You must have a valid passport to participate in this program

For those not familiar with South Texas and Mexico, it is in the 90s even in October. Please check the temperatures prior to packing for your trip.

Travel Costs

At this time, there is no registration fee for the elective itself. Travel to Ciudad Victoria is covered by the program. Housing is provided, both in Brownsville and in Mexico. Residents and students will need to cover their own travel from their home institution to Brownsville and back home. Residents and students will need to cover their food costs and recreation. If they are working in a clinic in Matamoras, they will need to consider international bridge crossing costs, which is $2.50 each time you cross. This could amount to $50-$75 total.

Flights

There are several options in flying to Brownsville, Texas. Continental Airlines flies directly into Brownsville. Continental and Southwest Airlines fly into Harlingen, Texas, (30 minutes away). Continental and American Airlines fly into McAllen, Texas (60 minutes away).

Things to Bring

Recommendations from previous alumni of Community for Children:

  • Camera
  • Flashlight
  • Backpack
  • Pocket-sized notebook
  • Jump drive
  • Spanish-English dictionary
  • Laptop computer (there is wireless connection at housing in Brownsville and in Mexico)
  • DVD, CDs
  • Hat/visor
  • Small gifts for hosts in Mexico and for the children in the hospital. Do not spend a lot of money, the thought is the key.

Attire

Normal clinic business attire. Sandals are not allowed in hospitals or clinics in Mexico. Please bring closed-toe shoes to wear during the day.

One white coat

While in Mexico, participants will be in very rural areas and may participate in outreach programs in outbreak regions (such as, house to house surveillance in a dengue outbreak). Please remember to take insect repellent and sunscreen, long pants and long sleeve shirts, hats and sunglasses, closed-toe comfortable shoes appropriate for clinic and walking door-to-door in rural regions.

Recreation

There are many excellent recreation areas near Brownsville and Ciudad Victoria. If planning on traveling to El Cielo while in Mexico (highly recommended destination!) or other hiking destinations, make sure to bring hiking boots, flashlight, and backpack.

Per previous alumni, “the tour guide in El Cielo that we had was: Pedro Antonio Gonzales-Martinez; 8311142129”.

If planning on spending time on South Padre Island (also highly recommended!) Beach gear, sunglasses, sunscreen.

Local Attractions

Some helpful website:

There is bus service in Brownsville, and there are bus stops close to most of the sites the participants will be visiting.

Bus Fares:

  • general — $1
  • children (under 6) — FREE
  • students (with ID) — $0.75
  • transfer — $0.25

Bus Passes:

  • day pass — $2.50
  • weekly pass — $12
  • monthly pass — $40
  • 20 adult ride — $16
  • 20 student ride — $9

Also, when traveling to another country, be sure to bring small gifts for your hosts. This may mean a few inexpensive, easy to pack, small gifts. Ideas such as key chains that state where you are from, pack of cards, drink coasters. And don't forget to throw in a couple of gifts for the children at Hospital Infantil de Tamaulipas (pencils, fun straws, etc.). Just a few, and you don't have to be extravagant, just thoughtful.