General Info
PROJECT OVERVIEW
You'll work in a Primary Care Centre, or "Salitas" as they are called in Spanish. Primary Care Centres are the first level of access for disadvantaged people in poor neighbourhoods. This is why they are strategically located within these neighbourhoods, to be closer to the people. They are also the first place to go to when you have a health problem and need professional assistance. In primary Care Centres they have family doctors, paediatricians, nurses, psychologists, dentists and social workers, as well as sundry other specialties. It is also worth mentioning that in Argentina, Primary Care Centres are free to all.
You'll help the community members to improve their health and search for more efficient ways of preventing diseases. You’ll shadow doctors and nurses in their daily activities as they work with patients, including:
Taking vitals
Treating injuries
Interacting with patients
You may also be called upon to perform other duties when needed, such as assisting with document translations and helping to categorise medications that have been donated to the Centre.
The local doctors and nurses will assist you to gain knowledge about the practice of medicine in poor communities and neighbourhoods, as well as providing you with a practical perspective regarding the needs and concerns of the people who attend the Health Centre. Here you'll have a real opportunity to exchange information, questions and answers with patients and doctors and get to know a real community and its daily struggles.
In turn, the medical staff have commented on the value of learning from you - "We learn from their experience and knowledge [including] different ways of communicating with patients and professional staff."
You'll work an average of 20 hours per week, Monday to Friday. That will leave you enough time to explore beautiful Buenos Aires!
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Latin America.
New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:
Add to your travel experience in Argentina by doing some additional exciting activities - you never know, you could develop a passion for Latin American dance, or learn a new skill!
Tango Courses:
That most flamboyant and exciting of Latin American rhythms. Includes a weekly Milonga (Tango party) – great fun!
Salsa Courses:
Salsa music is a synthesis of European and African musical influences that was born in Cuba. You’ll learn from a Cuban teacher who will tailor lessons to suit your level, even totally beginners.
Spanish Language Courses:
You can take a few hours of private lessons a week at the same time as doing your project. You'll be amazed at how much it will add to your enjoyment during your stay.
Photography Courses:
6 hours per week of photography lessons in colourful Buenos Aires where there is a host of subjects you can capture with your camera.
This project can also be combined with any of our other projects in Argentina, or you could even do a second project in a different region of the country, thus doubling your adventure and enjoyment!
Combined Placements:
We can arrange for your to do a one-month intensive Spanish course prior to doing your Medical Internship.
ACCOMMODATION
HOSTEL:
You'll live a hostel situated in a beautifully renovated historic building in Downtown Buenos Aires, very conveniently located for exploring the city and doing shopping. It's big enough to be sociable and fun, yet small enough to feel at home; a real chance to immerse yourself in Argentine culture.
You'll share a dorm room and have access to kitchen facilities.
The hostel boasts of several amenities like internet and WiFi, a common area, DVD room, library, book exchange and a housekeeping service.
Food: You’ll be given an allowance for your meals (breakfast and dinner, lunch is excluded projects in Buenos Aires). This arrangement is to give you the flexibility to sample the great Argentinean food. Right on the door step of the hostel there are many cafes and restaurants with great priced menus just waiting for you….the choice is yours!
HOST FAMILY:
If you would prefer a more cultural experience, we can arrange for you to stay with a local Argentinean family. Host family accommodation gives you the opportunity to become more integrated in the local community and is ideal if you want to practice your Spanish (Basic/intermediate Spanish is required to stay with a Host Family). You'll have a comfortable private room and use of the kitchen. Breakfast and dinner is provided every day and you will usually share a typical Argentinean meal with your family.
Facilities in host families do vary, but you will have the opportunity to express your preferences regarding the type of family that you stay with (for example, a family with/without children, pets etc). If you stay in a host family you will be provided with the contact details of other volunteers living in Buenos Aires at the same time as you so that you won't miss out on any socialising!
Please note that if you'd prefer to live with a host family, there is an additional supplement of £107 per week, with half-board.
LOCATION:
The romance of Argentina takes one's breath away. The natural wonders alone take some beating! From the northern deserts to the southern Andean Cordillera, from Iguazú Falls to the magnificent desolation of Patagonia, Argentina's geography is varied and stunning.
Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires: This fabulous city is renowned for its sophistication and has a surprisingly European feel about it. BA is reminiscent of Paris and its tree-lined avenues and frequent plazas have a beguiling, faded elegance. Downtown, the Plaza de Mayo is the traditional focus of activity. Nearby Avenida 9 de Julio is popularly known as the world's widest thoroughfare and, with its nine lanes of traffic, is truly a pedestrian's nightmare! Avenida Santa Fe is the most fashionable shopping area.
Argentina is geared up to thrill - from nights tangoing in the chic quarter of Buenos Aires to gaucho riding in the grasslands of the Pampas. Dynamic and bustling, a city which seems never to sleep, Buenos Aires is one of the most exciting cities in Latin America. Tango was born here, restaurants serve all manner of world cuisines, bars play the latest music, cafés spill on to the streets and nightclubs allow dancing throughout the night.
Benefits:
Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £2,595 for twelve weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.
Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).
You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.
Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.
Requirements:
This placement will suit you if you're either studying a medicine related subject or are qualified. Some Spanish is required. All projects are open to all nationalities.
Unless otherwise stated, you need to be aged between 18 and 70+
WHO CAN APPLY?
Applicants should be able to meet the following criteria:
· Be over 18 years of age.
· Previous experience or advanced studies in the health area required.
· Be able to speak some Spanish (intermediate to advanced level) to work in the clinic. If you are a medical student or doctor, it is highly recommended that you have a good command of the language.
· Be able to stay for a minimum of 12 weeks in order to really get familiar with the Centre and its work.
· You should also be outgoing, sociable and very able to use your own initiative.
