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Healthcare and Medical Volunteer Program in Argentina - Cordoba

Healthcare and Medical Volunteer Program in Argentina - Cordoba

Purpose
Improve access to quality healthcare
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 2-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18 years & older
Accommodation
Homestay
Apply for free
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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.

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This program is ideal for:

Medical or nursing students at any level through to qualified professionals. Under Argentina's laws students need to be supervised by a local professional while treating patients so this project is great for volunteers who are keen to watch and learn rather than get practical experience.

Project details

Looking to volunteer in Healthcare in Argentina - Córdoba? International Volunteer HQ’s Healthcare volunteer project is an exciting chance for pre-medical, medical and nursing students or qualified professionals to gain medical experience and observe clinical practice in a cross-cultural setting. Medical volunteering in Argentina helps increase access to healthcare and improve the wellbeing of local people.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

Healthcare services in Córdoba predominantly rely on a network of small community clinics, catering to general as well as specialized medical needs. These clinics play a crucial role in ensuring that residents in underserved areas can easily access high-quality healthcare. Volunteers play a vital part by dedicating their time and efforts to assist local staff, fostering an exchange of ideas and knowledge between local and international participants.

During the initial phase of the project, volunteers will shadow local staff as they acclimate and familiarize themselves with their new roles and environment. Subsequently, tasks will be tailored to each volunteer’s individual skills, experiences, training, personality traits, and proficiency in Spanish. You might have the opportunity to:

  • Perform blood pressure checks
  • Measure and weigh babies
  • Treat minor wounds
  • Assist with various minor tasks.

In Argentina, students cannot independently treat patients; they must work under the supervision of a local professional. Hence, less experienced volunteers will primarily observe and aid local staff with routine tasks such as:

  • Assisting with check-ups and basic medical procedures
  • Recording patient information and measurements
  • Helping where needed around the clinic.
  • Fully qualified healthcare professionals will have the chance to engage in more direct patient care immediately
Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #3: Good Health and Well-Being

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #3: Good Health and Well-Being

Good mental and physical health is key to sustainable development and building healthy and happy communities. Now more than ever, we must increase access to free healthcare and health education across the globe to achieve an acceptable standard of living and wellbeing for all.

Why do Healthcare volunteering in Cordoba with IVHQ?

When you volunteer on the Healthcare volunteer project in Argentina - Córdoba, you’ll be improving access to healthcare for the local community, while also gaining medical experience through:

  • Assisting qualified medical professionals
  • Gaining healthcare experience and skills
  • Getting exposure to different clinical practices in action
  • Practicing your Spanish
  • Developing your cross-cultural communication skills
  • Immersing yourself in Argentinian culture
  • Exploring the beautiful region of Córdoba

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate on this program. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.

All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance and upload a criminal background check via MyIVHQ before arriving in Argentina.

For the Medical project, volunteers must be studying or qualified in a relevant field.

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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'Who is going' users image
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.

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

EW
Emily Wiley
03 Dec 2024

For many years I was looking for a healthcare specific volunteer program that was affordable, safe, and held strong cultural morals. IVHQ was the perfect fit for finding a program that placed you in a local hospital and let you be a volunteer within your scope. I appreciated that I was always kept in a position that was safe for both me and the patient, and I never felt like I was overstepping my patient care. The entire staff I worked with was incredible kind. It pushed me to practice my Spanish further and better understand a different healthcare system. I would say for any volunteer considering this program expect to use a lot of Spanish and to push yourself!

...
MB
Marcos Bermudez Madrid
12 Sep 2024

My time in Argentina was so different from regular life but so amazing in every single way. It was a wonderful way to learn and live in a different culture and improve my Spanish. From forming close bonds with the local family and all the other volunteers to gaining healthcare experience and connecting with the doctors and nurses at the clinic, I can truly say that I had zero regrets from this experience, and if I could it all over, I would do it all in the same way. I would recommend this to anyone able to. It is something you will thoroughly enjoy from beginning to end.

...
AM
Aidan MacLean
26 Aug 2024

I gained a deeper cultural understanding of South America, and particularly the wonderful region of Córdoba, Argentina. I made many friends with the other volunteers and the locals, and will always hold a special place for Argentina in my heart.

...
OK
Olivia Keller
07 Aug 2024

I feel I gained a sense of stepping outside my comfort zone and fully immersing myself in a culture different from my own. Staying with the local family was especially helpful - I was able to make meaningful connections with each member and the other volunteers that I will cherish forever. My advice to someone hesitant about joining: if you have the means, DO THIS!!

...
CC
Clare Cuenya
05 Mar 2024

I would tell someone else who is thinking about this project and location to go ahead and book it! This experience was one I will never forget and something that allowed me to dive so deep into the culture of Argentina. You will feel instantly welcomed the minute you arrive until the minute you leave.

...
AM
Alyssa Maenza
06 Nov 2023

I gained extremely valuable hands on clinical practice and experience in the clinic, and beyond that I had the privilege to get to know some truly beautiful people. I was able to increase my Spanish fluency through valuable conversations with native speakers every single day. The friendships I formed in Córdoba are deep and real and I firmly believe anyone with the opportunity to come to a place with such warm, inviting people is beyond lucky.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit

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

Location

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. 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 traveling 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. Orientation is hosted by our Córdoba team and begins on the morning of your chosen start date. It covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Córdoba – an introduction to Argentina, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, and an 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 will have a morning or afternoon shift, which will last around 2 to 5 hours. A typical morning schedule is as follows:

7:30 AM Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation.
8:00 AM Volunteers travel to their placements to join local placement staff. Start time and daily workload depends on the project that the individual volunteer is participating on.
1:00 PM Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to the volunteer accommodation, go sightseeing, or do some shopping. If volunteers are taking Spanish language lessons, they will usually do this in the afternoon (or in the morning if they are volunteering in the afternoon).
8:00 PM Dinner at the volunteer accommodation.

Weekends

Maybe the rhythm of Córdoba’s famous cuarteto music will call to your feet, maybe you’ll forage for a flea market bargain, take a trip to the Che Guevara Museum, adventure in the mountains, try Argentina’s beloved Fernet and Coke or spend your time discovering the Jesuit Block. Maybe you’ll do it all and more, or just relax in a peaceful park and sip a coffee. In any case there’s no shortage of things to see and do during your free time in Córdoba. But if it’s time for a change of scene, Córdoba’s central location means it’s easy to hop on a plane or jump in a car or bus and visit Argentina’s buzzy capital, Buenos Aires, or pay a visit to the Mendoza wine region or the city of Rosario. If the outdoors are your thing, there’s plenty of trekking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, paragliding, and abseiling fun to be had in the Córdoba region and nearby.

Accommodation and WiFi

Experience the coziness of staying in a family homestay in the peaceful neighborhood of Barrio El Refugio, just a short 15 to 20-minute drive from Córdoba airport and a convenient 30-minute commute to the city center. With your hostess doubling as your coordinator, our local team is always at your fingertips, ensuring a seamless and welcoming stay.

This two-story homestay is equipped with fantastic amenities for volunteers, including a barbecue area and a refreshing swimming pool, perfect for soaking up the summer sun. Bedrooms are equipped with both single beds and bunk beds, typically shared with one to three volunteers of the same gender. Bathroom facilities featuring hot showers and western toilets are shared between no more than three volunteers, and bedding and towels are provided.

For those seeking a bit more privacy, you can also opt for a private room (without a private bathroom) for an extra fee of CA$106 per week for a single room or CA$158 per week for a double room. Payment should be made to our local team in Córdoba and arranged before your arrival.

Volunteers have access to WiFi at the homestay. Additionally, you can buy a local SIM card with data for your unlocked mobile phone to ensure you’re always in touch, no matter where you are.

Meals

Every weekday, enjoy a delicious breakfast and dinner served at the volunteer accommodation, offering a variety of tasty options to start and end your day.

On the weekend, savor a hearty breakfast to kickstart your mornings. For dinner, you’ll be provided with all the supplies needed to prepare a cozy, home-cooked meal in our well-equipped kitchen.

Please let us know ahead of time if you have any special dietary requirements, and we’ll make the necessary arrangements. We encourage you to embrace the opportunity to try new and exciting foods, and we’ll ensure you feel well taken care of throughout your stay.

Pricing

  • USD

Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$442) 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.
  • USD
2 weeks $645 Equivalent to $46/day
3 weeks $825 Equivalent to $39/day
4 weeks $1,005 Equivalent to $36/day
5 weeks $1,130 Equivalent to $32/day
6 weeks $1,310 Equivalent to $31/day
8 weeks $1,660 Equivalent to $30/day
10 weeks $2,000 Equivalent to $29/day
12 weeks $2,300 Equivalent to $27/day
16 weeks $2,900 Equivalent to $26/day
20 weeks $3,500 Equivalent to $25/day
24 weeks $4,060 Equivalent to $24/day
  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$442) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
  • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
  • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Cordoba generally find US$120 to be sufficient for weekly expenses, including in-country tours and optional Spanish lessons.
  • Breakfast and dinner are served every weekday
  • Airport pick-up
  • Accommodation
  • 24/7 in-country 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
  • 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.

  • Lunch and then dinner on the weekend
  • 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 add-ons & experiences in Cordoba

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Cordoba program.

Airport Drop-off
Airport Drop-off

Enjoy a stress free ride from the volunteer accommodation back to Cordoba airport arranged by our local team.

CA$31
Buenos Aires Overnight Tour
Buenos Aires Overnight Tour

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

CA$316
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.

CA$124

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): CA$118 per week

Check what's required to visit Argentina

Safety and support

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

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).

Apply to check if you're eligible!

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!
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