MEDICAL WORK EXPERIENCE INTERNSHIP IN BUENOS AIRES

WORK CONTENT AND DESCRIPTION

Primary Care Centres are the first level of access for disadvantaged people in poor neighbourhoods and are strategically located within these neighbourhoods to be closer to the people. They are also the first place to go to when you have a health problem and need professional assistance. You'll help these community members to improve their health and search for more efficient ways of preventing diseases.
In Primary Care Centres they have family doctors, paediatricians, nurses, psychologists, dentists and social workers, as well as other specialties.

You’ll shadow doctors and nurses in their daily activities as they work with patients, including taking vitals, treating injuries and interacting with patients. You may also be asked to perform other duties when needed, such as assisting with document translations and helping to categorise medications that have been donated to the Centre.

The local doctors and nurses will assist you to gain knowledge about the practice of medicine in poor communities and neighbourhoods, as well as providing you with a practical perspective regarding the needs and concerns of the people who attend the Health Centre. Here you'll have a real opportunity to exchange information, questions and answers with patients and doctors and get to know a real community and its daily struggles.

In turn, the medical staff have commented on the value of learning from you - "We learn from their experience and knowledge [including] different ways of communicating with patients and professional staff."

You'll work an average of 20 hours per week, Monday to Friday, leaving you enough time to explore beautiful Buenos Aires!

WHO CAN APPLY?
Applicants should be able to meet the following criteria:

• Be over 18 years of age.
• Previous experience or advanced studies in the health area required.
• Be able to hold a conversation in Spanish (Intermediate to advanced level) as the doctors and patients do not speak English
• Be able to stay for a minimum of 8 weeks in order to really get familiar with the Centre and its work.
• You should also be outgoing, sociable and very able to use your own initiative.

HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION

You'll live a hostel situated in a beautifully renovated historic building in Downtown Buenos Aires, very conveniently located for exploring the city, with an endless supply of cafes, restaurants and shops nearby. It has a socialble atmosphere and you'll be made to feel welcome with a real chance to immerse yourself in Argentine culture.

You'll share a dorm room and have access to kitchen facilities. The hostel has a common area where you can relax and watch TV or DVD’s and there is also a piano and a ping pong table! It also has Wi-Fi and a couple of computers and a small roof terrace with chairs to enjoy the sunshine.

FOOD:

You’ll be given an allowance for your meals (breakfast and dinner, lunch is excluded for projects in Buenos Aires). This arrangement is to give you the flexibility to sample the great Argentinean food. Right on the door step of the hostel there are many cafes and restaurants with great priced menus just waiting for you….the choice is yours!

HOST FAMILY ACCOMMODATION:

If you would prefer a more cultural experience, we can arrange for you to stay with a local Argentinean family. Host family accommodation gives you the opportunity to become more integrated in the local community and is ideal if you want to practice your Spanish (Basic/intermediate Spanish is required to stay with a Host Family). You'll have a comfortable private room and use of the kitchen. Breakfast and dinner is provided every day and you will usually share a typical Argentinean meal with your family.

Facilities in host families do vary, but you can express your preferences regarding the type of family that you stay with (for example, a family with or without children, pets, etc). If you stay in a host family you will be given contact details of other volunteers living in Buenos Aires so that you won't miss out on any socialising!

If you choose the host family option, there is an additional supplement.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Got any questions? Please email us: info@travellersworldwide.com

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR PLACEMENT?

Once you have applied for a placement, we'll contact you and send you our Welcome Pack. You'll also receive Log-on details and password for our Volunteer Extranet where you'll have access to all the documentation and information which we've put together to facilitate preparations for your adventure! Your Project Co-ordinator for your country will liaise with you throughout the arrangements process, as well as while you're on your placement and on your return home.

The documents you'll have access to also include a Country Factfile, Safety Guide and any manuals that may assist you on your particular programme (e.g. Teaching Guide, Sports Manuals, Enrichment Suggestions for Animal Care, etc.). We do all we can to make your stay one that you'll never forget. This is a truly awesome, elegant and beautiful country.

As with all our destinations, the culture and heritage is different to what you're used to ... which, although one of the most exciting aspects of travelling, should be borne in mind. Self-reliance and independence are highly appreciated in all our destinations and will help you to make the most of this wonderful opportunity!

TRAVELLERS' SUPPORT AND BACKUP: Read about the excellent Support & Backup we provide before you leave and during your programme.

OPTIONAL ADD-ON ACTIVITIES:

Make the most of your time there! To help you do that, we've put together some exciting activities, courses and tours that you can add to your itinerary. These are designed to let you learn, expand your personal and professional development ... and add to your fun and enjoyment!

Very popular choices are Spanish Courses and Dance Courses.

LOCATION | SIGHTSEEING:

The romance of Argentina takes one's breath away. From the northern deserts to the southern Andean Cordillera, from Iguazú Falls to the magnificent desolation of Patagonia, Argentina's geography is varied and stunning. Argentina is geared up to thrill - from nights tango-ing in the chic quarter of Buenos Aires to gaucho riding in the grasslands of the Pampas.

Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires:
Buenos Aires is one of the most exciting cities in Latin America. Tango was born here, restaurants serve all manner of world cuisines, bars play the latest music, cafés spill on to the streets and nightclubs allow dancing throughout the night. This fabulous city is renowned for its sophistication and has a surprisingly European feel about it. BA is reminiscent of Paris and its tree-lined avenues and frequent plazas have a beguiling, faded elegance.

Downtown, the Plaza de Mayo is the traditional focus of activity. Nearby Avenida 9 de Julio is popularly known as the world's widest thoroughfare and, with its nine lanes of traffic, is truly a pedestrian's nightmare! Avenida Santa Fe is the most fashionable shopping area.

TRAVEL:

Read about Travel arrangements and what happens when you arrive in your new country.

Coming Soon!