Mexico Intro Learning Community
October 28 – November 5, 2026
Experience Mexico during one of its most magical and meaningful cultural celebrations. Join Project World School for a 9-day immersive introduction to Guanajuato during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) — a time when the city comes alive with color, art, remembrance, and community.
This retreat offers teens a chance to experience Mexico like never before. Together we’ll explore the rich traditions surrounding Day of the Dead, including building altars (ofrendas), learning the symbolism behind the celebration, visiting decorated cemeteries, and participating in local festivities that honor loved ones who have passed.
Beyond the celebration, our days will be filled with connection, creativity, and exploration. From team-building workshops and scavenger hunts through Guanajuato’s vibrant streets, to cooking classes, art experiences, and meaningful service projects, every moment is designed to inspire curiosity and connection—both with the world and within yourself.
We’ll wander the legendary callejones, explore bustling markets, hike to breathtaking views at El Cerro de la Bufa, and even meet the famous mummies of Guanajuato. Along the way, teens will build friendships, practice independence, and experience the powerful learning that happens when community and adventure come together.
This isn’t just a trip—it’s a gateway into the Project World School experience: a blend of cultural immersion, personal growth, and lifelong friendships.
To read more about the Day of the Dead Celebrations in Guanajuato, please read about the festivities here.
Are you new to traveling in community?
Feeling nervous about being away from home for the first time? Curious about what worldschooling actually looks like in practice?
This retreat is the perfect place to begin.
Join us for this short-form experience designed to introduce teens to the concept of learning from the world and co-creating meaningful community.
If you’ve ever considered attending one of our month-long retreats, this program is a wonderful first step into the Project World School Teen Retreat experience.
Why is learning in community so powerful? We invite you to explore this idea further in the article “Inspiration, Osmosis and Empathy: What Can We Learn From Each Other?” by researcher and unschooling advocate Ellen Rowland.
Come experience Guanajuato during one of the most beautiful cultural moments of the year—and discover how powerful learning from the world can be.
October 28 – November 5, 2026
Guanajuato, Guanajuato Mexico
8 or more participants (ages 12-17) self-directed learners, unschooolers, homeschoolers & worldschoolers
$2499 USD early bird until May 15
$2799 after May 16
Open & Accepting Applications
The 2026 Mexico Retreat is a temporary learning-community with a focus on immersive learning. Project World School is not a typical study abroad program as it takes advantage of the power of a learning-community to produce collaborative goals, knowledge acquisition, personal development and changes in global perspectives.
Important information
Full accommodation for the duration of the learning community retreat
• All airport transfers
• All ground transportation
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinners during the retreat
• Entrance fees to all the included attractions
• All workshops, talks, guided tours, and classes throughout the retreat.
• Filtered drinking water to refill your water bottles (water bottle not included).
• Fun!
- International airfare
- Laundry
- Snacks
- Souvenirs
- Other personal items
- Meals on travel days (arrival & departure)
- International flights from your home country to the retreat location
Many of our meals will be prepared by our team in our hostel. Breakfasts will consist of fresh fruit, juice, eggs, fresh yogurts, cheeses and local breads. Lunches will be a combination of local dishes, salads, fish and other local Mexican flavors. On the days we have full-day outings, we’ll prepare and pack lunches for our trip, including sandwiches, fruit, chips and juice. Dinners will be a combination of self-prepared meals in our lodging and dinners in local restaurants. We will make every effort to accommodate everyone’s diet restrictions including having vegetarian and gluten-free options. Please indicate any special needs on your application.
During the Mexico – PWS Intro Retreat – 9 Day Teen Learning Community, we will stay in a hostel in Guanajuato, Mexico. Generally, teen participants always occupy dorm rooms that consist of bunk beds, so between 4-8 of our teen participants will be sharing a room at any given time.
What to Bring?
You’ll be gone for a nine days, and for those of you who haven’t traveled for long periods of time, we’ve prepared this list in case you might need some assistance with deciding what you should pack. So here it is, our packing list ‘suggestions‘! Our recommendation to you is not to over do it. You’ll have to haul everything you pack around initially, and there are weight restrictions through all airlines. Also, keep in mind you will be living in shared space. There will be laundry available, and you will be able to purchase replacement shampoos, lotions, etc. during the trip, so no need to haul around ‘family size’ bottles of anything.
NOTE: Remember the list below is a suggested list! Feel free to modify, based on your own needs.
Packing List:
Clothing
1 Long Sleeve Shirt
1 Long pants (I would recommend wearing this on the plane)
4 T-shirts
3 shorts
1 raincoat
1 sunhat with a brim
sneakers or good walking shoes
sandals
personal items / toiletries
tooth paste & toothbrush
soap
shampoo & conditioner
sunscreen
lotion
insect repellant
travel towel
personal electronics
headlamp
small flashlight
camera
laptop computer
mp3 player/iPod
miscellaneous
passport
copy of passport
water bottle
day pack
anything you will need to lead a session
sunglasses
tiny first aid kit
duct tape
laundry bag
small padlock
ATM card
small journal or notepad and pens
musical instrument
costume, wigs, funky hats, etc. (if you are into that sort of thing)
sketch book
SCHEDULE
Schedule for Mexico
Day 1 – Arrivals – Travel day
Day 2 – Teambuilding Workshop
Day 3 – City Exploration + History of Guanajuato + Scavenger Hunt
Day 4 – Making our Ofrenda, Costumes, Art & Culture
Day 5 – Day of the Dead Celebrations
Day 6 – Cooking Class + Sessions
Day 7 – Mummies of Guanajuato + Callejonadas
Day 8 – El Cerro De La Bufa – Day Hike and Nature Exploration
Day 9 – Travel Day
*Schedule is subject to shift