What do we mean when we say "culture?" Put simply, culture is total sum of institutions, believes, customs, behaviors, artifacts, language, and attitudes of a particular group of people. It is learned and transmitted from generation to generation. It is cumulative and ever changing. It is the way you think, act, speak, and walk as well as what you think about, why you act the way you do and what you say. It is the total way of life of a person. Your culture affects everything you do and it colors the way you view other cultures.
When two cultures come into contact, both are changed in some way. Some are affected negatively, some are affected positively, but none escapes influence. Adapting to a new culture and learning from it (in essence, coming into contact with a different culture and being changed by it) is what volunteering is about. No matter how well you are prepared; there are many things in a culture that you cannot find in books. This is not simply meeting new and unexpected things, but also failing to meet what you would never have believed would be missing from any culture.
However, this change can cause uneasiness. This happens especially when the contact of cultures involves extreme differences, or even contradictory views or customs. Dealing with this uneasiness is part of the process of immersion. However, it is definitely an experience that will help grow, learn more about yourself and understand better what life is about.
In the following figure you will see the different stages of the process:
Students who seek “non-traditional” study abroad or international service-learning experiences frequently have to sacrifice intellectual rigor to get them. Existing companies offer standardized volunteerism opportunities at high costs, and typically provide little or no educational framework. Omprakash EdGE is a new kind of abroad experience that offers students a unique range of features:
An extensive curriculum. Omprakash has collaborated with experts in the field of international development and education, as well as university administrators, to create a rigorous 12-week online curriculum. Students will learn about the history, ethics, and economics of international aid and volunteering, leaving them well-prepared for their subsequent internship abroad.
Customizability. Omprakash is a network of over 140 grassroots organizations all over the globe. EdGE students will be able to customize their internship experience based upon the location, focus, and needs of their organization of interest. Omprakash encourages and facilitates communication between students and organizations, ensuring that both parties know what to expect.
Unlimited resources and mentorship. With a one-time modest tuition payment, students will have access to EdGE’s online classroom and vast collection of online resources. Omprakash staff members will also provide one-on-one mentoring throughout the entire experience.
University credit. Omprakash works with university administrators to create opportunities for EdGE students to receive academic credit for their work. EdGE culminates with the completion of a researchbased capstone project, which, in addition to being published on the Omprakash network, is designed to be evaluated for university credit.
Affordability. Omprakash seeks to expand access to formative international experiences to students of all backgrounds, so EdGE is designed to be a distinctly affordable opportunity. Students pay a one-time tuition fee of $750 for full access to Omprakash’s online classroom and resources. Omprakash does not charge overhead fees for internships, and offers travel grants for exceptional candidates to defray the cost of flights and lodging.
With Omprakash EdGE, we hope to usher in a new era of international volunteerism that is coupled with structured education and preparation. In this way, we aim to help students maximize their learning opportunities when they choose to volunteer or intern abroad. We are currently running our pilot season in three universities and are looking to expand our existing partnerships.
We encourage you to learn more online at www.omprakash.org or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
On Saturday, along with Voluntario Global founder Valeria and coordinator Pedro, I had the chance to participate with the families that make up the kindergarden community located in Jose Leon Suarez. As a volunteer that works in an urbanized neighborhood, (La Boca) and who had only heard about the conditions of some of the villas surrounding Buenos Aires, I did not know what to expect. When told about poverty, most of us draw a picture in our heads to try and imagine it, but the reality is we will not even get close to it until we live it. I only saw one side of Suarez and it was the beautiful one. The people and families have basically nothing, but life has taught them to fight for their dreams in order to overcome all the difficulties that their conditions have posed on them. Lorena, founder of the Kindergarden and fellow-teacher Viviana , have worked very hard for the past four years to develope their own teaching principles and methods. On Saturday, parents were told about the kindergarten’s goals, the work that has been done, and their achievements thus far.
The learning environment of the kindergarten ensures that kids who learn in different ways can have a positive result. As is the case with all kindergartens across the world, the children are all different from each other and learn in different ways. The kindergarten has a very nice dynamic as the children naturally want to learn and the teachers understand how to guide the kids to their right path.
In terms of the community garden, we prepared ideas to share and organize the project collectively. Before we could say anything, we witnessed mothers sharing wisdom of a community that understands how people have always been linked to the earth. From then on, we enforced the idea of seeding simply because the earth is capable of providing them with food and would be beneficial to their local economy. That is why it is so important to take care of the earth, as many little things such as recycling, taking care of the water, and breaking down litter can make a big overall difference.
To understand the community garden is to understand the relationship between society and the Earth. We know for sure that wherever we go, we'll pass on all of the knowledge learned from the mothers and teachers of the kindergarten.
In conclusion, the encounter between the parents, the teachers, Valeria and Pedro was an astonishing learning experience. Parents looked up to the teachers with smiling hope, taking every opportunity to tell anecdotes about how their child has changed for the better since attending the kindergarden. They loved the idea of applying ecology to their children's education because it is regularly applied to life at home. Mothers nodded to each other when Valeria emphasized the importance of working together as a collective. A commitment was made, and a bright future surely awaits for the community garden. On a personal note, I have never seen so much ambition and respect. The kids have so much ambition to grow up, go to school, and become something amazing. They respect their parents who provide them with all that they have, and also respect those who have worked hard to ensure their future. The "seños" (kindergarten teachers) are recognized as one of the most important figures in their lives, as it was visible from all the hugs, smiles, and effort that reflects in all corners of the kindergarden.
Argentina presents no particular threat to foreigners, and travelers should not be discouraged from travelling throughout the country. Argentina is one of the safest countries in Latin America. However, there are still periodic outbreaks of social unrest and demonstrations. Visitors are, therefore, advised to keep abreast with news to know whether any political disturbances are expected.
SAFETY ON THE STREET
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Do not attract attention to yourself by speaking English loudly in public spaces or wearing expensive looking jewelry. These mannerisms will certainly attract thieves, or worse.
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Keep a low profile and avoid loud conversations or arguments. Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers.
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Try to seem purposeful when you move about. Even if you are lost, act as if you know where you are going. When possible, ask directions only from individuals in authority.
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Don't use shortcuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets. Try not to travel alone at night.
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Avoid scam artists. Beware of strangers who approach you, offering bargains or to be your guide.
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Be alert for bag snatchers, pickpockets and con men, particularly in crowded areas in Buenos Aires, on public transport (buses, the subway, bus and train stations) and in popular tourist haunts (especially in market places and festivals).
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Beware of pickpockets. They often have an accomplice who will: jostle you, ask you for directions or the time, point to something spilled on your clothing, or distract you by creating a disturbance.
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Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest and walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse-snatchers.
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Do not carry your actual passport with you—just carry a copy and leave your passport safely stored at either your host family’s house or your guesthouse.
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Learn a few phrases in Spanish so you can signal your need for help, the police, or a doctor. Make a note of emergency telephone numbers you may need: police, fire, your accommodation, and your nearest embassy or consulate.
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If you are confronted, don't fight back. Give up your valuables. Your money and passport can be replaced, but you cannot.
HOW TO HANDLE MONEY SAFELY
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Beware that ATMs limit your withdrawal, in some cases only giving you 1000 pesos per day. If you need to take out more than that, you’ll have to do two transactions and you’ll be charged a fee for both.
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Do not flash large amounts of money when paying a bill. Make sure your credit card is returned to you after each transaction.
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Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money, buy airline tickets or purchase souvenirs. Do not change money on the black market.
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If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police. Keep a copy of the police report for insurance claims and as an explanation of your plight. After reporting missing items to the police, report the loss or theft of:
Traveler’s cheques to the nearest agent of the issuing company,
Credit cards to the issuing company,
Airline tickets to the airline or travel agent,
Passport to the nearest embassy or consulate.
LEGAL MATTERS
When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws and are under its jurisdiction - NOT the protection of the laws of your home country i.e. you can be arrested overseas for actions that may be either legal or considered minor infractions in your country.
Police can demand identification at any moment and for whatever reason. Carry a photocopy of your passport at all times and be courteous and cooperative.
The legal drinking age is 18.
Marijuana as well as cocaine are illegal in Argentina and can land you in jail. DO NOT become involved with the local drug culture in any way. Besides the legal dangers, there are also the dangers posed by dealing with any illegal organizations.
GREETINGS
In Argentina, when you greet someone or say goodbye to them, you give each other a kiss on the (right) cheek. In formal situation people shake hands. Argentineans are great conversationalists and are interested and knowledgeable about world events, politics and sporting. Meetings usually begin with small talk.
BODY LANGUAGE
Personal body space is close. It is common for participants in a conversation to politely touch each other on the arm or back, and a light kiss on the cheek is customary, even after the first meeting. Take your cue from your acquaintance.
CUSTOMS & ETIQUETTE
Cafes are a part of everyday Argentine life both for the residents of Buenos Aires as well as those from other regions. It is like a second home where people meet over a steaming cup of coffee with friends, acquaintances, clients or themselves...
Mate is THE traditional beverage of Argentina. For Argentineans, “los mates” are a fundamental part of life. Mate is a strong, caffeinated tea drank from a cup about the size of an apple. The cup is filled with an herb (yerba) and hot water and then drank through a metal straw called “bombilla” that has a filter on its end. When somebody offers you a mate it means that they care about you, that they want to share something with you. That’s why we suggest you not to reject mate when offered…it might not be your intention but it can hurt their feelings!
Argentines typically eat a very small breakfast of coffee or tea and toast or pastries, if they eat breakfast at all. Lunch is typically around 1:00-3:00pm, and they do not have a “siesta” in the afternoon like in Spain.
Dinnertime can be anywhere from 9:00pm to 12:30am.
Bars do not start up until 12:00-2:00am and clubs never fill up until 3:00-4:00am. It is very normal to stay out until 7:00am on the weekends. This being said, if you plan to party/drink please do so slowly. Bars and clubs in North America and most places in Europe close around the same time Argentines start going out, so please keep this in mind.
Tipping in restaurants is approximately 10%, and tipping after taxi rides is not expected.
CONVERSATION
Small talk is important. Bringing up Football is a great way to start conversation with people—definitely avoid bringing up the Dirty War or the Falklands issue with people until you know them well.
Porteños are very proud of their city and culture (some would say to the point of arrogance), so avoid direct criticism of Buenos Aires when possible.
The speech of Buenos Aires in particular abounds with words and phrases from the colorful slang known as “lunfardo” (see appendix). Although you shouldn’t use lunfardo words unless you are supremely confident that you know their every implication (especially in formal situations), it’s good to be aware of some of the more common everyday usages.
The Spanish spoken in Argentina is called Rioplatense, a dialect found mainly in the basin of the Rio de la Plata. While some influences from Amerindian languages exist, Spanish in Argentina has mostly been affected by European languages, particularly Italian (especially in the intonation, such as the emphasis on the last syllable of 2nd person conjugations: vos querés). ‘Voseo’ is so common in Argentina that “tú” is hardly used in common speech, and Argentinian Spanish is the only form that uses it officially.
“Vos” is a very important part of Argentine Spanish and has its own conjugation in the simple present tense. Although using “tu” is obviously understood here, we’d like to fill you in on this difference in Castellano.
Examples
Instead of “tu eres” Argentines say “vos sos”
Instead of “tu tienes” Argentines say “vos tenés”
Instead of “tu vienes” Argentines say “vos venís”
Instead of “tu puedes” Argentines say “vos podés”
Instead of “tu hablas” Argentines say “vos hablás”
With a verb, like “decir” for instance, you take the infinitive form, drop the “r”, and add an “s” and stress the last syllable= decís. Very simple, try it!
In December, Milhouse Hostel and Voluntario Global hosted a "futbol" match to celebrate the end of the year 2014. The money raised during the game will be used to buy toys and games for the art workshops at the Community Center in La Boca. We would like to thank you all for your donations and participation. Happy 2015!!
In October we had the pleasure to host a group of students from Portsmouth Grammar School, England. They visited Buenos Aires with his Spanish teacher, Steve Page —a Voluntario Global former volunteer and Ambassador—. This was actually the 3rd visit we receive from the school as they come and volunteer in Buenos Aires every 2 years. They take this chance to practice their Spanish and see a different side of the city.
According to the teachers “Students learn not only to speak Spanish but we also teach them about Latin American culture, as 80% of Spanish speakers reside in this part of the world”. Therefore, the school chooses Latin America, and Argentina especially, as a space for students to learn about the city, its neighborhoods, its cultural richness and diversity. Here they can also see social inequality and interact with different communities.
The trip crammed four days of tours and volunteer work. Voluntario Gobal made sure to organize this experience according to the interests of the students and the needs of our projects in Buenos Aires. Volunteer sites included a day of work at the kindergarten in José León Suárez, where they sang songs and shared art workshops and games; a day in the park with children from the orphanages; a dinner and open debate with youth from all our organizations; and finally a tour of the Isla Maciel organized with an association from La Boca, where the students also participated in a program at the Radio Station.
There are many ways to successfully adapt to your host culture. It is important to handle "culture shock" with adaptability, a sense of humor, and a lot of common sense. Give yourself time to become accustomed to the cultural differences. You may even find that many of the differences are a pleasant change from your way of life.
The following suggestions should help you make the most out of your volunteer experience:
- Learn as much as you can about Argentina’s social and cultural context;
- Be patient: volunteering is mainly an adaptation process. Know that any disorientation you feel is normal and keep in mind that given time, the effects you feel from culture shock will likely pass;
- Be flexible and open-minded;
- Be tolerant of ambiguity while taking time to be familiar with your surroundings. Realize that often the people in the country you visit have time concepts and thought pattern different from your own. This does not necessarily make them rude, only different;
- Work on increasing your language proficiency. Many of the misunderstandings and confusion you experience abroad are a result of the language barrier;
- Be commited and responsible. Stay motivated!
- If your Spanish is not good engough, you might feel that your contribution is small, but remember that your presence at the project is very important all the same: Provide EMOTIONAL support and be a role model!
- Cultural exchange requires interaction with locals: take the iniciative!
- Observe before acting;
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Dress accordingly. If you’re working in a slum, dress simply but with clean clothes. Cleanliness shows respect towards the people you are working with.
Follow me to the barrio of Barracas, Buenos Aires. Here the amazing women of the Community Center and Soupkitchen prepare food for the children of the nearby kindergarten and the people in the neighbourhood. It is a place where people can have lunch together and receive some extra food to take home.
These ladies you see in the video are amazing, doing great work for the community. I had a wonderful time, helping where I could and trying to speak some Spanish. Seeing a different part of Buenos Aires is something to never forget.
This is my goodbye present for them, they all love to sing and dance to 'cumbia' music, which you hear in the video.
VOLUNTARIO GLOBAL
Voluntario Global helps local communities by being available to discuss anything that local organizations need, and offering ideas for further change and development.
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CONTACT
Location: General Pacheco. Buenos Aires. Argentina
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