So you've made it to Buenos Aires... Welcome!
Your first few hours in the city might be daunting and overwhelming so we have made a list of some key things you might need to know in order to find your feet in those important first few hours!
- The Voluntario Global House is located on the famous Avenida de Mayo in the neighbourhood of Monserrat, which forms part of Buenos Aires’ business district. It is a neighbourhood steeped in local history and home to some of Argentina’s most significant public buildings and landmarks. Check out this website for details of the different neighbourhoods and also some good 'new to Buenos Aires' tips and articles: http://www.gringoinbuenosaires.com/neighborhood-guides/
- If you get a taxi (they are good value for money here) you need to tell them the cross roads nearest to where you are going, they don't tend to know street numbers so if you are heading to the Volunteer's House, you would need to say to the taxi driver 'Avenida de Mayo y San Jose' and they will know exactly where to go.
- There is a really good website which will help you navigate the public transport and help you plan your journeys: http://mapa.buenosaires.gob.ar/
- The nearest large supermarket which stocks everything you might need including fresh fruit, vegetables and meat is: Coto (Bartolomé Mitre 1558) but there are plenty of other smaller convenience stores even closer, like Carrefour Express (Av de Mayo 1452). There are lots of pharmacies around too, the closest being Farmacity (Av de Mayo 1470).
- If the thought of hitting a supermarket is the last thing you want to do after a day travelling then I can recommend a lovely, traditional cafe just up the road where you can settle down for a coffee and some pastries – I recommend the medialunas, which are fresh tasty croissants which you will see everywhere here! Los 36 Billares (Av de Mayo1271).
- If you have signed up to do Spanish lessons with Voluntario Global, these will be held at Buenos Aires Spanish School, which is situated very conveniently to the Volunteer's House, just one block away on Hipolito Yrigoyen 1264 (3rd Floor, Apartment D – you need to buzz in and take the back set of steps).
The rest you will learn once you start exploring and meeting new people but hopefully these basics will help you to feel a bit more comfortable in your first few hours!
'Fileteado' translates directly into English as 'narrow strips', an iconic decorative art-form born in Buenos Aires, which is frequently used to represent the eclectic city in guidebooks. For Porteños, fileteado is more than just a decoration, it is a symbol of Argentine identity and on just my second day here as communications volunteer I got the chance to take a walking tour and a deeper look into these rich and colourful paintings.
We gathered at the Carlos Gardel and Anchorena and spent time studying an immense array of examples of fileteado: designs ranging from flowers and spiralling plant motifs to horses, dragons and tango dancers. I decided to put my language learning to the test and listen to the tour in Spanish, just asking for a few words in English when I didn't understand! Our lovely guide spoke of how the art was inspired by popular culture, images of Carlos Gardel (the most prominent figure in the history of tango), phrases and sayings 'of wisdom' that were popular with the residents at the time.
Continuing to walk through to Zelaya, we learned that fileteado was thought to have started as decoration for vehicles, but it quickly progressed to easel paintings, objects and the streets. The spirit of tango music could be felt here. Getting a little more technical, Gustavo Ferrari, fileteador, joined our group to outline the key elements that go into making this highly stylised art:
- Bright lively colours to catch the eye.
- Careful shading to create a feeling of depth.
- Gothic typography and highly ornamented characters.
- Each composition is always enclosed in a painted frame, which can take the shape of the painting surface.
- The composition is always brimming with content and symbolism, for example a horseshoe for good luck!
After being inspired by the masters, it was time to have a go ourselves (and enjoy some 'Mate'). Gustavo welcomed us to an artists’ studio where he took us through the basic steps of creating our own masterpiece, what a treat! Filling in a basic outline with paint takes a steady hand and many of us were shocked at how difficult it was to use the paints in such a controlled manner. He explained which size paintbrush works for which part of the composition, how to mix and layer the correct colours and use light and shade to bring the piece to life... The results, I don't know how, but they looked pretty good!
My tour was organised by '054 Online' I had a thoroughly enjoyable (and educational) afternoon so do check them out.
Having graduated from college, you are now an adult by every meaning of the word. Forty years of work awaits you. You're hearing the siren song of the rat race. But if you haven't figured it out by now, the cookie-cutter life path of college-work-marriage-kids-death doesn't have to be the way it all goes down. Volunteering after college is an adventurous option that you can take to make the world a better place, and benefit yourself a little in the process. Here are 10 reasons why you should give it some serious thought.
1. See the world
Some of the poorest countries that are the most in need of help also happen to be some of the most breathtaking places in the world. The mountains of Nepal, the lush jungles of Costa Rica, the wide expanses of Kenya are just a few of the lush vistas available to you.
2. Volunteering makes you live longer
Although at 21 or 22 you probably think you're invincible, trust us: it won't be long until it takes you three days to recover from a pickup basketball game and you start thinking seriously about your health. The good news is, if you start helping people for selfless reasons, you may live longer.
3. Help your resume
The job market being what it is, volunteer experience can make great material for improving a resume and helping yourself stand out. More employers are saying they're interested in employees with volunteer experience. And who knows? You might land a job with the nonprofit you volunteer with.
4. Find your calling
College grads who aren't sure what they want to do with their lives are often advised to take an internship somewhere to get a feel for life in a certain line of work. Volunteering can serve the same purpose. You may find your passion is helping people.
5. Build lifelong friendships
Serving alongside people has a way of forming special bonds that can last for years. Especially if your volunteering takes you to a third world country, the newness and uncertainty of the environment encourages you to find similarity with your fellow volunteers, which builds a basis for friendships that can last a lifetime.
6. Gain valuable experience
There are so many different ways to volunteer, the skills that can be learned in the process are countless. Whether you volunteer as a firefighter or a camp counselor, you'll gain valuable knowledge about the world and about yourself that can be applied anywhere.
7. It can change your outlook on life
Volunteering is probably the best way to break yourself out of your comfort zone and show you what life is like for many people. Doing so can change your views on a number of important social issues, like welfare, public health care, education, and more.
8. Learn a foreign language
Anyone who has tried to pick up a second language will tell you there's no quicker way to become fluent than by immersing yourself in a culture where that language, and nothing but that language, is spoken. Volunteering abroad is the perfect time to learn a foreign tongue.
9. Get motivated
Maybe you just haven't felt motivated to get to work now that college is over. Since objects in motion tend to stay in motion, getting off the couch and volunteering is a good way to build some momentum that can carry you into your working career.
10. Volunteering makes you happier
Happier people tend to live longer, which may explain why volunteering makes you live longer. Making other people happy is a tried and true way to achieve happiness yourself. If you want more than chasing the almighty dollar after college, you may find joy in volunteering.
This post has been republished from: http://goo.gl/A51yFv
"¡Sonamos muchachos! ¡Resulta que si uno no se apura a cambiar el mundo, después es el mundo el que lo cambia a uno!" “We’ve had it, boys! It turns out that if you don't hurry to change the world, it's the world that changes you!”
You may have seen this little dark haired girl around Buenos Aires, perhaps in San Telmo, or in the the Subte stop ‘Lima’. But, if you haven’t had a chance to meet her yet, we formally introduce you to Argentina’s beloved Mafalda.
Created by the Argentine cartoonist Quino (pseudonym of Joaquín Salvador Lavado), Mafalda is a comic strip that ran between 1964 and 1973. It is about an spirited 6 year old girl who cares deeply about the state of humanity, is on a mission for world peace and hates soup. She persistently baffles her parents by questioning them about complex and ‘grown-up’ ideas, such as communism in China, and will always take the side of the underdog.
Quino created the lively young lady for socio-political motives, using a comical take on a child’s imagination. Nevertheless, the comic was never closely based on the current events at the time of publication.
Mafalda’s conscientiousness and direct nature made her an immediate hit in Latin America and parts of Europe. In fact, Quino believed the strip never had much success with the English speaking population because it was too Latin America. Despite this innate Latin American quality, the depth, clarity and humor of Quino’s words mean we can all learn a little from Mafalda.
Here are some of her most famous lines:
“¿Por donde hay que empujar este país para llevarlo adelante?”
“Where do you have a push this country to make it move forward?”
"Y, claro, el drama de ser presidente es que si uno se pone a resolver los problemas de estado no le queda tiempo para gobernar.”
“And, of course, the issue with being president is that if you try to resolve the problems with the state, there’s no time to govern.”
“La vida es linda, lo malo es que muchos confunden lindo con fácil.”
“Life is beautiful, the problem is that so many people confuse beauty with simplicity.”
“La cosa es tomar lo artificial con naturalidad”
“The idea is to take artificiality with naturalness”
"Como siempre: lo urgente no deja tiempo para lo Importante."
“As always: the most urgent things don’t leave time for the most important”
"No es cierto que todo tiempo pasado fue mejor. Lo que pasaba era que los que estaban peor todavía no se habían dado cuenta..."
“It’s not true that the past was better. What happened was that those who were getting worse still hadn’t realised”
“Comienza tu día con una sonrisa y verás lo divertido que es ir por ahí desentonando con todo el mundo”
“Start your day with a smile and you will see how fun it is to go around and be at odds with the world”
"Paren al mundo, que me quiero bajar"
“Stop the world, I want to get off”
¿Pensaron alguna vez que si no fuera por todos nadie sería nada?
“Have you ever thought that if it wasn’t for everyone, nobody would be nothing?”
“El problema de las mentes cerradas, es que siempre tienen la boca abierta!”
“The problem with closed minded people, is that they always have their mouth open!”
In 2013, after the death of Armin one of our founders, we wondered how to remember him and how to continue his dreams. Travel and experience other cultures was one of Armin's dream so we created the Armin Scholarship for Youth in order to allow them to travel and share, learn and be involved.
In 2014 we organized and planned the trips that would enhance the chances of experience for each youth.
During the month of January, 2015, three young fellows began their experience of traveling abroad as volunteers. Ximena and Nico went to England to help in Spanish classes and practice English at Portsmouth Grammar School, and they travelled the country to learn from its people and culture. Cristian is in Colombia to lear about sustainable development.
Towards the end of February, the three scholarships will be returning to Buenos Aires with experiences and images to share with the community, youth organizations and volunteers.
We still have this year scholarships: Mabel to Mexico, Samantha to Ecuador and Federico to Bolivia.
What do we mean when we say "culture?" Put simply, culture is total sum of institutions, believes, customs, behaviors, artifacts, language, and attitudes of a particular group of people. It is learned and transmitted from generation to generation. It is cumulative and ever changing. It is the way you think, act, speak, and walk as well as what you think about, why you act the way you do and what you say. It is the total way of life of a person. Your culture affects everything you do and it colors the way you view other cultures.
When two cultures come into contact, both are changed in some way. Some are affected negatively, some are affected positively, but none escapes influence. Adapting to a new culture and learning from it (in essence, coming into contact with a different culture and being changed by it) is what volunteering is about. No matter how well you are prepared; there are many things in a culture that you cannot find in books. This is not simply meeting new and unexpected things, but also failing to meet what you would never have believed would be missing from any culture.
However, this change can cause uneasiness. This happens especially when the contact of cultures involves extreme differences, or even contradictory views or customs. Dealing with this uneasiness is part of the process of immersion. However, it is definitely an experience that will help grow, learn more about yourself and understand better what life is about.
In the following figure you will see the different stages of the process:
Students who seek “non-traditional” study abroad or international service-learning experiences frequently have to sacrifice intellectual rigor to get them. Existing companies offer standardized volunteerism opportunities at high costs, and typically provide little or no educational framework. Omprakash EdGE is a new kind of abroad experience that offers students a unique range of features:
An extensive curriculum. Omprakash has collaborated with experts in the field of international development and education, as well as university administrators, to create a rigorous 12-week online curriculum. Students will learn about the history, ethics, and economics of international aid and volunteering, leaving them well-prepared for their subsequent internship abroad.
Customizability. Omprakash is a network of over 140 grassroots organizations all over the globe. EdGE students will be able to customize their internship experience based upon the location, focus, and needs of their organization of interest. Omprakash encourages and facilitates communication between students and organizations, ensuring that both parties know what to expect.
Unlimited resources and mentorship. With a one-time modest tuition payment, students will have access to EdGE’s online classroom and vast collection of online resources. Omprakash staff members will also provide one-on-one mentoring throughout the entire experience.
University credit. Omprakash works with university administrators to create opportunities for EdGE students to receive academic credit for their work. EdGE culminates with the completion of a researchbased capstone project, which, in addition to being published on the Omprakash network, is designed to be evaluated for university credit.
Affordability. Omprakash seeks to expand access to formative international experiences to students of all backgrounds, so EdGE is designed to be a distinctly affordable opportunity. Students pay a one-time tuition fee of $750 for full access to Omprakash’s online classroom and resources. Omprakash does not charge overhead fees for internships, and offers travel grants for exceptional candidates to defray the cost of flights and lodging.
With Omprakash EdGE, we hope to usher in a new era of international volunteerism that is coupled with structured education and preparation. In this way, we aim to help students maximize their learning opportunities when they choose to volunteer or intern abroad. We are currently running our pilot season in three universities and are looking to expand our existing partnerships.
We encourage you to learn more online at www.omprakash.org or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
On Saturday, along with Voluntario Global founder Valeria and coordinator Pedro, I had the chance to participate with the families that make up the kindergarden community located in Jose Leon Suarez. As a volunteer that works in an urbanized neighborhood, (La Boca) and who had only heard about the conditions of some of the villas surrounding Buenos Aires, I did not know what to expect. When told about poverty, most of us draw a picture in our heads to try and imagine it, but the reality is we will not even get close to it until we live it. I only saw one side of Suarez and it was the beautiful one. The people and families have basically nothing, but life has taught them to fight for their dreams in order to overcome all the difficulties that their conditions have posed on them. Lorena, founder of the Kindergarden and fellow-teacher Viviana , have worked very hard for the past four years to develope their own teaching principles and methods. On Saturday, parents were told about the kindergarten’s goals, the work that has been done, and their achievements thus far.
The learning environment of the kindergarten ensures that kids who learn in different ways can have a positive result. As is the case with all kindergartens across the world, the children are all different from each other and learn in different ways. The kindergarten has a very nice dynamic as the children naturally want to learn and the teachers understand how to guide the kids to their right path.
In terms of the community garden, we prepared ideas to share and organize the project collectively. Before we could say anything, we witnessed mothers sharing wisdom of a community that understands how people have always been linked to the earth. From then on, we enforced the idea of seeding simply because the earth is capable of providing them with food and would be beneficial to their local economy. That is why it is so important to take care of the earth, as many little things such as recycling, taking care of the water, and breaking down litter can make a big overall difference.
To understand the community garden is to understand the relationship between society and the Earth. We know for sure that wherever we go, we'll pass on all of the knowledge learned from the mothers and teachers of the kindergarten.
In conclusion, the encounter between the parents, the teachers, Valeria and Pedro was an astonishing learning experience. Parents looked up to the teachers with smiling hope, taking every opportunity to tell anecdotes about how their child has changed for the better since attending the kindergarden. They loved the idea of applying ecology to their children's education because it is regularly applied to life at home. Mothers nodded to each other when Valeria emphasized the importance of working together as a collective. A commitment was made, and a bright future surely awaits for the community garden. On a personal note, I have never seen so much ambition and respect. The kids have so much ambition to grow up, go to school, and become something amazing. They respect their parents who provide them with all that they have, and also respect those who have worked hard to ensure their future. The "seños" (kindergarten teachers) are recognized as one of the most important figures in their lives, as it was visible from all the hugs, smiles, and effort that reflects in all corners of the kindergarden.
Argentina presents no particular threat to foreigners, and travelers should not be discouraged from travelling throughout the country. Argentina is one of the safest countries in Latin America. However, there are still periodic outbreaks of social unrest and demonstrations. Visitors are, therefore, advised to keep abreast with news to know whether any political disturbances are expected.
SAFETY ON THE STREET
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Do not attract attention to yourself by speaking English loudly in public spaces or wearing expensive looking jewelry. These mannerisms will certainly attract thieves, or worse.
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Keep a low profile and avoid loud conversations or arguments. Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers.
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Try to seem purposeful when you move about. Even if you are lost, act as if you know where you are going. When possible, ask directions only from individuals in authority.
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Don't use shortcuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets. Try not to travel alone at night.
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Avoid scam artists. Beware of strangers who approach you, offering bargains or to be your guide.
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Be alert for bag snatchers, pickpockets and con men, particularly in crowded areas in Buenos Aires, on public transport (buses, the subway, bus and train stations) and in popular tourist haunts (especially in market places and festivals).
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Beware of pickpockets. They often have an accomplice who will: jostle you, ask you for directions or the time, point to something spilled on your clothing, or distract you by creating a disturbance.
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Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest and walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse-snatchers.
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Do not carry your actual passport with you—just carry a copy and leave your passport safely stored at either your host family’s house or your guesthouse.
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Learn a few phrases in Spanish so you can signal your need for help, the police, or a doctor. Make a note of emergency telephone numbers you may need: police, fire, your accommodation, and your nearest embassy or consulate.
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If you are confronted, don't fight back. Give up your valuables. Your money and passport can be replaced, but you cannot.
HOW TO HANDLE MONEY SAFELY
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Beware that ATMs limit your withdrawal, in some cases only giving you 1000 pesos per day. If you need to take out more than that, you’ll have to do two transactions and you’ll be charged a fee for both.
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Do not flash large amounts of money when paying a bill. Make sure your credit card is returned to you after each transaction.
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Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money, buy airline tickets or purchase souvenirs. Do not change money on the black market.
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If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police. Keep a copy of the police report for insurance claims and as an explanation of your plight. After reporting missing items to the police, report the loss or theft of:
Traveler’s cheques to the nearest agent of the issuing company,
Credit cards to the issuing company,
Airline tickets to the airline or travel agent,
Passport to the nearest embassy or consulate.
LEGAL MATTERS
When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws and are under its jurisdiction - NOT the protection of the laws of your home country i.e. you can be arrested overseas for actions that may be either legal or considered minor infractions in your country.
Police can demand identification at any moment and for whatever reason. Carry a photocopy of your passport at all times and be courteous and cooperative.
The legal drinking age is 18.
Marijuana as well as cocaine are illegal in Argentina and can land you in jail. DO NOT become involved with the local drug culture in any way. Besides the legal dangers, there are also the dangers posed by dealing with any illegal organizations.
GREETINGS
In Argentina, when you greet someone or say goodbye to them, you give each other a kiss on the (right) cheek. In formal situation people shake hands. Argentineans are great conversationalists and are interested and knowledgeable about world events, politics and sporting. Meetings usually begin with small talk.
BODY LANGUAGE
Personal body space is close. It is common for participants in a conversation to politely touch each other on the arm or back, and a light kiss on the cheek is customary, even after the first meeting. Take your cue from your acquaintance.
CUSTOMS & ETIQUETTE
Cafes are a part of everyday Argentine life both for the residents of Buenos Aires as well as those from other regions. It is like a second home where people meet over a steaming cup of coffee with friends, acquaintances, clients or themselves...
Mate is THE traditional beverage of Argentina. For Argentineans, “los mates” are a fundamental part of life. Mate is a strong, caffeinated tea drank from a cup about the size of an apple. The cup is filled with an herb (yerba) and hot water and then drank through a metal straw called “bombilla” that has a filter on its end. When somebody offers you a mate it means that they care about you, that they want to share something with you. That’s why we suggest you not to reject mate when offered…it might not be your intention but it can hurt their feelings!
Argentines typically eat a very small breakfast of coffee or tea and toast or pastries, if they eat breakfast at all. Lunch is typically around 1:00-3:00pm, and they do not have a “siesta” in the afternoon like in Spain.
Dinnertime can be anywhere from 9:00pm to 12:30am.
Bars do not start up until 12:00-2:00am and clubs never fill up until 3:00-4:00am. It is very normal to stay out until 7:00am on the weekends. This being said, if you plan to party/drink please do so slowly. Bars and clubs in North America and most places in Europe close around the same time Argentines start going out, so please keep this in mind.
Tipping in restaurants is approximately 10%, and tipping after taxi rides is not expected.
CONVERSATION
Small talk is important. Bringing up Football is a great way to start conversation with people—definitely avoid bringing up the Dirty War or the Falklands issue with people until you know them well.
Porteños are very proud of their city and culture (some would say to the point of arrogance), so avoid direct criticism of Buenos Aires when possible.
The speech of Buenos Aires in particular abounds with words and phrases from the colorful slang known as “lunfardo” (see appendix). Although you shouldn’t use lunfardo words unless you are supremely confident that you know their every implication (especially in formal situations), it’s good to be aware of some of the more common everyday usages.
VOLUNTARIO GLOBAL
Voluntario Global helps local communities by being available to discuss anything that local organizations need, and offering ideas for further change and development.
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CONTACT
Location: General Pacheco. Buenos Aires. Argentina
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.