About the Organization

The Community Center (Casa de Los Ninos) with Engranajes opened in 2001 and now serves 300 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 deals with citizenship issues, responsibility issues and social inclusion. The goal is to promote youth development and the reconstruction of family ties deteriorated by poverty by offering a integrated workshops and projects such as bread baking, iron modeling trade, recreational games etc. (workshops and projects change frequently to meet the needs of the community).

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

To learn more about this organization and its mission, click here to visit their website.

To better understand the role of the intern at this organization, please see below for the job description.

Job Description

Interns will be working within the deparment of Casa de Los Ninos and depending on the intern's skills and experience may be able to work in areas such as: school support, educational workshops, recreational activities, teaching English classes, micro-business development and management, institutional development, assessment of participant's family needs and situation, human rights, etc.

# of Positions per term

3

Start Dates

Spring, summer or fall term.  It is best to intern for 3-6 months between March and December.

Duration of Internship

3 to 6 Months

Academic Background

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

Skills/Experience

Interest and demonstrated experience working with youth. Program development and planning a plus, but not required. Greater interest in understanding the impacts and affects of the social implication of children in poverty. Other desired skills: energetic, flexible, creative, leadership, comfortable working with large groups of students and adults, and public speaking (preferred).

Language Ability

Advanced Spanish skills required. Open to intermediate Spanish language learners if paired with intensive in-country Spanish courses to improve fluency. The courses are arranged in Argentina prior to internship at an additional expense. Please contact IE₃ staff for more information.

Other Requirements

Hobbies and interests preferred: Sports, music, artwork, sewing, outdoor activities and team leadership, etc.

Total costs vary depending on how long you plan to be abroad, where you will be living, your personal spending habits, and current exchange rates. The following estimates will give you a ballpark figure for this internship. Get help with the math from our handy Cost Calculator.
ALL ESTIMATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

IE₃ Program Fee

For spring term 2012, the program fee for the first term of any internship is $2950 - $3150. The expected program fee beginning summer term 2012 is $3450 for the first term. You do not pay tuition in addition to the program fee. Visit your University's IE₃ page for details, costs for additional terms, and campus administrative fees.

Estimated One-Time Expenses

Expense Type	Price
Host Site Fees	$1750 per term*
International Travel	$1100-$1600
Visa Fees	$140*
Recommended Immunizations	$200

*See Additional Cost Information below.

Estimated Monthly Expenses

Expense Type	Price/month
Housing	included
Food	$100
Local Transportation	$100
Recreation	$100
Personal Expenses	$100

Compensation

None

Additional Expense Information

$1750 per term: This is the cost for accommodation (room and board) with a host family as arranged by Engranajes. Additional food costs may be incurred depending intern's eating habits and dietary needs.

Visa Costs: This reflects the "entry fee" paid in cash at time of arrival in country and is subject to change, consult the Argentine Embassy website for up-to-date information.

Engranajes - Casa de Los Ninos (website)

Argentina - Country Specific Information form Travel.State.Gov

Santa Fe Province

Information on Villa Constitucion (in Spanish)

Information on Villa Constitucion

Field Notes Postings:

I Left My Heart in Argentina by Sierra Severson: University of Oregon student and IE₃ scholarship recipient interning with the Community Center in Argentina (January 16, 2012).

Ni Un Pibe Menos: Una Infancia Digna Para Todos by Sierra Severson: University of Oregon student and IE₃ scholarship recipient interning with Engranajes Community Center in Argentina (November 24, 2011).