Work and Travel in Argentina

VOLUNTEER AND PAID WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN ARGENTINA FOR TRAVELLERS

Argentina is a mainstay on the South American backpacking trail. This well-trodden path could yield the same experiences as everyone else, or you could give yourself memories that will last you a lifetime. Try looking into work and travel in Argentina. Extend your stay and really get to know the fabric that makes up Argentina.

We’re going to take a look at some of the incredible volunteer opportunities in Argentina for travellers. You won’t find this information in any travel guide for Argentina.

Are you up to the challenge of work and travel in Argentina?

1. Teach the Tango in Buenos Aires

Contrary to popular belief, tango is not something that the whole of Argentina embraces. It’s mainly centred on Buenos Aires and the area around it. Here you can learn tango and teach it to others at the same time. Independent theatres and dance clubs are everywhere and volunteers are always welcome.

It doesn’t even matter if you know how to dance in advance. You’ll learn and then you’ll be able to help others. It’s a great way of integrating yourself into a pivotal part of Argentinian culture.

2. Teach English in Argentina

Like many other South American countries, there’s a real need for competent teachers of English. Teach English in Argentina and you’ll be able to really make a difference in the life of someone else. You can also use the experience to gain the formal TEFL qualification.

And if you already have a qualification there’s no reason why you can’t find paid work in Argentina. Universities and schools will sometimes employ foreigners on a limited basis.

As you would expect, most of these programmes are centred on the major cities.

3. Join Up with Summer Camps

The school year in Argentina starts in March and ends in December. During the three months off, kids often go away to various summer camps. The most popular of these are soccer camps. If you have a reasonable level of fitness and a friendly attitude you’ll fit right in.

The best part is you don’t have to commit yourself for a long time. This work in Argentina usually lasts for a month or less at a time.

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR ARGENTINA

Argentina has a relaxed visa regime, like the majority of South American countries. Citizens of the EU, the US, the UK, South Korea, Japan, Russia, and South Africa are able to enter Argentina without the need to apply for a visa or pay any fee in advance.

The only exception is Canadian citizens who must pay the reciprocity fee of $78 USD before they can enter the country. They must also travel with the payment receipt and this is valid for a ten-year period. It was put in place due to the Canadian government deciding to place similar restrictions on Argentinian citizens travelling to Canada.

For longer stays, you can apply for a temporary residency visa for Argentina. This will allow you to remain in the country for up to a year at a time. However, it should be noted that visa runs are permitted here so it’s rarely worth your time going through the extremely bureaucratic visa system.

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN ARGENTINA

SPRING WORK

The spring time is the main summer period in Argentina. It’s when the kids are out of school and they’re all heading to summer camps. It’s also when you can find short-term work in hostels and in the various tourism jobs throughout the country.

Naturally, most of the action will focus on Buenos Aires as this is where a third of the whole country lives. Make sure you’re around this area at this time of year.

SUMMER JOBS

Due to its position in the southern hemisphere, summer time is the coldest period of the year. The best work to look for at this time of year is in the Andes in the west of the country. Work and travel in Argentina in winter centres mainly on the ski resorts found in the Andes.

Cerro Catedral and Las Lenas are the most well-known of the resorts. Just be aware of the fact that many of these ski resorts are underdeveloped.

AUTUMN

The autumn period sees the end of the winter tourist boom and most of the kids are already back at school at this point following their winter holidays. There’s no specific backpacker skills required at this time of year in Argentina.

WINTER

Winter time in Argentina is the main summer period and it coincides with the first half of the three-month holiday period for students. Again, you should be looking into summer camps at this time.

It’s also a great time to start looking into teaching English in Argentina. Travel in Argentina and you’ll find a lot of people who’re eager to learn English. It’s relatively easy to find jobs amongst middle class Argentinian families, as it’s quite common for parents to send their children for extra classes or other worthwhile extracurricular activities.

If you can find a tourism job, you may even want to head to Patagonia. Volunteers in the various accommodations there come from all over the world. The work is basic but can give you a roof over your head and allow you to experience one of the most spectacular destinations in the world.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN ARGENTINA

Work and travel in Argentina is easy. This is a country built entirely from immigrants and is one of the most diverse countries in the whole of South America. Volunteers are a common sight and you’re unlikely to be hassled by the locals for any reason.

Also, Argentina is a growing country and suddenly Western tourists who want to travel in Argentina are no longer seen as the walking ATMs they once were. You’ll find this to be a fun country to travel and work in.

Are you ready to work in Argentina and begin your next great adventure?