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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 Volunteer Travel
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BridgeVolunteers believes that there is a lot more to world travel than sight-seeing and all-inclusive resorts; and we know you do too. Our programs are well-rounded travel experiences that give participants the unique opportunity to connect with the local culture and the local people in a deep and meaningful way. |
Volunteer travel means doing more than visiting the normal tourist sites and simply skimming the surface of a foreign culture. We stress the importance of learning the local language, living with a local family, and immersing yourself fully in the local culture. You'll have the chance to spend time with people you might not otherwise meet, and to get a close-up view of the many facets of the local culture. Not only will your time with us be enriching and fulfilling, your work on our volunteer programs will contribute to our ongoing effort to bridge cultural, social, and economic gaps abroad. Your participation will help to inspire dreams, and even make them come true!
BridgeVolunteers knows that there are many people out there with little time, but a lot to give. We have designed our programs to tap into that goodwill with the idea that the sum of each person's efforts can really make a difference in many people's lives. |
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Who volunteers? |
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Our volunteers vary in age, nationality and background. The common characteristic among all of them is their willingness to help and their desire to travel. Our volunteers donate their time and money to conserve and protect the environment, uplift and build positive communities, teach children and adults, and promote health, education, and ecological awareness abroad. |
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Who will I be helping? |
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You will be helping our partner organizations and the communities with which they work. Your assistance will benefit local environmental and community advocates who have spent their lives promoting a specific cause. And most importantly, the people, wildlife, and the environmental causes aided by our projects will positively benefit from your work. |
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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, much-needed work in their local communities, but are under constant pressure to maintain staff, stay organized, and pay bills. These programs cannot afford to run without financial assistance.
Therefore, a specific amount of your volunteer fees are used as a donation to these organizations. These donations help keep the programs working and up-to-date, enabling them to continue to do their valuable work. Without your help, many of these projects would not be running, and the communities they serve would be at a loss. |
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What do they use the donation for? |
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The donation is used for basic facility needs, such as electricity and plumbing. Some of it is also used to buy much-needed school supplies or building materials. The staff at our non-profits is also supported by your donation. |
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What about the rest of my fees? |
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We want you to have a worthwhile and successful volunteer travel experience. Our staff is dedicated to helping you plan your trip and to make sure it goes smoothly. When you contact us, you are guaranteed quality service and assistance. The staff at BridgeVolunteers will help you choose a location and a program, set up accommodations and help you with your travel plans. Our purpose is to help you reach your goals as a volunteer. For a detailed description for what is included in BridgeVolunteers projects, see the What's Included FAQ page. |
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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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