Luke in Argentina

My story

I went to Argentina to do an internship for my Sport & Exercise course in Breda. The Power of Sports helped me make this internship abroad possible, and I quickly settled on Argentina.

I chose this country because of its wonderful football culture, a sport I play myself. It was also a destination I’d never been to and wouldn’t easily travel to on my own.

When I arrived at the accommodation I was immediately given a warm welcome by other students and volunteers from various countries. That gave me a sense of familiarity straight away. I arrived on a Sunday and was picked up from the airport and taken to my accommodation. The first week I had a four-person room to myself, and after that I shared it with others. Because it was the weekend, everyone was off and they took me straight out to explore the city. That way I quickly got to know the area.

The weeks after that mainly consisted of helping at a summer camp, as the children there were still on their summer holidays. We organised fun games and activities for primary school children from a disadvantaged neighbourhood, La Matanza. It was incredibly educational to experience a different culture and at the same time see how happy sport and games made the children.

The activities took place at a swimming pool with a sports field and play equipment, so we could offer lots of variety. We worked with very little equipment, but that’s exactly what teaches you to be creative. With simple things, such as tying a few shirts together, you can already organise a game like skipping.

After a day at my internship I often went for something to eat or drink with other interns and volunteers. There was also plenty of time to discover the city and even other places. I went to a Boca Juniors match, for example, and took a trip to Iguazú Falls, where you can see impressive waterfalls.

I found the Argentinian culture special to experience. As well as playing football with locals, I also went to tango evenings to see this traditional dance up close. The food was a big plus too: the Argentinian barbecue (asado) in particular is something you really have to experience. At the swimming pool we also got talking to the lifeguards. In the end we organised a barbecue together, which was a great chance to learn more about life there.

For me this internship was the perfect combination of getting to know another culture and developing my skills as a sports coach. I’d recommend everyone to do something through this organisation, not just for yourself, but definitely for the children there too.

I’ll never forget this experience.

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

I’d really open yourself up to the children, because then you build a little bond with them and they absolutely love it when they see you again. Then they open up too.
Also do lots of things alongside your internship, because that makes your trip even more unforgettable.