Pre-trip To Do List
Please feel free to download any of the forms and documents that we have listed below. Just click on any of the links to download it to your desktop. Feel free to contact the webmaster via email if you have problems accessing any of the documents.
Adult Release Form (pdf)
Minor Release Form (pdf)
Parent Consent Form (pdf)
Participant Information Sheet (doc)
Personal Equipment Checklist (doc)
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Passport
Implemented on January 23, 2007, ALL PERSONS traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.
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Travel Insurance
The main need is evacuation insurance. There is a hospital in every location we visit. However if something serious were to occur (e.g. appendicitis) you would most likely want to be evacuated to the United States for care.
There are several outfits that offer this service. In some cases your VISA card offers this service if you buy your tickets with it. Whatever you choose it is not expensive and would be well worth it if it became needed. We require that you show proof of this prior to traveling.
Helpful Links:
Medex
Access America
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General Gidelines for Travel in Mexico
Air travelers may now carry liquids, gels and aerosols in their carry-on bag when going through security checkpoints, however, none of the containers may contain more than three-ounce of liquid and all must be placed in a single plastic bag. See the FAA Carry-on restrictions link below for more details.
There are no special requirements for clothing or equipment for the trip. However we do offer a few suggestions:
Clothing needs to be modest and simple – short shorts, halter-tops etc. are not acceptable for cultural reasons. Additionally, the temperatures are such that you’ll actually want to be well covered in light clothing or you may suffer serious sunburn. In general the work is strenuous and relatively dirty. Do not bring new or expensive clothes. In general there is not a need to bring a great deal of clothing. What are very useful are many pairs of socks and underwear. You will probably find that you will want to work in the same pair of pants and shirt most of the week because it will often be instantly dirty at the start of each day – so why just dirty a different pair each morning? At times there are hand or ringer washing machines available in the host homes or hostels.
We highly recommend that you travel light. You will most likely not be able to wash clothing while in Mexico. If possible you should put all your essential items in a carry on bag. Baggage handling in Mexico isn’t quite the same as in the United States. You may find yourself without your baggage for quite some time. You will also probably want something to carry with you each day that holds water and a few items since you might be some distance from your “home”. Do NOT put water in your carry-on when you are traveling to or from Mexico. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers.
Helpful Links:
FAA Carry-on restrictions
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Preparaton Time Line:
1. NO LESS THEN SIX MONTHS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:
> First 1/4 deposit must be sent to FFHE to hold position.
2. NO LESS THEN FOUR MONTHS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:
> Second 1/4 deposit due.
> Passport application must be submitted.
> Immunization series should be started.
3. NO LESS THEN TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:
> Third 1/4 deposit due.
> Name on passport submitted to FFHE to purchase airline ticket.
> Submit proper RELEASE and CONSENT forms to FFHE for participation in expedition.
> Submit PARTICIPANT INFORMATION form and meet as a group to plan final preparations.
4. NO LESS THEN ONE MONTH PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:
> Submit evidence of travelers insurance to FFHE.
5. NO LESS THEN ONE WEEK PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:
> Final payment due.
6. TWO HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE:
> Arrive at Departure City Airport with the following:
> Passport (Level 1**)
> Immunization record (Level 1)
> Ticket information (Level 1)
> Notarized "Guardian Forms" (Level 1)
> $50 – $100 (Level 1 – will be exchanged to pesos before entering Mexico)
> Carry on bag with essentials (Level 2)
> Bags with donations and extra clothing. (Level 3)
**We have found it useful to classify luggage into 3 levels. Levels one items are most critical if you want to return to the USA and be safe in Mexico. Level two items are essential for staying in Mexico without too much discomfort. Level three items are nice to have, but if they never make it to Mexico you will probably do ok without them. Please pack your luggage accordingly.
Adult Release Form (pdf)
Minor Release Form (pdf)
Parent Consent Form (pdf)
Participant Information Sheet (doc)
Personal Equipment Checklist (doc)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Passport
Implemented on January 23, 2007, ALL PERSONS traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Travel Insurance
The main need is evacuation insurance. There is a hospital in every location we visit. However if something serious were to occur (e.g. appendicitis) you would most likely want to be evacuated to the United States for care.
There are several outfits that offer this service. In some cases your VISA card offers this service if you buy your tickets with it. Whatever you choose it is not expensive and would be well worth it if it became needed. We require that you show proof of this prior to traveling.
Helpful Links:
Medex
Access America
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Gidelines for Travel in Mexico
Air travelers may now carry liquids, gels and aerosols in their carry-on bag when going through security checkpoints, however, none of the containers may contain more than three-ounce of liquid and all must be placed in a single plastic bag. See the FAA Carry-on restrictions link below for more details.
There are no special requirements for clothing or equipment for the trip. However we do offer a few suggestions:
Clothing needs to be modest and simple – short shorts, halter-tops etc. are not acceptable for cultural reasons. Additionally, the temperatures are such that you’ll actually want to be well covered in light clothing or you may suffer serious sunburn. In general the work is strenuous and relatively dirty. Do not bring new or expensive clothes. In general there is not a need to bring a great deal of clothing. What are very useful are many pairs of socks and underwear. You will probably find that you will want to work in the same pair of pants and shirt most of the week because it will often be instantly dirty at the start of each day – so why just dirty a different pair each morning? At times there are hand or ringer washing machines available in the host homes or hostels.
We highly recommend that you travel light. You will most likely not be able to wash clothing while in Mexico. If possible you should put all your essential items in a carry on bag. Baggage handling in Mexico isn’t quite the same as in the United States. You may find yourself without your baggage for quite some time. You will also probably want something to carry with you each day that holds water and a few items since you might be some distance from your “home”. Do NOT put water in your carry-on when you are traveling to or from Mexico. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers.
Helpful Links:
FAA Carry-on restrictions
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preparaton Time Line:
1. NO LESS THEN SIX MONTHS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:
> First 1/4 deposit must be sent to FFHE to hold position.
2. NO LESS THEN FOUR MONTHS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:
> Second 1/4 deposit due.
> Passport application must be submitted.
> Immunization series should be started.
3. NO LESS THEN TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:
> Third 1/4 deposit due.
> Name on passport submitted to FFHE to purchase airline ticket.
> Submit proper RELEASE and CONSENT forms to FFHE for participation in expedition.
> Submit PARTICIPANT INFORMATION form and meet as a group to plan final preparations.
4. NO LESS THEN ONE MONTH PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:
> Submit evidence of travelers insurance to FFHE.
5. NO LESS THEN ONE WEEK PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:
> Final payment due.
6. TWO HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE:
> Arrive at Departure City Airport with the following:
> Passport (Level 1**)
> Immunization record (Level 1)
> Ticket information (Level 1)
> Notarized "Guardian Forms" (Level 1)
> $50 – $100 (Level 1 – will be exchanged to pesos before entering Mexico)
> Carry on bag with essentials (Level 2)
> Bags with donations and extra clothing. (Level 3)
**We have found it useful to classify luggage into 3 levels. Levels one items are most critical if you want to return to the USA and be safe in Mexico. Level two items are essential for staying in Mexico without too much discomfort. Level three items are nice to have, but if they never make it to Mexico you will probably do ok without them. Please pack your luggage accordingly.