Intern or Volunteer with a Grassroots Environmental Organization in Argentina

  Argentina

• All Other Regions of Argentina: 
La Plata

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: See FSD Website

Description: Examples of how you can support Environmental initiatives in Argentina:

* Support the creation of workshops, community events, seminars, and campaigns that address subjects ranging from local ecological awareness to environmental issues related to unique regions such as Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia.

* Develop a biodiesel production project at an agricultural school and teach students/staff how biodiesel can cost-effectively support energy needs.

* Enhance an FSD project to complete an inventory of local greenhouse gas emissions to design and implement a plan of action.

* Comprehensively research both governmental and nongovernmental environmental agencies and their projects. Research is used to expand communication between the agencies and create a network in which they can exchange experiences, knowledge, and support each other's ongoing projects/programs.

* Assist with the preservation and sustainable use of land throughout Argentina via projects such as: cooperating with the local Department of Agriculture to recover traditional crops; supporting regional biodiversity and assistance of local farmers; preserving trails and routes used by hikers and bicyclists; organizing local events that support traditional, local agriculture, such as the annual tomato festival; converting retired railroad lines into biodiversity zones; and/or promoting organizational activities to environmental journalists and at national summits.

For more environmental opportunities in Argentina, visit our website or contact us directly.

About FSD

The Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1995 to support underserved, international communities in a collaborative and sustainable manner. Our model incorporates three overlapping programs:

1. Sustainable Development Training Programs for Interns and Volunteers
FSD provides comprehensive training and immersion programs for interns and volunteers seeking hands-on experience in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Program participants come from countless professions and more than 300 universities worldwide to collaborate with our partner organizations on community-driven projects that reflect sustainable practices.

2. Grantmaking to Projects and Initiatives Led By Our Partner Organizations
Donations and grants given to FSD are used to support projects and initiatives implemented by our partner organizations, site teams, interns, and volunteers.

3. Sustainable Development of Community-Based Organizations
Our professional field staff, consultants, and program participants provide on-site technical training and capacity building to more than 200 community-based organizations.

Highlights: Environmental Issues Addressed by FSD in Argentina
Environmental issues in Argentina are typical of those of most developing nations: water, air quality, deforestation, and soil degradation. Many nongovernmental and governmental agencies work towards research and policy making that address pressing threats to the preservation of Argentina's wondrous natural landscapes, forests, and farmlands. Experts agree that it isn't the laws that are deficient in Argentina; rather it is repeated failures to enforce current laws. With the added internal conflict of the 2001 economic crisis, the struggle to balance economic growth and environmental preservation is a major challenge. The environmental, social, and health of costs of these habits are not being computed into Argentina's economic formula.

In order to create enforceable policies, research must be done and the public must be educated. FSD interns in Argentina have the opportunity to conduct vital research that informs many projects initiated by FSD host organizations (specifically research in public transportation, public awareness campaigns, national and international environmental law policies, and air emissions cataloguing). Other interns and volunteers support the implementation of project work that is fed by critical research. These various projects lay the foundation for any type of hope for future policy changes and their enforcement, making skilled interns and volunteers an absolute necessity for the environmental sustainability of Argentina.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: Depends on Program Selected; See FSD Website

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: FSD supports participants who boldly wish to initiate the change they believe is necessary in the developing world. Interns are passionate about sharing their practical knowledge, heart-felt enthusiasm, and economic resources with communities abroad that suffer unnecessary hardship. They wish to gain hands-on, grassroots development experience because they believe change is most powerfully cultivated on a community level. The aim is to experientially learn how their work can empower the community toward applying sustainable development solutions, rather than increasing reliance on foreign aid. Participants choose FSD because the program structure enables them to design and implement their own sustainable projects in collaboration with their host organization and the FSD Site Team. They are able to test their ideas and theories in the most direct way possible, giving them the experience and knowledge they seek. The flexibility of the host organizations allows for participants at all stages and levels of experience in international development to participate, thus opening the programs to a diverse group of capable applicants.

Age Range: 18-75

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Argentina Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 3-10

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Foundation for Sustainable Development's Mission Statement: FSD supports the efforts of grassroots organizations in the developing world that are working to better their communities, environments, and the economic opportunities around them. We believe community development is only sustainable if it empowers the people to effectively use and cultivate their own resources in a conscious manner. Through our programs, we aim to raise international awareness of the economic challenges in developing countries and to support cross-cultural communities in finding more effective solutions to development issues.

Year Founded: 1995