Language school Buenos Aires, Expanish

The programme :
The voluntary work programme in Buenos Aires is divided into two parts : Spanish courses and work in the field. In this way, you can extend your stay in Argentina through this enriching experience and get involved in various sectors. Each of you will contribute to the well-being of the population living in the suburbs and in the centre of Buenos Aires, in collaboration with NGOs and local representatives.
 
Beginners must take a two-week intensive Spanish course. The school insists that the more capable you will be at speaking Spanish, the more voluntary work opportunities you will get. On the last Friday of your course, our partner school will provide you with an information session about the different voluntary work options on its premises. On the next Monday or Tuesday, you will start working as a volunteer in one of the following projects, according to your interests and skills :

Teaching English in Buenos Aires
You will assist in teaching English or assist students with their English homework. You will also read English books to the children and organise educational games and activities. A good knowledge of English is therefore required for this voluntary work programme.
Working schedule: to be set on-site
Duration: 4 weeks up to 6 months

Volunteers who enrol for this program must be native English speakers or have passed one of the following exams:
1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or
2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Level 6
3. CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English)
4. TEFL certified

Assisting disadvantaged young people in Buenos Aires
In order to provide daily support to children who, for familial or economic reasons, are disadvantaged in life, you will get involved with the youth and assist them with their homework or prepare their picnic or daily meals. Conversation in English or Spanish as well as education workshops are included in this programme, which takes place in orphanages, children homes and community centres in Buenos Aires.
Working schedule: to be set on-site
Duration: 4 weeks up to 6 months

Work with underprivileged communities in Buenos Aires
You will work with people who have been cast out of this big city: people living in the streets or in slums, who have no access to education or healthcare, and can’t get out of the vicious circle of poverty. You will help to prepare meals, receive and sort clothes donations, take part in organised activities, or simply give a little of your time to this underprivileged population. The culture shock may be great. Volunteers can choose the level of culture shock they feel comfortable with at the time of booking.
Working schedule: to be set on-site
Duration: 4 weeks up to 6 months

Programme requirements:
- Minimum age: 18
- being able to work 15 hours or more per week
- In 300 words, explain your choice as regards the intervention field and your expectations in terms of professional and personal experience
- Specify the degree of culture shock you are willing to face: for instance “high” for disadvantaged suburbs and “low” for a children’s home
- be persevering and determined
 
*An excursion in Colonia (Uruguay) or Iguazú (Brazil) will allow you to obtain a stay permit extension of 90 days.
 
The school assists the volunteer during his first intervention in the place of work and ensures him 24h/24 support during the voluntary work programme. If the volunteer requests to work in another field of activity, he will have to pay 100 USD on-site.