Experiential Learning Abroad Programs

  Argentina

• Buenos Aires: 
Buenos Aires

Term: Summer, Throughout the year 
Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: In 2009: Jan 2, Jan 30, Feb 27, Mar 6, May 22, Jun 19, Jul 17, Jul 24, and Aug 28.

Description: The ISA Experiential Learning Abroad Program (ELAP) facilitates hands-on learning through community involvement in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile, Peru, and Argentina. Volunteerism and internships enable participants to address the needs of a community abroad, while applying the lessons from the experience to their own personal growth. Experiential learning has been shown to improve life skills and professional development, while adding enjoyment to the abroad experience and compassion to a participant's perspective on the world. Personal initiative and self-motivation are key characteristics of a successful volunteer or intern, as well as flexibility, an open mind, and the desire to participate and learn. The program is designed to result in a greater sense of social responsibility and inspiration for continued involvement in a participant's home community upon his or her return.

Participation in volunteer or internship opportunities abroad is an excellent way to immerse oneself in another country's way of life. In effect, experiential learning adds another dimension to the study abroad experience through daily exposure and interactions, resulting in a greater understanding of the language, culture, and community of the host country.

In the company of on-site resident staff, participants will benefit from a strong support structure offering encouragement and assistance during the program. ISA staff members work in collaboration with the host organizations to facilitate the participant's experience, including the coordination of on-site orientations and reflection exercises. At ISA we emphasize the value of commitment, and we believe that each participant will reap countless benefits throughout the program.

Highlights:
- Social Work
- Education

Experiential Learning Abroad Programs Overview

ELAP may be incorporated into ISA's study abroad programs or pursued as an individual program independent of the study abroad component.

All ELAP programs include room and board (equal to ISA program), medical insurance, pre-departure information, support of the ISA resident staff, volunteer or internship placement, on-site orientation, airport reception and transfers, cultural activities, Spanish instruction and tutorial assistance with the Spanish language, and a certificate of volunteer hours completed. Additionally, a donation is made to the organization when you complete your volunteer work. Depending on each U.S. institutions policy, students may earn internship credit for ELAP. We provide support throughout this process.

Excursions: ELAP programs may have an excursion included depending on the ISA program chosen. ELAP as a stand-alone program will not include an excursion, but excursions may be added at an additional cost.

For any included or added excursions, entrance fees to museums and monuments and ground transportation are included, as well as hotel accomodations and breakfast. Excursions are subject to change but here are some possible options: Iguazú Falls, El Tigre, Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay), and Día del Campo. All programs include cultural activities within Buenos Aires.

For 2009 ELAP programs added to an ISA semester program: the volunteer will begin their placement 3-4 weeks after the start of their classes and volunteer when times do not conflict with classes. Students who incorporate ELAP into an ISA semester program will pay a program fee of $400.

For ELAP 2009 programs added to an ISA summer or intensive month program: the volunteer will complete their summer program before beginning to volunteer with their organization. Please see the Add-on program prices below and on our website.

Additionally, if the student would like to volunteer AFTER their semester program, there are special add-on program prices. Please contact ELAP for more information.

For students who participate in ELAP independent of the study abroad program, the following information applies:

For 8 to 12-week ELAP 2009 stand-alone programs: the volunteer will participate in one week of Spanish language tutoring before volunteering. Please see program prices below and on our website for more information.

Qualifications: Ideal participants are 20 years of age or older or have at least 2 years of college education and a 2.5 GPA. Contact the ISA office if you do not meet this requirement to discuss your options.

Spanish proficiency required:
* 8-week programs: Advanced level of Spanish proficiency (at least 4 semesters or equivalent of college-level Spanish)
*10 to 12-week programs: High Intermediate level of Spanish proficiency (at least 3 semesters or equivalent of college-level Spanish)
**2 of these semesters must have been taken within the past year
**If you do not meet this requirement, a phone interview will determine if the participant possesses an adequate Spanish level.

Cost in US$: see prices below

For participation in ELAP as a stand-alone program: 8 weeks $2850, 10 weeks $3100, 12 weeks $3350.

For participation in ELAP following a summer or intensive month program: 4 weeks $1000, 6 weeks $1250, 8 weeks $1500. These prices are Add-on prices, and the student will also pay the ISA program price.

For participation in ELAP and ISA semester, the participant will pay $400 for the ELAP program, in addition the semester program price.

Prices include room and board (equal to ISA program), medical insurance, pre-departure information, support of the ISA resident staff, volunteer or internship placement, on-site orientation, airport reception and transfers, cultural activities, Spanish instruction and tutorial assistance with the Spanish language, and a certificate of volunteer hours completed. Additionally, a donation is made to the organization when you complete your volunteer work. Depending on each U.S. institutions policy, students may earn internship credit for ELAP. We provide support throughout this process.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Has the following characteristics: Personal initiative/Self-motivation, Patience with others, Patience with yourself, Reliability, Flexibility/Open-mindedeness, Comfortable with minimum supervision, and Desire to participate and learn.

Age Range: University Students primarily. Ideal participants are at least 20 years old.

This Program is open to American, Canadian and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Argentina Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad

ELAP's Mission Statement: To provide enriching volunteer and internship opportunities to participants. To enhance each participant's understanding of community and social responsibility within our global society.

Year Founded: 2003