Leadership Fellowship - Gap Semester in Mexico, Sept 1 - Dec 1st
What to Expect
This leadership fellowship will have you:
Living in a shared house in beautiful San Miguel de Allende with other fellows
Mentoring teens and helping lead Teen Connect programs and events
Creating social media, photography, and storytelling content
Learning practical leadership skills through weekly workshops
Taking Spanish classes and practicing with locals
Supporting adventure camps, theatre productions, and youth programs
Exploring mountains, hot springs, historic towns, and natural wonders
Building real-world skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork
This program is designed for young adults ready to step into independence while gaining meaningful real-world experience. Fellows join a small, intentional cohort of up to 16 participants, creating a strong leadership community and meaningful mentorship experience.
Participants contribute approximately 20–25 hours per week helping run Teen Connect programs while also participating in leadership training, cultural activities, and skill-building opportunities.
Participants will graduate from the program with:
A Teen Connect Leadership Certificate
100+ hours of leadership and mentorship experience
Hands-on experience organizing youth programs, events, and media projects
A stronger sense of independence and direction for their next chapter
Exceptional fellows may also be invited to return as paid Teen Connect staff or Resident Mentors in future programs.
Join Us
If you're ready for a semester of adventure, leadership, and personal growth, the Teen Connect Leadership Fellowship is an incredible next step.
Live in one of Mexico's most beautiful and vibrant cities, mentor younger teens, develop real-world leadership skills, and experience life in an intentional community of young adults.
This isn't just a program… it's a launchpad for the next chapter of your life.
APPLICATION PROCESS
There are 3 steps to apply:
Book a call with us to see if this fellowship is a good fit and to ask any questions you may have.
Complete the short fellowship application on the top right of this page.
Make your payment to reserve your place in the cohort.
Your application and registration is not finished until you have completed all 3 steps. You may complete them in any order you wish. If you pay first and for some reason on our call we decide it's not a good fit, you will be refunded everything but the processing fees.
We are excited to have you join us!
SELF-DISCOVERY: Step into independence, challenge yourself, and discover the kind of leader you want to become.
CONNECTION: Live and work alongside a small cohort of like-minded young adults while mentoring teens and building meaningful community.
CULTURAL IMMERSION: Experience daily life in Mexico while learning Spanish, exploring the region, and engaging with local culture.
Because this is a semester-style leadership residency, the schedule will vary week to week. A typical week may include:
Monday–Friday:
Leadership workshops and training sessions
Spanish classes and cultural learning
Mentoring teens in Teen Connect programs
Helping organize events, activities, or workshops for local youth
Social media creation, photography, or storytelling projects
Supporting adventure trips, theatre productions, or community events
Weekends:
Group excursions and outdoor adventures
Free time to explore San Miguel de Allende
Optional cultural activities, hikes, hot springs, or nearby town visits
Time for personal creative projects, classes, or independent exploration
Throughout the program fellows will participate in reflection sessions, leadership discussions, and collaborative projects with their cohort.
Note: Specific activities and excursions will vary depending on the season, Teen Connect programming schedule, and group interests.
Participants are responsible for arriving in San Miguel de Allende before the program begins on Sept 1.
Airport Options:
Del Bajío International Airport (BJX)
Querétaro Intercontinental Airport (QRO)
Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
We are happy to provide guidance on transportation options to San Miguel de Allende once you are registered.
If needed, we can help coordinate shared shuttles from nearby airports.
Questions? Email us at Kirsten@teenconnectadventures.com
Participants may depart from BJX, QRO, or MEX airports at the end of the program or anytime after Dec 1.
We will help coordinate transportation options back to the airport if needed.
Please confirm your departure plans with us ahead of time so we can assist with logistics.
Clothing:
Comfortable everyday clothing
Athletic or outdoor clothing for activities
Light jacket for cool evenings
Comfortable walking shoes
Swimwear for hot springs or water outings
Casual clothing for social events
Hat and sunscreen
Gear:
Daypack or small backpack
Reusable water bottle
Laptop or tablet for projects and media work
Notebook and pen
Camera (optional)
Toiletries and personal items
Don't Forget:
Passport
Any necessary medications
Personal spending money
Curiosity and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone!
Inclusions
We've got you covered with:
Shared housing in San Miguel de Allende
- Shared meals in the house
Leadership training and workshops
Spanish language classes
Mentorship and hands-on experience with Teen Connect programs
Organized excursions and cultural activities
Support and guidance from Teen Connect leadership staff
Participants are responsible for:
Flights to and from Mexico
Meals outside the house
Personal expenses
Optional classes or activities outside the program
Travel insurance (recommended)
When you arrive in San Miguel de Allende:
Our team will help you settle into the shared house
You'll meet your fellow fellows and Resident Mentor
We'll review house guidelines and expectations
You'll receive an orientation to Teen Connect programs and leadership roles
Time to explore the city and start building community
What else do you need to know?
Age Range: This fellowship is designed for young adults ages 18–22.
Cohort Size: Each semester is limited to 16 fellows to maintain a strong leadership community.
Housing: Fellows live together in shared housing with a Resident Mentor who helps create a positive living environment.
Program Commitment: Fellows contribute approximately 20–25 hours per week supporting Teen Connect programs and leadership activities.
Cultural Experience: Fellows will have plenty of free time to explore San Miguel de Allende and pursue personal interests or classes.
Questions? Email us at Kirsten@teenconnectadventures.com
We understand that plans can change. Because this program involves housing and planning commitments, the following policies apply:
Cancel 30+ days before the program: 50% refund
Cancel less than 30 days before the program: No refunds
If we must cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, participants will receive credit toward a future Teen Connect program.
By registering, you agree to these terms.