The following Volunteer FAQ are common for all volunteer projects. If you have specific questions, please email us.
1. Why do I need to pay to volunteer in Argentina?
You are not paying to actually volunteer. The price of your program includes your accomodation, airport pick up, cell phone, planned cultural and nightlife activities, an on site coordinator to help you with any problems, and the often lengthy process in finding the right match between the volunteer and the hosting organization.
2. What is the minimum age to participate in this volunteer program in Argentina?
You have to be at least 18 years of age to be part of a volunteer project.
3. What level of language skill do I have to have?
There is not language requisite to participate in this volunteer program.
4. What is the length of the volunteer work programs?
The volunteer program duration can be flexible depending upon the volunteer assignment. We ask, however, for a minimum commitment of two weeks for most volunteer projects and 1 month for the medical volunteer project / health care volunteer project.
5. How much time is spent each week in the volunteer program?
You will generally volunteer during normal business hours, an average of 10 or 20 hours a week. However, other arrangements can be made on a case by case basis. Your volunteer project schedule will be arranged on your first interview.
6. How can I enroll in this volunteer program?
It is very easy! Simply fill out the application form by clicking here and submit a résumé/CV.
7. Can I combine this volunteer program with other program?
Yes! You can combine this volunteer program with other programs if you want, but you should arrange this in advance to make sure that there are no scheduling conflicts and that there is space available. Please, contact us if this is your situation.
8. Do I receive a certificate at the end of the volunteer program?
Yes, upon request GIC Argentina will give you a certificate of participation in our Volunteer Work Program.
9. Do you arrange excursions on the weekend?
Yes!! We can arrange optional trips to many parts of Argentina - however any costs are not included in the program price. Your program does include cultural activities such as walking tours around Buenos Aires, theaters, museums, etc.
10. Will I meet anyone if I go alone?
Yes! Most of our participants travel independently and are looking to meet other people with an interest in learning a language and discovering another culture. Not only will you meet other volunteer program participants, but you will meet locals as well, at your volunteer project, in your home stay and in your travels.
11. Do I need a passport or visa or work permit for these volunteer programs?
You must have a valid passport to participate in our volunteer work programs, and in some cases you need a visa depending on your country of citizenship. The volunteer opportunities we offer are considered cultural exchange programs, therefore work permits are not required. Please note that you will not be allowed to seek paid, non-program related employment while on a visitor's visa.
12. Is medical insurance included in the program price?
No, medical insurance is not included and it is REQUIRED to participate in the volunteer program. We strongly encourage students to get travel and health insurance. GIC Argentina will not be responsible for any cost incurred by the participant relating to medical illness, accidents or any reason that will result in the participant's early return.
13. What happens if the volunteer project is not successful?
One of the benefits of our program is the support and guidance we provide throughout your volunteer placement. So far, we had never had any adaptation problem with students participating in this volunteer program but, obviously, the one factor that no one can foresee is how well various individuals will get along. We will seek an alternative volunteer placement if you are not satisfied with the one you were assigned to.