Volunteering in Argentina is a great way to do something worthwhile, brush up on your Spanish and increase your self-confidence. Here’s everything you need to know about giving back in Argentina, from how to get there, the best opportunities and what to take and know before departing.
Volunteering Programs in Argentina
What projects are there?
Community Development
Helping on the streets of Buenos Aires and contributing to community projects is a fun and unique opportunity, which many volunteers get involved with. You could work with homeless people, disadvantaged and children.
There are unique trips helping communities in rural communities like the Guarani Indian villages in the tropical north. Organisations offer assistance and distribute food and health resources. As part of these trips you can take a visit to the mighty Iguazu Falls. Some trips lasts 3 – 5 days depending on whether you include a visit to the Falls or return straight to Buenos Aires. The visit provides a unique insight into the challenges of the marginalised Indian communities.
Community and Childcare Projects
Volunteers travel in a group each afternoon to organise art and craft activities, outdoor informal games and offer one to one positive attention. No formal teaching is required, instead volunteers take on a small group of 2 to 5 children for an activity indoors usually followed by a game or skipping outside. For many children this is their only chance to be a child in an environment where crime and child rape are commonplace. So bring a smile and some ideas and materials and you will be able to make a real difference.
Locations
Popular places to help include Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario, Mendoza, Tucumán, La Plata, Mar del Plata, Salta, Santa Fe, San Juan, Resistencia and Santiago del Estero. Some wildlife and conservation programs are in very rural areas of the country.
Volunteer in Buenos Aires
Come to Argentina and volunteer in the city that never sleeps. The focus of the project is to reach out to socially neglected children in the most deprived parts of the city. The most frequented community centre is at the Cuidad Oculta, or in English the ‘hidden city’, a ghetto-like suburb, neglected by the authorities and without many of the basic facilities. Many children here do not attend school. Volunteer group visits provide positive continuity in places where there is so much daily uncertainty.
Volunteering in Argentina FAQ
Is Argentina a safe country?
Argentina is a safe and mostly developed country. Volunteers spend most of their time in Buenos Aires, a large modern city with all the usual facilities and would not feel any different to any other large European city.
Will I be safe whilst volunteering?
Volunteers travel together as a group in the afternoons with the local team to the community centres so you will be in safe hands and won’t get lost on the way!
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Knowing some basic phrases and numbers for money will help whilst out and about but there is no need for Spanish with the children. In fact in can be better that you don’t speak any Spanish. That way they can pick up some English as an extra advantage for them even if you do not teach them English. Spanish lessons can be organised after arrival with local top rated language schools in Argentina.
What level of support is provided?
There will be local English-speaking teams to support you whilst volunteering and if you need any advice regarding medical attention or accommodation. Due to city-living in a modern environment, it is expected that volunteers make friends as a group and organise themselves in their free time and it is easy to do this.
Do I need a visa?
No visa is required for British passport holders (and most European passport holders) staying less than 90 days. Other nationalities should check with their nearest Argentine Embassy/Consulate for requirements.
Do I need to bring anything for me?
Volunteers are not expected to bring anything specific to make their stay more comfortable. Everything can be bought easily in the city if you need something or have forgotten something from home. Clothes-wise, it is safe to say it is hot between November and March with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius. The coldest months are June to August where it is not unknown for it to sleet or even snow. Between summer and winter the weather can change between warm and chilly considerably so it is a good idea to keep an eye on the forecast just before travel and pack accordingly. For volunteering at anytime of year, jeans, t-shirt, hoodie and trainers is the most practical outfit. You may like to bring some smart outfits for going out to the restaurants, bars and clubs, which are a strong feature of Buenos Aires life.
What happens on arrival?
Most international volunteers fly directly into Buenos Aires. Once you arrive at the airport, there will be a local co-ordinator or their regular driver waiting to pick you up and take you to the volunteer accommodation.
Where will I be staying?
In Argentina, accommodation is provided. Volunteers stay together in apartments in the Recoleta district. The apartments include internet access, cooking facilities and bedding. Home-stays are also available for any volunteer wishing to soak up the Argentinian way of life although there may be an extra charge as meals are usually provided for practicality of living with hosts.
How will I get around?
Transport is organised for volunteers to get to the projects and all volunteers travel together. Allow approximately £25 per week to cover transport to the projects. All local transport, buses and taxis are available and nearby should you need it. Shops, supermarkets, banks etc. are all close by, within easy reach.
Health
What do I need to protect my health?
Other than some boosters you may need, there are few of the diseases encountered in developing nations that you need to be aware of. Anti-malarials are not needed unless you are travelling into Bolivia and Brazil after your stay. There is a doctor close by and a hospital should you need the use of one, the co-ordinators will be happy to help you with your transfer there.
Free Time and Excursions
Volunteers work at the community projects Monday to Friday in the afternoons only. This means you have plenty of time for lazy mornings in bed after a night out or enjoying a cafe breakfast with new friends. Weekends are free and if you are here in the summer, a trip to the beach resort of Mar del Plata would make a great weekend detour. There are lots of things to see and do in Buenos Aires from the famous Teatro Colon Opera House, Plaza San Martin to historic tunnels under 18th century Jesuit buildings.