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We have compiled this report to outline our achievements for 2017 and what we hope to achieve in the foreseeable future as we continue working towards our vision of a fairer society and equality of opportunities for all.
This year, after ten years of increasing our network of institutions and organizations as well as developing our own projects, we have compiled this report to outline our achievements thus far and what we hope to achieve in the foreseeable future as we continue working towards our vision of a fairer society and equality of opportunity for all.
As a large network of volunteers, institutions and organisations, Voluntario Global aims to generate awareness, knowledge and tolerance through cultural exchange and reflective analysis, enhancing our understanding of the tools required for the social transformation that we seek: ultimately, an economic, social and cultural system that is not based on self-interest or predation but rather on ties of cooperation, friendship and acceptance.
I am a graduate of Modern Languages (Spanish, French & Catalan) and am a fully qualified secondary school teacher with 20 years of Spanish teaching experience with students of 11-18 years old in England.
As a teacher, my aim was always to convert my experiences of volunteering in Voluntario Global's projects into a new initiative involving organising a regular school trip to give young students an opportunity to see, at first hand, what life in Argentina is like for its inhabitants, not least those living in barrios lacking the resources and facilities that they, at home, take for granted. With the enormous help and co-ordination of the team at Voluntario Global, the dream became a reality and I have accompanied school groups to Buenos Aires to work with Voluntario Global in 2009, 2010 and 2014 - over 50 students in total. But the initial idea has become so much more than a mere "school trip".
Students have also returned independently to work with Voluntario Global in 2010, 2011, 2012, and next in January 2016. Voluntario Global have supported this initiative 100% and have enhanced our plans taking us to projects in La Boca, Isla Maciel & José Leon Suarez. Understanding, trust and co-operation have been the keys to our mutual success. In 2015 I had the chance to welcome 2 students from Argentina to experience life at my school and gain teaching experience. I look forward to working with Valeria and the whole team of co-ordinators again in the near future. I cannot recommend highly enough the professionalism and care that Voluntario Global shows to its foreign volunteers.
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I am a professor of architecture and was travelling with 11 architecture students to Buenos Aires on February 2012.
Our visit and work in the ecological and cooperative farm was a great chance for the architecture students to experience concepts of sustainability. The class volunteered and learned with Voluntario Global team in a farm located outside of Buenos Aires. The farm will become a market for local farmers to sell their crops. The students worked to build a bamboo fence around the property.
All the South America trip full of learning and volunteer: http://merge-emerge2012.blogspot.com.ar/2012/02/ecological-farm.html
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This is Patrick Bourgeois from Canada. I had the first opportunity to meet Voluntario Global with my group of students in 2012. We had the opportunity, through you and Voluntario Global, to visit the community center in La Boca and the kindergarten in the outskirt of Buenos Aires (I still have the little puppet we made with the kids!) and last year we had the chance to have you present the actions of Voluntario Global at your office. This was a very touching moment for me and my group! They talked a lot about our meeting and how they were impressed of your actions and I think they were inspired by it (I know I was!).
Our last visit in 2014 was amazing as usual. Rocio, the coordinator was very friendly and I and students appreciated talking to her! I hope she did'nt thing we were talking to much! I know I talk a lot! Still, I've let her talk enough to learn a lot about Argentina!
It really was a memorable experience for me and my students! Some of the students are aiming for a career in education, so I think that it will be even more interesting for them!
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I am a graduate of Modern Languages (Spanish, French & Catalan) and am a fully qualified secondary school teacher with 20 years of Spanish teaching experience with students of 11-18 years old in England.
As a teacher, my aim was always to convert my experiences of volunteering in Voluntario Global's projects into a new initiative involving organising a regular school trip to give young students an opportunity to see, at first hand, what life in Argentina is like for its inhabitants, not least those living in barrios lacking the resources and facilities that they, at home, take for granted. I have accompanied school groups to Buenos Aires to work with Voluntario Global in 2009, 2010 and 2014, so over 50 students in total. But the initial idea has become so much more than a mere "school trip".
Students have also returned independently to work with Voluntario Global in 2010, 2011, 2012, and next in January 2016. Voluntario Global have supported this initiative 100% and have enhanced our plans taking us to projects in La Boca, Isla Maciel & José Leon Suarez. Understanding, trust and co-operation have been the keys to our mutual success. In 2015 I had the chance to welcome 2 students from Argentina to experience life at my school and gain teaching experience. I look forward to working with Valeria and the whole team of co-ordinators again in the near future. I cannot recommend highly enough the professionalism and care that Voluntario Global shows to its foreign volunteers.
Roadmonkey Adventure Philanthropy
Santa Monica, California, United States of America
Contact email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Roadmonkey and Voluntario Global created in two opportunities a 10 days volunteer project and community based exchange 2011 and 2012 for group of around 8 young professional people each time. We spent 1 week working in cooperation with Voluntario Global in March 2011. We'll be working side-by-side with the community renovating a local primary school for 3-5 year old children and build them a community garden.
In our second visit we help to improve a Laundry cooperative youth painting, fixing an improving administration and management meanwhile we learn Spanish and share the Argentinean culture.
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Website: http://www.globalworkcamps.org/argentina/
Global Work Camps a non-profit organization from USA. I have great memories about 2011 collaboration and partnership. We have successfully included in website the programs offered by Voluntario Global for volunteers and student groups. We would be more than happy to resume our previous collaboration and continue further more studying abroad, learning Spanish and making tourism.
Luz M. Avruj, Service Learning Teacher
Fundación Ortega y Gasset, Argentina
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In the class of Service Learning at Fundación Ortega y Gasset, students have the responsibility to attend class and participate in a voluntary activity selected for them, based on their interests and training. And our students choose to do their volunteer experiences with Voluntario Global. We understand that meeting local people, not just those that kindly smile at them behind the counter of a tourist attraction, contact with reality in all its complexity, not just what is carefully prepared to look like tourists, be able talking with real people in real contexts, travel there as do the people who live there, it all helps in understanding the complexity of our reality. Also these communities provide students with opportunities to think and act differently, to facilitate the construction of a different world.
For all this, when we think about volunteering for our students not only we not only think that preparing or serving food in a soup kitchen or playing with children living in disadvantaged areas, but we think of a comprehensive process that includes such tasks associated with a process learning and wider and Global Volunteer helps us to meet our and our students goals.
My experience in Argentina was a life changing one that allowed me the opportunity to throw myself into a totally different and exciting culture. My work with Voluntario Global was by far one of the highlights of my trip, allowing me the unique opportunity to work with nurseries over there and meet a range of wonderful people. Playing with the children was such a special opportunity and truly one of the most enriching experiences, sharing stories and playing with toys. I would recommend volunteering here wholeheartedly, it taught me such a range of skills and also allowed me to grow as a person. The people are so friendly and truly make you feel so much at home. A life-changing trip.
My visit to Buenos Aires was a great experience, one I will never forget. I have a lot to thank to Voluntario Global as I would have never had so many opportunities to discover Buenos Aires without them. I would thoroughly recommend this experience to anyone looking for a life changing educational experience.
Voluntario Global in partnership with a prestigious Spanish School can accredit the highest quality language programs for groups in Argentina. Our personal approach, knowledge and professionalism guarantee that all your expectations will be met. We have received groups of all nationalities and will be happy to provide references upon request or help you tailoring your Project.
The course is characterized by the combination of teaching strategies for deepening the management of Spanish as a foreign language, along with the exhibition, analysis and discussion of topics of cultural interest concerning the past and present of Argentina and its relationship with the continent and the world: history, society, literature, politics, music, etc. Plus the incorporation of writing practices, and critical reading of texts of different registers (formal and informal correspondence, fictional and non-fictional texts, academics, and more. The objective of the course is that participants acquire knowledge about the target culture, grow in understanding of their own culture and expand their intercultural skills. It is also expected that this learning process accompanies and enhances the development and improvement in the domain of the target language (listening and reading comprehension and oral and written) as it consolidates and deepens the knowledge of the content offered by the course.
The course articulates communicative and grammatical language with historical content. It also proposes to introduce the knowledge of the different processes and stages in Argentina's history in a clear and simple way, and to present and develop a comprehensive and basic overview of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political history of Argentina. In this way, the understanding and analysis of the main processes and national historical events will be a tool for cultural integration in our society. In order to achieve this, we work with reading and discussion of historical texts to strengthen reading comprehension, plus other materials such as videos, documentaries, etc., (used to enhance listening skills). Finally, there will be exhibitions proposed in the classroom for speaking practice.
The American Literature course is aimed for students who have passed level 5 ABA (MCRE B2); as we believe reading these texts is essential to complement the critical and theoretical literature for the student. This course will also incorporate linguistic and pragmatic content of levels 6 (B2 +), 7 (C1) and 8 (C1 +), depending on the level of mastery of the language of the group or student. During class, mainly, we will work on the analysis and discussion of literary texts in relation to their contexts of production and critical production. The proposal aims at: a) enhance the knowledge on Latin American authors; b) increase knowledge about the political and geographical situation of Latin America; c) read literary texts critically considering the context of production; d) expanding the literary vocabulary, especially in the different Latin American variants; e) reflect on the representations of the Latin American universe. The leading idea is to create a dynamic of reflection and debate in order to achieve the active participation of all students.
The course offers an approach to the history of tango within the framework of the typical Argentinian culture. Tango, as a representation of popular music, is presented from its origins to the innovations inspired in musical vanguards. Given its strong inclusion in mass culture, relationships between urban music and film sets are also studied. The student will be introduced to the most important authors and composers of tango. Overall, the course aims to: a) bring the public closer to the history of tango; b) explain its development from the thematic aspect and its musical evolution; c) explain its connection with other cultural areas such as film and the theatre in Buenos Aires; d) analyze its transformations after Astor Piazzolla and along with its effect today.
This course is oriented towards students of tourism, hospitality management or related disciplines. It deals with the ways in which tourism can be responsable / sustainable, referring its social, cultural, natural and economic implications. Students are first given an overview of the tourism sector in Argentina, its actors, regulation and public policy, followed by a historic account of the surge of sustainable tourism in Argentina and the region. At the core of the course lie a series of case studies of institutions and policies, successful and less so, that illustrate the field of sustainable tourism in Argentina. Depending on the orientation of the students, the course can be complemented with a research agenda and accompanied field work or with an internship/volunteer work in organizations of the sustainable tourism sector. Weekly parallel Spanish classes are recommended before starting field work.
This course is aimed at students of any areas who are interested in complementing their spanish lessons with community work. It deals with the ways in which volunteering can enrich your experience of learning the language and culture in Argentina. Classes will focus on social, cultural, and linguistic contexts, and students will have the opportunity of practicing the acquired skills while volunteering at their assigned community project. Volunteering will take place at least twice a week and a follow up of the improvements in language skills will be addressed during the week with the teachers. This is possible due to our extended knowledge of volunteering programs and how volunteers can benefit from this pratice. Depending on the orientation of the students, the course can be complemented with a research agenda. Each lesson can be a set for discussing the situations they find problematic/difficult while volunteering, among typical situations volunteers tend to have.
The course offers an approach to the social and solidarity economy that is strongly emerging in Argentina after the economic crisis of 2001. This situation initiated a period of popular markets and fairs where producers and social entrepreneurs sold their products directly to consumers or in exchange for other goods. And this stage continues to grow in the present time, where working cooperatives and social entrepreneurship multiply in order to solve issues of employment, social coherence and local development. Their activities support solidarity, social inclusion and growth of capital, mainly at local level, respecting sustainable development and being economically competitive. The course contents are defined according to the needs of students, they can range from the history of the cooperative movement (which emerged in England), the economies of american natives, to the present EU and Laatin America economy, in terms of an economic development harmony with nature and fair trade. The theoretical contents are enriched with visits to cooperatives, social enterprises and small and medium size "fábricas recuperadas" from different areas where we work daily.
It is recommended that course participants have passed levels 4 ABA (B1 + of MCRE), so during the course they can incorporate linguistic and pragmatic contents of levels 5 (B2), 6 (B2 +), 7 (C1).
We can help you organize your Falculty Led Program!
We have over ten years experience working with volunteers, students and faculty led groups. Therefore, we understand the importance of combining Spanish lessons, community involvement and academic credit.
Buenos Aires is a favorite destination for all kinds of interest, with the most diverse assemblage of cultural, historical and modern city. A unique city in South America.
Our organization was born out of the community, and grew stronger in our network of grassroots projects and institutions in different areas: education, health, communications, cooperative work, and sustainable development. Therefore, students and teachers coming to our organization will have access to work in the field of their interest.
Testimonials from past Faculty Led Teachers and Students
Voluntario Global 2015 Annual Report
For more information, you can contact Valeria Gracia at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
First of all, we are a registered organization in Argentina, our Registration number is 0000 515. We are also members of Omprakash Foundation, Advisory Members of The International Ecotourism Society and partners of the “Red de Turismo Responsible” in Argentina.
Yes, many former students are happy to give you feedback of their experiences. You can also check our testimonials.
Creo que los costos deben ir aparte. Se puede incluir la pregunta de a dónde van los fondos.
The course price includes enrollment, course materials, and classes with dynamic and qualified teachers. We provide onsite assistance with a student coordinator and a 24-hour emergency phone number. In addition, we offer a range of discounts for various cultural and social activities so you have an unforgettable time in Buenos Aires. These include sports, guided visits, tours, weekend trips, dinner and Tango shows, accommodation, family homestays, hostels and a lot more!
Yes, we can also receive highschool students.
The program can be tailored to your needs.
We aim for our Faculty-led international courses offer students the opportunity to combine cultural activities with business, NGO, or other relevant site visits. Students have the advantage of meeting contacts at overseas organizations they would not likely encounter as a tourist, all while getting to travel with other students in their class.
First of all, we are a registered organization in Argentina, our Registration number is 0000 515. We are also members of Omprakash Foundation, Advisory Members of The International Ecotourism Society and partners of the “Red de Turismo Responsible” in Argentina.
Yes, we have a partnership with ESEADE University in Argentina.
Yes, many former students are happy to give you feedback of their experiences. Otherwise, you can check out our testimonials.
The course price includes enrollment, course materials, and classes with dynamic and qualified teachers. We provide onsite assistance with a student coordinator and a 24-hour emergency phone number. In addition, we offer a range of discounts for various cultural and social activities so you have an unforgettable time in Buenos Aires. These include sports, guided visits, tours, weekend trips, dinner and Tango shows, accommodation, family homestays, hostels and a lot more!
That will depend on the program. You can even gain credits before starting your program.
Responsible Tourism is a concept of approaching tourism with your eyes and ears open to the reality of the country you are visiting, open-minded and ready for intercultural exchange.
Rather than leaving with a camera full of photos of famous monuments and grand buildings, tourism approached responsibly means when you leave the country you'll have a more in-depth understanding of the people, the culture and the history.
Moreover, responsible tourism is dedicated to protecting the natural heritage and conserving the traditions which make a country unique, contributing in a way which enriches rather than damages livelihoods and forming a longer-lasting bond with people who live there. It is based on as idea of tourism as mutual cooperation rather than pure consumption and ultimately promotes a more fulfilling experience overall.
We can add to these 3 groups as the NGOs associated with the tourism market and activities related to volunteer work, that is to say tourism based on solidarity with and developed inside poor and vulnerable communities.
NGOs associated with tourism activities are responsible for generating a collective consciousness. They have to make the case and argue for the need to develop responsible tourism.
Responsible tourism has to turn the idea of tourism itself into not one of pure consumption, using the source for selfish ends, rather one of getting closer to the source for its betterment.
Why Voluntario Global recommends MOKOVI Stories to begin your immersion in the Spanish Language and culture?
The goal is to help you learn Spanish through inspiring stories and make visible the Latin America culture by its own people.
Besides, MOKOVI donates 30% of your payment to social causes in different countries.
Valeria Elliot, MOKOVI founder, says, “I learn best when I am immersed in the Spanish language. I wanted to find a way to bring the Spanish immersion experience to learners in their own homes and help them to learn a second language. I set out to create the online platform I wish students could have used to support their Spanish learning".
We believe that when you learn Spanish you develop a deep connection to the people who speak this beautiful language and you become a part of their culture forever. It is like being part of a tribe that sees and understands the world in unique ways. The name Mokovi has a long and rich history. Mokovi is the name of a native American language spoken by only four thousand people in Argentina that is at risk of disappearing when its last few native speakers die. Choosing Mokovi as our name is our way of honoring the languages learned, spoken and enjoyed around the world and the communities created around them.
Melanie Marques, USA
Mokovi is unlike many other programs because it allows students to improve his or her Spanish while learning about the culture and customs of the place they wish to visit. Through story telling and short videos, students are able to integrate themselves while learning basic Spanish. Students are also given talking points and quick tips to better ease their transition into their host country. I highly recommend using Mokovi before traveling to a Spanish speaking country—you will be glad that you did!
Jack Cubitt, UK
I think mokovi works well as a learning aid because it is short and simple. The Spanish words being spoken are fairly simple which makes it easier to learn. You are able to visualise the words through the 3 video set up you can learn progressively. It is a great insight in to Latin culture and interesting to learn about the narrators cultural family values. It is also very helpful to learn to translate the words and get to know the pattern of speech from a native speaker.
Lovisa Elfving, SWEDEN
The concept is great, you can watch and practice as many times as you need to. It's good to have pictures to associate what the narrator is talking about rather than just a listening exercise. The videos are memorable as you get to know the family of the narrator and associate words with the speaker specifically. Its also good to learn from a native dialect as you understand more of what to expect when you arrive.
Lucy Colwill, UK
I like that you can learn vocabulary and it's a great idea that you will eventually become less dependant on English as you practice with the videos. As you watch and get used to the sounds you no longer have to rely on your prior knowledge of Spanish, you advance your skills by absorbing the sounds and words you see and hear. It allows you to adapt to your own level of Spanish at a pace you are happy with.
Available for 2016
This program is open to anyone who has a specific work proposal in mind, such as workshops on different topics or applying sustainable construction techniques. The “Pacheco – Community based and ecological center” is a work in process with a lot of different options and a great potential for new ideas. In all cases the volunteers will be under the guidance of a member of the Community Center to be able to put into practice their work proposal.
IMPORTANT: If your project is accepted, the host organization —Voluntario Global— will help you with funding.
After receiving your application, we will advise you on the level required.
Spanish classes are available upon request.
Depending on the project you want to carry out.
Pacheco is a neighborhood located in the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Away from city noise and commercial areas, but connected to the city by bus, so it only takes 1 and a half hour to be in downtown.
On your first day, the volunteer's coordinator will take you to the main garden and explain the activities in which the organization works.
The work in the “Pacheco – Community based and ecological center.” has already started working with locals. By March 2016, the “Volunteer’s House - Pacheco” will be finished and able to receive volunteers that want to stay in the Community Center.
We are only one and a half hour away from the city center, and you will have accommodation for free in our Voluntario Global House Buenos Aires (located in the city center, a few blocks away from all main attractions).
What to bring? Rain boots, gardening gloves, clothing for variable weather, flashlight, towel, sunscreen and a hat, and insect repellent.
Here you can fill out the Application Form
This volunteer opportunity is open to anyone who wants to do a research on Sustainable Development on a social, economic or ecological basis.
Under the guidance of a member of the Community Center, volunteers will work on research projects designed by them with the help of the host organization. You will perform research in your chosen discipline while acquiring invaluable community experience.
According to the project, we will advise you on the level required.
Spanish classes are available upon request.
To be agreed
Pacheco is a neighborhood located in the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Away from city noise and commercial areas, but connected to the city by bus, so it only takes 1 and a half hour to be in downtown.
On your first day, the volunteer's coordinator will take you to the main garden and explain the activities in which the organization works.
Here you can fill out the Application Form
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We can help you organize your Study Abroad Program! We have a range of different opportunities to learn, volunteer and study in Argentina.
Whether you study Psychology, Health, Communications, Marketing, International Relations, Sustainable Tourism or Economy, we have the right program for you, plus the outstanding opportunity to immerse yourself in our language and culture.
You can search our projects database for the right opportunity in your field of study and we can help you organizing your stay in Buenos Aires.
Scholarships are also available to all our students and volunteers, in partnership with The Omprakash Foundation.
Here's a list of our Study Abroad Opportunities
Learn how to gain Academic Credit by Volunteering with Voluntario Global
Testimonial from past Students
Visit our FAQ
Learn Spanish before arriving in Buenos Aires! Ask for a free trial at www.mokovi.com
We can help you organize your Falculty Led Program!
We have over ten years experience working with volunteers, students and faculty led groups. Therefore, we understand the importance of combining Spanish lessons, community involvement and academic credit.
Buenos Aires is a favorite destination for all kinds of interest, with the most diverse assemblage of cultural, historical and modern city. A unique city in South America.
Our organization was born out of the community, and grew stronger in our network of grassroots projects and institutions in different areas: education, health, communications, cooperative work, and sustainable development. Therefore, students and teachers coming to our organization will have access to work in the field of their interest.
Testimonials from past Faculty Led Teachers and Students
Voluntario Global 2015 Annual Report
For more information, you can contact Jesica Franco at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Voluntario Global helps local communities by being available to discuss anything that local organizations need, and offering ideas for further change and development.
Read more...
Location: General Pacheco. Buenos Aires. Argentina
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