Buenos Aires Volunteering

Volunteering can be a powerful and fulfilling experience, especially when combined with the thrill of traveling in a new place. Most people who volunteer in Argentina do so on a short-term basis at organizations that make use of drop-in or once-a-week volunteers. Most short-term opportunities in Buenos Aires proper focus on community development and serving the homeless and underprivileged. Similar opportunities exist in other large Argentine cities, such as Mendoza and Córdoba. Outside of the city centers, many opportunities exist for environmentally focused work, be it protecting wildlife or farming, but these pursuits are mostly long-term projects. As always, read up on your desired program before heading out.

Those looking for longer, more intensive volunteer opportunities usually choose to go through a parent organization that takes care of logistical details and often provides a group environment and support system—for a fee. There are two main types of organizations—religious and secular—although there are rarely restrictions on participation for either. Websites like www.volunteerabroad.com, www.servenet.org, and www.idealist.org allow you to search for volunteer openings both in your country and abroad.

I Have To Pay To Volunteer? Many volunteers are surprised to learn that some organizations require large fees or “donations,” but don’t go calling them scams just yet. While such fees may seem ridiculous at first, they often keep the organization afloat, covering airfare, room, board, and administrative expenses for the volunteers. (Other organizations must rely on private donations and government subsidies.) If you’re concerned about how a program spends its fees, request an annual report or finance account. A reputable organization won’t refuse to inform you of how volunteer money is spent. Pay-to-volunteer programs might be a good idea for young travelers who are looking for more support and structure (such as pre-arranged transportation and housing) or anyone who would rather not deal with the uncertainty of creating a volunteer experience from scratch.

Urban Issues

There are two sides to Buenos Aires, and many of Argentina’s other large cities—the developed, prosperous neighborhoods, and the barrios that are less well off. These volunteer opportunities give ...more

Ecotourism

As more people realize that long-cherished habitats and structures are in danger, diverse programs have stepped in to aid the concerned in lending a hand. There are also opportunities that place volunteers ...more

Medical Outreach

Though many areas of Buenos Aires, and Argentina as a whole, are quite well off, several essential institutions, such as hospitals, are still reeling in the wake of the economic crisis. Below are several ...more