Internship Program in Argentina

Program Details

This page contains detailed information about important topics such as the placement process, housing, program options, etc.; however, please make sure to read the program overview, eligibility requirements, and fees section first. We look forward to receiving your application!

Conversational Interview

Once we have received your complete application, we will review it to make sure you meet all program requirements. If you meet the requirements, we will conduct a short phone interview with you to discuss the program and your expectations, answer your questions, and test your Spanish language skills. Following a successful interview, we will formally accept you to the program and start the placement process. If it is determined that you would benefit from an intensive Spanish course prior to your internship, we will recommend that you participate in the Language/Internship Option.

Placement Process

Once CDS has reviewed your application and you have been accepted to the program, CDS, in cooperation with COINED, will find an unpaid internship position with a host company in Buenos Aires or Córdoba for you. CDS/COINED work with all types of companies: small family-owned businesses, medium-sized companies, and multinational holdings. Many companies are experienced in accommodating foreign interns and have been working with COINED for years.

Information

Participants will receive regular email updates about program-related topics and helpful information about Argentina. Please note that it is crucial for the placement process that participants check their email frequently and respond to emails as soon as possible. Participants must inform CDS immediately of any changes in their contact information and/or start/end dates of their program.

Orientation

Once an internship has been confirmed and approximately a month before the program start date, you will receive a pre-departure orientation mailing covering details related to your program. Topics will include important program dates, what to bring, travel specifics, an introduction to the Argentinean workplace and many other important points related to your stay in Argentina.

Before beginning your internship in Argentina, a COINED representative will conduct an orientation seminar on the Argentinean workplace, provide information about Argentina and make the first introduction to your host company.

Placement Process

After reviewing your resume and conducting a telephone interview with you, we will have a solid understanding of your strengths and professional interests. Based on this information, we will begin contacting suitable, potential host companies. You can choose to be placed either in Buenos Aires or Córdoba. This process can take anywhere from two weeks to several months after acceptance into the program. Your personal resume and previous experience coupled with each employer’s respective schedule often dictates how quickly a position can be found.

Host Companies

Internships are available with all types of companies: small family-owned businesses, medium sized companies, multinational holdings, research institutions, and non-profit or government organizations. Here are a few examples of companies where we have had participants in the past: EduArgentina, La Usina Asociación Civil, Ribera Norte Association, Maria Lizaso (Fashion Design), Congresos Internacionales, S.A, Agencia Córdoba Deportes, Facultad de Ingenieria de la Ciudad de Córdoba, Subsecretaría del Ambiente. This list is by no means complete, but should give you a good idea of the types of companies CDS works with. To request a more complete list of previous host companies, please contact us. Please note that CDS cannot guarantee that you will intern at any of the companies listed here. We will do our best to locate the best possible internship for you, based on your previous work experience, language skills, educational background, and interests.

Internship Positions

Tasks for interns are as diverse as the companies and the participants. Some companies will expect interns to work independently, while others prefer to supervise their work closely. Although it will be your responsibility to negotiate your direct work conditions, we will try to assist you whenever possible. Your resume will be sent to several companies in your field. You will be notified of your placement approximately 3 weeks prior to your program start date. Besides gaining professional experience, you will also experience Argentinean culture firsthand and dramatically improve your language skills. Even if the internship itself is not exactly what you imagined it would be, remember you will return home with tons of valuable experiences!

Language Course

The language course is designed specifically for foreign students and is based on exercises emphasizing practical vocabulary, grammatical structures and intensive conversation. Classes are held in small groups of students. Groups are organized according to skill level. Classes are four hours a day, five days a week. Students also have the option of taking intensive individual classes at an additional cost. Field trips into the city and other outings may complement the lessons.

Start date and Duration

Internships normally begin on the first working day of each month. You are expected to apply at least three to four months prior to your desired program start date. All programs are 12 weeks long. The Language/Internship Option begins with a four-week Spanish language course followed by an eight-week internship. The Internship Option is a 12-week internship for participants with advanced language skills.

Compensation

Scholarships to be used towards living and travel expenses are available through the CDS International Scholarship Fund for qualified applicants.

Health Insurance

The participant must have health insurance during the program. If a participant is an enrolled student during and after the program, they may either opt to keep their student insurance or purchase insurance coverage through a travel agent or CDS (currently $45/month). Young professionals must purchase insurance. Proof of a participant’s insured status is required prior to the program start.

Housing

COINED, our partner organization can arrange for participants to live in a private or shared room with an Argentinean host family or in a student residence. Participants should recognize that a certain degree of flexibility will be required to adjust to Argentinean customs and way of life, as well as to adjust to the difference of living standards that exists between the U.S. and Argentina. Please refer to the full list of Fees and Housing Options.

Travel

Participants must bear all travel costs. All travel arrangements and expenses within Argentina are the responsibility of the participant. While we understand that you want to see as much as possible during your time in South America, please note that this is not a work/travel program. Participants are expected to spend the entire duration of their program completing their internship. Weekend trips to learn more about Argentina and Argentinean culture are of course encouraged.

Feel free to contact us with all questions you might have while completing your application, as it might save you (and us!) time and work.