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VETERINARY MEDICINE WORK EXPERIENCE INTERNSHIP IN BUENOS AIRES

Our Veterinary Placement is located in the heart of Buenos Aires and is perfect for a passionate animal lover looking to to gain experience working with all types of animals. You'll work in one of the largest vet clinics and pet shops in Buenos Aires, located downtown, a few blocks away from 9 de Julio Avenue.

SUMMARY FACTFILE
Start Dates All year round - you choose your start and finish dates!
Duration 2 weeks to 1 year, subject to visa requirements
Requirements This placement will suit you if you're either studying a veterinary related subject or are qualified. However, if you have a passion for animals, you will also be able to get involved in this placement. Some Spanish is preferred. See Who Can Apply below.
Price From £1,345 for 4 weeks, ranging up to £2,345 for 12 weeks. Full Price List
What's included Accommodation, Food (excluding lunch), Meeting you at BA Airport, Transfer to your accommodation, Transport to and from your project, Full pre-departure support, Local in-country team support and backup, 24-hr emergency support.
What's not included Flights, Insurance, Cost of Visas (if a visa is required, but we'll provide necessary documents and assistance), Return transfer to airport.
Who can do this Project? All projects are open to all nationalities.
Unless otherwise stated, you need to be aged between 17 and 70+

PLACEMENT OVERVIEW:
The Centre
(CP) has 15 people working between the Pet Shop and the Clinic, including two vets. Working hours are from Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. There are also people on Sundays doing the cleaning and feeding the animals. An intermediate Spanish level is required to work in the clinic (vet consultations and surgeries). You will need a strong passion for animals to be able to become part of the centres three different areas; depending on your likes, experience and level of Spanish. These areas are:

  • Helping take care of the boarding pets as well as those for sale and under medical care (e.g. cleaning the cages, feeding the animals, checking their health, administering their medicine, etc.)

  • Helping with the pets’ grooming

  • Providing assistance to the local vet during consultations and surgeries.

These activities will give you the unique opportunity to work hands-on and to observe the reality of day-to-day care of pets while you improve your level of Spanish mingling with local employees and dealing with clients.

The Centre also offers a wide variety of animals for sale, ranging from cats and dogs to all types of birds (canaries, cockatiels, lovebirds, parrots of all sizes, parakeets, etc.), reptiles (iguanas, anoles, geckos, ball python, varanus, turtles, etc.), cold and tropical water fishes, titi monkeys and small animals (chinchillas, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, rabbits, rats, etc.).

Additionally, the Centre organizes special talks and short courses for anyone interested in learning about the pets’ world and the basics on veterinary nursing.  You will be welcome to both attend these talks as well as, under certain circumstances, to give them.

"This has been a worthwhile experience for me because I have learnt a lot about reptiles which I have not had much previous contact with before. Also I have been able to see a country which is totally different to anything that I have experienced before. Overall, I feel that Buenos Aires is an exciting an exuberant city, with many European influences. As I have been going on weekend trips, it has made me appreciate the city more".  Kathryn Adams on her placement in Argentina.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

  • An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Latin America.

  • New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.

  • An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market

  • And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

WHO CAN APPLY?
The owner of the Centre says that any participants who has a passion for animals and a willingness to help will be welcome! Vet doctors or vet students are most welcome and will be able to help with the clinic (if they have a high level of Spanish). Applicants should be able to meet the following criteria

  • Have a strong passion for animals (you don't need to have a degree or any experience).  

  • Be over 17 years of age

  • Be able to speak some Spanish (intermediate level) to work in the clinic. Your involvement and learning possibilities will depend on your level of Spanish and willingness to participate. The higher your level of Spanish, the more you'll be able to make the most of the placement and the more you'll be able to be involved. As Carina says (she volunteered for 4 months on this project: "I've finished my placement, and I loved it. However, in order to get the most out of it, you'll need to have a high level of Spanish knowledge. Even though I could manage an everyday conversation when I came, I couldn't fully enjoy my experience until the last month. But my experience was fantastic! Everybody was so helpful. I love the people, the culture, my "family" was very caring and I would encourage everybody going to go with the homestay! As a foreigner in Argentina you'll get a lot of attention and almost all of it is positive. People are open and curious and they will really take care of you. Going abroad is the best thing I have ever done in my life. Hasta luego!"
    If you are a vet student or vet doctor, it is highly recommended that you have a good command of the language.

  • Be able to stay for a minimum of 4 weeks in order to really get familiar with the Centre and its work.       

  • Be able to work on your own initiative – this is crucial to your success on the placement.

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, followed by a two-month or three-month work experience internship placement.

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.

Argentina is geared up to thrill - from nights tangoing in the chic quarter of Buenos Aires to gaucho riding in the grasslands of the Pampas. Dynamic and bustling, a city which seems never to sleep, 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.

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OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

Optional Cultural Courses
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Volunteer Feedback
 



Feeding the birds



Inside the Pet Shop

 


Dog Grooming at the Pet Shop

 

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ACCOMMODATION  



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.

Argentina is geared up to thrill - from nights tangoing in the chic quarter of Buenos Aires to gaucho riding in the grasslands of the Pampas. Dynamic and bustling, a city which seems never to sleep, 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.

TRAVEL:

You have the option to arrange your own flights or we can assist you with your flight arrangements. If you would like us to do this for you, we will liaise with you regarding available flights and dates to suit you. All arrangements for your flight bookings/payments will be fulfilled by Murray Rogers Travel Limited, ATOL No. 6856. Where possible, we arrange for two or more people to travel on the same flight and we will let you have the names and telephone numbers of other volunteers on your flight, so that you can chat to each other or even meet up before leaving for your placement.

You'll fly into Buenos Aires where you'll be met by either Melina or Adriana Saccal, our local organisers. From the airport you'll be taken to your accommodation. Several days later, once you have settled in and recovered from the flight, you will be introduced to your host teaching institutions.

VISAS: Visa’s are not required for a stay of 90 days if you are a British Passport holder. If you're from another country, we'll liase with you about your visa requirements, if any, and make the Visa process very easy. 

Where possible, all flights we arrange for you have changeable return tickets because many of our volunteers choose to extend their stay once they are in their destination country. Changeable return tickets enable you to do so, within the limits of your visa and the level of your air ticket, of course. If you choose to book your own flights, you should endeavour to get a changeable ticket.

To read about the excellent Support & Backup we provide before you leave and during your programme, please click here.

We can also arrange your flight dates to give you additional time at the end of your project for travelling around and sightseeing - this is a fascinating and wondrous country!




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Last modified: February 15, 2010