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Consult a Travel Advisor! |
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Write your question below
and we'll get back to you.
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FAQs
About Our Volunteer Programs |
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Who can work with BridgeVolunteers? |
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In order to join our programs, BridgeVolunteers requires volunteers to be 18 years of age and eligible to enter the country where the program is based. All nationalities are welcome. |
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Why should I pay to volunteer? |
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As a volunteer with BridgeVolunteers, you will be working with one of our partner non-profit organizations around the globe. These non-profits are doing meaningful and effective work in their local communities, but are under constant pressure to keep staffed, organized, and to pay bills. These programs cannot afford to run without financial assistance.
Therefore, a specific amount of your program fee functions as a direct donation to the organization with which you volunteer. These donations help keep the programs working and up-to-date so they can continue to benefit their communities. Without your help, many of these programs would not be running, and the communities they serve would be at a loss. |
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When should I apply? |
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We ask our volunteers to apply in full at least a month before the departure date. If you can, you should plan about 6 months to a year ahead, as most programs fill up quickly. |
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What is the application process? |
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How long are your volunteer programs? |
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We offer programs that last from as little as a week to as long as a year. Minimum and maximum program lengths depend on the individual program. The majority of programs have an average length of 2-4 weeks. |
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When do programs start? |
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Some programs have specific start dates, but others allow volunteers to start any day year-round. This information can be found on each program page. |
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Are there any language requirements to participate? |
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Knowledge of a foreign language is not a requirement on any of our programs. However, we believe that learning the local language will make each experience abroad more interesting, productive, and meaningful. For that reason, we have designed some of our programs to include language classes. We'll help you to learn the language of your host country by scheduling language classes around your volunteer work. Learn More |
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Are there any other requirements? |
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Skills and requirements vary on a program-to-program basis. All of our programs include training if specific skills are required. All volunteers with our Teach English Programs receive free enrollment in our TEFLOnline.com teacher certification course. Learn More |
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What are program accommodations like? |
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Each program has different living arrangements. Volunteers will either live with host families or in volunteer housing (lodges, dormitories, or camps). All of our programs include meals prepared by host families, program staff, or on a rotating basis by the volunteers themselves. Our Accommodations page offers more detailed information regarding lodging facilities and meals. |
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How should I pay for my program? |
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You can pay for your program with a credit card on our secure online enroll form, or by phone. You can also mail checks or send a money order. |
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Is funding available for your programs? |
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BridgeVolunteers believes that cost should not hinder your desire to volunteer. For that reason, we offer support and ideas to help you raise funds for your program. Please visit our Fundraising page for more information. |
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How do I learn about the health and safety issues of my destination? |
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Do you offer special discounts for long-term volunteers? |
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Yes! BridgeVolunteers offers a 5% discount on the total program price for programs of 12 weeks or more, and a 10% discount on programs of 24 weeks or more. |
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May I go to more than one program location? |
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Yes. Spending time in more than one country can expose you to different languages, programs, and cultures. The BridgeVolunteers staff can recommend programs to combine and can help you to arrange a special program combination package. |
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Can I get college credit for volunteering? |
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It is possible to get credit for many of our volunteer programs. Please contact your university for credit information. We are happy to provide any documentation requested by your university. |
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Airport Pickup and Orientation: |
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After arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be picked up by a shuttle service and transported to your accommodations for the first night. The following morning, you will begin your volunteer program with an extensive orientation. During this time, you will learn about living and working in Buenos Aires, using public transportation, and volunteering at your program site. You will meet your program coordinator to discuss the details of your work and your responsibilities as a volunteer. Your program coordinator will accompany you on the first day and also on subsequent days if possible. |
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Spanish Language Classes: |
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To complement your work in the community, you will be taking Spanish language classes at BridgeArgentina, our affiliate language school in Buenos Aires. For more efficient placement upon your arrival, we ask that you take our Online Spanish Placement to determine your language proficiency. If this is not possible, we will test you upon arrival at the school. You will be placed according to your language level in a group of four or fewer students, learning conversational Spanish for four hours a day*. After your class hours, you will go directly to your organization for your volunteer experience.
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TEFL Teacher Training: |
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All volunteers in our Teach English Programs receive teacher training before going abroad. By completing our online teacher preparation program, you will earn your certification in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), which will give you the skills and confidence needed to teach English overseas. Read More. |
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Transportation: |
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BridgeVolunteers will arrange your airport pickup in Buenos Aires and transportation to your host family. Volunteers pay for transportation to and from the program and other activities. |
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Accommodations: |
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Volunteers can choose to stay in either a hostel or with an Argentinean host family. Hostel accommodations are typically shared rooms and bathrooms and include breakfast. Host family accommodations include a private room and two meals per day (breakfast and dinner). Commute time to the program varies, but may be up to 30-60 minutes, depending on your placement. If you opt to stay with a host family, you will be glad to know that our host families are carefully screened and must meet BridgeVolunteers' requirements before being accepted as a host family. You will be given a key to your host family's home to come and go as you please. |
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Meals: |
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If you choose to stay in a hostel, you will be served breakfast only. If you would like to prepare your own meals, you will have access to a kitchen in the hostel. Host families provide two meals a day: breakfast and dinner. |
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In-Country Support: |
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Volunteer coordinators will provide support during your time in Buenos Aires. You can also expect help from your fellow volunteers and the staff of both BridgeVolunteers and our partner organization. |
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Argentina Excursions: |
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Although you will be serving the community for most of your time in Argentina, there may be time for some sightseeing. Below are a few of the trips that BridgeArgentina organizes for students and volunteers, schedule permitting. Volunteers are expected to pay their own transportation costs and entrance fees.
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The Recoleta |
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One of our most popular excursions, this trip takes you to the beautiful Recoleta neighborhood known as a "slice of Paris" in Buenos Aires |
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The Rosedal |
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The Rosedal is Buenos Aires' most famous and most visited park, filled with bridges, piers, ponds, sculptures, and abundant vegetation. |
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San Telmo |
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A walking tour of this artsy neighborhood offers a chance to visit antique shops and the San Telmo Market, where you can find antiques, crafts, and artwork made by local artisans. |
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La Boca |
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Colorful houses characterize the lively waterfront neighborhood of La Boca. The area is also home to the country's most popular soccer team, the Boca Juniors. |
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The Plaza de Mayo |
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This plaza is the epicenter of Argentina's political history. This tour of the plaza also includes famous buildings nearby, such as the Casa Rosada, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Cabildo. |
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Puerto Madero |
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This port city has converted its old brick warehouses into first-rate restaurants, movie theaters, and office complexes. It is now Buenos Aires' newest, most exclusive, and fastest-growing district |
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Insurance for Volunteers: |
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BridgeVolunteers provides emergency travel insurance for participants. For more information, please read our Insurance page. |
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