Testimonials

Victoria – UK

I am currently working with Voluntario Global in an orphanage, in a town just outside of Buenos Aires. My work involves caring for and playing with the fifteen children that live there. The home is an inspirational place to be. The children have been through a lot in their short lives, and so, can display challenging behavior at times. However, the staff and volunteers ensure that the home is a place where they are able to express themselves in a happy, positive, loving and safe environment.
So, if you are looking for an opportunity to undertake worthwhile work within a community that really needs your help, and with an organization that provides full support from the moment you enquire about opportunities, I recommend Voluntario Global wholeheartedly. I assure you, to be part of it all, even in a small way, is a real honor.

Bonnie - United States

I went to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, to work as a volunteer in the Voluntario Global charity, a community-based organization working with the children and families of the impoverished, shanty satellite barrios of the city. Buenos Aires is a city of immense contrasts, most notably in the very unequal distribution of wealth. Voluntario Global is a charity organization created and run by the community who best understands the problems of the area and the help needed to improve the lives of the children, young adults and their parents who live there. It is a charity that exists and grows solely through the efforts of local and international volunteers.

Bernadette – UK

Recently, my husband and I decided to spend our holiday in South America. Typical holidays for nature lovers like ourselves normally include trekking, horseback adventures, sleeping out in tents, and walking amongst beautiful scenery. However, during our vacation we soon came to the realization that next to the beautiful scenery and the 4 stars hotels lie shanty towns, slums and poverty; so when I saw a poster for Voluntario Global I decided that I wanted to help. I first started working with children, helping them with their homework and playing games with them. My goal was to share my experiences with those children, to see them smile, to give them a better start in life and to help them become aware of another reality that could be theirs. Not long after I started, I immediately discovered that I loved volunteering. The children made me realize that I could do something to change the world, even if was only a small step!

Rebecca y Gary - UK

Rebecca & Gary will join us on November. They have created a web site to share with family and friends their volunteer work and experience. Thanks for being so enthusiastic! We can follow your testimonies! http://latin-travels.webs.com/

Astrid – Norway

I came across Voluntario Global when I started studying in Buenos Aires, and I worked with them for almost a year. Then, in 2008 I had the chance to go back to Buenos Aires and worked with VG once more --- an amazing experience! The people involved in this organisation work extremely hard and are 100 percent dedicated to what they are doing. They are people I admire, yet are completely professional in their work. Getting to know the people connected with VG, the areas they work and the different organisations they help, has, without a doubt, given me the moments I'll best remember about Buenos Aires. As a volunteer, not only will you learn a lot about Buenos Aires and its different communities, you will also get to know a lot of fantastic people, have lots of fun, and learn lots and lots of Spanish. The experience is so rewarding I can guarantee you that you will not regret it!

Carol - Italy

My favorite part has been watching the kids begin to trust me and let me teach them and learn from them. At first they really tested their limits with me and it was overwhelming, but after they realized I wasn't going anywhere soon, they really began to warm up to me. I have learned ways to communicate with them and teach them basic skills that can help them in various activities. The teaching and learning that occurs on the behalf of the kids and the volunteers has definitely been my favorite part of being a volunteer.

Jacqueline - United States

There are two things that I love most about volunteering at Hogar Querubines: When I can put a smile on the kids' faces, and when they put a smile on mine. Watching the way they care for each other, and the way they have welcomed me into their home has made me feel so much a part of the hogar. I couldn't be more thankful for that. Not every day is easy and all smiles, but I always feel like I'm making a difference (as corny as that sounds). Whether I'm helping the little ones get ready for jardín, talking to the older girls about their crushes at school, or washing pots and pans, I know I'm helping in some way, be it tangible or not. They are a great group of children, looked after by generous, loving, saint-like women (Celia, Valeria, Ana, and Ada). I dread the day I have to say goodbye to these wonderful people.

Tessa - United States

Being a part of the communications team was a great way to begin to understand how a nonprofit organization works. I was able to use my skills from my journalism degree to help Voluntario Global grow and expand. I loved being able to become closer with the Voluntario Global team and take part in many communications projects. I was also able to volunteer, making the experience all the more fulfilling.

Matt - UK

Meeting the people there is easily my favourite part about my time in both projects, I never imagined such a warm welcome and to be made to feel so much a part of the projects. It opened my eyes to the poverty in Buenos Aires but I also found the fight and drive of the people in the Comedor inspiring and motivating and the love and joy of the children in Casa Vela very touching.

Garrett - United States

For me, volunteering continually shows me how much more there is out there then just the comfortable world I live in. I wonder if I really help the kids, and I hope that I do, but I do know that any time I can let the full time women rest for even just a minute, that is one more minute they can give to one of the kids. For me, it's meant a chance to to play and work with kids, which I love.

Debbie - Ireland

Coming to Buenos Aires to volunteer meant an opportunity to make a difference to someone's life. I didn't want to set my expectations too high but I was far from disappointed from my experience.

I admit I was a little worried that my 'below basic' Spanish would be a hindrance but I was placed in an after school English academy in a poor area of the city. Although the academy is small, the kids have widely varying abilities and it was great to be able to take small groups and really be able to give them all my attention and help. The kids responded really well to the encouragement and even though they weren't always able to concentrate on the lessons they loved trying to ask questions about my life at home!! I was even asked to give a lesson on nutrition, the first the kids had ever had. Just to be able to give them the idea that there's a world out there beyond Argentina and they're capable of seeing it was amazing.
I feel I had a really positive experience and at the very least made the kids smile. I was made to feel incredibly welcome and felt privileged to be able to spend time with the staff and students of Pablo Nogues.

Linda - Germany

The first time I stepped into the Comedor Los Pibes I noticed open doors everywhere. Not only between the rooms and floors of the building, but also between the people and in the way I was greeted by the community members. Thanks to this welcoming atmosphere, my time as a volunteer has been just great. I made new friends, learned heaps about this social organization in La Boca and laughed a lot - and all of this in castellano, which has helped improve my language skills!

Louise - Denmark

I volunteered in the kitchen in a community center in La Boca. I was assigned this kind of work because I wanted to improve my castellano skills and get insights into the Argentine culture. For me, it was a very fantastic experience! And since I was the only foreigner at the time and no one else spoke English, I had to improve my language fast. It was a bit difficult at times (especially when the women were talking together because they talk really fast, and if you don't understand the context it is difficult to be a part of the conversation), but overall everyone was very patient and friendly.
The good thing about kitchen duty is that you can still manage the job even though you don't speak Spanish very well I got to know the women in the kitchen since we cooked for the whole community center for lunch, served lunch and then afterwards we all ate together, which was a nice experience. The kitchen was situated in the middle of the community center which meant that I also got good insight into the other activities there. Many people came and talked to me each day even though they were not connected to the kitchen. They were just being curious and very nice. The atmosphere in the center from the first day was very friendly and I felt very welcomed.

Patricia - Denmark

I arrived in Buenos Aires without speaking any Spanish and with no idea about how my project was going to be. After three days, I started my project with a kindergarten an hour outside of the city. I loved the kids from the first day, and the woman who was involved at the project was very helpful. They always made sure to speak slowly and clearly so I could understand what they were saying.
Kids use simple words; they can teach you the names for the colors, how to count and so on. The best thing is they love to play crazy, funny games. Working with kids is definitely one of the best ways to learn a new language.
Working in a suburb and living in the city has given me the opportunity to become familiar with parts of the city that most foreigners don't get to see. It also gives you a better idea of the different lifestyles people live.

Steve & Annette - UK

Annette and I are just finishing our voluntary work here in BA. It has been an amazing experience. We enjoyed working with the children in the Hogar in Beccar, although it was pretty stressful at times. We then really enjoyed teaching English at 'By your side' in Pablo Nogues. Just looking at the photos reminds us how good the students were and how we befriended them in such a short space of time. And now we are working in La Huerta at El Borda, we have enjoyed helping sow seeds, dig out a pond and generally look after the garden. We have got to talk to quite a few of the patients, even practicing my German with one of them.

All in all this 6 months has been an amazing life experience, seeing the other side of life here in a big city. Thanks to VG for all their support during our time here.

Lucas - Brasil

In my volunteer work I had the opportunity to work with children. I can summarize my experience in one sentence: a good deed no matter how small for you can have huge proportions in the lives of others.

Tiffany - Canada

While my intention when going to Buenos Aires was not to volunteer, it was no doubt the best decision I made there. I think it is easy to underestimate the juxtaposition within BA, and how difficult it is as a tourist, or even student, to really get to know what life in Buenos Aires is for the Locals. VG not only help you see the real lives that are hidden behind Buenos Aires tourist exterior, but helped me understand the culture, language, and norms we so rarely come to understand when in a country so different from our own. While there are many volunteer organisations in Buenos Aires, and throughout South America, what struck me as unique about Voluntario Global is their roots. All members of staff except for one came from one of the areas in which their volunteers help in. Not only are they a great help for the volunteers in their cultural assimilation, but also a great role model for the the people in the projects they help out. This is one of the few companies whose interests really are in making Buenos Aires and beyond a better place.

Arpine - United States

My time working with Voluntario Global was absolutely an experience of a lifetime! The staff was very helpful, organized, appreciative, inspiring, fun and passionate about their work. It was the perfect way to experience Argentina- by both having fun with other volunteers and feeling like you are part of positive movement. I'm thankful to all the Voluntario Global staff who put so much energy into making the organization what it is. I also made some amazing friends from all over the world (how often do you get to do that?) I have such great memories of the time I spent teaching English at Pablo Nogues. I even became friends with a few of the kids on Facebook and get to chat with them every now and then! I hope to return to Argentina soon and would love to work with Voluntario Global again! I would highly recommend this program to anyone whose interested in volunteering in Argentina.

Sara - United States

I learned a lot by being in a health environment. The placement and application process helped to fit my interest although it was far. I gained knowledge or the various health professionals at La Salita that will help me with my future goals. I loved being able to be with the doctors and staff while learning of the social issues the community faces. In addition to health plus, I feel my spanish comprension skills improved by listening to the doctors. 

Cordes - United States

My Argentina experience was an experience to remember. I was uncertain of what to expect having never been to South America before, but upon arrival I knew I was in for quite the experience. My spanish took off after finally grasping the accent, being able to practice on all the beautiful Argentinean woman! Not only was everyone in Argentina absolutely drop dead gorgeous they were also incredibly friendly and happy. My volunteer experience in La Boca truly defined my experience. Working at comedor Los Pibes was an amazing experience, not only did I get to teach English and interact with kids, I also got to take part in all of the activities that the comedor had to offer. I got to play bingo, participate in marches, eat delicious meals, and most importantly experience true Argentina people and culture. Comedor Los Pibes has a true sense of community and a true family feel who opened their arms and accepted me into their amazing community. Being able to create an amazing friendship with the bosses was a great experience. Johan, Mechy, and Bertachelly were all amazing bosses who always made me feel connected and involved throughout my experience both in the work place and at night. Not only did I create an amazing bond with people around my age, I also created an amazing bond with Ramero, el capo de La Boca. Ramero is the coolest kidI've ever meet, we spent days together just talking and enjoying life. Without volunteering I would have never experienced any of this.

Every person I met and encountered while working in Argentina was amazing and wanted to learn about me and my country, relationships I've created that will last a lifetime. The family I lived with also offered an amazing experience. Having brothers to hang out with and mess around with really helped me get situated into my house. We were always hanging out watching movies, watching tv, trying to meet beautiful woman. Not only that but Argentinans really know how too cook. Every single night we were given an absolutely delicious meal ranging from pastas, too meats, too even some vegetables. Fortunately for me the meat was absolutely amazing, parillas libres are the best invention since the dinosaur! Argentina is a must for everyone! Hope you're experience is as great as mine was!

Ross - UK

The volunteer program was good, it helped me appreciate how difficult it is to work promoting a small charity. The work has been enjoyable and the coordinator is good to work with.

Madeleine - Norway

I was amazed about how I got to be a part of the Los Pibes Community, to see how the people at the comedor work together and support each other. It was also rewarding working and playing with the kids and I  feel really lucky to have been a part of the community for the time I worked there. Una experiencia que nunca olvidaré.

Andrea - Canada

I've had an excellent time in La Quiaca. I loved the work and the people here. I've made some great friends in the community who I will stay in touch with after my time here. Volunteering in La Quiaca is a great way to immerse yourself into the culture and language of Argentina. Also I must admit that I love being able to walk to another country! I don't think that there is anything that could be improved here. It's very well organized and everything ran smoothly from start to finish.