Argentina Experience

Immerse yourself in Latin American culture with the ideal Argentinean experience: Two weeks of Spanish language school, volunteering and activities, before a fortnight of touring some of the country’s highlights – Mendoza, Iguazú waterfalls and the city of Buenos Aires.

Project Age Limit:
Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential participants’ health.

Programme Schedule – Weeks One and Two
Whether you are a complete beginner or just need a little brushing up, our Cordoba language schools have classes suitable for everyone. With friendly and experienced teachers you will learn conversational and written Spanish.

After arriving at Córdoba airport you will be collected and transferred to your accommodation. Your weekday mornings concentrate on Spanish tuition, with four lessons of 45 minutes each per day from 9am to 1pm. The language course includes grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, conversation and themes about Argentinean lifestyle, culture, history, politics and economics.

On Monday your skills in Spanish will be evaluated and there will be an excursion to the city centre. From Wednesday you will be able to begin to apply your language skills by volunteering in the afternoons. You can choose from one of the following options:

There are plenty of activities to get involved in during the late afternoons and evenings. Here are just a few ideas:

There are also two weekend excursions for you to take part in. The first is a visit to Alta Gracia, with its historic estancia Jesuitica and the house of Che Guevara. You will also visit a local Arts and Crafts Fair.

The second excursion takes in Dia del Campo, visiting an estancia and taking part in horseback riding and ‘asado’ – barbecue Argentinian style - with the Gauchos.

Other activities such as specific trekking tours to the Sierras, paragliding, parachuting, polo etc. are available, and can be booked on location any time for additional fees - usually around £30/50€.

Programme Schedule – Weeks Three and Four
The second part of your Argentina experience will be spent touring some of the highlights of the country, Mendoza, the Iguazú waterfalls, and Buenos Aires.

Example Itinerary
Sunday: Autobus from Córdoba to Mendoza (750km, approx. ten hours overnight).
Monday: Arrival at Mendoza, town excursion, free time for shopping and sightseeing.
Tuesday: A variety of excursion options available, such as Rafting at the Mendoza River or visiting vineyards.
Wednesday: Excursion, activities.
Thursday: Free time for shopping, relaxing and sightseeing.
Friday: Day in Mendoza, excursion options. Flight from Mendoza to Iguazú, via Buenos Aires (approx. five-hour journey). Free time for the rest of the day.
Saturday: Day in Iguazú, visiting the national park and famous waterfalls.
Sunday: Day in Iguazú, visiting other parts of the national park and waterfalls.
Monday: Free time, relaxing, shopping until bus transfer to Buenos Aires. Overnight trip from Iguazú to Buenos Aires by autobus (1,280km, 18 hours of travelling).
Tuesday: Arrive in Buenos Aires. Free time all day, for relaxing and sightseeing.
Wednesday: Day in Buenos Aires, city excursion.
Thursday: Day in Buenos Aires, city tour, excursion.
Friday: Day in Buenos Aires, excursion.
Saturday: Day in Buenos Aires, excursion.
Sunday: Departure to London.

This itinerary is subject to change (due to season, conditions etc.)

Project Support
Throughout your stay in Argentina you will have the support and guidance of the co-ordinator and team. They will be able to provide you with any help or advice you may need during your stay.

In addition to the in-country support, you will have access to a 24-hour emergency contact number should you need to contact one of our UK staff at any time.

Accommodation
The fastest way to build up friendships is to live in shared accommodations with other participants or young local people. Your accommodation, for the first fortnight, will be in the beautiful town chalet "El Castillito" or in the colonial style house "Casa Jujuy" which are run by the Spanish school. These are located in a quiet living area, only a few minutes from the language school.

If the town chalet "El Castillito" or the "Casa Jujuy" is booked out, the accommodation takes place in furnished apartments or houses with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Single and double rooms are available. Living together ensures that you have many new friends to share your spare time with, doing new activities, cooking together and there will be regular meetings with Argentine students. This kind of accommodation is offered with self-catering.

While touring Argentina for the second fortnight, you will be accommodated at hostels in Mendoza, Iguazú and Buenos Aires, with breakfast provided for you. You have two overnight trips from Córdoba to Mendoza and Iguazú to Buenos Aires by bus, these are comfortable buses with reclining seats.