Occupational Therapy in Argentina with Projects Abroad

  Argentina

Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: Argentina is a fantastic place to spend time volunteering or interning on an international medical placement in South America. Volunteering on a Medicine & Healthcare project in Argentina can be done as part of a college summer break, a gap year, a career-break, or during a vacation. As a Medicine & Healthcare volunteer you will gain a great deal of valuable work-experience alongside some of the most skilled doctors in the country. The facilities are generally of a decent standard, on a par with many hospitals in the west.

As a training or qualified Occupational Therapy volunteer in Argentina, you'll be placed in one of a number of institutions for people who are mentally and physically disabled. While residents receive the necessary physical therapy care, staff are limited in number and don't have enough time to spend one-to-one with these individuals. By coming to the home and using your skills to assess and treat the wide variety of physical and psychiatric conditions you come across, you can help these people find purposeful activities while promoting independent living in aspects of their life for what may be the first time since they moved there.

Intermediate Spanish is recommended for this occupational therapy internship to allow volunteers to communicate with both staff and their patients.

Highlights: Argentina is an amazing place to volunteer or intern abroad. Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world, the second largest country in South America and a place of extremes. You'll be amazed by the breathtaking scenery and great diversity in its landscapes. There's much to explore, ranging from its extensive Atlantic coastline through to glaciers, Andean mountains and the vast 'Pampas'.

Argentina combines South American traditions with strong European influences. It's an elegant country that is rich in natural, cultural and sporting resources and has a well-educated population. Unfortunately, in the late 20th century Argentina suffered high inflation rates and severe debt problems. However, the country is steadily climbing the hill back from depression, and its economy is finally getting back on track.

With ten UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves and seven World Heritage Sites, Argentina is a fascinating country for tourists. As a visitor you'll feel comfortable, inconspicuous and very welcome.

All accommodation is organized, paid for and monitored by Projects Abroad. All project placements are regularly visited and checked. We require high standards of supervision and accommodation, which are verified before you arrive in Argentina.

This project offers the opportunity to become fully immersed in the culture in a manner which even the most hardened of backpackers could never hope to do.

Qualifications: Intermediate Spanish

Cost in US$: From $2,695 and up

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Open-minded with a willingness to travel.

Age Range: 16-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Argentina Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992