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Teaching in Mexico Africa & Asia Venture (AV) projects are for young people looking for a unique balance between fun, travel, adventure and rewarding work and companionship. Placements last from five weeks to five months in Africa, Asia and Mexico. Caitlin Nicol spent five months teaching in Mexico with AV. Read her story and find out how you can do the same... 'Everyone wants different things from their gap year but for me going with an organisation was the best decision - not only because I came away with some of the best friends I’ve ever had but because living and teaching as we did in tiny, rural villages meant we could live the Mexican life and experience a side to the country that as a tourist you would never see. AV chose the perfect location. We lived in small villages that were completely ‘real’ Mexico, yet 15 minutes away by taxi was the town of Valle De Bravo. It’s a stunning place and we spent many weekends there. However it was very wealthy and completely different from the villages. Polvillos, the village I lived in, was small, rural and completely Mexican.  Teaching is frustrating, daunting, nerve-wracking and unbelievably terrifying. Yet it is also extremely rewarding: that feeling you get when one kid understands what you are trying so hard to explain is indescribable. And despite the nerves it is worth it because the kids are absolutely gorgeous and their smiles are infectious! Our welcome to the school was seriously amazing! It was February 14th and I have never felt so loved on Valentines Day! The school gates opened and we were met by the whole school lined up and a big sign saying ‘Welcome to our school’. It felt as if we were walking down the red carpet as we walked through the courtyard with kids cheering at us, giving us countless roses and throwing confetti. I was given a big bunch of flowers and a sash saying ‘Welcome Caitlin’ which they pinned on me - it felt as if I’d been awarded prom queen! Five months down the line I now speak a bit more Spanish (I absolutely love it - it’s the coolest language and I am now studying it at uni!) and although I don’t think I want to be a teacher I loved school. The lessons got easier and by the end of it I was teaching on my own which I never ever thought I would be able to do! But leaving them all was hard. We were given presents, flowers, cards and a party, but there were lots of tears.  How do you write about the most memorable five months of your life in one report? All I can say is I would go back to Mexico tomorrow if I was given the opportunity because I absolutely fell in love with the place and the people. I cannot imagine not having taken a gap year - It has been the most ‘chido’ year out ever! I loved every bit of it and want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped me take part in something so special!'AV is one of the leading UK gap year providers with considerable first-hand experience of volunteering in the developing world. Our aim is to give you an unforgettable and rewarding experience helping in the developing world. For more information on how you, like Caitlin, can join us and make a difference, check out the contact details below.   Click here >> for more info about this placementClick here >> for other placements with Africa & Asia Venture  Tel: 0845 344 7508 |
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