One of the best ways of grasping and understanding the culture of a country in by volunteering, and Argentina provides an excellent opportunity to watch people up close but also learn one of the most common languages in the world namely Spanish.
In Argentina, there are many areas that volunteers can work like education, social work and human rights wherein you will be required to interact and benefit the lower strata of the population. Much of the volunteer’s work could focus on problems arising due to addiction and extreme poverty or teaching in orphanages and streets.
Helping people suffering from various disabilities is another avenue in which contribution can be made. Students of social sciences can opt for cultural work and those concerned with improving the plight of the planet can opt for environmental protection.
Reasons to volunteer abroad in Argentina
So you’ve been thinking about volunteering abroad? Great! Volunteering is extremely enriching for both the volunteer and the recipient. You get to see a new culture, improve your self-confidence, make new friends, as well as give something back to help change the lives of others.
Maybe you’ve been thinking about travelling to Argentina too? Dotted with breath-taking natural wonders, charismatic cities, verdant pampas, and glistening glaciers, it’s easy to understand why you’d want to visit this country! Unfortunately, budgets, studies, and career commitments can often get in the way of explorations.
All is not lost, however. Adding together your wish to volunteer with your dreams of travelling is an equation you can do outside of the classroom or office. Immersing yourself in Argentine culture has the ability to enrich both your heart and mind as well as provide you with an invaluable experience which will constantly shape your life in the future.
Two languages for the price of one
If you’re looking to improve the Spanish that you learned in the classroom, Argentina is the place for you! Argentines love to chat, and they love to chat fast, so you’ll have no option but to keep up. Through volunteering, you’ll meet a number of Argentinians who may not speak English or your native language very well, so being able to speak the lingo will be very advantageous indeed! What’s more, Argentine Spanish is very different to that of the rest of the world. The ‘y’ and ‘ll’ are pronounced with a ‘sh’ sound, they have a very particular slang known as ‘lunfardo’, and they even use a slightly different grammatical form to that of typical Castilian.
5-star hospitality
If experiencing local customs is high on your to-do list, Argentina is the place for you. The people are very friendly indeed; as soon as you have stepped out of your comfort zone, you’ll find approachable Argentinians making you feel right at home. They will offer you mate – a caffeine-rich infused drink – and probably invite you to a traditional asado, or Argentina barbecue. This seems like an opportune moment to mention the staple diet of steak and empanadas too – whatever you do, don’t miss out on these gems!
Travel
You won’t be volunteering every day, so there will be plenty of chances to travel around for a truly enriching experience. Head west to the cultural capital of Córdoba, the wine-region of Mendoza, or even Chile. Head south for the winter and discover the pristine Patagonian glaciers. Head north and you won’t be able to miss awe-inspiring Iguaçu. It’s even possible to head slightly to the west where you’ll find Uruguay or cross the border to Brazil.
Become an Argentinian
Travelling is one thing, but volunteering will allow you to really dive into the true Argentine culture and society! You could read about the day-to-day life of a typical Argentine in books or online, but to truly experience a community and learn about the issues concerning the locals, you have to be in the country. If you want to return home as a prolific meat-eater or a professional tango dancer, there’s no better place to go!
Slow down and relax!
There is so much to do in this vast and varied country (it measures a massive 2,780,400km2!) – getting bored is simply impossible! But the ability to properly relax is something Argentinians have mastered. They know how to make a proper coffee – be it a cortado, a lagrima, a submarino, or a simple café con leche – and they know how to sit down and enjoy it. Forget the fast-paced custom of grabbing a coffee to go and trying not to spill it on the street, take a few minutes to sit down and act like a local whenever you’re not volunteering.
Life lessons
The chances are Argentina is not going to remind you of home. There are exotic waterfalls bordering the country, aggressive buses dominating the roads, outspoken citizens protesting their beliefs. This idea may seem a bit daunting initially, but the most challenging aspects of volunteering in Argentina can often be the most beneficial. Placing yourself in an unfamiliar environment will force you to use your initiative and your self-confidence will improve dramatically – something which sitting in a classroom or an office will never teach you.
Influential impact
Argentina is a very big country, so don’t expect to completely transform the lives of all its citizens in one stay. It’s much more likely, for example, that it will be you who is completely transformed by the impact the Argentinians make on you. Volunteering is a great way, if not the best way, to learn from others and have others learn from you.
Location of Projects
If your intention of volunteering in South America is to experience diversity then you must opt for the vibrant and multi-cultural city of Buenos Aires while individuals who are travelers at heart must choose the wine country of Mendoza. On the ethnic front it is Salta that emerges as the best choice and students must could look at volunteer programs around Cordoba so that there is no break on the academic front.
Popular Projects
Programs are offered in places like Córdoba, the second most populous city in Argentina. Córdoba is a city located in the centre of Argentina, with a distance of approximately 700km to Buenos Aires, the capital of the country. Volunteers are required to have at least a basic level of Spanish, but the program includes one week of Spanish lessons to kick-start your experience. The accommodation for the program will be either in host families, student residences or in a private room in a shared apartments.
Animal Conservation
At animal conservation projects volunteers help to contribute to the conservation of animals under threat or near extinction in Casa Grande, a typical Argentinean town surrounded by the Cordoba Mountains. This project works to recover and rehabilitate animals from the surrounding areas that have been abused or held illegally. Volunteers in this project will be involved in helping with the general care of animals and reparation or construction projects. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to help maintain the friendly atmosphere of the park and work with everyday tasks adapted to their own interests. Conservation at this park includes the participation of children from schools in the local areas and is complemented by promotional educational, research and tourist activities focused on environmental care.
Horse Therapy
In the Horse Therapy project volunteers will assist a dedicated team of specialists support disadvantaged children in a rural area just outside Villa Allende, a 20 minute bus ride from Córdoba. This project works to improve motor and sensory skills of children through horse riding and physical movement. Volunteers in this project will be involved in helping taking care of the horses, interacting with patient’s guardians or parents and accompanying patients through their introduction to the program. Other tasks include assisting therapists and teachers, helping the veterinarian and getting involved in the many team activities.
Sports
In the Sports Program, volunteers work with children in impoverished neighborhoods in the outskirts of Córdoba city. Sports such as soccer, rugby and hockey are played in different seasons and on different days of the week. The group spirit of these team sports is helping the children to change some of their already ingrained habits and it teaches them to fight for what they want from life. Further, the health of the kids improves through the training and some receive education about nutrition and healthy eating. Volunteers can help by playing with and teaching the kids about sport, improving the field, fundraising for the club, helping in the kitchen with healthy food preparation, teaching some basic English and translating promotional texts.
Gender Equality
In the Gender Equality program, volunteers work at a centre for single mothers who come from abusive homes or have been abandoned. The centre focuses on women’s rights, women’s education and empowerment, assistance with prevention of domestic violence, and women’s health. Volunteers in this program can get involved with workshops, such as sewing or dressmaking, as well as caring and accompanying female victims of abuse and domestic violence. Other tasks include teaching basic English, making diapers, helping in the kitchen and maintaining the library of the centre.
Community Development
At the Community Development project volunteers work with children and adults on improving their education by teaching English or assisting with other tasks, which are related to community development. You will help at a small open library, which is located in a poor neighborhood of Córdoba and organises a variety of recreational and cultural activities for the community. Volunteer tasks may include the organisation of recreational activities, teaching English to children and adults, developing creative programs, such as art, music or dance and help with administrative issues.
Language Coach
Language Coach placements may be in fee-paying schools for both primary and secondary levels, or at private language institutes for children aged from ten through to adults. English is considered to be a very valuable language to learn. Volunteers use their conversational English skills to assist and support both teachers and students in the classroom. Classes at the institutes are run during the day and evening.
School Assistant
School Assistant placements are based in private schools in Argentina. You will provide support to kindergarten or primary teachers and assist the children with their English. These placements are ideal for those interested in working with children or thinking of pursuing a career in teaching, or just for those who love kids and are keen to help out!
Requirements
As a volunteer in Argentina you must:
• usually be at least 18 years of age
• have no health problems
• have an intermediate level of Spanish, but one week of Spanish lessons is included in your program fee. • If your Spanish is not on the required level, we are happy to arrange additional Spanish lessons for you for an additional charge.
• obtain a satisfactory police check from your home country prior to volunteering
FAQ
How safe is it to volunteer in Argentina?
As in many countries, foreigners are perceived as wealthy in Argentina. Although the people are generally warm and friendly towards foreigners, as well as appreciative of the work done by volunteers, not every individual is the same. Organizations work extremely hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering and security policies are in place to achieve this. However, as in any situation at home or abroad, there is no way to erase all potential threats.
In Cordoba and other major cities in Argentina it is important to be wary of pick pocketing, especially in crowded areas. You should also avoid extremely remote areas where you will be alone. Furthermore, you should be aware that there are active volcanoes in Argentina and minor earthquakes are relatively common. Volunteers will be given further safety advice in their orientation session.
What is the climate like in Argentina?
The climate in Argentina can be divided into four different seasons. While summer lasts from November to early March, with temperatures ranging from approximately 15 °C (59 °F) to 27 °C (81 °F), winter (May to September) will bring temperatures from about 4 °C (39 °F) to 8 °C (64 °F). In spring and autumn there can be days of extreme temperatures, such as a high of above 30 °C and a nightly low of temperatures around freezing.
What hours am I expected to work?
Usually volunteers will be helping up to 6 hours at their projects each day (Monday – Friday), but occassionally volunteers are asked to stay longer at their project on a particular day, which will be compensated with less hours on the following days.
Language classes
Is there opportunity to take classes such as language or cultural activities while on the program? Yes! All volunteers will receive four hours of group Spanish classes each day for the first week of their project. However, lessons can arrange for additional Spanish lessons beyond this first week for an extra fee. Additionally, volunteers will be introduced to Argentinian and international students in order to quickly get to know the city and make friends.
Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering?
Yes. Volunteers have their weekends free for travelling and we do recommend that you take advantage of being in Argentina to see some other places of interest.
What clothing is appropriate for the program?
Volunteers should dress conservatively at all times, according to the custom in Argentina. Volunteers need warm clothing for the nights and also light, loose clothing for the day, when it can be hot. However, please note in which season you will be visiting Argentina as temperatures vary between the different months of the year.
Dates
All programs are available year round.
Getting to Argentina.
Most international volunteers fly to Cordoba airport, Aeropuerto Internacional Ingeniero Ambrosio Travella – Pajas Blancas (COR) or Buenos Aires. Please note that the domestic and international airport are approximately 30km apart and that you most likely will have to transport yourself and your luggage between the terminals.
Visa
If you need one, you will need to organize your Visa through your travel agent before you leave for Argentina. The information pack includes links to Argentinean Embassies throughout the world. Volunteers from the majority of countries are automatically given a 90-day tourist visa on entry into Argentina. If volunteers wish to stay longer than 90-days, they have the option of crossing the border into Brazil, Uruguay, Chile or Bolivia and re-entering Argentina, where they will be given an additional 90 days.
Accommodation
Volunteers usually stay with a host family or on site of their community placement. Host families may expect the volunteer to integrate and contribute to family life – this is the best way to enjoy the experience and really adapt to living in the local community!
Food
Despite the fact that Argentina is a big meat producing country, vegetarians have always managed without any problems. Both accommodation and food are provided by the host.
Need to know
If you are looking for a new cultural experience and can adapt to the slower pace of life, then a rewarding time awaits. You will need to show flexibility and initiative and in turn, you will have the chance to develop your Spanish and build strong ties with your hosts.
Feedback & Reviews
“My host family is seriously my family and I feel like I’ve known them for years. My Nan gives me hugs and loves to thumb through the dictionary with me so we can put sketchy Spanglish phrases together.” – Rui