My time in Argentina volunteering felt like anything but work. I spent most of my days working with young children in an orphanage and spent other days with individuals of all ages who had mental disabilities. 
Program Volunteer Argentina
Project: Volunteer in a Daycare Center in Argentina
Since graduating college, I had wanted to improve my Spanish speaking skills and thought that the most beneficial way to do it would be to immerse myself in a Spanish speaking country. What I gained was much more than fluency in the language.
My desire to travel was met when I arrived in Argentina, but working with all the children changed my life. I learned not only to live for the project I worked with, however, to live for the children. I spent every day with them and all hours of the day. Sometimes I was there when they woke up, other times I was there for lunch. We celebrated birthdays and holidays.
The highlight may have just been getting dirty in the sand or making old fashioned mud pies the same way I used to when I was young.
I couldn’t imagine my time better spent with the children. Every day was full of hugs and laughter, learning, and making a difference. I feel that perhaps I devoted my time to the children and volunteer project as a whole, yet, the real pay off was for me. The children, staff at the Hogar, and even my wonderful host family changed my life and I will forever be grateful.
The most exciting part is that I know I will return in the future. Not only will I be able to visit my host family, whom which I made ever-lasting friendships, but the children as well. Argentina was a beautiful country; it offered me the opportunity of a lifetime, and the project gave me a view on the world I had never before expected to have. I would recommend a trip like this to anyone and everyone- there is nothing more wonderful than changing your own life, for the better.
Courtney Beer
