Past experience suggests that one of the major responsibilities of a Group Organizer is to answer detailed questions from hesitant participants. You may even have some of your own. After all, the QUEST experience is very unlike traditional education. It is participatory, experiential and transformative.

So to make your experience at QUEST all that it can be, we have developed this list of frequently asked questions. If you have any more please let us know. We are all on a quest.

• We recommend at least 10 days. 14 is optimal, and allows for a flexible 'options' day in the middle of the program. Note that airlines often charge more for travel on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

• Given sensible actions for any large metropolitan city, Cuernavaca is a safe place. The drinking water we provide is tested frequently, and food is prepared carefully. Scorpions are a menace, but are not common, and can be avoided if precautions are taken. Dogs and other street animals often have parasites and fleas, and should not be touched. This is not a malaria zone nor do we visit areas that are dangerous.

• We are located on the hills of Cuernavaca
• The Quest House is only a minute from a bus stop
• We will arrange accommodations in rural Guerrero, Mexico City or Chiapas to meet group needs.

• No, but it helps if you know a few words. We have attached a list of simple phrases. You will be accompanied by skilled interpreters when presentations are made.

  For longer visits we can arrange language instruction.

• Mexicans are generous, vocal, family oriented and sociable. They love to celebrate, and during your stay, there will likely be a festival, protest, or celebration of some sort. They will likely invite you into their lives, and we hope you accept the invitation.

• If your group wants to bring medical supplies like gauze, latex gloves, etc, we will make arrangements to distribute them. Vitamins (but not outdated) are always welcomed.
• Have the group distribute the material throughout their suitcases.
• Do not bring prescription medicines to leave here.
• You can e-mail the facilitator assigned to your group to inquire if any other supplies are appropriate.

• Although we have a recommended list and sequence, we are open to discussion if your group wishes to explore any particular area in depth.

• Please see our "Staff" page
• Our facilitators have been chosen for their skills in translating, experience in international social justice education, and their ability to support Northern participants. All staff have direct and respectful relationships with families and individuals. They often will have lived with the people you will meet.
• Volunteers often donate valuable time and energy to the Centre. They include university and college faculty, teachers, graduate students, clergy, advocates, human services workers, people with technical expertise, etc. If you or your participants would like more information about opportunities to volunteer, please ask.

• Your work primarily is to get the group here, answer their prior questions about the experience, and participate as you are comfortable.
• We use a method of experiential education developed by Paulo Friere, noted Brazilian educator (cf "Pedagogy of the Oppressed"). We believe participants must take responsibility for their own education, including creating committees to monitor progress, make changes in schedule, conduct reflections on critical experiences, etc. You are invited to include additional reflections, prayers, etc outside of the schedule.
• Our facilitators will appreciate your assistance, but clearly it is the people of Latin America who are the teachers.

• We recommend covering the material contained in this list and the FAQ for Participants, and give them an opportunity to develop relationships with each other. Contact us if you would like some structured exercises that you can do with the participants.

• 10 is the suggested minimum (but we are flexible). Most group leaders find 20-25 to be the best size for group dynamics.

• Please contact us for the exact costs
• Over 2/3 of the money goes to pay for your program costs including a just wage for our speakers. We keep administration costs to a bare minimum, and all surpluses are returned to Mexican organizations for community development projects. No individual or organization makes a profit.

• If you want to help any of the organizations and groups we meet, that can be arranged through partner organizations that ensure that 100% of the money goes directly to the people.

• Our role is education while at the same time supporting Mexican community development.

• We have created a list of prefered local community development organizations. Should you wish to raise or donate money for them, we ensure that every single dollar goes for the purposes intended.
• All QUEST surpluses are returned to these local community development projects.