Volunteer programs in Argentina

About Argentina

About Argentina

Argentina is located in the far south of the Americas. Renowned for its extension and geographical richness, Argentina boasts an enormous range of colours, landscapes and climates that vary from location-to-location.

Argentina is comprised by 24 autonomous provinces; one of these is the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, known around the world as the city of tango and passion.

Argentina is home to 43 million inhabitants, with 50% of its population living in Buenos Aires: the gateway to commerce and tourism, and the country’s political hub.

From north to south and east to west, Argentina is characterised by its geographical diversity that is waiting to be discovered by visitors. Its immense lakes in the south, glaciers at the “end of the world”, vineyards in Mendoza, copper in the north, famous waterfalls in Iguazú, salt flats, The ‘tren a las nubes’ and Route 40 are just some of the reasons to explore the country’s vast territory that is bursting in culture and history.

Argentina is a fantastic place to live, where you can enjoy a ‘mate’ with your friends followed by a traditional roast, dance the tango, take a tour of the Perito Moreno glacier and explore the metropolis of Buenos Aires after night falls. You can also take a ride on the ‘tren a las nubes’, dance the zamba, watch a football match and much, much more in this enormous country.

“Mi Buenos Aires querido, Cuando yo te vuelva a ver, No habrá más penas ni olvido”. [My beloved Buenos Aires, When I see you again, there’ll be no more sorrow or oblivion.]
These lyrics are taken from Mi Buenos Aires Querido, a famous ‘tango’ written by Carlos Gardel.

Climate in Argentina

Argentina’s latitudinal amplitude and topography mean that it is home to various climates. In general terms, Argentina enjoys a warm climate with an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.

However, visitors can find maximum temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius in the north and minimum temperatures of -5 degrees Celsius in the south (this temperature is even lower if we include Argentina Antarctica, with its polar climate).

The north is characterised by hot and humid summers and mild and dry winters, and is subject to regular droughts . Central Argentina has warm summers, where storms and rainy spells are commonplace. In winter, meanwhile, the temperature is cold. The southern regions are subject to warm summers and cold winters. During the winter, southern Argentina often has huge snowfalls, particularly in mountainous areas. The highest points across the country are those with the coldest conditions, where visitors can expect an arid climate.

If the visitor is interested in winter sports, he/she could visit Argentina in winter (June, July and August) to make the most of the South’s enormous Ski slopes. If they’re coming in summer (December, January and February), they could visit the beautiful Mar del Plata, the lakes in the north, the waterfalls in the Misiones province and a delicious meal on an outdoor terrace in the San Telmo neighbourhood.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Time zone

Argentina is in the Argentina Time Zone (ART), 3 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-3), without daylight saving time.

Currency

The official currency is the Argentine peso.

Location

The volunteer programs are located in the city of Buenos Aires, which is a 2-hour drive from the international airport.

Stay

The stay begins as soon as the volunteer is picked up at the destination.

Meals

The meals included in the project/destination will be provided at the accommodation. Meals will not be included for journeys to the destination, excursions, etc.

Pick up times

The stipulated pick-up times for each destination/project must be respected. Volunteers who arrive outside of this time frame will have to pay an additional cost, depending on the destination.

VOLUNTEER programs

Where are the volunteer programs located?

The volunteer programs are located in the city of Buenos Aires, which is a 2-hour drive from the international airport.
In our programs, volunteers provide assistance in humble towns and homes. The objective of this program is to train young people to become social leaders. Volunteers will live within a multicultural environment, working in a team to carry out institutional projects or tasks, and accompanying local people in their day-to-day lives. They will also assist in delivering workshops and meeting the needs of our partner centers and homes. This valuable professional experience represents a fantastic opportunity to discover the local culture and learn the language while living with a ‘family’ of friends. Above all else, it is a chance to help improve the quality of life for more than 200 children, teenagers, and elderly people at the various centers.

Programs

  • Childcare volunteer program
  • Teaching volunteer program
  • English teaching volunteer program
  • Medical volunteer program
  • Workshop volunteer program
  • Sports volunteer program
  • Construction volunteer program

Requirements

  • For the childcare volunteer program, teaching volunteer program, workshop volunteer program and the medical volunteer program, volunteers must be aged 18 or above at the start of the program.
  • For the sports volunteer program, the volunteers must be older than 17 years old at the start of the program.

What is included?

Airport

Volunteers need to make their own way to the Ministro Pistarini International Airport, known internationally as Ezeiza International Airport (airport code EZE).
For the childcare volunteer program, teaching volunteer program, and workshop volunteer program, the volunteer needs to arrive in Argentina on a weekday in order to be picked up by the program coordinator.

For the English teaching volunteer program, medical volunteer program, sports volunteer program, and the construction volunteer program, the volunteer needs to arrive in Argentina on Sunday between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM in order to be picked up at the airport. Volunteers can also arrive on Saturday within the same window, but will face an extra cost.

Costs

  • The program costs for the childcare volunteer program, teaching volunteer program and workshop volunteer program start at 350 USD for 4 weeks (minimum stay of one week). Additional week 70 USD. You can consult all of the costs in Program Costs
  • For the English teaching volunteer program, sports volunteer program, medical volunteer program and construction volunteer program, the weekly cost ranges from €280 to €350. The minimum stay for the sports volunteer program and the construction volunteer program is 2 weeks. You can consult all of the costs in Program Costs

Gastronomy

Unlike the rest of Latin America, Argentina stands out for the European influences in its cuisine. It borrows from creole, Italian and Spanish gastronomy.

Argentina is famous around the world for being one of the biggest agricultural producers on the planet. It is famous for producing wheat, corn and meat, amongst other things. Argentina is the world’s biggest producer of beef, and the country where most meat is consumed per capita.

Its meat empanadas, roast meats, tamale doughs from the north, lamb from the south, dulce de leche, alfajores and mate, amongst other, make Argentina a unique country for visitors with an exotic palate.

Transport in Argentina

Buenos Aires has an extensive public transport network. Tickets are bought via the SUBE system, costing 25 pesos each (around €2.50). You can add credit to your card at a SUBE top-up station, which allows you to use public transport.

Start/Duration

  • For the childcare volunteer program, teaching volunteer program, and workshop volunteer program, the minimum stay is 4 weeks, and the maximum stay is 1 year.
  • For the sports volunteer program and the construction volunteer program, the minimum stay is 2 weeks.
  • For the English teaching volunteer program and the medical volunteer program, the minimum stay is 1 week.
  • For the childcare volunteer program, teaching volunteer program, and workshop volunteer program, the volunteer needs to arrive in Argentina on a weekday in order to be picked up by the program coordinator.
  • For the English teaching volunteer program, medical volunteer program, sports volunteer program, and the construction volunteer program, the volunteer needs to arrive in Argentina on Sunday between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM in order to be picked up at the airport. Volunteers can arrive on Saturday, but will be charged extra.

Tourist attractions

Do you want to discover Argentina? Not sure where to start? Below is a list of some of the tourist attractions that you need to tick off your list during your volunteer program. Get ready to take notes!

Buenos Aires

  • Teatro Colón. This is an opera house located in the city of Buenos Aires. It is considered as one of the world’s five  best theatres. We recommend taking a free guided tour of the theatre.
  • La Boca. La Boca is one of the most famous districts in the city of Buenos Aires. It is primarily populated by many Italian immigrants. La Boca is famous for its eccentric architecture: namely, colourful houses built from fishing boat waste, creating a mosaic effect throughout the neighbourhood.
  • La Recoleta cemetery. Designed by Próspero Catelin, La Recoleta cemetery is one of the country’s most famous cemeteries. Many of the country’s political, cultural and historical figures are buried there.
  • Casa Rosada. The Casa Rosada is headquarters of the Executive Power of the Argentine Republic. The Casa Rosada is located opposite the Plaza de Mayo, which is the site of many events of a political or cultural nature. Volunteers will be able to take a tour of the Casa Rosada, which is a great opportunity to learn more about the country’s history, customs and politics.
  • Botanical garden. If you want to learn about the Japanese culture in Buenos Aires, we recommend visiting the botanical garden. This green space, with its small lakes, oriental bridges and Japanese architecture, is the perfect spot for meditation lovers.
  • San Telmo. This neighbourhood is the go-to place for volunteers who are looking to enjoy the authentic Buenos Aires nightlife. Come to this neighbourhood for tango classes, performances and excellent roasts!

Now take notes! Here are the best natural spots outside of wider Buenos Aires.

  • Iguazú waterfalls, Misiones province: set of waterfalls on the Iguazú river. It is one of the seven wonders of the world. Of these 275 waterfalls, 80% are located on Argentine territory (the waterfalls are located along the border with Brazil).
  • Perito Moreno glaciers, Santa Cruz province. This is a huge mass of ice that comprises the Los Glaciares National Park. This natural spectacle is well worth a visit. After completing the tour, we recommend sampling its famous whisky.
  • Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy province. The Quebrada de Humahuaca is an arid area of reddish rocks. Over time, the gradual erosion of these rocks has shaped a striking beautiful landscape.
  • Quebrada de las Conchas, Salta province. One of the largest rock formations in northern Argentina is found along national Route 68.
  • Rio Negro province. The south is a great destination to fall in love with. Bariloche is the most visited location in Patagonia. Its nature reserves, lakes, snow-topped mountains and Nahuel Huapi National Park are just some of the reasons to visit this spectacular location.
  • San Rafael, Mendoza province. This is the perfect destination for volunteers who enjoy adventure tourism.
  • Route 40: the spine of Argentina. Route 40 passes by the country’s main natural landmarks, running in a straight line from north to south.

Program goals

The project aims to train young individuals to become social leaders. Volunteers will live in a multicultural setting, collaborate as a team on tasks or institutional projects, support beneficiaries in their daily activities or through workshops, and assist with the needs of the centers and homes.

To achieve this, we use three key approaches:

Social inclusion

Social Inclusion of children, young people and grandparents in situations of social risk.

Attention to Centers and Homes

Focus on centers and homes dedicated to protecting and restoring the rights of socially vulnerable children, adolescents, and older adults.

Social action

Project participants will work alongside community members, engaging with various social actors to ensure that the project benefits everyone and respects the rights of all individuals.

Our programs

Childcare volunteer program – Argentina

In Buenos Aires, volunteers will work in two centers. The ages of the children will vary from 6 to 15 years old, depending on the center. In the home, the children are provided with everything they need to ensure they are well cared for during their crucial early years of life. We provide them with food, love, and attention, while teaching them the importance of personal hygiene. In the center, apart from helping to care for the children and ensuring their hygiene, the volunteers serve as the primary educational resource for these children. Tasks to be carried out:

  • Organize recreational activities for the children.
  • Assist the children with their personal hygiene.
  • Coordinate sporting activities.
  • Provide medical assistance: accompany the children to their medical appointments.
  • Assist with feeding the children.
  • Handle administrative tasks, including accounting and web design, among others.

IMPORTANT: The local team will assign the centres to each volunteer, based on each individual profile.  The aforementioned activities will not be carried out on a daily basis. This will depend on the requirements of each specific activity. The working routine will be defined and conducted in accordance with the requirements of the project, and will follow the decisions of the technical team. NOTE OF INTEREST: The volunteer may take their own materials, pre-planned activities, games, paint, English-language books, educational toys and any type of drawing or painting book, etc.

Medical volunteer program – Argentina

This program offers a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable work experience for your CV while engaging in a cultural exchange and assisting vulnerable individuals. You will be working in a local district hospital that provides general treatment as well as a clinic offering more specific treatments such as vaccines and infant care, among others. The minimum duration for this program is 1 week. Tasks to be carried out:

  • Provide assistance to local medics and doctors.
  • Participate in outpatient visits for tasks related to medical record keeping.
  • Undertake patient care tasks in accordance with their specific requirements.

IMPORTANT: Volunteers are required to bring their own medical gloves, gown, and masks. NOTE OF INTEREST: The volunteer may also bring additional medical materials that they consider appropriate.

Teaching volunteer program – Argentina

The teaching volunteer programs are conducted in various centers. As mentioned earlier, these projects aim to ensure the protection and rehabilitation of children and young people. From Monday to Friday, volunteers will conduct school support classes at the children’s home. On Saturday mornings, they will participate in activities at

Villa 31

alongside local staff. On Saturday afternoons, they will provide school support at

Bajo Flores

. Tasks to be performed:

  • Teaching: Subjects such as English, mathematics, science, geography, and social education.
  • Recreational activities: Any activities that can aid in the cognitive development of the children are vital at this stage.
  • Sports teaching volunteer program.
  • Providing daily assistance to the staff involved in the teaching volunteer program.
  • Administrative tasks.

DATES WHEN THE PROGRAM WILL BE CLOSED: Christmas and summer holidays:

From the second week of December until the third week of February.

English teaching volunteer program – Argentina

Volunteers in this program will assist in teaching English to primary, secondary, and college school students in the province of Buenos Aires. This program is designed for individuals who enjoy teaching and like spending time with children. You will help them learn an international language, not only in formal settings but also through informal conversations and practice. This approach will enable them to improve their pronunciation and vocabulary. The minimum duration for this program is 1 week. Tasks to be carried out:

  • Teaching English
  • Providing additional support to school staff
  • Engaging in cultural exchange with young people in Argentina

NOTE OF INTEREST: Volunteers may bring their own materials, pre-planned activities, games, English-language books, educational toys, drawing or painting supplies, and more.

Sports volunteer program – Argentina

This program has been designed for sports enthusiasts who wish to teach and coach various sports to children from underprivileged communities in Argentina. You will work with children aged between 6 and 17 years old who may not have the opportunity to participate in fun and physical activities. This program aims to help them improve their health and emotional well-being while fostering leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. The minimum duration for this program is 2 weeks. In this program, you will be coaching children and teaching them the rules, fundamental skills, and techniques of the following sports:

  • Tennis
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Hockey
  • Rugby

Tasks to be carried out:

  • Coach children in various sports.
  • Implement a structured physical education program for young people.
  • Enhance the sporting abilities, teamwork skills, perspective, and physical health of the children.
  • Instill in them the values of sportsmanship.

Workshop volunteer program – Argentina

In Buenos Aires, volunteers have the opportunity to plan and execute a program in our various partner centers. Depending on the volunteer’s profile, the program is designed to facilitate the implementation of different workshops as a team, taking into account the profession and experience of those interested. Where are these workshops conducted? The most intriguing aspect of the program is that, depending on the volunteers’ creativity, workshops can be conducted in centers or homes for children, adolescents, or the elderly. If you have experience in conducting workshops, please inform us. We will make every effort to provide you with all the necessary tools to facilitate the workshop. Our current volunteers are conducting theater and photography workshops. It’s never too late to share your passion with those in need. Tasks to be performed:

  • Organizing and planning the workshop.
  • Preparing a list of materials.
  • Designing activities.
  • Participating in workshops that are already being conducted.

Construction volunteer program – Argentina

Some inhabitants earn very little money, and any income they have is used to cover their basic daily needs. Consequently, their houses often remain in poor conditions for extended periods. Similarly, some local schools, churches, and clinics are in the same situation due to a lack of resources. You will be assisting the community by providing them with the help they require. This offers an excellent opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge about these communities. You will be expected to work for 4-5 hours every day. The minimum duration for this program is 2 weeks. Tasks to be carried out:

  • Provide repair, renovation, and construction materials.
  • Participate in various projects aimed at improving the well-being of local families.
  • Get to know the residents and enjoy a mutually beneficial cultural exchange.
  • Collaborate as part of a team.

accommodation and meals

Accommodation in Hogar San José

Volunteers will be housed in chalets (cabin-style houses) located within the grounds of the Hogar San José home for the elderly.

There is lots of plant life within the grounds, which are cared for by residents of the home. Healthcare staff are on hand 24/7.

The Hogar San José is based in Ciudadela, province of Buenos Aires, in the outskirts of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA). The Ciudadela train station is just a 10-minute bus journey from the home. From here, you can get to Buenos Aires in no more than 30 minutes.

There are also other ways of getting to the centre of Buenos Aires, such as getting a bus and then taking the metro. This journey takes just over 1 hour and 15 minutes. But don’t worry, as we’ll tell you the best way to get around the city upon your arrival!

There is a hyper market very close to the House, where you’ll be able to buy everything you need to eat and cook in the volunteer chalets. There is also a food court, kiosks and shops, etc.

The chalets have a fully-equipped kitchen, living room and single and double bedrooms. There is also Wi-Fi access and a weekly cleaning service of the communal areas.

Most important of all, besides the opportunity to spend time with other international volunteers who want to make the world a better place such as yourself, you can also spend time with the residents of the Home whenever you like, who are sure to guarantee an interesting conversation.

 

English teaching volunteer program, sports volunteer program, medical volunteer program and construction volunteer program

Volunteers will stay in a volunteers house located in Buenos Aires, with locked bedrooms complete with lockers, drawers and shelves. The bathrooms are shared, although divided by gender, and include hot showers.

The accommodation is secure, with 24/7 security cameras, locked buildings and bedrooms and a night-time security guard.

There is also a living room and dining room, both complete with a TV and Wi-Fi internet access. There is also a ping-pong table and a patio area that is perfect for barbecues.

Breakfast is only included from Monday to Friday. There is a shared kitchen which can be used to store ingredients for any meals that you choose to cook yourself. There are also various restaurants located nearby.

The bedrooms, each accommodating 3 people, are divided according to gender. Individual bedrooms are available at an extra cost.

There is also a safe. The padlock is provided by the host home.

All bedrooms are equipped with a fan, while some of them have air conditioning.

No laundry service is available. However, laundrettes can be found nearby.

There are various other facilities within walking distance of the home. A supermarket is located 5 minutes away, a cash point is found 10 minutes away and other facilities such as banks, shopping centres and larger supermarkets are a 30-minute walk away (or 1 stop on the metro).

 

program costs

The total cost of the volunteer program is split into two parts: a registration fee of €210 to secure your spot, and a program cost, which is paid later in Euros or American dollars, depending on the project. Below is a breakdown of the program cost for each project.

Childcare volunteer program

$350 for 1 month (4 weeks)
$70 for every additional week

Teaching volunteer program

$350 for 1 month (4 weeks)
$70 for every additional week

English teaching volunteer program

€280 per week

Medical volunteer program

€350 per week

Workshop volunteer program

$350 for 1 month (4 weeks)
$70 for every additional week

Sports volunteer program

€560 for 2 weeks
€280 for every additional week

Construction volunteer program

€280 per week

If your currency is not specified in the table, you can convert your costs  here.

What is included in the fee that I am paying?

What additional costs will be incurred by the volunteers?

Flights, travel insurance (obligatory), return to the airport, and other personal expenses.
(*** Volunteers in Argentina will generally find that €50 (approx. 56 USD) is enough to cover basic weekly expenses.)

Contact

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UNIVERSITY PRACTICES

Our volunteers will be able to validate university credits with the aim of traveling in a more responsible and economical way.

What does volunteering focused on university practices involve?

At Cooperating Volunteers, we make agreements with different universities to validate university credits with the aim of traveling in a more responsible and economical way.

The specialties we work with are extensive: medical volunteering, nursing, education, social work, psychology, physiotherapy, engineering, architecture…

The practices can be carried out in our designated destinations for this purpose, as well as in Spain.

If you choose an international destination, it’s a unique way to live an unforgettable and enriching experience, as you will have the opportunity to continue your education in another country, with a completely different culture.

Stepping out of our comfort zone and being part of the various projects at the destination will allow us to grow both personally and professionally, creating a more extensive curriculum.

And we are fully convinced that this experience will accompany you throughout your life.

You will be able to visit hospitals, schools, centers, orphanages, and participate directly and actively in the daily lives of all those people at the destination, always accompanied by other professionals willing to collaborate hand in hand with you and guide you in daily tasks.

If your university is not part of the agreement with Cooperating Volunteers, you can contact cristina@cooperatingvolunteers.com so that we can get in touch and make this experience a reality. 

CORPORATE VOLUNTEERING

Corporate volunteering consists of tailored programs for your company, designed to develop teamwork skills.

It is proven that teamwork directly impacts productivity. 

Collective effort surpasses individual capabilities, promotes diversity of skills, stimulates creativity, and facilitates problem-solving in the face of various challenges.

Therefore, it not only maximizes efficiency but also enriches the work environment.

We conduct corporate volunteering programs that consist of customized programs for your company, designed to develop teamwork skills, improve performance, and foster unity among employees.

We tailor projects to the corporate identity and size of the company, and we can adjust them to any destination and time of the year.

The advantages of corporate volunteering include:

  • Improving communication.
  • Group unity.
  • Cultural integration in different situations.
  • Employee training.
  • Increased Corporate Social Responsibility.

The future is aligned with a more responsible society, and participating in social projects positions our company among the list of revolutionary businesses that want to be part of the change.

If you resonate with this message, corporate volunteering is a unique experience both individually and collectively, and at Cooperating Volunteers, we accompany you throughout the process to make it a unique journey.

FAMILY VOLUNTEERING

Quality time spent with family strengthens emotional bonds, promotes communication, and contributes to the emotional well-being of its members. 

Spending quality time with family and being able to disconnect from our hectic routines is not only enriching but also necessary.

Sometimes we forget to communicate, connect, and dedicate time to each other. Each one of us lives focused on our jobs, schools… And it’s necessary to find the opportunity to pause and take care of ourselves.

Quality time spent with family strengthens emotional bonds, promotes communication, and contributes to the emotional well-being of its members. And of course, it creates lifelong positive memories.

At Cooperating Volunteers, we suggest moving away from those ‘more superficial’ trips (which can also be fantastic), but we invite you to live this experience to bring out our most empathetic and humanitarian side.

Family volunteering gives us the opportunity to be part of a positive impact, promoting values of solidarity and social responsibility.

There are many families who choose to experience these trips focused on cooperation and direct involvement with different communities around the world, where living conditions are very different and sometimes entirely precarious.

Projects are tailored to different ages, allowing us to work together.

An incredible way to fill our suitcase with memories, learning, and knowledge.

And although stepping out of our comfort zone often feels daunting, we assure you firsthand that it’s worth it.

At Cooperating Volunteers, we accompany you throughout the entire experience, from start to finish, to make it unforgettable.

SENIOR VOLUNTEERING

At Cooperating Volunteers, we believe it’s never too late for anything, especially for volunteering and living a unique and unforgettable experience.

There are many people, increasingly so, who opt for responsible travel that involves social work.

Accustomed to organized and mostly touristic trips, at Cooperating Volunteers, we want to advocate for a more enriching experience, one that transforms us from within and allows us to be part of the change the world needs to see.

We can adapt both the destination and the duration of our projects to fit your needs.

It’s an opportunity full of emotions that allows us to significantly contribute to different communities and their evolution. And you can participate in different areas such as education, social support, or assistance in different centers.

Some of the benefits include:

  • Sense of purpose: Provides a sense of purpose by contributing your skills and experiences to meaningful causes.
  • Emotional well-being: Reduces feelings of isolation and establishes social connections.
  • Personal development: It’s continuous learning, skill development, and discovering new activities while keeping the mind-body active.
  • Physical health: Keeping active.
  • Stress reduction: The act of helping others reduces stress and contributes to mental health.

Living this experience will undoubtedly be a before and after. 

SOCIAL VOLUNTEERING

A volunteering initiative with leadership and impact through the educational action program.

When we talk about social volunteering, we refer to all those actions and activities carried out altruistically, selflessly, and with the aim of addressing multiple problems and needs of different communities, always focused on education and self-sufficiency.

Education is essential because it provides the tools and knowledge necessary for personal, social, and economic development.

Our goal is to create self-sufficient communities and provide opportunities for the future personal development of each member. The message is not to ‘give’, but to accompany in the process of training for self-managed provision.

At Cooperating Volunteers, many of our destinations and projects embrace this type of volunteering. Some of our projects include: community programs, education, women’s empowerment…

And although they are completely different from each other, they share a single objective: progress towards a society that can embrace us all in the same way.

If you are someone who is restless, who needs to see a change in the future, volunteering is an experience tailor-made for you.