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Healthcare Volunteer Program in Buenos Aires - Argentina

Healthcare Volunteer Program in Buenos Aires - Argentina

Excited to volunteer in Healthcare in Argentina - Buenos Aires? International Volunteer HQ’s Healthcare project is a fantastic chance for pre-medical, nursing and medical students or qualified professionals to gain relevant 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.

Highlights:
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Affordable fees from £421 for 1 week
  • Includes accommodation, breakfast, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
  • Shadow and assist local medical professionals

  • Volunteer in one of Buenos Aires’ biggest teaching clinics

  • Intermediate Spanish required

Key information

Improve access to quality healthcare
Based in clinics in the heart of Buenos Aires
Dormitory-style volunteer house
18 years and older
Fully hosted experience from £421 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:

Suited to 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. An intermediate level of Spanish is required.
Who is this program suited to?

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

On IVHQ’s Healthcare project in Argentina, you’ll get the opportunity to volunteer at one of Buenos Aires’ biggest teaching clinics, or at one of the smaller more specialiseds clinics which offer a wide range of health services to the local community. It’s a great opportunity to observe medical practices in action in a different cultural setting.

You’ll shadow local staff for the first few weeks of the project, while you find your feet and get acclimated. After that, your tasks will be customised to your skills, experience, training, personality and Spanish ability.

You are required to be suitably qualified for any tasks you carry out, and under Argentinian law students aren’t allowed to treat patients without the supervision of a local professional. For less qualified volunteers, this means duties will be mostly observational, assisting local staff with routine jobs including:

  • Check-ups and basic medical care
  • Taking patient details and measurements
  • Helping where needed around the clinic

Local medical staff benefit from the additional assistance, as well as the opportunity to communicate with international volunteers, as it facilitates a two-way cultural exchange of ideas, skills and experience.

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 be a Healthcare volunteer in Argentina with IVHQ?

By doing medical volunteering in Buenos Aires, 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 bustling cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires

It is also recommended that you bring your own scrubs, latex gloves and stethoscope.

Medical specialities on the Argentina - Buenos Aires volunteer project

In Buenos Aires you may have the opportunity to volunteer in the following medical areas:

  • General medicine
  • Surgery
  • Nursing
  • Pediatrics
  • Physiotherapy
  • Dentistry
  • Gynecology
  • Medical imaging
  • Mental health

Please be sure to note your area of speciality, relevant qualifications and experience in your application.

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in 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 Healthcare project, volunteers must be studying or qualified in a relevant field and have an intermediate level of Spanish.

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!

...
BA
Brenda Amorim
15 Jan 2024

I loved this volunteering opportunity! I have always wanted to volunteer outside of my home country and IVHQ made it possible for me to do it without any worries. I grew throughout the journey and got to see medicine practiced in different communities in Argentina. I faced challenges with having to learn a new language but loved it, because I was able to overcome that and even relate to what others face on the day to day basis.

...
SS
Suky Sangha
15 Jan 2024

Being immersed in another culture is an eye opening experience.

...
EM
Eithne Mckevett
22 Nov 2022

Just do it! It's a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and see another country not just as a tourist.

...
CC
Carolina Cabedo
19 Sep 2022

Do it! Everyone is a little bit scared, even if they don’t admit it. Leaving your comfort zone is what will make you grow and thrive.

...
AR
Angelina Romero
09 Sep 2022

It is a great opportunity to get out there and come out of your comfort zone while making a small difference in people’s lives.

...

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, 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 £4 to £20 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 £421 Equivalent to £60/day
2 weeks £656 Equivalent to £47/day
3 weeks £838 Equivalent to £40/day
4 weeks £1020 Equivalent to £36/day
5 weeks £1202 Equivalent to £34/day
6 weeks £1384 Equivalent to £33/day
8 weeks £1747 Equivalent to £31/day
10 weeks £2111 Equivalent to £30/day
12 weeks £2474 Equivalent to £29/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 £272) 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 GBP.
  • 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.

£24
Buenos Aires Overnight Tour
Buenos Aires Overnight Tour

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

£129
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.

£44
Buenos Aires Overnight Tour
Buenos Aires Overnight Tour

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

£129
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.

£44
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.

£29
BBQ Night
BBQ Night

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

£24
Iguazu Falls Trip
Iguazu Falls Trip

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

£744
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 £107

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

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!