Work with every creature from opossums to snakes! Projects Abroad can arrange for you to work in a special hospital for wild and domestic animals, much like a Mexican version of the British RSPCA.

The centre works in conjunction with Proteccion Civil - the local emergency service - who deliver injured, mistreated and abandoned animals to the centre, either for permanent residence and care, or as part of a rehabilitation process before they are released back into the wild.

There is a focus on birds (such as falcons, eagles, toucan, parrots and owls) and reptiles, however, a range of other animals also live at the centre. You will be feeding the animals, and cleaning and repairing enclosures. Volunteers also have the chance to assist the specialists in retraining the animals to hunt, fly and live independently.

Accommodation is with local Spanish-speaking families. You don't need to speak Spanish to take part in this placement, but a few phrases learnt before you go will be extremely useful.

All volunteers are allocated a supervisor at their placement, who is in charge of their work day-to-day, and their well-being at the placement.

Volunteers also have the back-up of our local staff, based in Guadalajara, who are contactable 24 hours a day.

Mexico is a fascinating combination of great wealth and shanty-town poverty. We are based in Guadalajara, known as the most 'Mexican' of Mexican cities - home of tequila, sombreros, mariachi music and rodeo riders. There are strong Mayan Indian and Catholic traditions in this area, and the family unit is at the centre of Mexican life. Guadalajara is a beautiful and cultural city where volunteers have a great social life.

We also run Spanish courses that you can take before or alongside your placement. Please contact us for more details. If you decide to go travelling after your placement you'll find that good buses and cheap trains cover Mexico and there are modest hotels in almost every small town. Head for the jungles, mountains or beaches and you are sure to reach somewhere the tourists never visit.

"Working at the Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Mexico was an eye-opener. The placements were definitely beneficial. I was able to undertake work that I would not normally have had the chance to do. I improved my Spanish language skills and have a greater understanding of the people and the country. The experiences have changed my career aspirations from marketing to international development." - Nurma Ramful

0845 344 7562

Projects Abroad is the leading organiser of volunteer placements across five continents. We offer a diverse range of teaching, care, conservation and work experience projects. There are no set dates and you have the opportunity to become part of one of our local communities overseas