Description:
As one of the biggest of its kind in Argentina, this private, non-profit center works to help orphans, disadvantaged, and disabled children who live within the center. With up to 300 children, the staff of over 30 people need assistance from volunteers to help with projects, cooking, repair projects or construction of new facilities (when needed) cleaning, teaching basic English, administrative issues, etc.
Participants arrive in Buenos Aires for a two-day orientation (including pick up at the airport and orientation). After the orientation, volunteers travel by sleeper bus to Cordoba City to begin the volunteer project in Villa Allende. Villa Allende is a small city located approximately 20 minutes by bus from Cordoba City.
Volunteer responsibilities may include:
* Working with, taking care of and playing with disadvantaged or impoverished children, under the guidance of the Center's staff
* Taking part in different projects such as organizing recreational activities or day trips
* Helping to take part in repair projects or construction of new facilities
* Helping with current administrative tasks
* Helping in the kitchen and serving lunch in the dining room
* Teaching basic English
* Developing creative programs such as art, music, dance, etc.
Highlights:
Cordoba, is the second largest city in Argentina with about 1,500,000 inhabitants. In the old Town participants will have the chance to see the rich Spanish colonial heritage of the city as shown by the many old churches, traditional buildings and the well-known National University of Cordoba (UNC), which attracts thousands of students from other regions of the country and the rest of South America.
Due to the proximity to the mountains, the city is a perfect base for excursions into the natural beauty of the "Sierras de Cordoba" (Cordoba Hills), or even to the "Pampas", just 50 km to the south. Cordoba offers a vibrant cultural scene, and is famous for the kindness and hospitality of the "Cordobeses".
Villa Allende is a small city located only 20 minutes by bus from Cordoba city. In spite of this, the Village has managed to keep its own style. Rest and peace can still be found within a beautiful natural landscape. Around Villa Allende stand the mountains called "Sierras Chicas", which also give the town a special touch. And no surprise that every year more people settle here looking for a better quality of life.
People are very friendly and participants will soon feel at home in this wonderful place. During the summer months, Villa Allende welcomes tourists from all over Argentina. During February, the "Festival de la Solidaridad" takes place. This event is one of the most important musical happenings of Argentina. It brings together renowned groups and performers. All funds raised are used to cover the needs of institutions, such as schools, hospitals, etc.
Qualifications / Skills Needed:
No special skills are required.
Languages:
English
and Spanish
Cost in US$: Please visit the GeoVisions website for program fees and program length.
Cost Includes: What You Get For Your Program Fee
* Personalized Volunteer Placement with our Partner in Argentina, based on your skills and interests, including all the coordination, in-person visits and communication necessary with the local organization.
* Your 2-day orientation in Buenos Aires, accommodation and most meals included and then a sleeper bus to Cordoba.
* A comfortable, safe place to live in Cordoba, the basic amenities, all of your meals except lunch, and transportation from the airport to your placements and programs.
* An experienced U.S. based GeoVisions Program Manager (and former volunteer with GeoVisions) who will serve as your coordinator and liaison with our in-country staff in Argentina.
* Professional, locally-based staff to provide orientation, supervision and guidance throughout your stay.
* Extensive medical, accident and dental insurance along with emergency evacuation insurance, applicable to GeoVisions' participants worldwide.
* Important documents, including in-depth pre-departure packs, orientation information, and all in-country informational materials.
* Country-based airport transportation.
* A toll-free 24-hour emergency hotline in the U.S.
Credit Available: yes
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
academic reinforcement,
building maintenance,
childcare/children,
clerical and office work,
education,
English teaching,
orphans,
painting,
repairs,
teaching,
tutor
and volunteering
Typical Volunteer: Almost all of GeoVisions' programs are open to everyone and this project in particular does not require certain skills or degrees. No matter what you believe your skill level to be, you will have something meaningful and helpful to offer at this very important project. GeoVisions is dedicated to providing a meaningful placement for anyone willing to volunteer, and we believe that the only skills required for most international volunteering is a willingness to learn and an open mind.
Age Range: 18+. If you will be close to 18 upon departure, call us.
This Program is open to
Worldwide
Participants.
This Program is also open to
Families and Individuals.
Typical Living Arrangement:
Home-stays
Participants Travel to Argentina
Independently
Or
in Groups
Typically Participants Work
Independently
Or
in Groups
Application Process Involves:
- Online Application plus Application Assessment
- Physical Exam/Health Records
- Resume
Post Services Include:
- Alumni Network
- Exit Debriefing Abroad
GeoVisions's Mission Statement: GeoVisions is committed to help individuals develop global skills to succeed in the twenty-first century. These skills will ultimately lead to greater cooperation and understanding among nations and peoples of the world. We are committed to treating every person on a GeoVisions program with respect, and devoting our energies to helping participants meet their individual and collective goals.
Year Founded: 2001