Medical Outreach Volunteer Program in Buenos Aires - Argentina
Want to make a difference as a medical volunteer in Argentina? International Volunteer HQ’s Medical Outreach project gives volunteers the opportunity to assist with regular medical campaigns that aim to widen the reach of public health in slums in Buenos Aires. Volunteers will gain hands-on medical experience while learning about healthcare systems in low-income areas and bringing essential services to people who would otherwise be unable to access quality care.
Highlights:
- Programs start every Monday
- Affordable fees from CA$718 for 1 week
- Includes accommodation, breakfast, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
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Help provide basic healthcare to people living in slums
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Discover the cultural heritage, traditions and vibrancy of Argentina’s capital
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Stay in a hostel in Buenos Aires with other volunteers
Key information
This program is ideal for:
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
People living in slums in Buenos Aires struggle to access healthcare and other basic services. Although there are public health clinics within the slums, a large portion of the population do not have access to primary healthcare and cannot get basic health services. Therefore, volunteers play an important role in widening the reach of public health by participating in medical campaigns within the slums.
As a Medical Outreach volunteer you can help local people with health evaluations, health prevention talks, and basic preventive checkups in a small clinic located in the slum. You will also be moving around the slum, visiting houses and carrying out meetings with patients alongside local nurses and professionals. You can expect to carry out tasks such as:
- Educating local people on important health issues
- Helping where needed around the clinic
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
- Glucose levels
- Weight
- Height
- BMI
- General checkups
Why do Medical Outreach volunteering in Buenos Aires 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:
- Improving access to healthcare for vulnerable communities
- Assisting qualified medical professionals
- Developing your cross-cultural communication skills
- Immersing yourself in Argentinian culture
- Exploring the bustling cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires
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 Medical Outreach 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.
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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”The team and people you will volunteer with will all be nice and want the best for you. I’ve made friends that I will remember forever! My confidence also grew more while I was there and I was able to learn more and appreciate a different culture. ”
Shannon, American, 23
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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 orientation begins on the first and third Monday of every month 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. |
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 a multi-story, dormitory-style volunteer hostel in the neighborhood of Recoleta in central Buenos Aires. It has free WiFi and great facilities for volunteers, including a top terrace and deck for socializing, communal kitchen and living areas.
Volunteers can expect to share a bedroom with up to three other volunteers of the same gender. Bedrooms have a mixture of single beds and bunk beds with bedding provided, however volunteers will need to bring their own towels. The shared bathrooms feature hot showers and western toilets.
The volunteer accommodation is within walking distance to the University of Buenos Aires’ medical school; which makes the area very vibrant. Supermarkets, grocery shops, and plenty of cafes and restaurants are all nearby. There are also three metro lines and many bus lines at walking distance which will take you anywhere in the city.
Extra nights of accommodation are subject to availability and cost US$23 (approximately CA$32) per person, per night.
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 CA$7 to CA$35 per meal.
Pricing
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 | CA$718 Equivalent to CA$103/day |
| 2 weeks | CA$1120 Equivalent to CA$80/day |
| 3 weeks | CA$1430 Equivalent to CA$68/day |
| 4 weeks | CA$1740 Equivalent to CA$62/day |
| 5 weeks | CA$2051 Equivalent to CA$59/day |
| 6 weeks | CA$2361 Equivalent to CA$56/day |
| 8 weeks | CA$2981 Equivalent to CA$53/day |
| 10 weeks | CA$3601 Equivalent to CA$51/day |
| 12 weeks | CA$4221 Equivalent to CA$50/day |
- Accommodation
- Breakfast
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Airport pick-up
- 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.
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately CA$463) 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 CAD.
- 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.
Recommended activities and tour add-ons
Experience an authentic home-made Argentinian BBQ with plenty of meat and vegetables. It does not matter if you are vegetarian or a voracious meat eater, we want you to experience one of the greatest social events while embracing the Argentinian culture.
Menu: Starter - Choripan - sausage and bread-served with Chimichurri Sauce and Morcilla (blood sausage). Main - Steak (Ojo de Bife (rib-eye) / Lomo (tenderloin) / Picaña (sirloin)) served with eggs and grilled vegetables such as grilled tomatoes, onions and red pepper. Dessert - Flan Dulce de Leche (a creamy custard baked on top of a layer of caramel).
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is a must-see. Not only for the largest broken waterfall in the world but for the entire ecosystem which makes this attraction one of the best sights to see in Argentina. You will not only have the chance to walk around the national park but also be able to be part of excursions throughout the weekend.
Day 1 IGUAZU (Friday morning - afternoon): BRAZILIAN SIDE FALLS Includes transfer (round trip to the hotel) and professional guided tour. It does not include the entrance to the Iguazú National Park which is US$20.
Day 2 IGUAZU (Saturday): ARGENTINE FALLS WITH BILINGUAL GUIDE (PRIVATE SERVICE) ARGENTINE SIDE FALLS Includes transfer (round trip to the hotel) and professional guided tour. It does not include the entrance to the Iguazú National Park which is US$20.
Garganta del Diablo Circuit: Indescribable for its beauty and energy that thrills everyone, it offers an impressive mix of sounds and landscapes. Superior Circuit: Access the magnificent panoramic views of the falls and the delta of the Iguazú River formed by a set of leafy islands. Lower Circuit: A set of strategically designed walkways that allow the most diverse views of the Falls and an intimate encounter with the waterfalls and charming corners of the jungle.
For all excursions we recommend carrying insect repellent, slippers and comfortable clothes.
Day 3 IGUAZU (Sunday): Free morning – possible shopping or morning tour in the city of Puerto Iguazu.
Passionate about dancing and want to discover the famous Tango? Attend a tango lesson in a traditional Milonga where you will enjoy an hour lesson with a professional teacher and also have the chance to spend a night in a Milonga.
Visit Tigre with our local coordinator to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and explore one of the most beautiful wetlands in Latin America. Tigre is a traditional delta and is formed by two main massive rivers which bring sediments from Brazil and Paraguay forming an amazing wetland at the north of Buenos Aires.
Do you want to try a Malbec from Mendoza or San Juan? Would you fancy trying different grapes that come from diverse regions in Argentina? If yes, why don’t you immerse yourself into one of the Argentine passions by exploring different tastes from one of the world’s best wine producers. Wine and snacks from various wine cellars are included.
*You will need to be 18 or older in order to join this experience.
Please contact us or your IVHQ Program Manager to sign up or to get more information about any of these activities and tours.
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): 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
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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
| 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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