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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
What's Included in our Volunteer Programs |
BridgeVolunteers coordinates most aspects of your volunteer travel program to ensure an experience abroad that is organized, enjoyable, and hassle-free. |
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Volunteer Placement |
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BridgeVolunteers works with local partners on over 25 volunteer programs around the world. We strive to ensure an experience that is meaningful to you and to the local community.
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Accommodation |
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BridgeVolunteers arranges volunteer accommodations during the course of the program, with carefully selected local host families, in volunteer housing at the program sites, in shared apartments, or in quality hotels near the program site. For more information, please see our Accommodations page. |
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Meals |
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All of our programs include meals prepared by host families, program staff, or on a rotating basis by the volunteers themselves. This provides volunteers with the unique opportunity to explore the culinary offerings of each program location. |
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Language Classes |
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In certain locations, BridgeVolunteers programs include language instruction which will greatly facilitate your volunteer experience abroad. Our methodology is designed to make you comfortable using the new language in practical and everyday situations including travel, conversation with your host family, and volunteer work. Language classes are scheduled to integrate language training and volunteering. For more information, please see our Language classes page. |
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Excursions and Activities |
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Many of our programs offer special workshops, social activities, and day and weekend trips to help volunteers experience the local surroundings and get to know the local culture. Cooking classes, tango lessons, and trips to local points of interest are just some of the options available. |
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Transportation |
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BridgeVolunteers makes sure you get where you need to be. We offer airport pick-up and transfer to program accommodations for all arriving volunteers. |
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Pre-Departure Information and Orientation |
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Before you embark on your volunteer travel experience, BridgeVolunteers will provide you and/or your organization with in-depth country and program information. Our helpful and friendly staff is always available to answer any questions you might have. |
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On-Site Orientation |
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We understand the challenges of traveling to a new country and want to ensure that all participants have a positive experience abroad. For that reason, we provide an extensive on-site orientation regarding health and safety, cultural differences, local travel information, and volunteer program details. |
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In-Country Support |
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All of our volunteer programs all have staff available to help you when you need it, including a 24-hour local support team and trained field guides on all programs. |
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Insurance |
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BridgeVolunteers provides basic medical, emergency travel and liability insurance to all volunteers. For more information, please see our Insurance 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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