiencia preciosa. Gracias Jorge, no sólo por el proyecto, también por dejarnos ser parte de tu círculo en Miahuatlan :) ¡Muy recomendable!

over 2 years ago

Guatemala

5

Koko es a todo dar, por su experiencia en voluntariados conoce bien que es lo que uno busca en este tipo de intercambios y tambien que ofrecer, se esta muy a gusto. El aprendizaje y experiencias son únicas, la organización es todo un mundo por descubrir y si quieres sumergirte en el aquí es el lugar correcto.

over 2 years ago

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