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.
Holiday Experience Volunteer Program in Argentina - Córdoba
Purpose
Start dates
Duration
Volunteer hours
Age
Accommodation
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:
Project details
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.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Discover the magic of the holiday season with the Argentina - Córdoba Holiday Experience project! Held during the festive weeks of Christmas and New Years, this unique initiative offers you the chance to join hands with the local community in countless impactful projects. While other volunteer programs wind down for the holidays, here’s your opportunity to make a meaningful difference and spread joy where it’s needed most.
Please note that in 2024, participation on this project is exclusively open to volunteers commencing the weeks of December 23rd and December 30th. Volunteers are expected to arrive on December 22nd or December 29th (respectively). Those wishing to extend their stay beyond these weeks will transition to a standard volunteer project of their preference.
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 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document 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.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
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
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
I feel it was a great program for anyone who is looking to learn about new cultures and practice a language. Through this program I have learnt to feel more independent and now feel more comfortable speaking Spanish.
I feel like I grew a lot as a person and was able to help out a local community while improving my language skills. The accommodations were perfect and the meals were amazing. I would not hesitate to return to Cordoba through IVHQ.
I have definitely gained more self confidence and respect in such a short time. As a first time international trip especially by myself, there was some fear at first, however with the acceptance of everyone in Cordoba I felt right at home. Although I was only there for a week, I definitely feel like my week made an impact on the home I was working in. The residents looked forward to seeing me each day and their smile is what made it all worth it.
Just do it! I was hesitant and didn’t really know how it would go but so glad I did this. The volunteering work was incredibly rewarding and the ability to travel during downtime is even better. But for me the best part was how immersed in the culture you are living with an Argentinian family and working with locals and fellow volunteers. It’s an experience that can’t be matched!
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!!!
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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
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
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 £58 per week for a single room or £86 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
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately £240) 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 FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
---|---|
1 week | $535 Equivalent to $76/day |
2 weeks | $895 Equivalent to $64/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately £240) 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
- Additional supervision and materials involved in your project
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- 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.
- 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.
Free-time experiences & tours in Cordoba
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Cordoba! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Cordoba program.
Experience a 2-day round trip tour to Buenos Aires.
Enjoy a captivating 10 hour guided tour to any of the six different valleys and towns that you have to choose from.
Enjoy a 4 hour guided tour to any of the six different valleys and towns that you have to choose from.
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): £64 per week
Check what's required to visit Argentina
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 | 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).