Interning in Argentina
Argentina provides its own unique culture by combining South American traditions with a European influence, making it a perfect place for interns from Europe looking to live somewhere new and exciting, whilst retaining that feeling of familiarity.
To do an internship in Argentina, you will either need to apply for a tourist visa, which is valid for 90 days, or a temporary work visa, with which you can stay in the country for a minimum of one year. Use a website like VisaHQ to determine the type of visa you'll need to obtain.
Internships in Argentina are given the name pasantia and usually have a one-year duration, which is renewable for a maximum period of 6 months. You are allowed to work up to twenty hours per week during your internship and there must be an agreement between your university and one in Argentina.
How to get an internship in Argentina
Start your search early
It can be quite tedious to find an internship in Argentina, but you can make it easier for yourself by kickstarting the process well in advance. Take a look at websites such as Go Overseas, which provides extensive information about reputable organisations in Argentina that are experienced in facilitating internships. Another website that is popular amongst expats in the country is Craigslist, where you'll find internships in Tourism, Translation, Teaching and Journalism, to name a few. Other common job search engines like Indeed and Monster also have options to search for international internships.
Complete the necessary formalities
If you are not enrolled in an Argentinian university, then you must ask the company you're planning to intern with to fill in all the formalities, as it is up to them to get you a visa and any other relevant documents. Be aware that you'll be required to do the paperwork at your local Argentinian embassy or consulate before arriving in the country.
Reach out
During your search for an internship, you can reach out to multinationals operating in Argentina, or international companies. Send them your CV along with a cover letter that has been updated according to Argentinian standards. You should note that Argentina has unique CV and cover letter specifications, so take a look at Just Landed if you need some guidance.
Get help
You can seek help from international chambers of commerce in Argentina, or use a recruitment agency, such as Adecco, Manpower or Sesa Select, who will assist you in finding an internship that best matches your profile. Several online agencies are also active in Argentina and online recruitment sites will enable you to search the database and post your CV.
Look the part
In Argentina, appearance is very important and dressing well is a must. If you are lucky enough to be offered an interview, be it in person or over Skype, make sure you present yourself in a professional manner.
Do not expect high wages during your internship in Argentina; some companies may offer you a very low salary, whereas others will provide housing, meals and transportation, but no salary at all. Remuneration depends on the company's policy - there is no legal regulation as such. You will, of course, gain plenty of international experience and on-the-ground support, but if you're the type of person that likes to forge your own path, live in your own apartment and cook your own meals, then a paid internship might be the only desirable option.
We hope you found this article useful! For more articles on expat life in Argentina, visit our website.
Useful links:
Opcion Empleo
Argentina Trovit
Pasantias Argentinas
Transitions Abroad
StudentsGoAbroad
GoAbroad.com
