Argentina borders Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and Paraguay, and it is the eighth largest country in the world, second only to Brazil in terms of size and population in South America. The population mix of Argentina is very different from the rest of Latin America as it is mostly European. However, you can still experience "traditional life" in the northern provinces of Salta and Jujuy. These provinces resemble the Andean nations of Bolivia and Peru and differ culturally from those of the Pampas. Archaeological sites, volcanoes, small Indian villages, and nature reserves can be found in this area.

Argentina is a country of European traditions that loves modernity and diversity. You will get a guaranteed immersion in its culture helped by its chatty, resourceful and kind people. On top of that, Argentina has every natural beauty you can think of: the mighty Andes, the wide Río de la Plata and the famous Iguaçu Falls. Magnificence on each end like the southern glaciers and the northern “Calchaquíes” Valleys going through the pampas in the center!
Now is a great time to visit, so get your spirit in gear and prepare for an unforgettable adventure!

The best of the country

Food & Drinks	Music & Dance
The rich mixture of Italian, Spanish, German and indigenous influences make of this country a great culinary excursion. Try for yourlself the best steaks, drink mate in the afternoons and taste Dulce de Leche!	Tango is the biggest attraction but not the only one! Argentina has other folklore music styles characterized for being joyful and easy to follow when dancing.
Plastic Arts	Cinema
You’ll find from classical artists with European influences like Fernando Fader or Lino Enea Spilimbergo to modern with American influences like Marta Minujín, one of Andy Warhol's most esteemed fellow conceptual artists.	Get moved to tears or laugh your heart out with the more than 2,500 full-length titles! Some of them like "El secreto de sus ojos", “La historia oficial” or “9 reinas” have achieved international recognition in recent decades.
Science and technology	Sports
A very active student life characterizes every major city in the country. Students fill every class room (to point that they have to sit on the floor), every library and lab.	Soccer is a major part of the country’s culture. Every single Argentinean is passionate about this sport all year long, especially during World Cup. Argentinean athletes are recognized in tennis, basketball, women’s hockey, golf and rugby as well.
Spare time	Literature
This is a huge chapter on Argentineans life.Normally, families are very close, and spend Sunday’s lunch together. You can show up, unannounced, at an Argentinean’s house and the host will make you feel welcome as automatically starts heating water to prepare “mate”.	In every corner of the country you can visit historical spots recognized because of their presence in the works of well-known writers such as Jorge Luis Borges, Adolfo Bioy Casares and Julio Cortázar.

Video and Map       The best of the city       Featured trips       Transport        Climate

Buenos Aires is a city of contrasts that offers European sensibilities and Latin American passion; wide boulevards and cobblestone alleys; steamy tango and wild rock and roll; sidewalk cafés and soccer fanatics.
Complex, energetic, and seductive, it stretches south-to-north along the Rio de la Plata and has been the gateway to Argentina for centuries.

The city's neighbourhoods are small and highly individualized, each with its own characteristic colors and forms. Discover traditional La Boca, bohemian San Telmo, trendy Palermo, cultural Recoleta and the renewed Puerto Madero and let this city win your heart over.
For all its diversity, the spirit of Argentina as a country is present everywhere in Buenos Aires. The tango, is perhaps the best expression of that spirit-practiced in dance halls, parks, open plazas, and ballrooms, it is a dance of intimate separation and common rhythm, combining both elegance and passion...

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The best of the city

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Transport

There are lots of means of transportation which makes of Buenos Aires an easy-to-get-around city despite of its size. The city has a large network of buses, locally called "Colectivos". There are 144  lines, each one identified with a number and different colors. The ticket is paid on the bus with coins only.
Another way to move around are Taxis. They are black with the roof painted yellow, they roam the city streets 24 hours a day and you can either flag them on the streets or call them for a pick up. Without a doubt, the fastest way to get from one place to another is the subway which is very reliable and it covers the center and the outskirts of the city with five lines identified with letters (A, B, C, D and E). You can also use the train taking it at any of the four Train Terminals that connect the Capital Federal with the suburbs.

Climate

Buenos Aires’ climate is generally pleasant, with an annual rainfall of 900mm spread evenly throughout the year. It has a changeable spring, hot and humid summer and mild fall and moderate winter temperatures.
The best seasons to visit Buenos Aires are spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) because of the mild weather and also because most festivals take place during these months, as do a lot of sporting events. Winter can be cold but not freezing, so it's  a fine time to enjoy the city’s theaters, museums and cafés. Summer can be very humid, but there are also a lot of things to do.

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Residences

Sharing a place with young people from all over the world, is a great opportunity to learn about different cultures and make new friends as well as learning about the place in which you are studying.

Residences Features

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Volunteer Program 2013:

Prices are in USD

What’s included

• Travel assistance
• Volunteer project placement
• Airport transfer service on arrival
• Housing (Residence Shared - Without Meals)
• Intercultural workshop
• Volunteer support & advice
• Weekly tours & recreation activities
• Volunteer certificate
• 24/7 emergency phone
• COINED Tutorship

Registration fee USD 75 - Volunteer starts every Monday except on closed dates Office.

Why do a Volunteer abroad?
Why volunteering with us?
Who is eligible to apply for COINED’s Volunteer Program?
What level of Spanish do I need?
Which is the enrollment deadline?
Why do I have to pay for volunteer?
Are the Volunteer Projects worthwhile?
Do I need previous experience to volunteering abroad?
How many hours do I need to volunteer?
Who really benefits?
Where am I going to stay?
Do I need to speak another language to volunteer?
What kind of medical insurance do I need for volunteering abroad?
What kind of visa do I need to do my Volunteer?
Can I volunteer with my friends, collegues, or relatives?
What effects will volunteer work have on my career?
Can I go on consecutive programs in different locations?
Are there grants or scholarships available to help finance my Volunteer Program?
How can I fundraise?

Why do a Volunteer abroad?

Volunteering creates a feeling of personal satisfaction. You can get a unique opportunity to  experience a  different culture while producing a positive impact. It can be both challenging and rewarding. By volunteering abroad you will improve your language skills, have a deep insight of local life and broad your view of the World.  
 

Why volunteering with us?

We offer the possibility to do your Volunteer Program in one of the following countries: Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Spain.  We work with important Partners and non-profit Host Organizations, which have been recruited after a rigorous process that ensures the successful of your Program. You have our assistance and support from the moment we receive your inquiry until the day you return back home. We have an extensive experience and an excellent relationship with our Partners and Host Organizations and we know the desires and expectations of our Participants.
 

Who is eligible to apply for COINED’s Volunteer Program?

We look for people who enjoy challenges and have sensibility, flexibility and adaptability as well as a sense of responsibility towards other cultures, ways of life and conceptions of volunteer work. You must be a proactive, self-motivated person. You will not have every minute of your work day planned and resources are scarce. Flexibility and patience are the keys for a great experience.
We want you to give your time and energy to help communities in need!
 

What level of Spanish do I need?

We recommend that you have a sufficient level of Spanish that guarantee the communication with local people and the successful development of the program. Some volunteer projects, specially those with children or the elderly, may require an intermediate level of Spanish depending on the tasks. However, you always have the possibility to take Spanish lessons in our schools before starting your Volunteer Program.

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Which is the enrollment deadline?

The deadline for enrollment is six (6) weeks before the intended start date of your Volunteer Program. During this period, we will be in regular touch with you to discuss the volunteer posts that match best with your profile and wishes.
 

Why do I have to pay for volunteer?

At COINED we work to ensure delivering our volunteers a high quality program and feel responsible for their well being and safety. Furthermore, we check all our worldwide projects to ensure they are suitable for our volunteers and respect the Program's aims. In each COINED destination we work hard to match you to the right project and give you the best experience possible. The enrollment fee covers all the key elements such as recruitment, matching, marketing, administration, training the Host Organizations as well as the support of your local in country team. We work hard to save your time and uncertainty in order to guarantee your safety and success.
 

Are the Volunteer Projects worthwhile?

All projects and Host Organizations that receive volunteers from our Volunteer Program are carefully selected by especially trained local staff. By offering  constantly support  to all projects (by sending them all the help and volunteers they need), we build and have been building during the past years long lasting relationships with the local projects. This ensures us that your help truly is appreciated and needed. No one can explain you this better than volunteers who have been before you. Therefore, we invite you to ask us for contact information of other COINED Volunteers, they will tell you personally about their experiences.
 

Do I need previous experience to volunteering abroad?

We invite everybody (though you have to be at least 18 years old) to enroll in our Volunteer Program. Many projects don’t require special knowledge or previous experience, however you must have the ability to adapt to a different reality and be willing to contribute to a good cause. Every volunteer with lot of enthusiasm and real desire to aid is welcome and can make his or her time at the local project worthwhile.

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How many hours do I need to volunteer?

It depends on the project. Generally volunteers are asked to work from 20 to 30 hours a week. Sea  turtle projects may required work during night patrols. In other cases you can work on saturdays.  But we always give to our Participants a project that fits with his or her profile and interests.
 

Who really benefits?

Volunteering is always a two-way process and means that all involved parties will benefit: not only the local community or environment will appreciate your valuable contribution, you as well will benefit! You will expand your vision and understanding of the world and its many different realities by volunteering in social, educational, environmental or restoration projects. You will gain self-confidence and acquire a new perspective on who you are and how other people perceive you. In sum, you will benefit from volunteering with us, both personally and professionally.
 

Where am I going to stay?

The characteristics of the housing will be according to the Volunteer Project you have selected. Some projects hosts their volunteers within the project area, specially those which are focused on nature conservation. On the other hand, projects which are located in the city usually offer accommodation in the city center either in residences or home-stays. At the same time, some projects have dialy meals included due to the place where they are located.
All these accommodation options are a great opportunity to interact with local and foreign people, learning about different cultures and making new friends from all around the world. For more information about housing, please contact us.
 

Do I need to speak another language to volunteer?

If you need to speak another language or not to volunteer depends on what project or destination you prefer. However, in every COINED destination you will find opportunities with and without specific language requirements and you always have the possibility to take Spanish lessons before starting your Volunteer Program.

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What kind of medical insurance do I need for volunteering abroad?

You will need a health insurance that covers illnesses and accidents. If you want, we can also
arrange your medical insurance; please contact us for further information.
 

What kind of visa do I need to do my Volunteer?

You can use a tourist or student visa, depending on the country you select and its regulations. For further information, we suggest visiting the following websites:

Argentina: www.migraciones.gov.ar
Chile: www.extranjeria.gov.cl
Costa Rica: www.migracion.go.cr
Guatemala: http://www.migracion.gob.gt/
Spain: http://extranjeros.mtin.es/es/index.html
 

Can I volunteer with my friends, collegues, or relatives?

Yes, you can! We encourage volunteers who want to make an effort together. You and your friends, colleagues and/or relatives can choose the volunteer project on our website www.intercoined.com  or request a special program in order to make sure that you all can volunteer together in the same project at the same time.
 

What effects will volunteer work have on my career?

A CV which shows international work experience catches the attention of potential employers and greatly improves your chances to find an appropriate job. You will show that you are independent and adjust well to different situations. You will prove that you can work with people from different cultural backgrounds which is, in our globalized world of today, a tremendous asset. What is more, it will show that you are a sensitive-altruistic person, that sympathises with the social situation of underprivileged communities.

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Can I go on consecutive programs in different locations?

Yes, you can! In fact, we will be proud and glad to help you organize your time in a consecutive program. You can combine several destinations and help in different types of volunteering. The more people and nature benefit from your assistance, the better!
 

Are there grants or scholarships available to help finance my Volunteer Program?

We do not provide grants or scholarships to our volunteers, but we can support any initiative to finance their Volunteer Program. Beside this, we have participated in and even we organize special programs related with the "Youth in Action" program (a program of the European Union for young people). We also cooperate with different organizations around the world encouraging the solidarity and tolerance in hundreds of people.
 

How can I fundraise?

You can ask for support in many ways. Sponsorship is the most common iniciative to contribute your time and efforts to a necessary cause.

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Your safety first...            Travel Cancellation           Transfer Service

Your safety first...

When engaging in any of our programs a travel and health insurance is essential for yours and your familiy's peace of mind. We want your experience to be as exciting as possible and in order for it to be like that, feeling safe and protected is a must. We offer an International Travel Insurance tailored specially for experiential travelers like you.
You can choose different plans according to your insurance needs and expectations. The plans Silver and Bronze feature Travel Health/Accident Insurance, Emergency Travel Insurance, Travel Accident Indemnity Insurance, Travel Assistance, Travel Luggage Insurance, Travel Third Party Liability Insurance limited to your desired coverage amount. The Gold plan features unlimited coverage (including extreme sports) at a really competitive market price.

Some of the benefits of booking your Travel Insurance with us are:

• You'll be making sure that your full experience is organized as a whole, taking care of each aspect of it
• We make sure that you get the best coverage, adapted to your individual needs.
• Our International Travel Insurance is known worldwide and accepted by health facilities and professionals all over the world.
• Our insurance provider offers the best cost/quality rates of the market with over 20 years of experience and has been taking care of our participants for many years.
• Our tutors will be able to assist you with the insurance usage, the contact with the company and the relation: hospital-insurance

For your safety, we will ask you your insurance information when you book your program. We recommend that you use our Travel Insurance provided by CareMed International Travel Insurance. You'll be able to enjoy your journey knowing that any sudden or unexpected situation will be taken care of. And your family will be able to feel happy for you and your life-changing experience instead of worrying during your stay abroad.

Prices insurance for destination Latin America

For more information please click here!

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Travel Cancellation Insurance

For more information please click here!

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Transfer Service
 

COINED provides airport transfer service to meet students at the airport and transfer them to their accommodation. We can meet students at the domestic or international airports.

Students must always inform COINED about the date and time of  arrival, even in cases where the transfer service has not been requested. Airport pick-up only transfers students from the designated airport to the designated accommodation.

- Flight details (date, time, airport, airline, and flight number) must be confirmed in writing before arrival; otherwise COINED shall not guarantee the transfer service and no refunds shall be given for this service.
- All costs incurred due to failure to notify COINED of arrival information in due time are the participant's responsibility.
- In case of flights delays, changes, and so on, COINED will provide the transfer service but will reserve the right to charge additional costs, if necessary.
- If any changes regarding flight details are not duly informed, COINED shall not take responsibility for the proper provision of the transfer service.

For more information regarding our transfer service please contact us. We will be happy to assist you!.

* Please contact us for more information about Arrivals / Departures Transfer Service.
** Price per person, per week.

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