From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms by both students, staff and my program manager alike. I never felt hesitation to reach out to the school, teachers, my boss or Mili in any regards, be it for advice, companionship or physical assistance. The warmth and hospitality of the Argentine people made settling in incredibly easy, within a few weeks faces became familiar and familiar faces became friends.

The work itself is deeply rewarding. Assisting with lessons gave me the chance to witness students grow in confidence and curiosity, and I was often amazed by their empathy and effort to communicate despite the language barrier. The bonds I have formed with the children is something I will truly hold onto and remember fondly for the rest of my life. I collaborated closely with dedicated teachers who valued my input, included me in activities and encouraged me to take on more responsibilities. The experience also allowed me to learn about the Argentine education system and the world of teaching in general. These insights prove priceless! The school itself offers many benefits and is always working to promote your best interests.

In terms of accommodation, the host mother is lovely and caring! However, it can sometimes be difficult to manage dynamics within the house. I do feel it should be mentioned that you may end up sharing a room, that there is an “unofficial curfew” with her having to arm the alarm, you contribute to paying for basic household items and there is no iron. Lastly, possibly consider accommodation which is closer to Nordelta campus or make volunteers aware of the longer commute, in saying this the bus transfer provided is amazing! My point being, just make volunteers aware of what to expect in all aspects to avoid any miscommunications. These are, truly, meniscal details but I would’ve preferred to know these things so as to expect them and plan/act accordingly.

In a similar vein, if NVW could provide volunteers with a better outline of expected expenses while living abroad it may be helpful. For someone such as myself, who was straight out of high school, and thus admittedly naive, knowing about things such as the cost of data, a sube card or basic groceries would’ve proved helpfully in order to budget. Furthermore, I was very confused about rent and medical insurance until only later piecing together that it is covered by the school, thus making this immediately clear would be helpful.

But ultimately, this role is perfect for anyone passionate about education, languages, and cultural exchange. It not only makes a meaningful impact on students’ lives but also fosters incredible personal growth. I would wholeheartedly recommend volunteering in Argentina to anyone looking for a transformative experience filled with connection, learning, and adventure. Argentina isn’t just a destination—it’s a place that stays with you.

In 2020 I had the chance to participate in a short volunteering program as a Teacher’s Assistant at a primary school in Reading, England. It allowed me to take my first steps into adulthood in a truly independent way: in a foreign language on the other side of the world. The experience allowed me to discover that I enjoyed working with children and that working as a teacher was something I could see myself doing in the future. I had the opportunity to work with children of different ages (from Reception to Grade 6), so every day was different and there was always something new to do. From helping in PE classes, attending sports tournaments with the kids and learning some words in French to reading stories during snack time, each and every single moment allowed me to grow in many ways and, in turn, become more confident and open to experience new things. I discovered several things about myself in just six weeks, so I believe a volunteering program is a great way to grow while helping others.

I had a lovely experience with NVW and would highly recommend . From start to finish, they demonstrated professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to excellence. James is very knowledgeable, responsive and kind.

I am extremely pleased with my experience and would not hesitate to work with NVW again in the future. If you’re looking for reliability, expertise, and exceptional adventure, NVW is the perfect choice!