Zero risk booking! Free changes & full refund options
Holiday Experience Volunteer Program in Argentina - Córdoba

Holiday Experience Volunteer Program in Argentina - Córdoba

Ready to experience an authentic Argentinian Christmas as a Holiday Experience volunteer in Córdoba? International Volunteer HQ’s Holiday Experience project is a fun and meaningful way for volunteers to support local children, the elderly and communities in need during the Christmas and New Year season. Volunteers will help bring festive cheer to local hospitals, nursing homes, childcare centers, playgrounds and other community spaces, while soaking up Argentinian traditions during the holiday season.

Highlights:
  • Only available the weeks of Christmas and New Years
  • Affordable fees from AU$850 for 1 week
  • Includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
  • Help with festive activities for children, elderly and others in need

  • Check out Córdoba’s rich history and beautiful ancient buildings

  • Stay in a home with other volunteers in a peaceful neighborhood of Córdoba

Key information

Support marginalised & low-income communities
Based around the neighborhoods of Córdoba
Local homestay accommodation
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Fully hosted experience from AU$850 for 1 week
Durations from 1 - 2 weeks
Spanish lessons available
Up to 5 hours volunteering per day

This program is ideal for:

Compassionate volunteers who want to spread holiday cheer and make a difference to people’s lives over the festive season.
Who is this program suited to?

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

The Argentina - Córdoba Holiday Experience project is held during the weeks of Christmas and New Years and provides the opportunity to participate in a variety of projects that benefit the local community during the festive season when other volunteer projects take a break.

Please note, in 2024, this project is only available to volunteers who begin the weeks of 23rd December and 30th December - volunteers should arrive on the 22nd or 29th December (respectively) for this project. Volunteers who continue beyond these weeks will resume on a standard volunteer project of their choice.

Why do Holiday Experience volunteering in Cordoba with IVHQ?

When you volunteer during the holidays in Argentina, you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Bringing people together during the holiday season
  • Providing companionship to the young and old
  • Practicing your Spanish
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Gaining childcare, elderly care and event planning experience
  • Experiencing the festive season in Argentina
  • Exploring the stunning region and city of Córdoba

Volunteer requirements

  • Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
  • Volunteers aged 16-18 are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent 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
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

Not sure which program to join?

Get personalized recommendations >

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

LE
Lucia Eshleman
27 Feb 2024

I would say that if you're going to volunteer anywhere, this is absolutely the place to do it! Not only is the work you'll do so empowering and joyful, the family makes a world of difference. I have done two other IVHQ programs and this one was my favourite!! I loved living with a family, it makes the whole trip so much more special. I loved how real it felt and how we got to see so many different parts of Cordoba. I really can't put into words how much I loved Cordoba and this program. I am so glad I chose this and I will hold onto these memories forever!! 11/10!!!

...
LK
Lindsay Kilner
11 Dec 2023

I really enjoyed my stay in Cordoba with Nadi and Pedro. They treated me as if I were a member of their family and it really felt like a home away from home. I felt incredibly safe and well taken care of from the moment I arrived to my departure. It provided an amazing opportunity to learn about the local culture while still feeling at home! I am incredibly grateful for my time in Cordoba and of course to Pedro and Nadi. I really hope to have the opportunity to return to them one day.

...
LR
Lourdes Ramirez
11 Dec 2023

I feel like I gained so much from this experience in all aspects of my life. Argentina was always a dream of mine to travel to and giving back to a community there was even more than I expected. I fell in love with the people and their culture. There was always something fun to do even if we just stayed at the house, we were able to relax by the pool and enjoy time together. I highly recommend anyone looking to gain a similar experience as mine to join the program, you won’t regret it.

...
RC
Risa Cove
15 Aug 2023

I am serious right now- if you’re looking for a program with an incredibly warm, welcoming, and safe family, a beautiful large house with plenty of space and people, an amazing chance to practice Spanish (whether you’ve never spoken a word or you’re fluent), and a fun and impactful volunteer placement that also gives you a lot of free time throughout the rest of the day, COME TO CÓRDOBA! They truly gave me the perfect balance of everything I was looking for, and I know you could do the same because there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a super social experience or just to be able to go out on a trip to a local town/city by yourself, whether you’re looking for a scenic nature landscape or a packed bustling city, you can make anything happen, and with plenty of guidance along the way to ensure you’re getting your perfect experience :)

...
OK
Olivia Kocot
06 Jun 2023

DO IT! This experience changed my life! I loved staying in a homestay with a family because I got to really see the culture of the country through the food, routines, and day-to-day lifestyle. In all honesty, I really thought about staying another week and if my personal schedule allowed it, I would have. I really didn't want to leave. DO IT!

...
LB
Logan Bosak
26 Apr 2023

Although it may be difficult to go outside of your comfort zone, it is 100% worth the experience. It opened my eyes and my mind to what life looks like in a new country and culture. It’s one thing to read about it but it’s another thing to see it in person and hear about it from the locals. In addition to that, the advice and perspective I received from the people there have made me look at my own country and life in a new light. I think the accommodation was the highlight of my volunteer experience. The local team, who were also the hosts, were beyond kind and accommodating. I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to live with and interact with their family. They helped to make the cultural immersion aspect of this trip even more deep and meaningful and everyone there was helpful, kind, and supportive.

...

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!

Learn about course credit
Volunteer Abroad in Argentina, Córdoba with IVHQ

Location

In the middle of Argentina, IVHQ’s Córdoba projects are set against the breathtaking backdrop of rolling hills and valleys which surround the city. Córdoba is home to Argentina’s second largest university and hundreds of thousands of students who give it a lively, modern flavour. You’ll find great markets, picturesque parks, pumping nightlife and masses of museums, cathedrals and cultural icons just waiting to be discovered.

Arrival and orientation

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Ambrosio Taravella International Airport (COR) in Córdoba on Monday. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter of consent from their parents to support their documentation.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation in Córdoba. 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 Córdoba on the day before your program orientation, which is Monday for this project. Orientation is hosted by our Córdoba team and begins on the morning of your chosen start date, which is Tuesday for this project” change to ““If you are traveling in Argentina prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Córdoba on the day of your program orientation, which is Wednesday for this project. Orientation is hosted by our Córdoba team and begins on the morning of your chosen start date, which is Wednesday for this project.

Volunteer schedule example

The general schedule for the 2023 Holiday Experience project is as follows:

WEEK 1:

Please note that, due to the public holiday, arrival will take place on Wednesday, and your project will run Thursday through Friday. Your final night in the accommodation will be on Monday with departure Tuesday morning.

Wednesday, December 20th Arrival and orientation - Arrival, pick-up and transportation to housing.
Thursday, December 21st - Friday, December 22nd Help organise holiday parties for children or the elderly, deliver gifts to hospitals and nursing homes or renovate a local community center playground.
Saturday, December 23rd Will have the day free to explore Cordoba. Have the option to do a city or mountain tour.
Sunday, December 24th Christmas Eve - Prepare and enjoy a traditional Argentinian Christmas Eve family dinner.
Monday, December 25th Christmas - Enjoy a relaxing Christmas day and a late Argentinian Christmas family lunch.
Tuesday, December 26th Departure - Depart the program if you are only volunteering for 1 week

WEEK 2:

Please note that, due to the public holiday, arrival will take place on Wednesday, and your project will run Thursday through Friday. Your final night in the accommodation will be on Monday with departure Tuesday morning.

Wednesday, December 27th Arrival and orientation (for new volunteers) - Arrival, pick-up and transportation to housing.
Thursday, December 28th - Friday, December 29th Help organise holiday parties for children or the elderly, deliver gifts to hospitals and nursing homes or renovate a local community center playground.
Saturday, December 30th Will have the day free to explore Cordoba. Have the option to do a city or mountain tour.
Sunday, December 31st Prepare and enjoy a traditional Argentinian New Year’s Eve family dinner.
Monday, January 1st New Year’s day - Enjoy a relaxing New Year’s day and a late Argentinian New Year’s family lunch.
Tuesday, January 2nd Departure

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers are accommodated in a family homestay in Barrio El Refugio, a peaceful neighborhood, 15 - 20 minutes drive from Córdoba airport, and 30 minutes drive to the city center. Your hostess is also your coordinator so our local team will be very easy to approach and always available in case you need anything.

This two-story homestay has great facilities for volunteers, including a barbecue area and a swimming pool which is available in the summer. Bedrooms have single beds and bunk beds and you can expect to share a bedroom with one to three other volunteers of the same gender. Bathrooms with hot showers and western toilets are shared between no more than three other volunteers, and bedding and towels are provided.

A private room (without a private bathroom) can also be requested at an additional cost of US$70 (approximately AU$113) per week for a single room or US$105 (approximately AU$170) per week for a double room. This needs to be paid to our local team in Córdoba and needs to be arranged prior to arrival.

WiFi is available for volunteers to use at the homestay. You can also purchase a local SIM card with data for an unlocked mobile phone to keep connected.

Meals

Breakfast and dinner are served every weekday at the volunteer accommodation. On the weekend you will only be provided with breakfast, however, you will be provided with supplies so that you can prepare your own dinner.

If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know ahead of time so that we can make arrangements for you. Remember that you should be flexible and open to trying new foods and we will do our best to see that you are well taken care of.

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$850 Equivalent to AU$122/day
2 weeks AU$1434 Equivalent to AU$102/day
  • Accommodation
  • Breakfast and dinner
  • 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$533) 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, public transport to and from your placement each day and return to the airport when your program finishes.
  • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Cordoba generally find US$50 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$252
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$87
Buenos Aires Overnight Tour
Buenos Aires Overnight Tour

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

AU$252
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$87
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$58
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$1458
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$210

Spanish language lessons

Fluency in Spanish is not a prerequisite for the IVHQ Argentina - Córdoba program, however on certain projects volunteer work will be restricted with limited language ability. IVHQ, therefore, strongly recommends that volunteers take advantage of the very affordable language lessons offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers. Past volunteers feel that taking these lessons help immensely with day-to-day volunteer work and communicating with local people. Taught by professional Spanish teachers and tailored to each person’s specific needs, the classes run for one hour a day, Monday through Friday. The lessons are arranged with your IVHQ Program Manager prior to departure.

  • 1 hour, private lessons (5 hours per week): AU$126 per week

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 45.1 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, from June to August, is the driest period of the year. 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).

Other projects you may be interested in

How to get started

Pick a destination + project and apply for free
Meet your personal volunteer travel expert
Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
Get ready to volunteer abroad, we’ll support you every step of the way!