Description

Want to volunteer teaching in a diverse range of locations, helping underprivileged and orphaned children, whilst living in and exploring the spectacular city of Buenos Aires? BA is a 24-hour city, lively, frenetic, with lots to see and do.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
--> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Latin America.
--> New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
--> An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
--> The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them
--> And maybe best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

PROJECT OVERVIEW:
Teaching takes place in children's homes, primary and secondary schools and social assistance centres, with children, teenagers or single mothers. The children often come from deprived or abusive backgrounds and have been taken into care by the Justice Department. Usually they attend school during the week but most have to return to their homes over the weekend, which is often unpleasant for them. Despite these disadvantages, the children are usually warm and friendly and they need care and affection. In several homes children suffer from behavioural problems and may be far behind in their classes.

Your help is needed to provide very basic English teaching through playing or singing with the children. In some of the Homes we work in, you may need a reasonable knowledge of Spanish, but in other Homes and schools, you don't need a knowledge of the language.

One of the many homes we work with is for children whose parents are infected with HIV or whose parents have died from HIV. Working in this Home is optional but very rewarding because these children in particular crave love and attention. The feel-good factor when working with these children is very high and your time with them is very beneficial to them.

We also work with a number of private schools in Buenos Aires where the children come from middle class backgrounds. Despite this, they are not usually rich schools and some of the children are there because they have been awarded a scholarship. To teach in a school you don't need to be able to speak Spanish as you will nearly always be an assistant to the regular English teacher.

We also help adult courses in a variety of institutions where you could teach adults of all ages. Often class sizes are small and you'll usually be in sole charge of the class. As you can see, there are different types of teaching available, something to suit everyone!

Highlights

This fabulous city is renowned for its sophistication and has a surprisingly European feel about it. BA is reminiscent of Paris and its tree-lined avenues and frequent plazas have a beguiling, faded elegance. Downtown, the Plaza de Mayo is the traditional focus of activity. Nearby Avenida 9 de Julio is popularly known as the world's widest thoroughfare and, with its nine lanes of traffic, is truly a pedestrian's nightmare! Avenida Santa Fe is the most fashionable shopping area.

Argentina is geared up to thrill - from nights tangoing in the chic quarter of Buenos Aires to gaucho riding in the grasslands of the Pampas. Dynamic and bustling, a city which seems never to sleep, Buenos Aires is one of the most exciting cities in Latin America. Tango was born here, restaurants serve all manner of world cuisines, bars play the latest music, cafés spill on to the streets and nightclubs allow dancing throughout the night.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:
Add to your travel experience in Argentina by doing some additional exciting activities - you never know, you could develop a passion for Latin American dance, or learn a new skill
--> Tango Courses: That most flamboyant and exciting of Latin American rhythms. Includes a weekly Milonga (Tango party) great fun!
--> Salsa Courses: Salsa music is a synthesis of European and African musical influences that was born in Cuba. You'll learn from a Cuban teacher who will tailor lessons to suit your level, even totally beginners.
--> Spanish Language Courses: You can take a few hours of private lessons a week at the same time as doing your project. You'll be amazed at how much it will add to your enjoyment during your stay.

This project can also be combined with any of our other projects in Buenos Aires, or you could even do a this Project and then follow it with another project in Mendoza. That way you'll get a good knowledge of two very different regions of the country.

Qualifications

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit Sports enthusiasts who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Varies depending on length, but starts at 1,345

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat). You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range

From 17 years old up to 70+

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Group living
• Home-stays
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

within 5 working days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement

Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded

1995