Intern or Volunteer with a Grassroots Health Organization in Argentina

  Argentina

• All Other Regions of Argentina: 
La Plata

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: See FSD Website

Description: Examples of how you can support Health initiatives in Argentina:

* Assist in a variety of projects combating HIV/AIDS. These include: nutrition and dietary support for patients suffering from the virus; prevention and awareness through cultural activities for students and adults(concerts, etc); training of health care professionals; and assistance/moral support for children of AIDS sufferers.

* Work in a public health center offering basic health services to vulnerable populations.

* Support an organization that provides psychological and social services for victims of trauma related to major health issues, family deaths, and/or abuses. Activities include: medical and therapeutic assistance; training for people who are reintegrating into society; preparation before, during, and after surgery for patients suffering from cancer; and treatment for bipolar patients as well as their families.

* Support public campaigns for the prevention of addictions, HIV, and child malnourishment.

* Conduct public health surveys for a hospital that offers therapy, treatment, and rehabilitation services to individuals who suffer from drug-dependency and alcoholism. Offer outreach strategies that generate awareness of programs and get citizens into treatment.

For more opportunities in health in Argentina, visit our website or contact us directly.

About FSD

The Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1995 to support underserved, international communities in a collaborative and sustainable manner. Our model incorporates three overlapping programs:

1. Sustainable Development Training Programs for Interns and Volunteers
FSD provides comprehensive training and immersion programs for interns and volunteers seeking hands-on experience in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Program participants come from countless professions and more than 300 universities worldwide to collaborate with our partner organizations on community-driven projects that reflect sustainable practices.

2. Grantmaking to Projects and Initiatives Led By Our Partner Organizations
Donations and grants given to FSD are used to support projects and initiatives implemented by our partner organizations, site teams, interns, and volunteers.

3. Sustainable Development of Community-Based Organizations
Our professional field staff, consultants, and program participants provide on-site technical training and capacity building to more than 200 community-based organizations.

Highlights: Health Issues Addressed by FSD in Argentina
Argentina's recent economic crisis aggravated the already deficient health care system. There has been a deterioration in the funding of both private and public health care programs, a rise in the cost of imported medications as a result of currency devaluation, and an increase in the demand for public hospital services. Many could not afford medical care after the economic crash. Reports show that there has been a reduced frequency in which poorer Argentineans take their children in for medical visits. In addition, changes in the mental and emotional status of individuals are being observed with a higher percentage of surveyed households reporting that they feel discouraged or without hope for the future. Mental illnesses are already recording exponential growth in the number of emergency consultations, while suicide appears to be increasing among adolescents.

Since the quality of care and service provided by the public and private sector has worsened due to lack of funds, the need for alternative social health programs is in high demand. Community education and awareness, as well as the establishment of mental health support groups are essential steps in order to promote preventative healthcare, and to create a sane, healthy, and productive population. This demand for community social health programs is one in which FSD host organizations directly address by enacting local health initiatives that reach the people who are in greatest need.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: Depends on Program Selected; See FSD Website

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: FSD supports participants who boldly wish to initiate the change they believe is necessary in the developing world. Interns are passionate about sharing their practical knowledge, heart-felt enthusiasm, and economic resources with communities abroad that suffer unnecessary hardship. They wish to gain hands-on, grassroots development experience because they believe change is most powerfully cultivated on a community level. The aim is to experientially learn how their work can empower the community toward applying sustainable development solutions, rather than increasing reliance on foreign aid. Participants choose FSD because the program structure enables them to design and implement their own sustainable projects in collaboration with their host organization and the FSD Site Team. They are able to test their ideas and theories in the most direct way possible, giving them the experience and knowledge they seek. The flexibility of the host organizations allows for participants at all stages and levels of experience in international development to participate, thus opening the programs to a diverse group of capable applicants.

Age Range: 18-75

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Argentina Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 3-10

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Foundation for Sustainable Development's Mission Statement: FSD supports the efforts of grassroots organizations in the developing world that are working to better their communities, environments, and the economic opportunities around them. We believe community development is only sustainable if it empowers the people to effectively use and cultivate their own resources in a conscious manner. Through our programs, we aim to raise international awareness of the economic challenges in developing countries and to support cross-cultural communities in finding more effective solutions to development issues.

Year Founded: 1995