Why South America?
Volunteering in South America gives you the perfect opportunity to learn, improve and practise your Spanish speaking skills whilst doing something entirely worthwhile and rewarding. Volunteers in South America get to live and work in some of the most beautiful and culturally diverse areas of the world; from the rainforest in Yunguilla, Ecuador to the Northern suburbs of Buenos Aires , Argentina. Volunteering in South America is the chance of a life-time, to live amongst local people, learn their culture and challenge yourself.
What type of placement can I do?
In Ecuador you have the opportunity to undertake two types of volunteer work, combing English Teaching in the mornings with the options of doing Community Care work, Environmental work or teaching Music in the afternoons. This is a great chance for those with more than one interest to us and develop their skills in different areas.
Volunteers in Ecuador stay with host families which is a fantastic chance to really integrate yourself into a new culture, learning the real Ecuadorian ways of life from those you live with and become part of a family.
In Argentina you can volunteer on Community Care placements in orphanages, combining general caring work with children with some teaching. Working in the community is very motivating and rewarding, seeing the changes that can occur during your time there and be part of positive change. You can also volunteer as an English Teacher in Argentina, assisting in the classroom and working with small groups to improve English Language skills at bi-lingual schools or language schools. These placements offer an insight into a more privileged side of Argentinean life, with a real opportunity for cultural exchange and interaction.
Why should I volunteer for at least several months?
You should volunteer for at least 3 months because it will quite often take at least one month to fully adjust to your placement, to overcome homesickness and to truly appreciate why you are there. You will then start to really enjoy work at your placement, making friends and becoming involved in the community and culture. Long term volunteering ensures that you are making a positive impact at your placement, taking the time to understand where your help is needed and start to help communities help themselves rather than just ‘doing your bit’ and then leaving again. It enables you to build relationships with those you work with, become part of the community and learn and grow in so many ways.
Lattitude Global Volunteering’s charity mission is to empower young people to make global change; to help young people learn and develop and change their lives and the lives of those around them, for the better. Long term volunteering provides you with the chance to do this and so much more.
So where can you go in South America:
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Argentina
Argentina is bursting with cultural charm and natural wonders. It is a country of vast beauty including the tropical north, the spectacular Andes and the chilly deserts of Patagonia in the south.
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Ecuador
From tropical jungles to the volcanic landscape of the Galapagos, Ecuador is an enticing, exciting country. The colonial Spanish influences are evident throughout the country, particularly in the stunning cities of Quito and Cuenca.
