Teaching English in Argentina

Project at A Glance

Location: Córdoba, Argentina Start Point: Córdoba End Point: Ingeniero Ambrosio L.V. Taravella International Airport – Córdoba (also known as Pajas Blancas) Duration: 2-12 Weeks Hours: 20-30 Hours per week Room: Local volunteer house Date: First and Third Monday of each month

Project Summary

English is accelerating to become the global language of commerce. As this trend further emerges – affecting all countries in every corner of the world – proper English education provided by native English-speakers (or individuals with a high level of English fluency) is becoming more and more of a crucial necessity. Argentina is a great example of this circumstance as the number of tourists visiting this diversified country increases every year. Unfortunately, many of the impoverished citizens of Argentina cannot afford adequate English education for their children (or themselves). This makes the role of volunteers teaching English in Argentina that much more important.

IFRE collaborates with rural schools surrounding Córdoba – reaching out to citizens who don’t reside in the city limits. Volunteers usually teach English to children in small public elementary schools. The school at which IFRE volunteers teach English offers classes to many rural Argentineans over a large geographical area, sometimes teaching more than 130 children at one time.

Skills/Qualifications Needed

Beginner to intermediate Spanish fluency is required. If you cannot speak more than basic Spanish, we suggest you enroll in our Spanish language course to make your stay more rewarding – both for you and for the children you are helping. No additional qualifications beyond elevated fluency in English and basic comprehension of Spanish are required to teach English in our Argentina projects. However, interested individuals must have a passion and eagerness for the English language, patience and an interest in helping others. Volunteers are expected to be flexible, adaptive and proactive.

Volunteers' Responsibilities

Volunteers will assist school-based educators with teaching English to children residing in the rural areas of Córdoba. In addition to teaching English, volunteers may also assist in teaching other subjects, as well as helping children with their homework, assisting with recreational activities, conducting arts-related exercises, encouraging various levels of the children's self-expression, supporting the kitchen staff (serving meals, cleaning, etc) as well as supporting routine school maintenance. Assistance may also be needed with various administrative duties of the school operation, as well as providing help with educating the younger learners about issues of personal hygiene and sanitation.

Room/Food/Supervision

IFRE manages your living accommodations in Argentina. Your hostel or guesthouse is located in a charming neighborhood in the city of Córdoba. Córdoba boasts numerous exciting opportunities for volunteers to see a city with a bright future which maintains echoes of its colonial and culture-rich past. Córdoba's vibrant culture has produced a number of influential writers and its own musical style known as “El Cuarteto” (in addition to classical, jazz, rock, pop and techno). There are also many monuments, lively festivals, pleasant theaters and a pulsing nightlife. Volunteers reside in accommodations located just minutes from the downtown area. This unique living situation is often conducive to fellow volunteers getting to know each other. A must-do for Argentinean volunteers are the local Tango lessons provided for participants in IFRE’s living accommodations. These accommodations also house our local operator's headquarters – ensuring vital and constant contact with our in-country coordinators. Our field staff visits volunteers regularly and always happy to help our volunteers in any way needed