Community Center

Villa Constitucion, Santa Fe Province | Argentina

Argentina-002 | Print This Position Description

Gain experience teaching children who are faced with extreme poverty and the reality of working to support their families at a Community Center called Asociación y Biblioteca Popular "Engranajes". Conduct workshops, teach, provide support and counseling in public health or micro-business development. Completion of 3rd year university Spanish required. Available March - December.

About the Organization

The Community Center called Asociación y Biblioteca Popular "Engranajes" 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 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.

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

The organization offers an integral space with:

  • Childcare for the smaller kids

  • School homework support

  • Artistic Classes

  • Educational Workshops

  • Nutritional Support

  • Legal and Human Rights counseling

  • Workshops on Bakery trade

  • Workshops on Iron modeling

  • Workshops on Cooperativism

Job Description

Depending on student's skills and experience, interns can 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, 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 Children's Rights, Education and Social Integration. 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

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 Ability

Good Spanish language communication skills (completion of 3rd year university level 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

None

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.

IE3 Program Fee

The program fee for the first term of any internship is $2,750 - $2,950. 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

$1150 for 12 weeks (includes room and board, transportation to Sante Fe Province)

International Travel $1100-$1600
Visa Fees
Recommended Immunizations

*See Additional Cost Information below.

Estimated Monthly Expenses

Expense Type Price/month
Housing included
Food included
Local Transportation $50
Recreation $50
Personal Expenses $50

Compensation

None

Additional Expense Information

$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. It is recommended to budget an additional $150 per month for personal expenses.

Last Updated on Aug 11, 2008