I am a student from the University of Oregon majoring in International Studies (INTL). My studies consist of three self-selected components: a regional focus of Latin America, a language focus of Spanish, and a professional focus of international environmental topics. Additionally, one must complete the international experience requirement by going abroad for a minimum of ten weeks. Many students enroll in classes at a partner university, find a relevant internship, or take independent study credits. I decided to go with the independent study route, and formulated a plan with help from a handful of advisors in various departments and personal testimonies from classmates and friends.
From October 1st to December 4th I am participating in work exchange through a website called World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) in the beautiful country of Mexico. The host farm will provide you housing (sometimes a tent), a kitchen, and food in exchange for work on their farm or property. The amount of work varies, at a minimum 3 hours per day 5 days per week and usually at a maximum of 8 hours per day 6 days per week. Each host varies greatly by the amount of time they expect from you, their accommodations, and the work that needs to be done.
In the weeks prior to departure, I perused the woofing website and contacted various hosts. Originally, I wanted to go to the region of Oaxaca, many of the postings were for work in botanical gardens way off the grid which by the photos looked lush and gorgeous. I decided against this aspiration for my first site because I wanted to be somewhere I could readily access medical care and be in contact with my family and friends while I’m getting my footing. I came across a posting to work on the property and in the gardens of the El Encanto Eco-Hotel in Nayarit, the state just north of Jalisco. After a few Google searches, I found positive signs that this place is legit. I emailed back and forth with the owner, Jim Vitale, and set a date to arrive.
In order to document this experience, I will submit a 15 to 20 page report to my direct advisor at the end of the term for review. This blog is acting as a place to develop content for my submission and to keep my family, friends, and others updated about my time abroad. Thank you for viewing and feel free to reach out to me if you have any recommendations for places I should visit in Mexico.