About the Internship
Argentina's border is currently closed to most international arrivals and this program can't get the assistance it needs right now. Book now for 2021 and we'll work with you every step of the way and provide complete flexibility with dates!
This important program was created with the goal of supplying essential medical treatment in Buenos Aires. Volunteers and interns who join this project will be able to work closely with a supervising physician, and are paired with a full-time doctor or nurse who they will shadow on daily rounds. Intern responsibilities vary according to their own qualifications, experience and/or comfort level. Participants with a full medical degree will often enjoy far more access when it comes to administering care and interacting with patients, but it is important to note that most interns only observe or help out with more minor tasks. While every aspect of the internship is carefully monitored by the supervising staff, this program provides far greater opportunity to get this far behind the scenes than in a hospital at home – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for medical students.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide quality healthcare to the people of Buenos Aires
- Offer a teaching and overseas medical experience for medical professionals while also supplying a much-needed volunteer labor force
- Improve the health and long term wellbeing of Buenos Aires
- Provide an opportunity for cross cultural exchange
How You Can Help
This volunteer program provides an amazing experience for medical professionals who wish to gain international experience. This program provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for medical students to monitor, observe and help where appropriate, gaining a great deal of experience and observation time. For experienced medical professionals the program offers the extremely rewarding opportunity to share their knowledge and skills with another culture.
Depending on current needs, interns may be able to choose which department they work in and in most cases it’s possible to spend supplemental time in a second department as well. These are just a few of the main healthcare departments in the hospitals: Pharmacology, Family Medicine, Community Medicine, Orthopedics, Emergency Room, Paediatrics (OPD/Ward), Nursing (follow the nurses most of the time), Rehabilitation and Surgery. Depending upon the working schedule of the paired doctor and area of the hospital an intern is placed, the times and days of work may fluctuate. As with all medical placements, patience and flexibility with work schedules is greatly appreciated.
Volunteers contribute in a number of ways on the program and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Work in a renown public hospital and supply medical assistance to those who need it most
- Network with local medical and local project staff
- Supply medical services to the people of Buenos Aires
- Help with medical care as appropriate to the volunteer’s skills and training
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OPTION (US$100):
For those Volunteers/Interns who wish to gain valuable insight into Emergency Care we can arrange for you to spend one shift per week (Saturdays) at the Hospital Tornu - which operates one of Buenos Aries busiest Emergency Departments. Here you will shadow an emergency care specialist as they carry out their demanding work load. This is a fast-paced and challenging environment - a not-to-be-missed experience for those who aspire to work in Emergency Care!
Requirements
This program offers an amazing opportunity for suitable applicants who are 18 years and over to work alongside qualified medical professionals and gain first-hand insight into the healthcare system of Argentina. It is open to those with experience and/or education in the field of medicine, as well as med-school and pre-med students. Volunteers on this project will need at least an intermediate understanding of Spanish in order to communicate effectively with patients and staff. Naturally, all applicants must also have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
- References
- Resume
Project Location
Medical Interns on this program will have the wonderful opportunity to stay in vibrant Buenos Aires, meet with amazing people and experience the exciting Latin American culture, while having the opportunity to explore this wonderful city. Known as the ‘Paris of South America’, Buenos Aires is filled with amazing architecture, fun nightlife and many cultural activities. Volunteers without two left feet can learn the tango – the traditional dance this country is famous for! This program offers many amazing volunteering and travel experiences for the international traveler.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon your arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be collected at the airport and delivered to your accommodation. Here you will receive an orientation to help you settle in, find out about your volunteering placement, the local surroundings and meet your fellow volunteers. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. They will also provide you with your Welcome Pack, which contains a local sim phone card, local maps and a transport guide. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Ministro Pistarini International Airport (aka Ezeiza Airport), Buenos Aires, Argentina (Code: EZE)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this project will be accommodated in a multi-story, dormitory-style volunteer house which is perfectly located in the neighbourhood of Balvanera, in the heart of central Buenos Aires and within a short walk from the many attractions of this vibrant city. The Volunteer House has free WiFi and great facilities for volunteers, including a roof-top terrace and barbecue area, communal kitchen and living areas, hammocks and a TV room. Nice!
Volunteers can expect to share a bedroom with up to three other volunteers of the same gender. Bedrooms are comprised of single beds and bunk beds with bedding and towels provided. Bathroom facilities are shared between volunteers with hot showers and western-style toilets.
Laundry facilities are available at the Volunteer House and there are also inexpensive laundrettes near-by.
Ingredients are provided for volunteers to prepare breakfast each day and volunteers can prepare/cook lunches and evening meals for themselves in the generous and well established communal kitchen of the volunteer accommodation which has a gas hob, oven, microwave, fridge and pantry space. Alternatively volunteers can take the opportunity to go out and experience the amazing culture and cuisine that Buenos Aires has to offer. Simply get a few of your fellow house mates together and head out to one of the hundreds of local restaurants, bars, cafes or Churrascaria’s (Argentina’s famous BBQ joints – YUM!).
Home-stay options are also available on request ($20 extra per night with no meals included or US$30 extra per night with 3 meals provided). Host families also provide the option of a private room (not available in the Volunteer House).
Additional nights in the volunteer house are US$15 p/n. In the host family accommodations extra nights are US$20 p/n.
Those wishing to arrange their own accommodations are welcome to do so. The program fee is reduced accordingly to a fixed price of US$390.
Fees
That’s just USD 88 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
Prefer to stay with a Host Family or have a private room?
For those volunteers who prefer to be more immersed in the local culture, staying with one of our wonderful local host families in Buenos Aires is an excellent way to 'live like the locals do' and get first hand experience of local culture and customs.
Private rooms can be arranged with host families (this is not available in the Volunteer House).
Additional costs apply for Host Family accommodation:
Without meals US$20 per person per night
With 3 meals daily US$30 per person per night
If you would like to upgrade to Host Family accommodation, simply let us know!
Those wishing to arrange their own accommodations are welcome to do so. The program fee is reduced accordingly to a fixed price of US$605 for up to 4 weeks and US$770 for 4 weeks and over on the medical program.
Want to learn Spanish?
Why not use this opportunity to improve your knowledge of Spanish and really get immersed in the local culture during your volunteering placement? We can offer both full time and part time Spanish classes at very competitive rates for you, so simply let us know if you are interested!
Intensive Spanish course: 20 hours a week (taken full-time, before or after volunteering)
- 1 week: USD 192
- 2 weeks: USD 370
- 3 weeks: USD 549
- 4 weeks: USD 723
- 8 weeks: USD 1411
*An accommodation supplement of US$130 per week is also required when undertaking full-time Spanish classes. This is instead of the listed program fee.
Regular Spanish course: 9 hours a week (taken in conjunction with volunteer work)
- 2 weeks: USD 175
- 3 weeks: USD 255
- 4 weeks: USD 347
- 8 weeks: USD 629
Fees for Spanish Classes must be paid directly to your volunteer coordinator on arrival in Argentina.