Description

Our Equine Therapy project in Argentina is a unique opportunity to combine elements of care work with both adults and animals. This project is open to volunteers taking a gap year, career break, or who want to spend their summer abroad. You do not need any specific experience to volunteer on this project; however an interest in horses and enthusiasm to work with children and adults is important.

Volunteers on the Equine Therapy project will help both adults and children rehabilitate from emotional and physical problems through a therapy program that involves working with horses. A trained horse can aid the recovery of patients by forcing the patient to focus on movement, spatial orientation, posture, language, and muscle control.

The aim of the equine therapy center is to offer a better quality of life to patients by using horse riding as a positive recreational activity.

The project involves three elements. First, you will help look after the horses by feeding them, cleaning, brushing them, etc. Second, you will participate in classes that help children and adults learn to ride. It may be possible to take lessons and depending on your skills and experience, you may have the opportunity to compete in tournaments. Finally, you will have daily contact with patients and attend classes on equine therapy theories in order to enhance your assistance with the patients.

Highlights

Your role will vary each day and offer you a diverse range of experiences and work. The effect of the therapy is different for each patient; however, by displaying enthusiasm and a passion for horses you can play a part in their enjoyment and help to create a positive healing experience. Your very presence will help to make each session enjoyable, which is vital to maintaining the interest of those you work with.

An intermediate level of Spanish is required for this placement to ensure that you can interact fully with the local staff. You will receive guidance not only from the Projects Abroad staff, but also from your supervisor at the center.

Qualifications

Intermediate Spanish

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad

Program Fees Include:

Accommodation, food, medical and travel insurance, placement, 24 hour in country staff support, and airport transfers.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

16 and up

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992