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PortugueseVolunteering in Argentina
Volunteering in Buenos Aires offers people the possibility to give something back to a wonderful and diverse community.
Volunteering can also create opportunities to develop skills and build on existing knowledge and experiences. Regardless of the motivation that inspires you to serve others, volunteering here in Buenos Aires can be a life experience that you will carry with you for the rest of your life.
Volunteer opportunities currently available
These opportunities include working with:
- Children with disabilities in kindergartens and community centers
- Dogs, cats, and horses in animal shelters
- Farmers and growers who will teach you about organic farming practices
- Children as a youth sports league coach
WHY VOLUNTEER IN BUENOS AIRES?
When you’re considering taking a long trip through multiple countries, it can be difficult to choose how to spend your time, and where to spend the most time. Volunteering is a great way to combine both language learning and extended travel, while also making you feel fulfilled. Volunteering in Argentina will make you see the country from a different perspective and challenge your preconceived notions.
Here are a few reasons to consider volunteering abroad, as opposed to just travelling:
Really understand Argentina’s cultural, social and economic standing
Seasoned travelers are well aware that spending just 2 or 3 nights in one city before moving to the next isn’t enough time to get a feel for the culture of the city or an understanding of its inhabitants. As exciting as it can be to hop from destination to destination, you’ll be hard pressed to get a real feel for the local culture or people.
But if you choose to stay in Buenos Aires for a month or more and choose to donate some of your time volunteering, you’ll be sure to be living and breathing the local culture. Volunteering is a great way of seeing past a country’s obvious stereotypes, as well as the facades of tourism, and see a place for what it really is.
Integrate into the Local Community
Rather than feeling like a backpacker who’s straight off the bus, volunteering will really help you to get to know the local people as well as their cultures and customs. Once settled in, you’ll begin to recognize and socialize with the regulars at the local grocery store or colectivo.
You’ll find that locals are very warm and friendly, and willing to go out of their way to help you. You’ll also undoubtedly pick up some handy tips along the way that only the locals know, such as the best empanaderia or secret hole-in-the-wall parrilla that a tourist could never find.
Still Travel & Have a Good Time!
Many potential volunteers are put off by the seemingly long-term commitment volunteering requires, which makes worry about feeling grounded or stuck. But with most volunteer organisations, you will have at least the weekend off, and often time off during the week as well, which is perfect for a quick mini break to Iguazu or Bariloche. Many organisations will understand that you are a traveller and may offer a week off after a month’s work for example. This way you’ll get the best of both of worlds!
Put Your Spanish Skills Into Practice
Now that you’ve refined your Spanish skills a little, what better way to practise the lingo than to volunteer? Volunteering will push you to talk with native speakers who may not know your mother tongue. Sticking to tourist areas where many locals are bilingual makes it easy to give in to the temptation of using English. Pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone and spending time with people who are more likely to only speak Spanish is vital to ensuring you are getting enough Spanish practise.
Volunteering is a great way to test the waters with your newfound Spanish skills in a friendly and kind environment.
Meet People From All Over the World
While you will certainly be in daily contact with local people, volunteering can allow you to make friends with people from all over the world as well, exposing you to many more cultures than you would have otherwise.
You’ll be able to create meaningful, long-lasting friendships that’ll be a little more permanent than those you make when passing through a hostel. You’ll all share a common bond through doing good for others, and this will certainly leave you with close friends you may wish to travel with after your volunteering ends!
Build Up Your Resume & CV
A great way of really making your CV stand out is to have some work experience abroad. It’s even better if that experience is in another language!
You will gain so many skills you can apply back at home, and employers will be impressed by your flexibility and ability to adapt when working abroad. Volunteering abroad will be prove that you are internationally minded and aren’t afraid of a challenge or stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Do Good While You Travel
If you are lucky enough to be in the privileged position to travel internationally, why not use this opportunity to improve the world a little and do some good for others? It can be incredibly rewarding to know that you are giving a little back and improving someone’s life.