Daphne in Argentina

My story

At the end of August I set off on my own to Argentina to do volunteer work in Buenos Aires. For me it was really nerve-racking to go to another country on my own for three months. Luckily I was picked up at the airport by someone from the organisation, and at the hostel I immediately met four volunteers who were really lovely. From the very first day I was straight away involved in the projects, dinners, going out and exploring the city. The coordinators and the volunteers made me feel welcome straight away.

I saw lots of different projects in the three months I was there. Together with an intern, I kept the social media of United Through Sport up to date, and we went to various projects for that. In the end I visited all the projects, and in the last weeks I had two regular projects. On Tuesdays I went to a school, where we gave PE lessons to three classes in the 10 to 16 age groups. On Thursdays we went outside the city to a church community, where we gave football training to the children.

Every project is different, but luckily we had lots of free time after or before the projects during the week to explore the city of Buenos Aires. In the city we saw/did various things, such as going to a La Boca Juniors football match, visiting food festivals, museums, restaurants and concerts. I was lucky that Coldplay were playing a concert while I was in Buenos Aires, but really great artists come to perform in this world city, so do check whether there’s a chance to go to some good concerts. Of course we also had the weekends to do fun things. With the whole group of volunteers we spent a weekend at the Iguazu Falls. I also spent a week in Ushuaia (the southernmost city in the world) with another volunteer. These were two wonderful trips to take in Argentina. It was great that the organisation gave us the time and space to go on these trips.

During my time in Argentina I experienced so many things, and the friends you make there make everything you do there amazing. I really loved everything and everyone there, and I’m definitely going to miss it enormously.

What advice would you like to give future interns and volunteers?

Definitely go! It’s an experience you’ll probably never have again. You make friends from all over the world. You see so many beautiful and incredible things. Above all, enjoy the time you’re there, because before you know it, it’s over again!