Work the World elective placements in Argentina, South America
Argentina is a true land of contrasts and our central base in Mendoza takes full advantage of this. Travel north and you could be trekking amongst the towering cactus of the Northern desert, head south and you'll be spotting penguins and paddling alongside creaking glaciers. East will take you to the bright lights and buzz of a distinctly European Buenos Aires, West will find you skiing the Andes or crossing the border into Chile to visit Santiago and bohemian Valparaiso. Of course you could travel nowhere. Our base in Mendoza is in the heart of wine country with hiking, rafting and skiing in abundance.
Mendoza offers a very different experience to our African and Asian destinations. Although Argentina can appear quite cosmopolitan and nothing like the other resource-poor countries we work with, its health system shows that behind the classy bars and restaurants there is still a huge struggle to deliver primary healthcare to the people. For students prepared to invest in the language, something we can help with, Mendoza electives provide an opportunity to enjoy the culture of South America, whilst learning about the disparity and struggles of a healthcare system in a country still very much developing.
Where will my healthcare elective be?
With healthcare provision dependent on funding from union-provided or private insurance, there is still wide variety in the standard of care and treatment available. Public hospitals are over crowded and serve a huge cross section of society in ill-equipped surrounds, whilst private hospitals are reminiscent of those at home. Between the two are semi-private options for those working for the state, with dedicated hospitals that provide a better standard of care. We work in two large government hospitals that offer a wide range of departments, one of which is a dedicated paediatric hospital. Recently we have added a new programme that allows students to work in a number of smaller clinics around the city focusing on family medicine.
Mendoza is an excellent place to arrange a split placement, as you will get very different experiences depending on which standard of hospital you choose.
To work in Argentina it is recommended that you have some understanding of Spanish to be able to communicate with staff and patients and also to have a real motivation to want to learn the language. We've set up our own Intensive Spanish medical language course at the house as an add-on available to all students.
Our Intensive Spanish Course has been structured to give students the confidence to use Spanish both in their daily interactions and medically focussed language for the hospital placement. The classes are set at a maximum of 4 students which allows plenty of dedicated teaching, opportunities for practice and are tailored to the students’ particular discipline. The afternoon activities which include tango lessons, wine tasting and cooking, are fun and practical and offer a great chance to use the language learnt in the classroom.
Where will I live?
The Work the World house is an impressive, roomy three-storey property in a fantastic setting close to the centre of Mendoza with its popular bars and cafes, and San Martin Park. It accommodates up to 17 healthcare placement students in shared rooms, and has spacious living and dining areas as well as a big garden/balcony/terrace to chill out in. There is also a classroom for those who have signed up for our Intensive Spanish Course. The house is conveniently located within walking distance of your placement.
All meals are included during your placement the gorgeous roof terrace provides the perfect setting for our regular asados (barbecues). Caterer Jesi will do her best to ensure your steak is cooked to perfection and will make sure the kitchen is stocked with snacks and drinking water. Our Argentine staff take pride in their city and Housekeeper Christian, Spanish teacher Ines, and our Programme Managers, Natalia and Martin can give you plenty of pointers about where to go, what to see and which wine to enjoy afterwards!
What can I do in my free time?
Mendoza is one of Central Argentina's most picturesque cities. It has lovely cosmopolitan cafes, tree lined avenues and large plazas. Free time can be spent enjoying a glass of the local Malbec, soaking up the atmosphere in one of the milongas (local tango dance halls), shopping in craft fairs or biking around the surrounding vineyards with a list of those open for tastings!
Heading out of Mendoza on your weekends is easy. Based in the heart of central Argentina there are excellent bus and flight links to all parts of the country. Whether you want to stroll the sophisticated streets of Buenos Aires, cross the Andes in Chile to visit artistic and edgy Valparaiso (or ski on them depending on season!), visit the immense Iguazu Falls or explore the glaciers and wilderness of Patagonia, Argentina is a hugely varied country with masses to do.
