Quick Facts
Program code
AR-VOL102
Category
Volunteer Work, Child Care, Education, Community Development
Country
Argentina
Location
Córdoba
Program start
Start and end dates are flexible between beginning of April and end of November.
Minimum duration
4 weeks
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
+49 151 41300782
+56 9 7516 9816
8 am - 4 pm EST
info@southamerica-inside.com
WhatsApp
+49 151 41300782
+56 9 7516 9816
Project details
In Córdoba, Argentina, many children and young people grow up in difficult conditions. Poverty, limited educational opportunities, an unbalanced diet, and health problems shape their daily lives. They often lack safe spaces that offer them the possibility for personal development, learning, and a carefree childhood. Without adequate social support, these inequalities are exacerbated, denying many accesses to their opportunities and potential.
The creative music school, which uses recycled musical instruments, is located in four neighborhoods: Nuevo Progreso in the northwest, Ampliación Renacimiento in the east, Nuestro Hogar 3 in the south, and Alberdi near the city center. The music school is part of a foundation that creates learning and development spaces for children and young people in socially vulnerable situations.
The goal is to promote growth, creativity, and the recognition of their own talents. At the music school, children can develop new skills, form habits, and unleash their personal potential. In this way, the children come into contact with social values, musical culture and environmental education.
Volunteering at the music school is more than just an opportunity to experience new cultures; it's a chance to leave a lasting impression on the lives of young people. By volunteering in Córdoba, you'll help change the lives of children through music. At the same time, as a volunteer, you'll gain valuable personal experience and develop your skills.
What the music school offers:
- Lessons for the following instruments: violin, clarinet, guitar, saxophone, xylophone, flute, cello, drums, and vocals.
Weekly rehearsals and group activities to improve coordination and rhythm. - Performances at local, provincial, national, and regional cultural events.
- Great emphasis is placed on creating enjoyable shared experiences.
- Making your own instruments from discarded materials or renovating old musical instruments.
The Recycling Instruments Orchestra has participated twice in the "Trofeu Periféria" in Brazil. This award recognizes individuals and groups who make a positive contribution to socially disadvantaged communities. The event is also known as the "Oscar for the Quebradas." It has been organized by the non-governmental organization ORPAS since 2005.
Tasks
Volunteering at the music school means opening up new perspectives for children, strengthening community, and actively contributing to a more just society. As part of this project, you will help transform children's lives through art and music.
Your placement at the music school in Córdoba, Argentina, is divided into four consecutive phases:
1. Know to Love - Gaining Initial Insights
This phase takes place the week before the volunteer arrives. It consists of approximately two virtual workshops that provide an initial introduction to the history and culture of Argentina and Latin America.
2. Explore to Discover - Experiencing Córdoba
This phase begins with the volunteer's arrival in Córdoba and includes a tour of the city of Córdoba, as well as initial interactions with the foundation, its team, and the community where the volunteer work will take place. This process culminates in a joint assessment of each volunteer's specific skills to assign the tasks they will perform within the program.
3. Work to Learn – Actively Participate
During this phase, volunteers begin their activities within the community. They contribute their knowledge and talents to support local projects. The local team provides ongoing support, assists with integration, and offers emotional support, as well as regular evaluations.
4. Learn to Transform – Shaping Change
During the program, volunteers are encouraged to discover and further develop their leadership style. In the final phase, they can initiate their own social or environmental projects with the support of the foundation and local partner organizations.
Your working hours as a volunteer at the music school are 25 hours per week. Some activities can also take place at weekends when the orchestra has rehearsals or performances. Days during the week may be off.
The local team is focused on supporting you as a volunteer and ensuring you have an unforgettable experience.
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
An important part of volunteering in Córdoba, Argentina, is immersing yourself in the everyday life and culture of the host country. While volunteering at the music school in Córdoba, you will have your own room in a typical homestay, promoting cultural exchange. The homestays are mainly located in the city center of Córdoba or the surrounding area.
Our carefully selected host families generally have many years of experience with international guests.
Living among the local population offers you the unique opportunity to experience the culture up close, taste traditional dishes, and get to know everyday life in Argentina. Another advantage: Your Spanish skills will improve quickly through daily contact with the language.
Note: In Latin America, especially in remote areas where many of our volunteer projects take place, the cellular or internet connection is not always reliable and fast.
Location
After Buenos Aires, Córdoba is Argentina's second-largest city. Located in the heart of the country, it is surrounded by the verdant Sierra de Córdoba. This picturesque city combines a rich history with modern vibrancy. As a cultural center, Córdoba has much to offer. This includes impressive colonial architecture, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Manzana Jesuítica and a Jesuit quarter with churches and university buildings dating back to the 17th century.
Córdoba is also known for its vibrant art and music scene, charming cafés, and vibrant nightlife. Nature lovers appreciate the proximity to the mountains, which invite hikes and adventures. The annual Cosquín Festival and other traditional festivals attract visitors from all over the world.
The blend of history, culture, and nature makes Córdoba an ideal destination for anyone seeking an authentic Argentina experience.
Its central location also makes Córdoba a popular tourist destination. For an additional fee, you can participate in excursions as part of your volunteer program.
The foundation organizes weekend trips to popular tourist attractions, including Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Salta, and northwest Argentina, including Mendoza and Patagonia.
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your volunteer work in Argentina, we advise you to take a Spanish course before the program starts. This gives you the opportunity to slowly get used to the language, culture and mentality.
Basic knowledge is recommended. While the local team can communicate in English, the projects involve interaction with children and teenagers who do not speak English, making Spanish an important tool for a more meaningful and engaging experience.
You can book your Spanish course in Argentina directly with us!
Requirements
- Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Argentina with us!)
- Minimum age 18 years
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
- Tetanus vaccine (not compulsory but recommended); Please ask your doctor for advice.
Pre-departure and in-country support
Our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance from our office, you will be supported locally by the founder of the dog shelter.
Costs & Services
Our Volunteer Project in Volunteering in the Music School for Socially Marginalized Children includes:
- Homestay, single room
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Airport pick-up in Córdoba
- Airport drop-off in Córdoba
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Costs
Application fee: US$ 150
Program costs: US$ 1,375 (minimum stay 4 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 230
Additionally, you can book:
Our tips (experience more + see more = save $$)
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All our stay abroad programs can be combined with each other: So, you can combine different volunteer projects in the same country or in different countries, or you mix Working Holiday with volunteer work or Farm Stay with Working Holiday ...and so on …
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Note: Language courses are excluded from this promotion. These discounts can not be combined with other promotions.
If you need assistance in putting together your personal experience abroad, then please contact us. Our experienced staff will help you to set up your tailor-made stay abroad.
Volunteer Guide
Find valuable information about volunteering abroad in our program guides. Find out about all the benefits, possibilities and challenges, that a stay abroad offers you. Read more about the great opportunities that South America Inside has at your disposal.
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