Internship Description

About the Organization:
The Community Centre opened in 2002 and now serves 120 kids whose ages range from 2 to 14. The children's families are below the “poverty line”. It is an integral Day Care Center, born with close ties to a Worker´s Union, which is one of the reasons why the philosophy behind the project is not about charity but empowerment.

In Argentina, like in other Third World countries, the majority of the kids living in poverty contribute to the family income. Sometimes they are even the only providers. They either become beggars or belong to criminal gangs. This organization offers an alternative to kids 10-14 years old, who are at the greatest risk to these dangers.

The organization offers an integral space with:
* Childcare for the smaller kids
* School homework support
* Artistic Classes
* Educational Workshops
* Sports
* Nutritional Support
* Legal and Human Rights counseling
* Workshops on Bakery trade
* Workshops on Iron modeling
* Workshops on Cooperativism

The organization deals with citizenship issues, responsibility issues and social inclusion. At one of the workshops the kids and their parents bake bread, pastries and chocolates which are later sold in the area. In another workshop they learn the iron modeling trade. The goal is to promote youth development and the reconstruction of family ties deteriorated by poverty.

Local Activities:
Villa Constitucion is situated only 60 kms (about 40 miles) away from Rosario, which is Argentina’s second largest city and less than 300 kms (about 200 miles) away from Buenos Aires.

Villa Constitucion is a small city of about 50,000 inhabitants. It is bordered by the Paraná River. There is a natural reserve at one of the islands formed by the river´s delta. The summers are warm and humid. Winters are cold and humid. The economy of Villa Constitucion is based on agriculture, steel industry and the port activity.

Contact info for Previous Volunteers available by request.

Job Description:
Depending on student's skills and experience, interns can work in areas such as: school support, educational workshops, recreational activities, English classes, micro-business development and management, institutional development, assessment of participant’s family needs and situation, etc.


Additional Information:
This organization is very strong and vocal on Children´s rights, taking part in a national roundtable of organizations, campaigning, protests, etc.

Start Date:
At the beginning of any academic term. It is best to intern for 3-6 months between March and December (spring, summer or fall term); however January and February may be possible.

Duration:
3 to 6 months

Number of Positions:
2-3

Intern Qualifications

Academic Background:
Interns should have an interest in Children's Rights, Education and Social Integration. This position is ideal for students of Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Education, Political Science, Development. Open to students with additional interests and abilities in areas such as Arts, English teaching, Micro-Business Development and Marketing.

Skills/Experience:
This placement also offers the chance to explore the social work of CTA, one of the National Workers Unions, and to participate in actions coordinated by a National Group of Children Rights organizations.

Language Requirement:
Good Spanish language communication skills (completion of 3 years university Spanish). Intensive Spanish refresher/upgrade course can be arranged in Argentina prior to internship (prices start at $125 per week for 20 hours/weeks). *This is highly recommended.

Other Requirements:

Internship Costs

Program Fees:
The program fee includes tuition, internship site development and placement, pre-departure orientation, international health insurance, internship monitoring and follow-up.
Click here for application information, including the program fee, for your school.
Note: The program fee does not include airfare, housing, living expenses or any other estimated costs noted below.


Note:
Any financial or in-kind support provided by the host organization is explicitly indicated.

Compensation:
None.

Accommodation:
$1150 for 12 weeks includes: reception at airport in Buenos Aires, bus to the Santa Fe province, accommodation with host-family, 24/7 in -country support, travel advice in Argentina.

International Travel:
Round trip airfare to Buenos Aires is approximately $1100-$1600 depending on the time of year.

Cost of Living:
It is recommended to budget an additional $150 per month for meals and personal expenses.

Budget Note:
Applicants should use these estimates for preliminary budgeting purposes.
IE3 will issue an official budget after acceptance by the host organization.

Application Information

Academic Credit:
Up to 12 credits available as per arrangement with supervising department.

Application Materials:
IE3 is a program of the Oregon University System.
Students from participating partner universities are also eligible to apply.
Click here for application information and select your school from the list.

Created/Revised:2/5/08