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Visit BridgeAbroad.com
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Interested in language
training programs?
Visit our language travel division for
information on the world's top schools.
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FAQs
Language Classes for Volunteers
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Language classes are an important part of many BridgeVolunteers programs because they can help you adjust to your new environment and integrate with the local community. Being able to communicate with the people you are helping enriches your experience, improves cultural understanding, and increases your impact as a volunteer. And because of our modern, conversational approach to language instruction, you'll find that your language classes are an enjoyable and important part of your volunteer travel experience. |
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Methodology |
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 Language classes in BridgeVolunteers programs are intended to make students comfortable using the language in their new environment. As such, our language classes use a communicative approach which will have you speaking in the local language from the very first day. With this method of language training, you may be surprised at how quickly you learn to speak another language—and how much fun it is to do so!
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Instructors |
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 The language teachers in BridgeVolunteers programs are qualified, experienced, and dedicated professionals who know how to make classes fun and effective. All of our instructors are native speakers, have university degrees, and have received extensive training in how to teach a foreign language. Most importantly, you'll find that our instructors are friendly, patient, enthusiastic, energetic, and always available for questions and guidance. |
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Excursions & Social Activities |
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 Of course, we also know that your experience abroad is about more than just class; it's also about getting to know the local people and the culture. For that reason, the programs we work with offer many social activities and cultural excursions that allow you to make the most of your time overseas. From tango lessons to nature hikes to guided city tours, you'll deepen your cultural experience, improve your language skills—and have a great time too! |
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Schedule |
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The schedule of your language classes will depend largely on the location you choose. Participants will generally take classes in the morning at our local language schools. After class hours, you will head to our local partner organization or program site for your volunteer work.
And of course no matter what your location, the learning doesn't stop outside of class—your volunteer work provides a great opportunity for you to practice your newfound language skills and explore the culture of your new home! |
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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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