Andrew in Argentina
Participant
Andrew
Programme
Internship
Country
🇦🇷 Argentina
Duration
6 weeks
Short bio
I’m 23 and I’m now in my third year of Social Studies at university. I’ve also been working in hospitality as a barman/host for 4 years, and on top of that I do strength training, play the piano and love a good party.
How satisfied were you with the support from Holland?
I was very happy with the support in Holland; it was all clear how things would go. I could also ask all my questions and everything was arranged for me, so that saved a lot of hassle! I couldn’t have asked for more from The Power of Sports.
My story
“Now that I’m back, I know for sure that this experience has changed me. I’ve become more independent, I’m more open to other cultures and I’ve learnt to step out of my comfort zone. But above all, I’ve seen how sport can connect people and bring about positive change. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
Andrew · internship in Argentina
When I left for Buenos Aires to volunteer with The Power of Sports, I knew it would be a special experience, but I never expected it to change me so much. My task was to guide young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods through football training and other team sports. For these young people, sport was more than just a hobby; it gave them structure, self-confidence and a way to forget their worries for a while.
At first it took some getting used to. The city was busy and lively, the language was sometimes a challenge and everything felt new. But I soon noticed that sport is a universal language. The young people were enthusiastic and open to doing sport with us.
What made this experience even more special were the people I met there. The other volunteers came from different countries and we quickly built a close bond. We worked together, but we also experienced the city together. We tasted Argentinian cuisine, went to local events and learnt from each other’s experiences in our own countries, discovering cultural differences along the way. Those connections made my time in Buenos Aires extra fun.
Working with EPDP (El Poder del Deporte – The Power of Sports in Spanish) was also really pleasant. The organisation was well run and the staff were really committed. From day one I felt welcome and valued. It really gave me the feeling that I could contribute something, however small.
Now that I’m back, I know for sure that this experience has changed me. I’ve become more independent, I’m more open to other cultures and I’ve learnt to step out of my comfort zone. But above all, I’ve seen how sport can connect people and bring about positive change. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
This volunteering has not only strengthened my personal development, but also my professional growth. I’ve learnt to work with different target groups, to communicate better and to be flexible in new situations. Buenos Aires will always have a special place in my heart, and I know for sure that this experience will stay with me forever.
On top of that, I also went to Chile and Uruguay, which I’d definitely recommend too!
What advice would you like to give future interns and volunteers?
Just do it!, get out of your comfort zone. Making the choice to go can definitely be nerve-racking, but it’s so worth it. You learn loads and make memories for life.
Andrew’s photos
