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The Volunteer Program
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Volunteer placements are for those who want to work with a non-profit organization. These placements are ideal for those who want to combine part-time voluntary work with an intensive language program or other activities. Volunteers can work in a wide range of non -profit organizations with different missions and can offer their assistance to different areas of the organization. Volunteer tasks vary from teaching English, youth outreach, and organizing educational/recreational activities at local community centers; to fund raising and grant writing; to marketing or communication strategies for the host organization. Volunteers must be over eighteen, stay for a minimum of one month and have a basic Spanish level of at least three semesters. See full requirements Interested applicants are required to fill out an application form and submit a resume prior to acceptance into the program. We will take your language ability, length of desired placement, career goals, personality, work experience, and coursework into account when considering your placement, in order to find the best possible match for your needs and interests. We take volunteer placements very seriously. It is important that the volunteer understands the nature of his or her commitment and is prepared to engage in meaningful and impactful work with the host organization. Group Projects InsightArgentina also offers short or long term group projects (from 1 or 3 days to programs of at least one month). Groups may engage in hands-on physical projects that may include building gardens in local schools, teaching English at a local community center, or spending time with an indigenous community in north-western Argentina. We often design these projects based on the immediate needs of a particular organization and the objectives of the group. Fees for group projects are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
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We work hard to provide a quality service. In a nutshell, we commit to: Pre-Program Assistance In country Assistance - Individual Orientation: A meeting that includes placement information with rules and boundaries for your volunteer placement (including work schedule, attendance, and dress code), and tips and suggestions on how to get the most out of the experience. Options for staying involved with the host-organization upon return to your home country are also discussed. It takes place every Monday or Tuesday.
- Group Orientation: An interactive, dynamic volunteer gathering takes place every month. The orientation will include general information about the current sociopolitical situation and social sector in Argentina, as well as a glance into the volunteer experience, past volunteer projects, host organizations, and Argentine contemporary history and culture.
- An InsightArgentina staff member will accompany the volunteer in his/her first program day (If necessary)
- An InsightArgentina staff member that will work with you and your host organization during the period of their placement. We will be in constant contact to ensure a smooth experience for both parties.
- Assistance in being an active member of the community in the host city, which may include information on upcoming seminars, talks, classes, cultural activities, etc. We send out a newsletter every two weeks to program participants which highlights these activities.
- A local phone number where you can reach an InsightArgentina staff member during business hours.
- A U.S. number where friends and families can leave a message in case you need to be reached urgently.
Post-Program Assistance We can provide the following upon request: - A detailed review of your experience at the placement, including your duties and responsibilities, that can be used as a letter of recommendation or in some cases for course credit.
- Assistance in obtaining college credit for your time abroad, including communication with the home university, and written confirmation of what the work entailed.
- The opportunity to continue supporting your host organization once you have returned to your home country and to participate in various activities abroad promoted by HelpArgentina.
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 Our methodology is based on the idea of Responsible Volunteerism. This means that volunteers are much more than free labor for social organizations; responsible volunteerism creates mutually beneficial value for both the volunteer and organization. In the short term, responsible volunteering results in a network of involved and engaged citizens; in the long term, it often acts as the platform from which is created a lasting commitment with the social sector. It also is a first step towards a rich and lasting friendship between volunteers and their host organizations. While in Argentina, volunteers also have certain responsibilties which include: To provide his/her services freely and for purely altruistic purposes, with no intention of remuneration. Volunteer for a minimum of one month in the host organization. If, due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or a change in travel plans, a participant is unable to fulfill his or her commitment on any given day, he or she MUST let an InsightArgentina representative know 24 hours in advance. An International Emergency Insurance, or insurance that covers program participants in case of an emergency during their time abroad only, is required. Many insurance plans already include this; program participants should check with their providers before purchasing a new plan. InsightArgentina can provide suggestions for International Emergency Insurance providers if needed. Sign a contract with HelpArgentina before starting his/her Volunteer Program, which states the things described above.
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Other services, which are not included in the program contribution, but that InsightArgentina can assist with, include:
 Language Classes
Language classes can be private, group, or a combination of the two. They may occur before, during, and/or after the placement, and will be highly tailored to the participant’s needs within his or her placement. Online testing will be part of the application procedure, and a language class recommendation will be made based on the candidate’s score. Some amount of language classes during the candidate’s stay will always be encouraged, despite the test scores.
Buenos Aires
Group language classes - USD 9/hr (maximum of 5 students per class).
Private language classes - USD 13/hr.
Group and private classes can be mixed and matched according to the student's needs. We offer 10 and 20 hour per week group classes.
Northwest Argentina
Group and private language classes - USD 10/hr.
Accommodation
Accommodation options include homestays with Argentine families, which includes meals, or private and shared lodgings, all of which are fully furnished and centrally located. All housing-related costs during the period of the placement are included in the housing fee, including water, gas, electricity, etc.
Buenos Aires
Homestay w/meals - USD 575/month .
Private apartment - USD 700 - 1200/month.
Shared apartment - USD 350 - 460/month.
Northwest Argentina
Homestay w/meals (breakfast and lunch) - USD 360/month (in a shared room).
Homestay w/meals (breakfast and lunch) - USD 420/month (in a private room).
Hostel w/ breakfast and internet - USD 224/month.
Airport Pickup
All programs include an airport pickup assistance, as long as details are supplied in advance. The cost of the airport pickup is not included, however if details are supplied in advance we are able to make the reservation so that the taxi is waiting at the airport. This is highly recommended, as it is always recommended to use known taxi services, especially at the airport.
Personal Transfer - USD 25 approx.
Bus - USD 8 to 10 (bus service) plus taxi.
These prices are estimates and are subject to change depending on changes in rates.
Travel and Activities
Northwest Argentina
Transportation from Buenos Aires to Salta
Bus - USD 52 each way.
Flight - USD 125 each way.
Prices are subject to change depending on changes in rates.
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HelpArgentina: Maipú 62, Piso 2, oficina 9 / C1084ABA - Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires / Te: (+ 54-11) 5032-6424
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For assistance in the donation process, please contact 
