Although my time in the program was short, I have a lot of experiences that I will take with me for a long time. I was able to grow as an individual interested in the medical field and gained an extra interest in helping those who are less fortunate in receiving basic medical care. I felt my impact on those that I had the honor of helping and made meaningful connections throughout my time. By seeing the way the medical field is not the same for all, I was able to grow as compassionate person and had my eyes opened to a deeper cause. I also got to explore my culture and strengthen my communication skills for when I come back next time!
Medical Outreach Volunteer Program in Buenos Aires - Argentina
Purpose
Improve access to quality healthcare
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
3 - 5 hours per day
Age
18 years and older
Accommodation
Volunteer apartment
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:
Pre-medical, medical and nursing students as well as fully qualified doctors and healthcare professionals. A B2 level of Spanish is required to take part in this project.
Project details
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.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
In the bustling streets of Buenos Aires, life in the slums presents a constant battle for access to essential services, particularly healthcare. Despite the presence of public health clinics within these communities, a significant portion of the population still find themselves falling through the gaps, unable to access even the most fundamental medical services.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as a Medical Outreach volunteer! In the heart of the slums, you’ll play a crucial role to help bridge the gap and extend the reach of healthcare to those who need it most. Alongside local nurses and professionals, you’ll conduct health evaluations, deliver prevention talks, and provide basic checkups in a small clinic. But that’s not all - you’ll also hit the streets, visiting homes and meeting patients right where they are.
Your tasks will vary, but each one is a chance to make a difference:
- 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.
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.
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Exploring Buenos Aires during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Buenos Aires during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Buenos Aires during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
AA
Avigail Asraf
04 Sep 2024
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AD
Amanda Diaz
26 Aug 2024
I would say to put all your fears aside and go explore the world cause life is very short, meet new people and go in with an open mind. Yes it's scary but I definitely learned a lot about myself in one week than I did in 21 years. It's all about the journey at the end it will all be worth it.
...
LF
Libby Ford
12 Jun 2024
I feel like I have gained a whole new found confidence. Before this project I had never taught English, with IVHQ I was able to aid in English classes in some schools and in others I taught full lessons. Volunteering helped to immerse me into Argentinian culture more as we worked in an area that we would not have gone to if we had not volunteered through IVHQ. I really recommend IVHQ to anyone thinking about volunteering - you will make great friends, make amazing memories, and make a difference even if it is small.
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FB
Florence Baker
14 May 2024
I can definitely tell that my independence and confidence has grown dramatically since being on the Argentina program. The advice I would give is be brave and take a chance, I was very nervous about travelling solo to Argentina but once I was there I met so many amazing like minded people and it turned out to be the most amazing adventure! The only thing I’d change was my ability to speak Spanish but other than that I’d highly recommend joining a program.
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GS
Gabriel Santiago
25 Sep 2023
Originally, I was nervous about how the volunteer process would be structured. However, once I arrived there, the local team and volunteer experience were life changing. It really opened my eyes to the disparity of medical care throughout the world.
...
ST
Shannon Tubbesing
23 Mar 2023
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.
...
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
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
Every morning, a continental-style breakfast is available in the kitchen/dining room and includes a selection of eggs, toast, spreads, cereal, fruit, tea, and coffee. Volunteers must prepare their own breakfast.
For lunch and dinner, you have the option to cook your meals in the spacious and well-equipped communal kitchen at the volunteer accommodation. The kitchen features a gas hob, oven, microwave, fridge, and ample pantry space. Alternatively, you can enjoy meals at nearby restaurants, with prices ranging from AU$8 to AU$42 per meal.
Volunteer accommodation kitchen
Volunteer accommodation kitchen
Volunteer accommodation common area
Volunteer wardrobe
Typical volunteer dinning table
Typical volunteer dinning area
Typical volunteer dinning area
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately AU$503), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately AU$503) 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 | $520 Equivalent to $74/day |
| 2 weeks | $805 Equivalent to $58/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,025 Equivalent to $49/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,245 Equivalent to $44/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,465 Equivalent to $42/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,685 Equivalent to $40/day |
| 8 weeks | $2,125 Equivalent to $38/day |
| 10 weeks | $2,565 Equivalent to $37/day |
| 12 weeks | $3,005 Equivalent to $36/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately AU$503) 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 Buenos Aires generally find US$250-300 to be sufficient for weekly expenses, including in-country tours and optional Spanish lessons.
- Breakfast
- 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 dinner
- 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 Buenos Aires
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 Buenos Aires program.
Airport Drop-off
Enjoy a stress free ride from Buenos Aires back to Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) arranged by our local team.
AU$70
BBQ Night
Experience an authentic home-made Argentinian BBQ with plenty of meat and vegetables.
AU$95
Extra Night of Accommodation
Arriving early or departing a few days after your program finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.
From AU$42
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): AU$222
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): AU$331
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
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 | 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).
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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