Description

Our Veterinary Internship is located in the heart of Buenos Aires and is perfect for a passionate animal lover looking to to gain experience working with all types of animals. You'll work in one of the largest vet clinics and pet shops in Buenos Aires, located downtown, a few blocks away from 9 de Julio Avenue.

The Centre (CP) has 15 people working between the Pet Shop and the Clinic, including two vets. Working hours are from Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. There are also people on Sundays doing the cleaning and feeding the animals. An intermediate Spanish level is required to work in the clinic (vet consultations and surgeries). You will need a strong passion for animals to be able to become part of the centres three different areas; depending on your likes, experience and level of Spanish. These areas are:

* Helping take care of the boarding pets as well as those for sale and under medical care (e.g. cleaning the cages, feeding the animals, checking their health, administering their medicine, etc.)
* Helping with the pets' grooming
* Providing assistance to the local vet during consultations and surgeries.

These activities will give you the unique opportunity to work hands-on and to observe the reality of day-to-day care of pets while you improve your level of Spanish mingling with local employees and dealing with clients.

The Centre also offers a wide variety of animals for sale, ranging from cats and dogs to all types of birds (canaries, cockatiels, lovebirds, parrots of all sizes, parakeets, etc.), reptiles (iguanas, anoles, geckos, ball python, varanus, turtles, etc.), cold and tropical water fishes, titi monkeys and small animals (chinchillas, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, rabbits, rats, etc.).

Additionally, the Centre organizes special talks and short courses for anyone interested in learning about the pets' world and the basics on veterinary nursing. You will be welcome to both attend these talks as well as, under certain circumstances, to give them.

"This has been a worthwhile experience for me because I have learnt a lot about reptiles which I have not had much previous contact with before. Also I have been able to see a country which is totally different to anything that I have experienced before. Overall, I feel that Buenos Aires is an exciting an exuberant city, with many European influences. As I have been going on weekend trips, it has made me appreciate the city more". Kathryn Adams on her placement in Argentina.

WHO CAN APPLY?
The owner of the Centre says that any participants who has a passion for animals and a willingness to help will be welcome! Vet doctors or vet students are most welcome and will be able to help with the clinic (if they have a high level of Spanish). Applicants should be able to meet the following criteria

* ave a strong passion for animals (you don't need to have a degree or any experience).
* Be over 17 years of age
* Be able to speak some Spanish (intermediate level) to work in the clinic. Your involvement and learning possibilities will depend on your level of Spanish and willingness to participate. The higher your level of Spanish, the more you'll be able to make the most of the placement and the more you'll be able to be involved. As Carina says (she volunteered for 4 months on this project: "I've finished my placement, and I loved it. However, in order to get the most out of it, you'll need to have a high level of Spanish knowledge. Even though I could manage an everyday conversation when I came, I couldn't fully enjoy my experience until the last month. But my experience was fantastic! Everybody was so helpful. I love the people, the culture, my "family" was very caring and I would encourage everybody going to go with the homestay! As a foreigner in Argentina you'll get a lot of attention and almost all of it is positive. People are open and curious and they will really take care of you. Going abroad is the best thing I have ever done in my life. Hasta luego!"
If you are a vet student or vet doctor, it is highly recommended that you have a good command of the language.
* Be able to stay for a minimum of 4 weeks in order to really get familiar with the Centre and its work.
* Be able to work on your own initiative this is crucial to your success on the placement.

Highlights

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 resume that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
* And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

OPTIONAL 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.

Photography Courses:
6 hours per week of photography lessons in colourful Buenos Aires where there is a host of subjects you can capture with your camera.

This project can also be combined with any of our other projects in Argentina, or you could even do a second project in a different region of the country, thus doubling your adventure and enjoyment!

Combined Placements:
We can arrange for your to do a one-month intensive Spanish course, followed by a two-month or three-month work experience internship placement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen! If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us, tell us what type of project you're looking for, and we'll liaise with you and start making your travel adventure happen. It's as easy as that!

Qualifications

Qualifications depend on which placement you choose. It depends on which placement you choose. Some don't require any qualifications or experience and some others would prefer some experience. Please speak to us so that we can help you choose the placement that is right for you and will give you the most beneficial experience. All placements do require you to have initiative, adaptability and patience (and a good sense of humor helps!)

Intern Types

• Animal Sciences

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

From 2,095 for 4 weeks

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

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Resume
• Written Application

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