Volunteer with us

Nest Global is looking for international volunteers to work at our Canyon Nest in Tijuana, Mexico alongside Nest teachers and local volunteers.

As a “Nester,” you’ll work directly with children in a classroom serving migrant children and support classroom teachers in the daily operation of the program.

Each volunteer receives training in trauma-informed practice before departure as well as ongoing mentorship during their time at the Nest, which typically ranges in length from one week to three months.

What can I expect from my time as a volunteer Nester?

Nesters typically work full-day shifts, Monday through Friday and support in either the Lower Nest (early childhood classroom) or Upper Nest (school-aged classroom). Volunteers aid Nest teachers with set-up and clean-up, work directly with children, and join the staff in a period of reflection at the end of each day. Mondays at Canyon Nest are reserved for staff planning and volunteer orientation.
How will Nest Global help me prepare to volunteer?

Each volunteer participates in a two-hour online training with our Pedagogical Director who is a seasoned early childhood educator and has volunteered at both Nest Athens and Canyon Nest. During this training session, volunteers receive a virtual walk through of the classroom, an overview of the flow of the day as well as an introduction to the pedagogy, goals, and expectations of the program. Canyon Nest volunteers also receive on-site orientation on the first Monday of their stay.
What about housing and transportation?

Volunteers are responsible for providing their own transportation and housing, however our Volunteer Coordinator and Pedagogical Director provide extensive support in trip planning and logistics – from how to cross the border to Airbnb recommendations and advice on what to pack.
Who can volunteer with Nest Global?

Nest Global encourages anyone interested in making a positive impact on the lives of displaced and refugee children to reach out about volunteer opportunities – no previous teaching experience required. Volunteer Nesters must be 20+ years old to work at Canyon Nest and a background check is required for all volunteers. We ask for a minimum commitment of one week when volunteering with our programs.