I feel this project helped me progress as a person and help open my eyes to different cultures and perspectives that I haven’t experienced before. Anyone who is hesitant about joining should take the risk and go it is an amazing opportunity to meet new friends and locals.
Construction & Renovation Volunteer Project in Argentina - Buenos Aires
Purpose
Improve infrastructure for the local community
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
3 - 5 hours per day
Age
18+ years and families
Accommodation
Dormitory style hostel
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Active volunteers who don’t mind getting their hands dirty and are willing to provide support wherever help is most needed. No previous experience is needed because you’ll be teamed up with experienced local staff and volunteers from the surrounding communities.
Project details
Ready to roll up your sleeves on a Construction and Renovation project in Argentina - Buenos Aires? International Volunteer HQ’s Construction and Renovation project enables volunteers to gain experience and skills in building, renovation and maintenance at schools, soup kitchens and community spaces in marginalized areas of Buenos Aires. These initiatives need hands-on help with the upkeep and improvement of their facilities so they can continue the vital work they do supporting local communities.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Charitable initiatives in marginalized neighborhoods of Buenos Aires are managed by organizations that lack government funding. They rely heavily on the dedication of local charities and generosity of volunteers like you to maintain their day-to-day activities. Unfortunately, they often lack the resources needed to address crucial repairs or improvements that would enhance the safety, functionality, and appeal of their facilities.
By lending your skills as a Construction and Renovation volunteer, you’re not just repairing buildings; you’re providing these organizations with the means to better support their communities and make a lasting impact.
Construction and Renovation volunteer work varies, but tasks may include:
- Painting
- Repairing furniture and equipment
- Tiling
- Gardening
- Building internal walls and bathrooms
Why do Construction and Renovation volunteering in Buenos Aires with IVHQ?
By joining the Construction and Renovation project, you’ll be adding value to the local community, while developing personally and professionally by:
- Making community spaces more safe, useful and appealing
- Supporting local initiatives which serve low-income communities
- Practicing your Spanish
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining construction skills and experience
- Immersing yourself fully in Argentinian culture
- Exploring Argentina’s bustling cosmopolitan capital, Buenos Aires
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers need to be at least 16 years or over to participate on this project independently and provide IVHQ with parental consent.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and 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.
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Argentina photo gallery
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
Exploring Buenos Aires during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Buenos Aires during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Buenos Aires during an IVHQ weekend
Academic course credit
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 creditLocation
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 center 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 traveling 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 socializing.
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. |
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.
Please note that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.
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 Spanish in Uruguay - only a quick boat ride away.
Looking for more ideas of things to do in Argentina - Buenos Aires? Check out our Argentina Tours & Experiences!
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers in Buenos Aires stay in a welcoming hostel located in the vibrant San Telmo neighbourhood, one of the city’s most popular areas. With cafés, restaurants, parks, shops and public transport all within easy walking distance, the hostel provides an ideal base for both your volunteer placement and exploring Buenos Aires in your free time.
Volunteers are accommodated in comfortable, gender-separated shared dormitories, with shared bathroom facilities. The hostel offers a range of modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped communal kitchen, spacious indoor and outdoor common areas, and coworking spaces.
Breakfast is provided each morning, while lunch and dinner can be purchased from the many affordable cafés, restaurants and supermarkets located nearby, giving volunteers plenty of flexibility to sample Argentina’s renowned cuisine.
Meals
Every morning, a continental-style breakfast is available in the kitchen/dining room and includes a selection of eggs, toast, spreads, cereal, fruit, tea, and coffee. Volunteers must prepare their own breakfast.
For lunch and dinner, you have the option to cook your meals in the spacious and well-equipped communal kitchen at the volunteer accommodation. The kitchen features a gas hob, oven, microwave, fridge, and ample pantry space. Alternatively, you can enjoy meals at nearby restaurants, with prices ranging from CA$7 to CA$36 per meal.
Volunteer accommodation kitchen
Volunteer accommodation kitchen
Volunteer accommodation common area
Volunteer wardrobe
Typical volunteer dinning table
Typical volunteer dinning area
Typical volunteer dinning area
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$329 (approximately CA$479), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately CA$479) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
|
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.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $490 Equivalent to $70/day |
| 2 weeks | $745 Equivalent to $53/day |
| 3 weeks | $935 Equivalent to $45/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,125 Equivalent to $40/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,315 Equivalent to $38/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,505 Equivalent to $36/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,885 Equivalent to $34/day |
| 10 weeks | $2,265 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,645 Equivalent to $31/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately CA$479) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Breakfast
- Airport pick-up
- Additional supervision and materials involved in your project
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Discounts on language lessons
- Discounts on travel, tours, and experiences
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Lunch and dinner
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular tours & experiences in Buenos Aires
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular tours and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Buenos Aires program.
Iguassu & Beyond (9 days, 8 nights)
For the nature lover who also wants to explore the nightlife of the urban jungle and have plenty of time on the beach, this nine-day adventure offers the perfect combination of natural beauty and cosmopolitan culture. Travel from the tango palaces of Buenos Aires to the samba pulse of Rio de Janeiro and discover spectacular wilderness in between. Encounter thundering Iguassu Falls with views from both Argentina and Brazil. Then continue to the coast and soak in the sun on Ilha Grande’s beaches and colonial culture in Paraty. Go beyond a vacation — and step into adventure!
From CA$4885
Patagonia Hiking (9 days, 8 nights)
As a destination for active travellers, Patagonia is nothing short of iconic. The very best way to do this South American region justice is to hike all over it. Trek through the crisp air of El Chaltén (with its crazy beautiful Fitz Roy mountain) and then to the area near the imposing Perito Moreno Glacier. In between, marvel at the giant sky, vast views, and big city appeal of Buenos Aires while you revel in a sense of personal triumph. Patagonia’s ready and waiting for you.
From CA$5541
Airport Drop-off
Enjoy a stress free ride from Buenos Aires back to Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) arranged by our local team.
CA$61
Recommended Spanish Language Classes
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): CA$192
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): CA$287
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
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
Safety and support
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.
Essential country information
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).
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
KD
Katy Delaney
...
LP
Lidija Pajmakoska
I would highly recommend joining the program in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The local team is wonderful—supportive, dedicated, and truly inspiring. The organization is fully committed to making a real difference in the lives of disadvantaged children living in the slums of Buenos Aires.
This experience has the power to transform your perspective and bring lasting joy to your life.
...
ZG
Zaida Gonzalez
This experience has genuinely transformed my perspective on medicine for the better. I had the opportunity to learn and engage with healthcare in a new and meaningful way. I was surrounded by inspiring individuals who were passionate about giving back to their community, and they helped me gain a deeper understanding of patient care, emphasizing the importance of compassion, empathy, and respect in every interaction. I would highly recommend this program to anyone considering it!
...
TA
Thomas Agurkis
The experience was impactful and fulfilling and a great balance of giving back to an underdeveloped community but also getting to experience the true nature of the day to day life. It was a great way to be immersed in the true culture, while also getting to experience the tourist attractions as well. The volunteering experience provided this true authentic experience that you cannot get from the regular tourist visit, while leaving an impact and helping others. I would absolutely recommend IVHQ to anyone who is hesitant on embarking on this journey.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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