Pre-Departure Information

✔ Be prepared for culture shock.
To minimize this, it’s a good idea to research your destination and its culture as much as possible. This will help you understand different customs, greetings, taboos, and communication styles so that you see behavior as “different” rather than threatening or intimidating.

✔ Learn about the climate and weather patterns.
Being informed about seasonal variations during your stay will help you decide what clothing to pack.

✔ Understand common illnesses in the country.
Research how they are contracted and what steps you can take to prevent or reduce the risk of getting sick.

✔ Familiarize yourself with local wildlife and insects.
This will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises!

Arrival Information

Airport Pickup

Upon arrival at Buenos Aires Airport (EZE), a member of our Argentina team will be there to welcome you and take you to your accommodation.

📞 If you cannot find our team at the airport:

• Call the Argentina team immediately.
• If they do not answer, contact your mentor in the Netherlands.
• Stay calm—we will sort everything out for you!

Program Orientation

We recommend arriving on a Friday or Saturday.

✅ Why?
During the weekend, we organize fun activities to help you get familiar with your new surroundings in a relaxed way. You’ll also get to know the team in Argentina and explore Buenos Aires together!

In-Country Team

There are several team members who will assist you during your stay in Argentina.

• Some will be your main points of contact during the project.
• Others will work behind the scenes to ensure you have an amazing and rewarding experience.

Accommodation

Your accommodation is located in the heart of Buenos Aires.

🏡 What to Expect?

• You will live in an international environment with other interns and volunteers.
• This creates a social and lively atmosphere, where people often go out together, travel, or explore the city.
• There is a common area where you can relax and socialize.
• In the evenings, there is often an asado (Argentinian BBQ).
• Of course, you also have the option to study at the accommodation.

Accommodation Overview

Meals & Daily Needs

🍽️ Breakfast is arranged by the Argentina team. A typical breakfast includes:

• Cereal, toast, juice, fruit, coffee, and tea
• Usually served at 7:30 AM

Nearby Facilities

🏪 Supermarket: 5-minute walk from the accommodation
💰 ATM: 5-minute walk from the accommodation
🚰 Tap water: Safe to drink at the accommodation
🍽️ Restaurants & bars: Plenty of options within walking distance

Important Documents & Travel Preparation

Passport

Your passport is the most important document when traveling abroad.

✔ Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your return to the Netherlands.
✔ Do not place your passport in overhead baggage compartments when flying. Always keep it in your pocket or personal bag.

Visa Requirements

If you are staying in Argentina for more than 90 days, you are required to obtain a visa.

📌 Steps to follow:

1. If your stay exceeds 90 days, contact your mentor as soon as possible.
2. Your mentor will guide you through the visa application process.
3. Getting a visa for Argentina can be time-consuming and frustrating, so start at least two months in advance.

⚠️ Important: Visa requirements frequently change, sometimes every six months. For the most up-to-date visa information, check the website of the Argentine Embassy in The Hague.

Criminal Background Check 

DBS
To ensure that we can offer a safe and trusted environment, it is necessary that all trainees and volunteers apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

You can get this via www.gov.uk, currently for 21.50 GBP.

Once in possession of your DBS, we kindly ask you to send a copy to your mentor at The Power of Sport. This allows us to ensure that all our team members meet the required standards and contribute to a safe and positive experience for the young people we work with. The DBS is of particular importance to us, given the nature of our work with vulnerable youth in disadvantaged neighbourhoods abroad.

Photocopies of Important Documents

It is highly recommended to make copies of all important documents.

📌 Keep one copy with you abroad (separate from the originals!) and leave another copy with a friend or family member at home.

Recommended Documents to Copy:

✅ Passport – Passport number, date, place of issue, and any visa stamps.
✅ Flight details – Flight numbers, connections, and destination airports.
✅ Insurance policy – Policy number and 24-hour emergency contact number.
✅ Vaccination records – Documentation of your required vaccinations.
✅ Bank cards – Contact number needed to report or cancel credit/debit cards.

Email Yourself Important Documents!

For extra security, scan your important documents and save them as JPEG files.

📩 Send these files to an email account that you can access from anywhere in the world.

✔ This ensures that you always have access to copies, even if the originals and photocopies are lost or stolen.

Voluntourism

The topic of ‘voluntourism’ has a lot of talking points, and we totally understand that! You may have heard of ‘orphanage tourism’, but voluntourism is much broader than that. It is super important that you, as a volunteer or intern, are aware of this issue and what impact it can have. At our organisation, we set up our projects ourselves and think carefully about all aspects of voluntourism. To set ourselves apart from other organisations, we even co-founded ‘Volunteer Aware’, a seal of approval that shows we avoid harmful forms of voluntourism.

But not only as an organisation, even as individuals, it is essential that we carefully consider our behaviour. A well-known phenomenon within voluntourism is the so-called ‘white saviour syndrome’, where Western volunteers and trainees tend to see themselves as saviours of underprivileged communities in other countries. While our programmes definitely have a positive impact, we must remain aware of the limits of our role. As a volunteer or intern, you are fulfilling a supporting role within the project. Remember that we are guests in the community in which we work and our role should focus on supporting local initiatives and listening to the needs of the community.

To help you get a better understanding of voluntourism, we recommend watching the video below. This will help you become aware of the key principles of responsible voluntourism and how you can put it into practice during your project.

We are incredibly grateful for your commitment and dedication to participate in our programmes. Together, let’s strive for a responsible and respectful approach to volunteering or internship abroad.

Code of Conduct and Participation Conditions for Volunteers and Interns

We want you to have a great life experience abroad, but it is important to remember that you are an ambassador for our foundation and a guest in Argentina. Therefore, it is essential that you conduct yourself appropriately throughout your entire stay abroad.

1. Respect for Local Culture and Attitudes

1.1 You must always show respect for local attitudes, cultures, and beliefs.
1.2 You must not make any derogatory, sexist, or racist remarks during your stay.
1.3 You must always dress, speak, and behave appropriately.

2. Antisocial Behavior

2.1 You must not behave in a way that is considered antisocial by the Head Coordinator or local residents.
2.2 This rule applies especially when you are under the influence of alcohol.

3. Attendance and Punctuality

3.1 You must be present and on time at your workplace or project location every day.
3.2 In case of delay or absence, you must notify the Head Coordinator as soon as possible. Alternatively, you may notify a designated staff member in the country, provided this person has been approved in advance by the Coordinator.

4. Personal Free Time and Travel

4.1 You may not take personal trips or spend time with friends or family during your work hours unless you have explicit permission from the Head Coordinator.

5. Overnight Stays Outside the Accommodation

5.1 You may not stay overnight elsewhere without prior explicit permission from the Head Coordinator.

6. Visitors in the Accommodation

6.1 You may not allow guests into your accommodation or have them stay overnight without explicit permission from the Head Coordinator.

7. Departure Date and Length of Stay

7.1 You must leave the accommodation on the designated end date of your placement unless you have explicit permission from the Head Coordinator to stay longer.
7.2 This also applies to local host families arranged during your placement.
7.3 You may not end your placement early without consulting the Head Coordinator.

8. Hygiene and Cleanliness

8.1 You must keep all your belongings and used spaces clean, tidy, and organized, both in personal and shared areas.
8.2 You must treat the accommodation with respect. Failure to comply with this rule may result in the termination of your placement.

9. Alcohol Consumption

9.1 You agree to consume alcohol only in moderation throughout your stay.
9.2 The Head Coordinator will explain the alcohol consumption rules upon arrival.

10. Policy on Illegal Substances

10.1 You must not buy, handle, or use illegal substances during your stay.
10.2 We maintain a zero-tolerance policy in this regard; violation may result in the immediate termination of your placement and accommodation.

11. Sexual Relationships

11.1 We strongly advise against engaging in sexual relationships during your stay due to the risks involved.
11.2 You understand that attitudes toward sexual relationships may differ, which could pose a risk to you.
11.3 You acknowledge that healthcare in the host country may be of a lower standard and that HIV/AIDS and other STDs are more prevalent.

12. Advice from the Head Coordinator

12.1 You must always follow the advice and instructions of the Head Coordinator.
12.2 Failure to do so may endanger your safety and that of others, which may result in the termination of your placement and accommodation.

13. Health and Well-being

13.1 You are responsible for your own health and well-being.
13.2 You agree to seek medical assistance immediately if needed and, if necessary, contact your medical emergency helpline.
13.3 You accept that healthcare facilities in the host country may be of a lower standard than you are used to.

14. Compliance with Visa Requirements

14.1 You must ensure that your return flight date falls before your visa expiration date.
14.2 You acknowledge that you are responsible for obtaining a visa if required.

Additional Conditions for the Volunteer and Intern Coaching Program

15. Alcohol Policy for Volunteers and Interns

15.1 You may not consume excessive alcohol from Sunday to Friday evening unless explicitly permitted by the Head Coordinator.
15.2 This rule may be relaxed on Friday evening and Saturday, provided you have the Head Coordinator’s permission.
15.3 We maintain a zero-tolerance policy in this regard. Violation may result in the immediate termination of your placement and accommodation.

16. Minimum Working Hours for Coaches

16.1 You agree to fulfill the minimum required working hours during your placement, as agreed upon with the organization.
16.2 This includes at least four (4) hours per working day (Monday – Friday), unless stated otherwise.
16.3 You acknowledge that you have committed to the placement and will perform your duties to the best of your ability.

Termination

If your trip is terminated due to failure to comply with the code of conduct, you will be required to leave immediately.

Discrimination

We do not tolerate any form of discrimination. If you witness, hear, or experience discrimination, inform your coordinator immediately.

Illegal Substances

There is a zero-tolerance policy for drugs. Anyone found in possession of illegal substances or suspected of using them will be immediately removed from the accommodation.

What to Bring

The following list will help you select and prepare your clothing and equipment for your trip to Argentina. The weather will generally be warm, but nights can feel cold in winter. The environment is informal, so leave formal clothing like a three-piece suit or evening gown at home.

Upon arrival, you will receive a (sports) shirt from our foundation, which is meant to be worn while teaching. Since you won’t want to wear the same shirt every day, it’s a good idea to bring extra sportswear.

Recommended Clothing

• Fleece jacket – For cold nights, especially in the winter months.
• Hat – To protect your head from the sun and prevent sunstroke. A wide-brimmed hat provides better protection than a cap.
• Sweater – Bring a few warm sweaters (wool/fleece) for colder evenings.
• Shorts – Bring plenty of shorts; it will usually be warm.
• Socks – Pack a lot of socks, as you will be doing a lot of sports. Also, consider football socks if you plan to play with a local team.
• Swimwear – For swimming pools, the sea, and possibly surfing.
• Trousers – Cotton trousers are ideal for warm days and to keep insects away at night.
• T-shirts – Bring a good number of T-shirts for daily use.
• Underwear – Cotton underwear is more hygienic. Make sure to have enough for a week.
• Special equipment – Whistle, hockey stick (for hockey coaches), sports shoes, and football boots.

Shoes

• Casual shoes – One pair is enough.
• Sandals/flip-flops – Comfortable sandals or flip-flops with ankle straps are useful in warm climates.
• Sports shoes – Choose a pair that can get dirty, as you will be working and playing sports outdoors, possibly in muddy conditions.

Rain Gear

• Waterproof jacket – Lightweight, waterproof, and breathable, ideal for unexpected rain showers.

Other Essentials

• Camera/Phone – To capture memorable moments.
• Personal first aid kit – A good first aid kit is essential while traveling.
• Mosquito and insect repellent – Use a strong repellent with at least 50% DEET.
• Sleeping bag – Optional for further travel after your stay.
• Sunscreen and after-sun lotion – A high SPF (30+) is essential for sun protection.
• Sunglasses – Protect your eyes from the bright sun.
• Flashlight – Handy, especially in case of power outages. A flashlight on your phone may also suffice.
• Towels – Bring at least two towels and a beach towel.
• Toiletries bag – With your usual personal care items.
• Water bottles – Always carry two liters of water with you; bottled water is usually available.
• Whistle – For refereeing sports activities.
• Handy bag – Bring a small bag for daily use.