Care & Community Volunteer Stories, Argentina

Care in Argentina - Michela Steet
Waiting at the baggage carousel at Cordoba airport, I was wondering who would be waiting outside to meet me. Having travelled nearly twenty-four hours to Argentina, including three connecting flights, I was keen to reach my destination. I was pleased and surprised that not only had the Projects Abroad representative, Agustin, come to meet me, but also my new host mother and sister, plus another volunteer with whom I'd be sharing a room for the next three months.

Care in Argentina - Eleanor Updegraff
Arriving in Cordoba airport at the end of an exhausting journey, I was full of nervous expectations about my coming two months working on a care project. I was met by two smiling Projects Abroad representatives, and instantly my nerves vanished as they helped me into a taxi and we sped off to my host family’s house. Crossing Buenos Aires I had already experienced the hectic Argentinean traffic; it is certainly something that takes getting used to – crossing the road can be an adventure in itself! But we arrived safely, and my host mother rushed out of the door to greet me with a wide smile and a hug.

Care & Community in Argentina - Melissa Jarrell
I abundantly loved Argentina in and out, and so I consider myself luckier than Argentina - as if it gave to me so much more than I have yet given to it, but I hope to be giving back in the future. I hope that my reflections will provide you with a little of what you are seeking in order to make your decision for a placement. My spirit was transformed by what it met in this special country. Five months later, I still am living my days with the canopy of vivacity that formed over me in Argentina and am ever grateful I chose to explore and volunteer there.

Care & Community in Argentina - Celine Haynes
I really enjoyed playing, chatting and generally cuddling the young children and they absolutely adored my digital camera and seeing photos of themselves. There was also a house for disabled children with very few facilities and kind but over-worked staff. I really felt my presence had an effect there because I was able to feed the kids, take them for walks in their wheelchairs and give them a bit of stimulation give and the staff a welcome break.