Rural Environmental Teaching in Luján, Argentina

WHY we need you in Argentina

Environmental Teacher Assistant Program

HOW can you help?

WHAT you can do?

Why Involvement Volunteers International?

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  PROJECT NAME: RURAL ENVIRONMENTAL TEACHING

LOCATION: LUJAN

  START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)

  ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE (SHARED ROOMS) 

  MIN DURATION: 1 WEEK

  MIN AGE: 16+

  SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required, Letter of interest, Passport copy

Overview

*When planning your dates, please keep in mind the long school holidays from late December to early February as well as the national public holidays listed in the Holidays section.

Join our Rural Teaching Program in Luján and work with students aged 12 to 18 in schools focused on farming and sustainability. Supported by local government and education supervisors, you’ll assist teachers in classrooms where young learners explore agriculture with an eco-friendly mindset.

This program is ideal for those passionate about cultural exchange, education, and community engagement. You can bring your own ideas into lessons, whether that’s discussing environmental awareness, sustainable living, or practicing English through fun and interactive activities.

By working closely with students and teachers, you’ll gain a deep insight into Argentina’s rural education system and everyday life in the countryside.

Program Highlights

  • Work with students aged 12–18, assisting teachers and contributing to rural education.
  • Experience Argentine culture firsthand through immersive classroom interaction.
  • Encourage creativity and participation by sharing your own ideas and teaching methods.
  • Help students develop new skills while building strong connections with the local community.
  • Become an integral part of the school and contribute to meaningful, long-term learning.

Your Role

  • Support rural teachers in subjects related to sustainable farming and rural life.
  • Adapt lessons based on seasonal topics or school events such as environmental projects and festivals.
  • Foster a welcoming, participatory classroom environment.
  • Build strong relationships with students, staff, and community members.
  • Provide additional help and mentorship in schools with limited teaching resources.

Location

Luján is a peaceful town located about 70 kilometres west of Buenos Aires, known for its colonial charm and strong sense of community. It’s home to the stunning Basilica of Our Lady of Luján, one of Argentina’s most important pilgrimage sites. Beyond its religious significance, Luján offers visitors a glimpse into authentic rural life, surrounded by farmlands, horse ranches, and open countryside. Life here moves at a slower pace, allowing volunteers to immerse themselves in local traditions, connect with welcoming residents, and experience the simple beauty of Argentina’s Pampas region. With easy transport links to Buenos Aires, Luján offers the perfect mix of tranquillity and accessibility.

Project Tasks

  • Enhance the educational and personal growth of children in rural.
  • Immerse participants in Argentinian culture through community engagement.
  • Promote cross-cultural exchange and understanding.

Food & Accommodation

You’ll stay in a comfortable volunteer house in Luján, a peaceful neighbourhood just outside Buenos Aires. The home includes two single gender bedrooms (with wardrobes and lockable doors), a shared bathroom, a kitchen, a dining area, wifi, and a lovely garden surrounded by trees and plants. The property is secure with an alarm system and lockable buildings.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided daily at your accommodation on weekdays and 2 meals on weekends. 

There is a mini market across the street and a supermarket and ATM a15-minute walk away. There are also laundry services within walking distance to the accommodation. Some restaurants and bars are nearby, with more options just a short bus ride away, as well as an internet café and other amenities within 20 minutes on foot.

 

Fees

All prices in USD
  • 1 Week - $545
  • 2 Weeks - $995
  • 3 Weeks - $1495
  • 1 Month - $1950
  • 2 Months - $3900
  • 3 Months - $5750
Home Stays
What's Included
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Airport Pickup
  • Local Transportation
  • 1 Day Orientation
  • 24/7 In-Country Support
  • Project Materials & Equipment
  • Pre-departure Expert Advice
  • Preperation Tools & Checklists
  • Certificate of Completion

FAQ

This program would suit those with a genuine interest in teaching, whether already qualified or looking to gain classroom experience, as well as energy, patience, and adaptability.

  • Accommodation
  • 3 meals per day
  • Arrival airport transfer (Sun arrivals)
  • Orientation
  • Local transport to program
  • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
  • Fundraising support
  • University course credits (where applicable)
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Airfares
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarize you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Schedule

  • Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety advice and handling of documents.
  • Argentinian Do’s and Don’ts, Argentinian Culture Lessons and Spanish Language Lessons.
  • Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
  • Lunch
  • City sightseeing

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project.

A free airport pickup is included on Sunday when arriving to Ezeiza International Airport (EZE). You must arrive between 10am to 7pm. 

If arriving outside of the pickup times, you can pay an additional fee for a private pickup and any extra nights, depending on availability. Saturday arrivals need to book an extra night accommodation for an additional charge.

Monday to Friday

You will be organizing and balancing a range of classes for your duration at the school. Your schedule can be flexible and you may also have some say in what classes you prefer to teach. You should be prepared to teach 3-6 hours a day. You will have lunch at the school and can expect to remain there from 08:00 until just after 16:30. This schedule will allow plenty of time to immerse yourself in the school and its activities and to get to know its students and staff.

Important:

When planning your dates, please keep in mind the long school holidays from late December to early February as well as the national public holidays listed in the Holidays section. During these times regular classes may pause, but renovation work continues. You may also have the chance to join special activities such as community-led classes or English camps when requested.

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

Things to Do in and Around Luján

In and near Luján:

  • Basilica of Our Lady of Luján – Visit Argentina’s most famous basilica and pilgrimage site, a stunning neo-Gothic cathedral that draws millions of visitors each year.
  • Enrique Udaondo Museum Complex – Explore Argentina’s history and rural traditions through exhibits on gaucho culture, antique carriages, and colonial life.
  • Rural Estancias – Spend a day at a traditional Argentine ranch to experience horseback riding, local music, and authentic asado barbecues.
  • Parque Ameghino – A peaceful green space perfect for picnics, walks, or relaxing by the Luján River.
  • Local Markets – Browse weekend craft fairs and food stalls selling regional products, handmade goods, and local delicacies.

Further Afield:

  • Buenos Aires – Just 70 km away, the capital offers world-class museums, tango shows, colonial architecture, and vibrant nightlife.
  • Mendoza – Argentina’s famous wine region at the foot of the Andes, perfect for vineyard tours and mountain adventures.
  • Bariloche – Known for its chocolate shops, alpine scenery, and crystal-clear lakes.
  • Patagonia – For those seeking epic landscapes, glaciers, and wildlife, this region is one of the most breathtaking in South America.
  • San Antonio de Areco – A nearby traditional gaucho town showcasing Argentina’s cowboy heritage, crafts, and folk festivals.

We require the following documents from the participants at the time of signing up.

  • CRB/Police Check
  • Passport Copy
  • Letter of interest in this program

Please note it is mandatory to send these documents at least 1 week before the start date.

Additional Requirements

  • Genuine interest in the program
  • Energy, patience and adaptability.
  • Medical clearance for participants over 65 years.
  • Signed parental consent for participants under 18 years

For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link:

AR – Holidays – All Programs

Argentina shares borders with Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay, and is home to about 46 million people. Spanish is the official language, though English is spoken in major tourist areas. The country’s economy is one of the largest in Latin America, driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and energy production.

The climate varies widely—from subtropical in the north to subpolar in the south—but in central regions like Buenos Aires and Luján, expect a mild, temperate climate with warm summers (December to February) and cool, dry winters (June to August). Argentina uses the Argentine Peso (ARS), and while ATMs are available in towns, rural areas may have limited banking services.

Argentina’s vast size means the climate varies greatly from north to south, but in Luján and the Buenos Aires Province, the weather is mild and temperate year-round. Summers (December to February) are warm and humid with temperatures averaging around 28–32°C (82–90°F), while winters (June to August) are cool but comfortable, typically ranging between 8–16°C (46–60°F). Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are especially pleasant, with sunny days and cooler evenings—ideal seasons for volunteering and exploring. Rainfall is moderate throughout the year, though summer thunderstorms are common.

Argentinian culture is a rich blend of European influences and South American passion. Family and social gatherings are central to daily life, often revolving around long meals and lively conversation. Tango dancing, traditional folk music, and football are major parts of the national identity. Respect and friendliness are highly valued- locals are open, expressive, and take pride in their cultural heritage.

The famous Argentine asado (barbecue) is more than just a meal; it’s a weekly ritual that brings people together. Sharing mate– a traditional herbal tea, is another key symbol of friendship and hospitality.

30 Years Non Profit Experience

IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.

Affordable Volunteer Travel

We’re not motivated by shareholder profits.   Our fees are fully transparent to ensure maximum benefit where it is most needed. 

Safe & Responsible Projects

All projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management team, operational & risk assessment & overseas support contact.   All projects are personally inspected to ensure very high quality.
 

Work Experience & University Credits

We place thousands of Uni students and can assist you with course credits and in-field experience points.   Many of our project coordinators are qualified practitioners in their respective fields allowing unique in-field supervision and Uni accreditation options

Weekends & Extra Tours

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