About the Live Different Academy
The Academy is for individuals looking for an experience unlike anything else. Through 13 weeks of being fully immersed in beautiful Mexican culture, you’ll learn a ton about the lives of others and even more about yourself in the process. Surrounded by like-minded people, you’ll be challenged and supported as you grow and take part in new experiences while caring for others. And when you leave, you and the lives of local families and communities will never be the same.
Volunteer
Volunteer with neighbouring families and in the local community.
Study Spanish
Being fully immersed in the culture, you’ll study Spanish and spend time with a local host family once a week.
Explore
While you’re here, you’ll check out volcanoes, beaches, and local cultural attractions.
Build
On top of volunteering, you’ll work to complete a building project alongside the community.
A Week in the Life
You’ll experience a ‘Week in the Life’ of a Mexican migrant worker and become familiar with the tough decisions they face daily—from housing to food and everything in between.
Study Social Justice
You’ll spend time studying social justice and international development.
On this cross-cultural adventure, you’ll take part in experiences that will grow you as a person and help you understand poverty in a way that you can’t learn any other way.
Meet our team in Mexico
You might be curious as to who you’ll meet when you’re down in Mexico. We would be too. While you’ll cross paths with several different people during your time with us, we’d like to introduce you to you’re constants. These awesome people will be who you’ll be spending most of your time with.
Rose
Your caring, thoughtful coordinator.
Rose
Having spent a lot of time on the ground, she’s always been known for her kindness. She works hard to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Hope
Her focus is on your growth and development.
Hope
Everyday experiences teach you a lot in Mexico, but so does Hope. She’ll be helping you develop while guiding you through your Spanish and social justice classes.
Felipe
Also known as the translator extraordinaire with a culinary flair.
Felipe
He’s involved in everything—from cultural learning, teaching Spanish, and organizing volunteer opportunities and host-family gatherings. He’ll also teach you to cook local goodness.
Andrew
The head honcho who keeps everything moving.
Andrew
He oversees the Academy and is involved day in, day out. And if you’re looking to get out to the gym when you’re down here, he’s a great spotter.
Dawn
She'll probably become like a second mom...
Dawn
She makes Mexico feel like home. Known for being an active meal planner, listener, and encourager—she takes amazing care of everyone.
Welcome to the Baja
Our residence is nestled in rural Mexico, about 30 minutes from the beach. It is here where you’ll experience family-style living—with shared meals, games, and internet. You’re just a short walk away from a local store for snacks and close to public transportation, giving you access to a local coffee shops markets, and taco stands. (If you’re into those sorts of things.)
The Baja is dry, so expect hot days and cool nights. Unlike a tourist-filled vacation spot, you’ll be introduced to (and become part of) the community. Each week, you’ll spend time with local families and sharing meals together which helps deepen your understanding (and your Spanish). It’s home away from home!
A peek at our 2019 Schedule
September 9th – Fly to San Diego, CA (Airport Code: SAN)
September 10th – Drive to Vicente Guerrero, Baja California, Mexico.
Week 1– Orientation
Weeks 2 – Spanish Classes and meet host families **
Weeks 3-5 – Volunteering and coursework
Week 6 – Live Different Build Project
Week 7-9 – Volunteering and coursework
Week 10 – Week in the Life experience
Week 11 – 12 – Volunteering and coursework
Week 13 – Travel/Debrief
December 8th – All students fly home from San Diego, CA
*Saturdays are considered excursion days, Sundays are OFF (Subject to change)
** Spanish and weekly visits with host families are on-going
Quick note: The schedule may change from year to year and even during the Academy.
How much does Academy typically cost?
Academy tuition
$ 3,245
Due Aug 1stThis portion covers everything that benefits you personally, like the curriculum, food and accommodations.Charitable Project Costs
$ 3,250
Due Aug 1stThis part is used to help others. As a result, we’re able to issue tax receipts for funds raised.
Total Cost
$ 6,495
The total cost for Academy in 2019 is $6,495.
Have Questions?
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