Looking for a way to hone your Spanish skills while helping others? Can’t decide between taking Spanish classes or volunteering? Do both! Our program combines two weeks of Spanish language classes and two weeks (or more) of volunteer service.
This year-round program starts every Monday, and includes the following:
2 weeks intensive Spanish classes, 4 hours daily
Volunteer placement and scheduling- 2 weeks or more
Personal advisor before and throughout the program
Pre-trip packet
24 hour emergency assistance
Why volunteer in Buenos Aires?
Not only will you get to experience all this much-loved city has to offer, but you’ll immerse yourself in the complete picture of the community. Volunteering shows you a side of Buenos Aires not seen on brochures. The organizations looking for help aren’t always on the fancy streets, but they are filled with beautiful spirits working to help a community and a country they love. They are always ready to accept a hand and share their story with open-minded and open-hearted individuals.
What kind of volunteer assignments are available?
We work with a variety of organizations whose needs are always changing. Groups range from local non-profits to national NGO’s. Possible assignments include a soup kitchen, food bank, homeless shelter, a children’s community activity group, an organization who builds homes for needy families, an organization focusing on renewable energy sources, a group working to promote the well-being of the mentally disabled, an organization working to send more children to school, and more.
How am I matched to an assignment?
After we receive your on-line application, we send you a form where you’ll tell us about your interests, educational/ vocational background, and what you want to accomplish/learn by volunteering. We do our best to find the most suitable assignment where both parties will greatly benefit. How long you choose to volunteer in Argentina is also a factor; while most organizations ask for 2 weeks of service, some prefer if volunteers can commit 4 weeks or more.
What kind of hours will I work?
This is flexible, based on your availability and what hours your organization needs you. The minimum commitment is four hours per week, and maximum is around 25 hours per week. Most volunteers work somewhere in between. We will do our very best to arrange your schedule based on your requests, but can never guarantee particular hours. We ask all volunteers to come ready to be flexible, and to understand that schedules sometimes change according to what the organization has happening. We want everyone to be where and when they are most needed so everyone wins!
How long can I volunteer?
The minimum commitment is two weeks, and maximum is two months, so as to allow for total time in Argentina to remain under 3 months as dictated by a tourist VISA. We DO NOT charge more for volunteering longer. You simply pay for accommodation, food, etc.
Am I paying to volunteer?
Absolutely not. We make no money at all from your volunteer placement. Built into the fee is a one-time placement cost of $US 50, half of which is donated to your organization, and half of which covers our small administrative costs. The remaining fee is accommodation and meals (if you choose homestay), and cost of your two week language course, and airport pickup. We want to make it as affordable as possible, so more motivated and giving individuals can volunteer in Argentina.
Why take a two week language course first?
We find that volunteers and the organizations seeking help mutually benefit when the volunteer is comfortable in a Spanish-speaking environment, and has had the chance to adapt to the culture and surroundings. This does not at all mean they need to be fluent in the language to begin volunteer service; the level of Spanish needed in each assignment varies greatly, and we certainly take this into account in your matching. However, we find that some basic Spanish communication is helpful in all assignments (even if you want to teach English) and can make for a more productive and enjoyable experience.
What benefits will I get from the course?
Those entering at a beginner level will have become accustomed to exchanging greetings, asking and answering simple questions, and simply feel more confident and comfortable to begin their assignment.
Those who have already studied some Spanish will have the chance to review and refresh their knowledge, become familiar with the accent, and have an easier time communicating when they begin volunteering.
Advanced speakers will be able to shake off any dust, familiarize themselves with local speak and accent, and feel completely confident to use their bilingual skills during their assignment.
The course also gives future volunteers the chance to acclimatize to the culture of the people and the surroundings of the city before starting work.
This complete one month program with classes, accommodation and volunteer placement starts at just $995
See pricing here.
Applications must be received one month prior to program start. To register, begin by filling out the on-line application here. After we receive your application, we will respond with a confirmation and instructions for you to pay the $75 registration fee. This fee serves to finalize your registration and holds your spot in the program until payment is due three weeks prior to your start. We also email you a volunteer form, which gives you a chance to tell us in more detail your interests and background to help in placement.
