Our name comes from the Maya expression “To’on Na’atik” meaning “we’re understanding each other.” We believe that cross-cultural exchange is the key to true understanding. It is only once we understand each other that we can see what is really possible.
Overview
At the Na’atik Institute of Language and Culture—a unique sustainable travel social enterprise in the heart of the Zona Maya—our goals are to promote cross-cultural understanding, provide economic opportunity, and increase international connections. Our Study Abroad Yucatán (SAY) experience provides immersive Spanish and Maya language and culture studies to international students, and the proceeds go toward subsidizing English classes in our community. Because communication goes beyond grammar and true understanding comes through interacting across cultures our international SAY students and Zona Maya English students engage together through facilitated cross-cultural experiences among themselves and the community.
Sometimes it feels like the biggest obstacle to going abroad is financing your trip, but that doesn't have to be the case! Naatik Mexico has teamed up with FundMyTravel so that participants can make their very own fundraising pages online. This way, you have a creative platform to communicate personal messages, keep your audience engaged with your travel plans, and collect the funding to help make this experience a possibility.
With a simplified payment system, participants collect funds right to their secure PayPal or WePay account. There is a solid team of experienced travelers and professionals at FundMyTravel, who are here to offer campaigners support, including insights for fundraising success. You can check out a few tips below before clicking the button above, to get started!
FUND
Just like travel, fundraising is about an exchange - so whether you send them post cards, create a video-diary, start a blog, or grow a photo gallery - make sure to share these things with your networks in exchange for their donations and online support! You can check out more unique and creative ideas on our Fundraising Toolkit.
MARKET
Using Social Media, writing Personal Emails and sharing consistent Updates on your campaign are essential steps for reaching that fundraising goal. You can plan the most inspiring trip, upload a video about it, and complete your campaign with profile details, but it won't make a difference unless you tell everyone where to find it!
THANK
Be sure to thank any and everyone who contributes to your campaign either through funding, shares, or even just likes. Be sure to acknowledge your supporters through Facebook and Twitter shout-outs, fun and engaging videos, individual emails or messages, hand-written letters and they are more likely to spread the word on your campaign efforts.