Info

You have a choice of areas of work, from cultural to teaching to tourism and orchard farming! You can choose just one area or all four! You can even MIX AND MATCH projects, i.e. spend one or more days in each project.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

• An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Latin America.
• You'll learn a lot from experts in your field about how they work in a cultural environment that's different to what you're used to.
• 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!

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

You'll work closely with the Municipality of Malargue (Mendoza) in either the Museum, the Department of Culture, in Education or in Tourism. Within these four sections there are several different jobs that can be done and you can choose to do all of them or just one or two. You also have the opportunity to mix and match, for example, two days a week teaching, one day a week in the Museum and maybe two days helping to plan the development of tourism in Mendoza! The available sections are:

THE MUSEUM:

• Archaeology
• Geology
• Conservation of the Museum's inventory of artefacts
• Assisting in updating the historical archives (methodology and photography work)

The DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE

• Music (the Choir)
• Stone sculptures
• Ceramics
• Landscape painting
• Assisting artists
• Organising cultural events
• Theatre
• Arquitectonic conservation

EDUCATION

• Teaching in rural and/or municipal schools
• Assisting in Kindergartens and crèches

TOURISM

• Working in the Convention Centre and the Information Desk
• Assisting in strategic planning for the development of tourism in Mendoza

FARMING

• Assisting in the orchard and farm belonging to the Malargue Hostel (where you will be staying for the duration of your placement)

ACCOMMODATION AND LIVING IN MENDOZA:

Your accommodation will be in the Hostel Internacional de Mendoza. Here you could share a room with up to 3 other people and breakfast and dinner will be provided consisting of local dishes. Cuisine in Argentina in general is delicious and quite often exotic.

ADDITIONAL 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.
• Portuguese Language Courses: You can take a few hours of private lessons a week at the same time as doing your Teaching project. You'll be amazed at how much it will add to your enjoyment during your stay.

This project can also be combined with any of our other projects in Malargue, or you could even do a second project in Buenos Aires, a different region of the country, thus doubling your adventure and enjoyment!.

ABOUT MENDOZA:

Located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, the city of Mendoza is the provincial capital of the Mendoza region in Cuyo, one of Argentina's main wine-producing areas. About 700 miles north-west of Buenos Aires and 235 miles from Santiago, Mendoza city offers excellent rail, bus and air connections to all parts of the country and to neighbouring Chile.

A beautiful green city with a number of parks, Mendoza has a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants, theatres and nightclubs. The downtown area of Mendoza is largely pedestrianised with attractive tree-lined avenues and the city's main attractions include Government House, San Martin Park Forest and Cerro de la Gloria.

Mendoza and its surrounding countryside is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Its position at the foot of the Andes Mountains puts it right next to some of the world's best skiing. Las Leñas is the most modern ski resort in Argentina and is just four hours south of Mendoza, near Malargüe. Mendoza is renowned throughout Argentina for being a beautiful city.

WHAT IS REQUIRED OF YOU:

As with all our destinations, the Argentine culture and heritage, although European in flavour, is different to Anglo-Saxon cultures and this must be borne in mind. You must be able to speak a little Spanish - and you can do a one-month intensive Spanish course in Buenos Aires prior to your conservation if you'd like to - please ask for details. Self-reliance and independence are highly appreciated in all our destinations and will help you to make the most of this wonderful opportunity!

Travellers' placements are very flexible and you can combine this project with any other Travellers project, either in the same country or in different countries.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

Talk to us - We're there to help you. Call +44 (0) 1903 502595
Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us!
If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It’s as easy as that.

OUR VOLUNTEERS SAY......

"Malargue is completely different to the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aries. Here we have dinner at the hostel every night and its like being part of a family. Hardly anyone speaks English here so its quite hard to communicate but at the same time quite funny. I feel that I've had to get used to living in a very remote place, completely different to anywhere else I've been. I wouldn't recommend it to people who like cities and a really busy life. For anyone who wants to experience a more accurate view of what Argentina is really like I would say this is better than somewhere like Buenos Aires. Also anyone who wants to do a bit of exploration of the surrounding area there is a lot of opportunity for that as well. I loved going to see the Payunia volcanoes up in the mountains."

Duration

Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Start Dates

Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £695 for two weeks. You can participate for up to one year.
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

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.