Internship Description

About the Organization:

This school provides education to perhaps the most forgotten and marginalized group in Argentina: the natives of the north tip of the country, close to Bolivia. The school is situated in the north of Salta province, only 17 km away from Bolivia. It caters to around 70 pupils, boys and girls from 14 to 20 years old. Most of them are ava guarani natives, while some are from Bolivian origin. The school is about 20 minutes away from the nearest town, which is a small town of around 80 peasant families that practice subsistence agriculture and cattle farming.

The school is part of the movement of Escuelas de Alternancia, a unique educational system based on alternating training periods in the socio-professional environment and in the school. This method was developed to give adolescents and youth in rural areas the chance to complete their basic general education, taking into account that they usually live far from schools and that work in the family plot is part of their reality.

Students live in the school for two weeks and another two at home, throughout the year. When a group is at home, the other group of kids is in the school. At school, activities of a more academic nature are carried out (classroom studies, study tours, research, lectures and technical projects that can be applied in the social environment) as well as manual crafts and group assignments. When the students are at school, they eat and sleep there. This allows the school to work issues such as hygiene, health, solidarity, leadership and democracy.

At home, the student carries out his school assignments together with his parents and siblings, gains practical experience and applies his new knowledge. The family property serves as a laboratory. He also receives visits from a teacher who counsels and guides the family.

The organization recognizes the students’ potential and works on fostering their roots to the land and community, trying to prevent massive youth migration. The organization believes these students are capable of influencing the generation of local development processes because they become leaders of their own communities and build the fabric of society. The school is also a referent for cultural activities and “not formal” training for the peasant community. A peasant market is held at the school.

Local Activities:
The school is located 1 km away from Capiazuti, a very small paraje (group of houses). The nearest town is Aguaray (6 kms). Aguaray is a peasant community and amenities are few: a bar, a restaurant and locutorios with telephone, fax and internet services. Although it cannot boast much for entertainment, it has all the basic services such as hospital, schools, police station.

Life is simple and peaceful. Aguaray is one of the few places in Argentina where the aboriginal communities have survived and their traditions, culture and lifestyle is still alive. Aguaray was the first town in Argentina where children could attend a bilingual school, with the first native professors teaching in their own aboriginal language. It is frequent to find sociologists and anthropologists, both Argentine and foreigners, conducting research about the culture and development of the native community.

Job Description:
This is a real immersion experience, since the intern will be living in the placement. All interns will help in daily activities at the school such as food serving and homework support. Interns will also accompany the teacher during the visits to the students' farms, and help conducting a survey and assessment of students family background and needs.

Also, depending on the intern's skills, experience and interests, a detailed work-plan will be developed prior to the intern’s arrival. But typically, interns can work in areas such as: farm production, micro-business development and management , educational workshops, recreational activities, building improvement, development of alternative energy sources, English classes, institutional development, etc.

Additional Information:

Besides the chance to integrate to a small, aboriginal peasant community and learn and help in the education of their teenagers, this placement also offers the:
*Opportunity to learn about the work done by development workers in the area.
* Opportunity to travel to beautiful Salta city, with accommodation at sister organization. From there it is easy to travel to the Quebrada de Humahuaca declared World Heritage site By Unesco.

Contact info for Previous Volunteers available upon request.

Start Date:
At the beginning of any academic term. It is best to intern for 3-6 months between March and October (spring or summer term). Cannot accept interns during the month of January.

Duration:
3 to 6 months

Number of Positions:
2-3

Intern Qualifications

Academic Background:
This position is ideal for students of Rural Development, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Development Studies, Indigenous People Studies, Latin American Studies, Education , horticulture/permaculture. Interns with additional interests and abilities in areas such as arts, sports, English teaching, computers are particularly welcome.

Skills/Experience:
Definite interest in living in a rural setting and working with young people.

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:
Bring light clothing for the hot weather and rain proof clothing for the wet season.

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:
$1200 for 12 weeks includes: reception at airport (in Buenos Aires), transportation from Buenos Aires to Aguaray, accommodation with meals, 24/7 in -country support, travel advice in Argentina. Accommodation is at the school, sharing room with students.


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 $100 per month for 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:2/1/08