1. Is there an age limit to participate in any of the GIC Argentina Gap Year in South America programs?
You have to be at least 18 years of age in order to participate in any of GIC's Gap Year programmes.

2. Is this GIC Argentina Gap Year in South America program only for college students?
No! People who do a gap year project iin Latin America 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 a GIC Argentina gap year program?
It depends. For some voluntary programs, the minimum commitment is 2 weeks for a number of volunteer work positions (some longer). However, many organizations needing volunteers in South America 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 Argentina Gap Year in South America 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. The level of required Spanish speaking ability will depend on your chosen gap year project - obviously if you are going to Argentina to learn Spanish, you don't need any Spanish speaking abilities.

5. What types of gap year programs are available in Buenos Aires?
There are a wide variety of gap year programs in Buenos Aires - many of the volunteer programmes 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). There are many new gap year projects every year - inquire for the latest information.

6. What types of gap year projects can I do in other areas of Argentina?
Many of the gap year opportunities outside of Buenos Aires are learning Spanish or volunteering in rural areas, including indigenous communities in the north of Argentina. Inquire to find out which gap year projects are available for the time you will be coming to South America. Summer gap year project 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 gap year programme in Argentina?
Obviously GIC Argentina Gap Year in South America positions will vary - but most are from 4 to 8 hours per day (Spanish classes can be 3 or more hours per day). If you have special needs regarding hours for your gap year program, please let us know.

8. Can I combine multiple Gap Year programs at the same time - like a voluntary programme with Spanish classes?
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 a gap year volunteer organization, the more responsibilties they will tend to give you.

9. Can I combine two different GIC Argentina Gap Year voluntary positions at the same time?
Typically not at the same time - however if you would like to have two different gap year experiences in Argentina, you can easily arrange different volunteer or other year out placements back to back. But, keep in mind that most gap year volunteer organizations have minimum time committments that they require.

10. What types of accomodations are available in Buenos Aires for the gap year abroad programs?
The accomodation options are the same for all GIC Argentina gap year 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 GIC Argentina Volunteer in South America program and find my own accommodations?
Yes, you can register for our international gap year placements in Argentina and find your own housing. If this is your situation, please contact us and we will give you a quote for the gap year abroad programme without housing.

12. When will I know if I have been accepted into the Argentina gap year project?
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 Argentina Gap Year in South America opportunity - typically within a week.

13. How much do I have to pay in advance in order to be accepted into the Volunteer in South America program?
For volunteering abroad in Buenos Aires (and other cities in Argentina), 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 Gap Year in South America programs?
It depends - for university programs and learning Spanish programs, there are often scholarships offered. For voluntary, internship and other programmes, there are random promotions and multi-month discounts that you might be able to take advantage of. A majority of our gap year abroad participants choose multi-month year out programs in Argentina.

15. When is the final gapyear program payment due?
For gap year abroad opportunities 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 your gap year program or first night in your acommodations, whichever is first). For gap year abroad programs in Argentina outside of Buenos Aires, a 50% payment of the gap year program price is required at least 30 days before arrival.

17. How can I pay for my GIC Argentina Gap Year in South America program?
See #15 above. Depending upon the location of your international gap year program, you can either pay upon arrival, or must pay 50% of the year out program price 30 days in advance.

18. Do you arrange excursions on the weekends as part of the gap year projects 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 gap year 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 on a gap year programme in Argentina?
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 gap year program participants, but you will meet other international students and year out participants from around the world, as well as Argentineans if your gap year placement is at an internship or voluntary organisation, as well as in your home stay or student residence, and in your gap year travels.

20. Is airfare included in the price of the GIC Argentina Gap Year South America programs?
Your flights to and from Argentina are not included in any international gap year programme 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 gap year project price?
No, insurance is not included. We strongly encourage gap year abroad programme participants to get travel and health insurance. GIC Argentina will not be responsible for any costs incurred by the gap year participant relating to medical illness, accidents or any reason that will result in the participant's early return. Trip cancellation and overseas medical insurance are surprisingly affordable.