This page contains information on the following:

•     Requirements for participating in the InsightArgentina volunteer program
•     Volunteer responsibilities whilst in Argentina
•     Program placement fee
•     Why there is a program placement fee and info on where your money goes
•     Payments, refunds and cancellations

What are the requirements for participating in the program?

At InsightArgentina, we have some basic requirements that you need to meet in order to join our program. We have these requirements in place to ensure that the volunteer experience is mutually beneficial for both you, and the host organization where you will be volunteering.

Our requirements are as follows:

•    You need to be at least 18 years old at the time of your trip.

•    You need to have a basic knowledge of Spanish (at least three semesters of study).

•    While volunteering with us you will need to have international medical insurance that covers you in case of illness

•    We ask that you submit an application form and a CV at least one month prior to your preferred starting date. (Please note applications submitted less than one month before the starting date will be considered on a case-by-case basis)

•    We ask that you commit to at least 4-weeks of volunteering (please note that short-term group projects are determined on a case-by-case basis.)

Please remember that as we customize each volunteer placement, you can start your volunteer experience at any time throughout the year!

Volunteer responsibilities whilst in Argentina

Once you arrive in Argentina, we will kindly ask that you follow the guidelines below:

•    To provide your volunteer services freely and for purely altruistic purposes, with no intention of remuneration.

•    If, due to unforeseen circumstances (such as illness or a change in travel plans) you are unable to fulfill your volunteer commitment on any given day, you MUST
let a InsightArgentina representative, or the host organization know, 24 hours in advance.

•    Sign a contract with InsightArgentina before starting your Volunteer Project, which states that you agree to comply with the above-mentioned responsibilities.

Program placement fee

Our volunteer program has a one-time flat fee of US$450, regardless of the length of your stay (please note fees for group projects are assessed on a case-by-case basis)

We understand that you may question why you have to pay to volunteer, therefore at the bottom of this page, we have explained why there is a fee involved, stated where your money goes, and shown how the placement fee is broken down.

Program fee includes:

•    Pre and post-departure assistance

•    A customized volunteer placement in an organization in accordance with your interests, skills and experience, and the needs of the organization.

•    US$100 of the program fee is allocated to the host organization where you will be volunteering.

•    Arrival orientation and visit to host organization.

•    Guidance on housing options, Spanish classes, and how to contact other volunteers

•    Periodic site visits and follow-up at the host organization where needed.

•    Insurance that covers you in the case of personal accident while volunteering (this is not a medical insurance).

•    Recommendation letter upon request

 Group projects: The fees for groups vary according to the length of the group project and the amount of people in the group.

Program fee does NOT include:

•    Spanish classes

•    Accommodation

•    International health insurance.

•    Travel to/from Argentina.

•    Local transportation costs or meals.

Why is there a program placement fee and where does the money go?

Prospective volunteers are sometimes surprised to learn that there is often a financial cost involved in international volunteer work. At first this may seem unfair - why would I pay to volunteer my time?

In order to facilitate a mutually beneficial experience for both the host organization and you as a volunteer, we take considerable time and effort in establishing the relationship between our volunteer program and the host organizations we work with. We work hard to analyze the needs of the host organizations, as well as the profiles of prospective volunteers, so as to create the right match for both parties. We seek to make volunteers feel supported during their stay, with someone readily available to answer your questions and concerns at all times.

The placement fee we charge helps to maintain our program, and funds the following activities: administration, volunteer recruitment, building and maintaining partnerships with our member NGOs, assisting in the development and execution of volunteer projects, volunteer orientation, and insurance (not medical).

Part of your placement fee (US$100) is also a direct donation to the host-organization and is often designated at the discretion of the host-organization, to its projects, or to cover institutional costs

 Please remember that as we are a non-profit organization, all your placement fee goes toward helping us achieve our mission:

‘to promote the development and growth of a community that is committed to the Argentine Social Sector’.

Payment, refunds and cancellations:

There is a program fee of USD450 to be paid once the volunteer projects has been confirmed, all necessary information has been provided, and other important questions have been answered.

If a participant cancels the program more than 3 weeks prior to the start date, a refund of USD200 will be issued for the program contribution paid. If the program is canceled less than 3 weeks prior to the start date or during the program, a refund will not be issued.

If, for unforeseen reasons, IA considers it to be in the best interest of the applicant's safety and quality of programming, the program might be cancelled. Upon this unlikely event, we will offer applicants the choice of re-scheduling the program or receiving a full refund on all contributions made. We are not able, however, to take responsibility for other costs applicants may have incurred while preparing for the trip.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at insight@helpargentina.com if you have any questions regarding our program.