I gained so much knowledge, confidence, and insight from this experience. If anyone is hesitant to join, I would tell them to take the leap, the risk is very little compared to the reward, and you will never regret your decision.
Construction & Renovation Volunteer Program in Buenos Aires - Argentina
Purpose
Improve infrastructure for the local community
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
3 - 5 hours per day
Age
18+ years and families
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:
Active volunteers who don’t mind getting their hands dirty and are willing to provide support wherever help is most needed. No previous experience is needed because you’ll be teamed up with experienced local staff and volunteers from the surrounding communities.
Project details
Ready to roll up your sleeves on a Construction and Renovation project in Argentina - Buenos Aires? International Volunteer HQ’s Construction and Renovation project enables volunteers to gain experience and skills in building, renovation and maintenance at schools, soup kitchens and community spaces in marginalized areas of Buenos Aires. These initiatives need hands-on help with the upkeep and improvement of their facilities so they can continue the vital work they do supporting local communities.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Charitable initiatives in marginalized neighborhoods of Buenos Aires are managed by organizations that lack government funding. They rely heavily on the dedication of local charities and generosity of volunteers like you to maintain their day-to-day activities. Unfortunately, they often lack the resources needed to address crucial repairs or improvements that would enhance the safety, functionality, and appeal of their facilities.
By lending your skills as a Construction and Renovation volunteer, you’re not just repairing buildings; you’re providing these organizations with the means to better support their communities and make a lasting impact.
Construction and Renovation volunteer work varies, but tasks may include:
- Painting
- Repairing furniture and equipment
- Tiling
- Gardening
- Building internal walls and bathrooms
Why do Construction and Renovation volunteering in Buenos Aires with IVHQ?
By joining the Construction and Renovation project, you’ll be adding value to the local community, while developing personally and professionally by:
- Making community spaces more safe, useful and appealing
- Supporting local initiatives which serve low-income communities
- Practicing your Spanish
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining construction skills and experience
- Immersing yourself fully in Argentinian culture
- Exploring Argentina’s bustling cosmopolitan capital, Buenos Aires
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program and may be asked to provide additional documentation 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
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
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
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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
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Tiffany Seide
30 Oct 2024
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Avigail Asraf
04 Sep 2024
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!
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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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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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Rebecca Brinckmann Schierup
08 May 2024
I learned a lot about Argentinian culture and it really put me out of my comfort zone.
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Lauren Lachenmayer
24 Apr 2024
I had an amazing experience in Buenos Aires, Argentina as a Medical Volunteer. I thought a month was the perfect amount of time to get involved in the project and explore the city a bit. I really enjoyed connecting with the local team/other volunteers and practising my Spanish. I learned so much about the Argentine culture and it was awesome to try new foods. I advise all volunteers to go in with an open mind and just absorb your surroundings. Take in as much as you can and also spend time reflecting.
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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 center 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 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 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 CA$7 to CA$37 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 CA$452), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$452) 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 | $490 Equivalent to $70/day |
| 2 weeks | $745 Equivalent to $53/day |
| 3 weeks | $935 Equivalent to $45/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,125 Equivalent to $40/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,315 Equivalent to $38/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,505 Equivalent to $36/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,885 Equivalent to $34/day |
| 10 weeks | $2,265 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,645 Equivalent to $31/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$452) 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
- 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.
- 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.
CA$63
BBQ Night
Experience an authentic home-made Argentinian BBQ with plenty of meat and vegetables.
CA$86
Extra Night of Accommodation
Arriving early or departing a few days after your program finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.
From CA$37
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): CA$199
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): CA$298
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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