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Childcare Volunteer Program in Argentina - Buenos Aires

Childcare Volunteer Program in Argentina - Buenos Aires

Interested in Childcare in Argentina - Buenos Aires? International Volunteer HQ’s Childcare project is based in a soup kitchen that caters to dozens of children and teens from marginalized communities every day. By volunteering you’ll gain experience in childcare and cooking, while the children will benefit from a healthy meal as well as your time, energy and attention. This helps keep local children safe and off the streets, builds important skills and gives them a taste of the English language.

Highlights:
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Affordable fees from AU$714 for 1 week
  • Includes accommodation, breakfast, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
  • Help a local soup kitchen with preparing and serving meals for up to 45 children per day

  • Play games and socialise with children from marginalized communities

  • Provide exposure to casual English speaking

Key information

Provide a safe space for children to learn
Based in Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires
Dormitory-style volunteer house
18+ years and families
Fully hosted experience from AU$714 for 1 week
Durations from 1 - 12 weeks
In-country and online Spanish lessons available
3 - 5 hours volunteering per day

This program is ideal for:

Volunteers with plenty of enthusiasm for working with children and who are comfortable in a kitchen. Experience or qualifications in early childhood education will be an advantage, as will basic Spanish language skills, but these are not required as you’ll be working alongside local staff.
Who is this program suited to?

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

Children in disadvantaged parts of Buenos Aires often do not have access to food, education, opportunities or people to care for them. But with the help of volunteers, children have the chance to build life skills and strong support networks in a safe, nurturing environment. This encourages them to stay off the streets and gives them a life where they’re more likely to fulfill their potential.

As a childcare volunteer in Buenos Aires you’ll be helping the team at a local soup kitchen where up to 45 young children and teenagers gather each day. You’ll be filling their bellies as well as their hearts and minds by giving them your time, care and attention and introducing them to your language and culture.

Day-to-day childcare volunteer work varies, but largely consists of:

  • Preparing and serving food
  • Organizing games
  • Setting up activities, arts and crafts
  • Talking, playing and singing with children and teens
Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

More than half of all children and teens do not meet minimum proficiency standards in reading and mathematics. Quality education provides an opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment and is key to preventing poverty, securing long-term employment and improving quality of life.

Why do Childcare volunteering in Buenos Aires with IVHQ?

While volunteering on the Childcare project in Buenos Aires, you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Improving food security for Buenos Aires’ young people
  • Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
  • Practicing your Spanish
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Gaining childcare experience
  • Immersing yourself fully in the Argentinian culture
  • Exploring Argentina’s bustling cosmopolitan capital

Volunteer requirements

  • Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program and may be asked to provide additional documentation to the local team
  • All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
  • All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
  • All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

Apply For Free

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

CC
Clare Cuenya
05 Mar 2024

I would tell someone who is hesitant about joining this program to go ahead and pull the trigger and buy that plane ticket! This experience was something I will never forget and something that allowed me to pursue my interest in the medical field. I firmly believe that the Argentina community and culture is one that no other can replace. You will be instantly welcomed with love, food, and lots of laughs!

...
MS
Maria Sergeeva
10 Jul 2023

The support I received was amazing! I understand that it is very difficult to organise all of this but everyone is doing an incredible job. I felt 10000% comfortable and safe during the whole period.

...
DC
Diane Cye
08 Mar 2023

Do it! Life is short and time is not guaranteed, if you can physically travel and have interest in helping people IVHQ will prepare you!

...
SM
Sage Moore
24 Nov 2022

I would say that it is one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done. Not only did I get to help others, but I also learned things that I might not have even thought about otherwise. Volunteering can be hard, but being pushed outside of your comfort zone is so rewarding and valuable.

...
IT
Ivgeni Tsahelnik
29 Jan 2021

This month was incredible! Since the first moment the locals made me feel at home, and I've met amazing people who will stay in my heart forever. Buenos Aires, thank you for everything!

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

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Volunteer Abroad in Argentina, Buenos Aires with IVHQ

Location

On IVHQ’s Buenos Aires projects, you’ll find yourself volunteering in one of the world’s largest and most diverse cities. Millions of immigrants make this a dynamic city with a unique fusion of European heritage and South American roots. You’ll be staying in the upmarket and culturally-rich Recoleta neighborhood where you can visit Eva Peron’s tomb or enjoy numerous statues, world-famous museums and art galleries. The city centre is a short trip by metro.

Arrival and orientation

The program begins every Monday and volunteers need to arrive in Buenos Aires on the day before orientation.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Ministro Pistarini International Airport, known as Ezeiza International Airport (EZE). Your airport pick-up is included in your program fee.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation. Your accommodation is covered by your program fee and includes the night before your program orientation.

If you are travelling in Argentina prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Buenos Aires on the day before your program orientation.

Orientation is hosted by IVHQ’s Argentina team and begins on the morning of your start date. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Buenos Aires – Introduction to Argentina, Culture and Customs, Rules and Expectations, Safety, Travel Opportunities, Introduction to Project and Placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.

Volunteer schedule example

First Day

On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.

Weekdays

Volunteers may have a morning or afternoon shift, or both, and can expect to volunteer a minimum of three hours, Monday through Friday. A typical daily schedule would be as follows:

8.00 AM Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation.
8.30 - 9.00 AM Volunteers travel to their placements.
9.30 AM - 1.00 PM Work at the placement commences, if you have been assigned a morning shift.
1.00 - 2.00 PM Break for lunch
2.00 - 4.00 PM Work at the placement commences, if you have been assigned an afternoon shift.
5.00 - 7.00 PM You are free to travel back to the volunteer house for your Spanish lessons, go sightseeing or do some shopping.

Please note, this is an example schedule as some projects take place in the afternoon. Start time and daily workload depends on the project that the individual volunteer is participating on.

Weekends

Relax and take the time to discover the beauty of Buenos Aires. Hit the dancefloor and learn to tango, take in a football game, see the city’s highlights by bus or try Argentina’s famous steaks at one of the many restaurants and cafes. It’s only a short trip to the nearby cities of Córdoba or Rosario, or to sample wine in the Mendoza region and experience the Iguaçu Falls and National Park. If you’re in the mood for an adventure there’s trekking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, paragliding and abseiling opportunities. And for something different, find beautiful beaches and practice your Portugese in Uruguay - only a quick boat ride away.

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers are accommodated in an apartment block in central Buenos Aires. Each apartment features one bedroom, a kitchen, bathroom and living room with a TV. They are also equipped with air conditioning and WiFi.

Volunteers can expect to share a bedroom with up to three other volunteers of the same gender. Bedrooms have bunk beds with bedding provided, however volunteers will need to bring their own towels. The shared bathrooms feature hot showers and western toilets.

A communal space within the building provides volunteers with the opportunity to socialize and interact with other volunteers from different apartments on the premises. Additionally, the office is conveniently situated in the same building, making it easier for volunteers to get a hold of the local team.

The apartment block is within walking distance to Plaza de Mayo and Obelisc, two of the main tourist attractions in Buenos Aires, which makes the area very safe and vibrant. There is 24/7 security at the accommodation reception and supermarkets, grocery shops, and plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby. There are also four metro lines and many bus lines within walking distance, which will take you anywhere in the city.

Meals

A continental style breakfast is provided in the kitchen/dining room of the volunteer house every morning and includes eggs, toast, spreads, cereal, fruit, tea and coffee. Volunteers prepare their own breakfasts.

For lunch and dinner, you can cook for yourself in the generous and well established communal kitchen of the volunteer accommodation which has a gas hob, oven, microwave, fridge and pantry space. Alternatively, you can buy lunch and dinner from restaurants nearby the volunteer placements and accommodation at a cost of between AU$8 to AU$40 per meal.

Pricing

  • USD
Duration
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
  • USD
1 week AU$713 Equivalent to AU$102/day
2 weeks AU$1065 Equivalent to AU$76/day
3 weeks AU$1313 Equivalent to AU$63/day
4 weeks AU$1562 Equivalent to AU$56/day
5 weeks AU$1810 Equivalent to AU$52/day
6 weeks AU$2059 Equivalent to AU$49/day
8 weeks AU$2555 Equivalent to AU$46/day
10 weeks AU$3052 Equivalent to AU$44/day
12 weeks AU$3549 Equivalent to AU$42/day
  • Accommodation
  • Breakfast
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Airport pick-up
  • Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
  • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
  • Discounts on language lessons
  • Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
  • Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately AU$528) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services. IVHQ fees are priced in USD but you may elect to pay in AUD.
  • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
  • Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, lunch and dinner, public transport to and from your placement each day and return to the airport when your program finishes.
  • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Buenos Aires generally find US$160 to be sufficient for weekly expenses, including in-country tours and optional Spanish lessons.

Free-time experiences & tours in Argentina

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Argentina! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Argentina program.

BBQ Night
BBQ Night

Experience an authentic home-made Argentinian BBQ with plenty of meat and vegetables.

AU$48
Buenos Aires Overnight Tour
Buenos Aires Overnight Tour

Experience a 2-day round trip tour to Buenos Aires.

AU$250
Cordoba Mountain Tour (Full Day)
Cordoba Mountain Tour (Full Day)

Enjoy a captivating 10 hour guided tour to any of the six different valleys and towns that you have to choose from.

AU$86
Buenos Aires Overnight Tour
Buenos Aires Overnight Tour

Experience a 2-day round trip tour to Buenos Aires.

AU$250
Cordoba Mountain Tour (Full Day)
Cordoba Mountain Tour (Full Day)

Enjoy a captivating 10 hour guided tour to any of the six different valleys and towns that you have to choose from.

AU$86
Cordoba Mountain Tour (Half Day)
Cordoba Mountain Tour (Half Day)

Enjoy a 4 hour guided tour to any of the six different valleys and towns that you have to choose from.

AU$57
BBQ Night
BBQ Night

Experience an authentic home-made Argentinian BBQ with plenty of meat and vegetables.

AU$48
Iguazu Falls Trip
Iguazu Falls Trip

Embark on a captivating three-day journey to witness the largest waterfall system in the world.

AU$1444
Private Virtual Spanish Language Lessons
Private Virtual Spanish Language Lessons

Improve your Spanish skills before volunteering abroad on the Buenos Aires program with our interactive one-to-one online language lessons.

From AU$208

Virtual Spanish Language Lessons

If you would like to improve your Spanish language ability before starting your volunteer program, our team in Buenos Aires deliver interactive online Spanish lessons that are popular with IVHQ volunteers.

These virtual lessons are highly recommended to help settle any language barriers or culture shock you can face when arriving in Argentina.

If you would like to sign up for virtual Spanish lessons, just make a note in your application or contact your IVHQ Program Manager who will assist you in booking the lessons.

The lesson content is created and delivered by qualified teachers of Spanish as a second language, who have extensive experience teaching both online and in the classroom. The online Spanish course focuses not only on teaching Spanish but also providing you with valuable vocabulary and tools needed to help you prepare for your volunteer project.

The virtual language classes are taught from Monday to Friday via Zoom and Google Classroom. Volunteers can join personalized private classes which cater for all language abilities from beginner to advanced.

  • 1-week virtual private lessons (60-80 minute classes, 5x per week): US$130

Class timetables will be set with the provider once a volunteer has secured their place. Outside of these contact hours volunteers will complete assignments and have access to a Q&A forum.

Volunteer progress will be assessed by the coordinator and teachers through the online syllabus which will be used to track the progress and performance of each student. All volunteers will be provided with a Certificate of Completion at the end of each week and can request a formal final assessment if they wish.

Spanish Language Lessons in Buenos Aires

A 1-week Spanish language crash course is offered in Buenos Aires for those volunteers who are new to Spanish and want to learn the basics. The lessons are held from Monday to Friday.

1-week private lessons (2-hour classes, 5x per week): US$195

If you have an intermediate or advanced level of Spanish, and would like additional classes while in Buenos Aires, our local team will assist you in arranging classes at a nearby Spanish language school.

Please contact us or your IVHQ Program Manager for more information or to sign up for any of these language lesson options.

Check what's required to visit Argentina

Safety and support with IVHQ

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

  • All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
  • All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
  • All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
  • All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Capital Buenos Aires
Population 41.09 million
Languages Spanish
Currency Argentine Peso
Time zone UTC-03:00

Weather and climate

Like its topography, Argentina’s climate varies greatly. The climate ranges from subtropical in the north, to humid in the central regions, to sub-Antarctic in the south. Winter is the driest period of the year (June to August). The coldest months are June and July and the warmest month is January. Average annual temperatures in Buenos Aires range from 51°F to 83°F (11°C to 28°C).

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How to get started

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