Why Volunteer with InsightArgentina, the volunteer program of HelpArgentina?

·

·        HelpArgentina is a US 501c3 non-profit organization that promotes philanthropy by helping individuals, businesses and foundations identify and support effective non-profits within Argentina.   We use strict criteria to evaluate local non-profits for transparency and impact. Through our volunteer program, we seek to promote philanthropy while providing vital human resources and assistance to these organizations.

·        We have worked for more than five years to help civil society organizations through the mobilization of donors and volunteers.

·        We have received more than 500 foreign volunteers to date.

·        Because we work with a database of 70 different local non-profits throughout the country, we offer a diversity of possible volunteer experiences.

·        By customizing every volunteer placement, we seek to provide impactful and rewarding experiences to those who wish to explore Argentine life, integrate themselves in Argentine society, and to become acquainted with some of Argentina's most pressing social issues.

·        Because our central office is in Argentina, we are able to accompany and support the volunteer during his/her stay in our country.

·        We offer a variety of ways for volunteers to continue supporting the host organization once they have returned to their respective countries.

Where can I volunteer?

We offer volunteer work with Argentine non-profit organizations that work in areas including Arts and Culture, Community Development, Disability and Empowerment, Education and Youth Outreach, Health and Nutrition, Human Rights and Law, and more.

The majority of volunteer opportunities are based in Buenos Aires, but we also work with some organisations in Patagonia, Salta, Mendoza, Tucuman and elsewhere. If you want to work in a particular location, but aren´t sure if we have a project there, please contact us to enquire.

What type of volunteer projects are available?

Volunteer placements can range from experiences in the field, such as teaching English or organizing recreational activities at a local community center, to helping the development of an organisation from its head office, through fundraising, communication, research, or the use of other professional skills.

We look for volunteer opportunities that fit with the specific interests and experience of the volunteer, and also that really address the particular needs of an organization.

Please note that the needs of the organizations may change. If for some reason you do not find volunteer tasks related to your interests, we encourage you to apply anyway because new activities often arise.

How long do volunteer projects last? Can I extend my volunteer stay after I arrive in Argentina?

The minimum requirement for volunteering is one month. The length of the volunteer commitment depends on the volunteer as we do not have a limit. Volunteers have worked with us for up to one year.

Once in Argentina, you may extend your stay following the signing of a new volunteer contract with our program.

When can I apply? When do the volunteer projects begin?

Volunteers may apply at any time during the year and at any moment during each month.

We request that applications are received at least one month prior to the start of the volunteer program. If you apply with shorter notice, we cannot guarantee a volunteer placement

The volunteer program begins with an individual orientation. We will accompany you to your host organization thereafter (where necessary).

What is the profile of a volunteer?

There is no one volunteer profile. Many of our volunteers are students or recent graduates who have the chance to volunteer as part of a vacation or a year abroad program. Others have more professional experience, and are taking a career break, holidaying in Argentina, or are recently retired.

Each person brings a different set of skills to the volunteer role. However, what unites them is a genuine desire to help, and a real interest in the Argentine social sector.

Our volunteers must be over 18 years of age, and we ask that you have at least a basic level of Spanish.

Different organizations and activities will sometimes have specific language and skill requirements, and time commitments.

How many hours per week can I volunteer?

Volunteers may decide to volunteer anywhere from one day a week to 40 hours per week. The average volunteer commitment is usually around 25 hours per week. Note: our organizations may also have specific time requirements for the volunteers.

Can I go on vacation once I begin volunteering?

Volunteers may take a break from volunteering to travel or for vacation if they communicate their plans ahead of time to HelpArgentina and the host-organization. However, please remember that by agreeing to work as a volunteer, you are taking on an important commitment to your host organisation - respect their needs in your travel plans.

Please remember that we require at least a month of volunteering.

What are the program costs?

The program is USD450. This is a flat-fee irrespective of how long you stay. Please click here to find out what is included: http://www.helpargentina.org/en/iarequirements

Why do I have to pay to volunteer?

Potential volunteers may be surprised to hear that there is a cost to participate in international volunteer work. At first, this may seem unfair (why do I have to pay to invest my time as a volunteer?). The answer is in the principal objective of InsightArgentina: to facilitate a mutually beneficial experience for the host organization and the volunteer.

We aim to deliver an experience in which the organization receives the benefit of the volunteer´s work while the volunteer realizes an impact in the social sector, while gaining a unique perspective on the country, the social sector, and the organization with which they work.

To establish a relationship between the volunteer and the organization requires a considerable amount of time and effort. HelpArgentina works to analyze the needs of the member organizations and the volunteer profiles in order to find the best combination. For this reason, we ask for a contribution of $450 USD to cover the costs of the program.

A part of the program cost ($100 USD) is given to the organization for which the volunteers will be working to be put towards their projects. The rest of the contribution is for administrative costs, volunteer recruitment, and program assistance prior and during the actual stay, maintaining the network of organizations, volunteer orientation, and personal accident insurance.

What other costs should I have in mind?

The USD450 placement fee does NOT cover:

· Transportation to and from Argentina

· Housing and food

· Daily transportation

· Spanish classes (optional)

· International medical insurance (a pre-requisite of participating in the program)

· Personal expenses

Do I need a visa to enter Argentina?

In Argentina, a specific visa for volunteers does not exist. You will have to enter the country as a tourist. Citizens from many countries do not need visas to enter Argentina (including UK, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium) but others do. To check your requirements to enter the country, visit the Argentine Immigrations webiste (http://www.mrecic.gov.ar/), and click on “Temas Consulares”. There will be a menu of countries. Select your country and if you need a visa, it will say so. If you need a visa, you should consult the Argentine Consulate in your country. HelpArgentina will not be responsible for the costs of processing this visa.

If you do not need a visa, you can enter the country as a tourist for 90 days. You will be able to renew this visa if you cross the border into a neighbouring country, which is easy and relatively cost effective to do, by going from Buenos Aires to Uruguay, from Mendoza to Chile, or from Salta to Bolivia - or by visiting the office of Immigration and paying a renewal fee.

As of the 1st of January, 2009, Argentina began to implement a reciprocity fee for citizens of Australia, Canada and the USA to enter the country. This does not mean that tourists cannot obtain a visa, but rather they will have to pay to enter Argentina a cost that is equivalent for Argentines to enter their country.

Do I need any vaccinations?

No vaccines are required to enter Argentina. It is recommended that you get the Yellow Fever vaccination, especially if you intend to visit Paraguay or Brazil by crossing through the provinces of Chaco, Corrientes, Formosa, Salta, or Misiones. Note the province of Misiones includes the Cataratas del Iguazú.

How do I arrange my housing and / or Spanish classes?

Once you have confirmed your participation in the program and paid the fee, we will send you a list of housing providers and Spanish schools. You will contact the organizations directly and find what arrangements are most convenient for you. The contacts are reliable and will help you as much as you want.

How will I get from the airport to my homestay?

Our list of housing providers and Spanish schools, also includes relaible airport pickup services, that you can arrange before your arrival in Buenos Aires.

How much does housing, Spanish, and airport pickup cost?

The prices vary based on services and providers. Here is an approximate range of expected costs for Buenos Aires:

- Pickup service from Ezeiza: in remis (private car) from ARS $85 to ARS $ 141 or in bus from from ARS $ 15 to ARS $ 85

- Housing with a family from ARS 1800 per month (with only breakfast) to ARS 2160 per month (with breakfast and dinner Monday – Friday)

- Shared apartments from USD 200 to USD 500 per month.

- Private apartments from USD 600 to USD 2100 per month.

- Student residences from USD 300 – USD 500 per month.

- Spanish classes: from USD 5.50 to USD 7.00 per hour for group classes or USD 11 – USD 13 for private hour classes

What are the requirements to participate in the program?

Age: Participants have to be at least 18 years old at the time of travel.

Spanish Level: Volunteers should have at least a basic level of Spanish (3 semesters of study recommended).

International Medical Insurance: It is obligatory to possess international medical insurance in order to participate in the program. A good number of plans include this in coverage. You should check with your provider before buying a new plan.

18. Do I need medical insurance?

It is obligatory that you possess medical insurance to participate in the program. The majority of plans include this coverage. Particiapnts should check with their providers before buying a new plan. In the application, we ask for your insurance information. If you do not have it at the moment of applying, you will be required to send it to us before arrival. .

19. How do I apply?

Visit this link to our website http://www.helpargentina.org/en/stepsvolunteer and follow the instructions!

20. How do I pay for the program?

Different forms of payment accepted:

1.On-line with credit card.

You can donate online to HelpArgentina. To do this follow the link and pay through our credit card system: http://www.helpargentina.org/en/node/1134

2. Offline with credit card:

If you prefer to pay with credit card offline, although our online system insures safety, we can call you and ask for the credit card information. The information que we need for the transaction includes the complete name of the card holder, type of credit card, number of the card, expiration date, billing address, and telephone number.

3. Bank Transfer

Depending on the type of bank account, you can complete a transfer online or by telephone. Once the transfer is complete, please confirm via email to volunteers@helpargentina.org.

Here is the necessary information for a bank transfer:

HELPARGENTINA

680 Fifth Ave., 19th flr
New York, NY 10019

HELPARGENTINA

CITI Account #: 83120410

CITIBANK, N.A. 039 127 Hudson Street New York, NY 10013

SWIFT USCITI33

ABA 021000089

4. Check or Money Order

If you want to pay with a check or a money order, the address to send it to is the following:

HELPARGENTINA

680 Fifth Ave., 19th flr
New York, NY 10019

5. Paypal

Send your payment of USD 450 through Paypal at paypal@helpargentina.org. Please let us know when is done at insight@helpargentina.org.