1. Is there an age limit to participate in any of the GIC Argentina's Volunteer Latin America programs?
You have to be at least 18 years of age in order to participate in volunteer work programs in Argentina.
2. Is this GIC Volunteering in South America program only for college students?
No! People who volunteer are of a wide variety of ages - thought it is true that the majority are under 35.
3. Is there a minimum amount of time I have to commit if I want to do volunteer work in South America?
Yes - the minimum commitment is 2 weeks for a number of volunteer work positions (some longer). However, many organizations needing volunteers in Argentina repeatedly say that they give more responsibility to those committing to longer periods of time.
4. Is it mandatory to be fluent in Spanish to participate in the GIC Volunteer Work in Argentina programs?
No. But obviously you can be given greater responsiblities in any particular volunteer work programme in Argentina if your Spanish abilities are intermediate or high level.
5. What types of volunteer latin america programs are available in Buenos Aires?
There are a wide variety of volunteer programs in Buenos Aires - many are in the area of health care or with children. Due the large income differences in Buenos Aires, there are a lot of "unmet needs" for the poor - particularly with children with unstable home situations (thus the unfortunate existence of orphanages and street children in Argentina).
6. What types of volunteer work can I do in other areas of South America?
Many of the voluntary programmes outside of Buenos Aires are in rural areas, including indigenous communities in the north of Argentina. Inquire to find out which volunteer work positions are available for the time you will be coming to South America. Summer volunteer work program positions can fill up ahead of time - so if coming between June and August, try to decide on your summer program and sign up as early as possible.
7. Is there a minimum number of hours I have to commit to my volunteer work in Argentina?
Obviously GIC Argentina Volunteer in South America positions will vary - but most are from 4 to 8 hours per day. If you have special needs regarding hours for your volunteer work program, please let us know.
8. Can I combine a Volunteer in Argentina position with another program such as spanish classes? there a maximum number of courses I can take in a semester at the university in Buenos Aires?
Possibly - it really depends on the voluntary organisation you are working for - but most are flexible and can work with you on a schedule that works for you. As mentioned above however, the greater the time you commit to the volunteer organization, the more responsibilties they will tend to give you.
9. Can I combine two different GIC Argentina volunteer programs together?
Typically not at the same time - however if you would like to have two different volunteer experiences in Argentina, you can have to different volunteer placements back to back. But, keep in mind that most volunteer organizations have minimum time committments that they require.
10. What types of accomodations are available in Buenos Aires for the volunteer work abroad programs?
The accomodation options are the same for all GIC Argentina volunteer work programs. For volunteer work participants, you can choose from a student residence, home stay, shared apartment or non-shared apartment.
11. Can I register for a volunteer program and find my own accommodations?
Yes, you can register for our international volunteer work programs and find your own housing. If this is your situation, please contact us and we will give you a quote for the volunteer work abroad program without housing.
12. When will I know if I have been accepted into a volunteer abroad program?
After registering and paying the application fee (and after sending your CV/resume) you will be informed whether you have been accepted into a GIC Volunteering in Argentina program - typically within a week.
13. How much do I have to pay in advance in order to be accepted into a voluntary programme?
For volunteering in Buenos Aires, only the application fee must be paid in order to be accepted. The full program payment can be paid in advance or upon arrival.
14. Are scholarships available for the Volunteer Work in South America programs?
Sorry no. However there are random promotions and multi-month discounts that you might be able to take advantage of. A majority of our volunteer abroad participants choose multi-month volunteer abroad programs in Argentina.
15. When is the final program payment due?
For volunteer work abroad programs in Buenos Aires, payment can be made in advance by credit card or bank wire, or if preferred upon arrival (but prior to the first day of volunteering or first night in acommodations, whichever is first). For volunteer work abroad programs in Argentina outside of Buenos Aires, a 50% payment of the international volunteer program price is required at least 30 days before arrival.
17. How can I pay for my GIC Argentina Volunteer program?
See #15 above. Depending upon the location of your international volnteer program, you can either pay upon arrival, or must pay 50% of the volunteer abroad program price 30 days in advance.
18. Do you arrange excursions on the weekends as part of the volunteer programs in Argentina?
Yes!! We arrange optional trips to many parts of Argentina (and other countries in South America too) - however any costs are not included in the international volunteer program price. Your program does include cultural activities such as walking tours around Buenos Aires, theaters, museums, conversation partner and welcome parties, etc. For more information, please visit Weekend Trips.
19. Will I meet anyone if I go alone to volunteer in South America?
Yes! Most of our participants travel independently and are looking to meet other people with an interest in learning in another country, possibly learning a new language, and discovering another culture. Not only will you meet other volunteer program participants, but you will meet other international students and volunteers from around the world, and Argintineans at your volunteer organization, in your home stay or student residence, and in your travels.
20. Is airfare included in the price of the programs?
Your flights to and from Argentina are not included in any international volunteer program prices in Latin America. When you have made your flight arrangements to Argentina, let us know so we may arrange your airport pickup.
21. Is medical insurance or trip cancellation insurance included in the GIC Argentina volunteer work program price?
No, insurance is not included. We strongly encourage international volunteer program participants to get travel and health insurance. GIC Argentina will not be responsible for any costs incurred by the volunteer relating to medical illness, accidents or any reason that will result in the volunteer's early return. Trip cancellation and overseas medical insurance are surprisingly affordable.