PROJECT OVERVIEW
On this project, we've teamed up with the Argentina Cricket Association to enable you to coach at various local schools and cricket clubs. You'll work as an assistant coach alongside the head coach, with children from the age of 8 to 15.

There are no Spanish requirements and you just need to know how to play the game; you don’t need to be an expert or a qualified coach. All you need is a big portion of enthusiasm and an energetic personality who can convey the concepts of playing a team game (like honesty, loyalty, friendship, etc). The schools and clubs that play cricket in Buenos Aires are traditional (and in most cases, bilingual) institutions, where cricket is an important part of the tradition and culture, not only from an aspect of the sport itself, but also the values attached to the sport, such as manners, sportsmanship, politeness, etc.

Hours of work are from Monday to Friday, for an average of 4 hours a day, with cricket activities during school terms exclusively in the afternoon and with all-day sporting activities in many clubs during the summer holidays, and cricket would be played for an hour or so during the day. Matches sometimes take place at the weekends and you'll be encouraged to attend these, although it won't be obligatory to do so.
 

• Organisation and planning of each class

• Pupil motivation

• Organisation of events and competitions

• Fitness/physical training

• Coaching of rules

• Refereeing

With younger kids the emphasis is on participation and having fun, while with slightly older kids, although technical coaching is not required by the volunteer, activities he/she will be involved in are more likely to be participatory, like catching exercises, bat-ball games, or hand-eye co-ordination drills.

Volunteers are more than welcome to play as well, regardless of their standard. Most clubs have three teams, with a wide range of standards between first and third teams. There is also a women's league for female volunteers.

The peak seasons are from October to November and February to March, but coaching does take place all round the year, apart from a three-week break from Christmas to mid-January.

Some of the schools and clubs you will be working at might be located in the suburbs of Buenos Aires but usually no further than one hour travel distance from the city centre.

Cricket is very popular in Argentina and you'll thoroughly enjoy the time you spend there as well as the work you'll do with the children. Your coaching schedule will give you plenty of time to pursue other activities like doing a Spanish language course or a cultural course, if you’d like to, or sightseeing. Buenos Aires is an exciting city!
 

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:

Add to your travel experience in Argentina by doing some additional exciting activities - you never know, you could develop a passion for Latin American dance, or learn a new skill!

• Tango Courses:
  That most flamboyant and exciting of Latin American rhythms. Includes a weekly Milonga (Tango party) – great fun!

• Salsa Courses:
  Salsa music is a synthesis of European and African musical influences that was born in Cuba. You’ll learn from a Cuban teacher who will tailor lessons to suit your level, even totally beginners.

• Spanish Language Courses:
  You can take a few hours of private lessons a week at the same time as doing your project. You'll be amazed at how much it will add to your enjoyment during your stay.

• Photography Courses:
  6 hours per week of photography lessons in colourful Buenos Aires where there is a host of subjects you can capture with your camera.

This project can also be combined with any of our other projects in Argentina, or you could even do a second project in a different region of the country, thus doubling your adventure and enjoyment!

Combined Placements:
We can arrange for your to do a one-month intensive Spanish course prior to doing your Cricket Internship.

HOSTEL:
You'll live a hostel situated in a beautifully renovated historic building in Downtown Buenos Aires, very conveniently located for exploring the city and doing shopping. It's big enough to be sociable and fun, yet small enough to feel at home; a real chance to immerse yourself in Argentine culture.

You'll share a dorm room and have access to kitchen facilities.

The hostel boasts of several amenities like internet and WiFi, a common area, DVD room, library, book exchange and a housekeeping service.

Food: You’ll be given an allowance for your meals (breakfast and dinner, lunch is excluded 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:
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 will have the opportunity to express your preferences regarding the type of family that you stay with (for example, a family with/without children, pets etc). If you stay in a host family you will be provided with the contact details of other volunteers living in Buenos Aires at the same time as you so that you won't miss out on any socialising!

Please note that if you'd prefer to live with a host family, there is an additional supplement of £107 per week, with half-board.

LOCATION:
The romance of Argentina takes one's breath away. The natural wonders alone take some beating! 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.

Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires: 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.