FAQ

 

"Our conduct should be that of the person which makes questions arise in the people who surround us … . Later, we are going to answer our own questions… giving reason of our way to live, of our hope"

Pietro, cura Andariego

Index


What are Intercultural encounters of cooperation (workcamp/ chantier)?

…The “Intercultural encounters of cooperation / workcamps ” are a pedagogic tool of action–reflexion among the “different” which is developed in many countries in the World, especially, after the First World War with the intention of rebuilding bridges of dialogue and cooperative action among the devastated and suffering villages after the War

In Argentina we organize these events along with local organizations and young Argentine groups and we invite young people from the World to be part of the Change they are making here, in their communities. At the same time, we invite Argentine people to participate in the meetings organized by our partners in all continents.

…We knit a net to make the wish of “being the change” real today, here in our world. We open roads which take to different hands to working together.

Top

Objectives and Central Characteristics

…It is a solidary experience of coexistence of at least 2/3 weeks during which young people from different countries, cultures, religions, educative and economical situations participate to make a concrete and simple solidary action around the world. Meetings are organized by our partners in the world along with organizations and local governments. Solidary activities vary according to the process of local development that supports each intercultural volunteering project; the intercultural coexistence structure is always maintained to face the challenge of learning from the action!

Top

Principal Objectives

Service as a way of learning,

  • Practical cooperation among cultures through the development of a common concrete and simple project.
  • The development of communication skills among different people: communication beyond words, gesture, playful abilities, etc.
  • Values : collective construction of coexistence rules, respect for cultures in coexistence, team and individual responsibility to achieve project’s objectives, solidarity beyond borders, intercultural competences, etc.
  • The knowledge of different cultures, ways of thinking, living and feeling and the promotion of understanding and respect from cooperation,
  • Generating links of action and knowledge about justice-injustice in topics as democracy, social and economical exclusion, environment, etc. from a concrete common project.
  • Promoting our self knowledge and dialogue with different people (nobody inside the group knows each other previously).
  • Concrete contribution to a better life situation of each participant through the experience and concrete results originated from the development of the local project

In general, the Intercultural encounters/ workcamps are coordinated by, at least, 2 responsible people trained for this role and with communication skills in different languages and, also, by technical personnel with different abilities according the action performed.

Solidary and common working time is combined generally with activities and sometimes touristic visits to deepen knowledge about local history and society (in general during weekends).

Examples

In Argentina, we have organized nine intercultural meetings to date with 3 more planned for 2011, based on topics such as environment, social and educative issues with the participation of more than 400 young Argentines and young people from Asia, Europe and America.

In the rest of the world: volunteers sent by Subir al Sur: Florencia and a group of Young European people organized activities in a Dutch refugee centre and summer camps in the countryside in Wales along with our partner association UNA Exchange and SIW. Cecilia helped in the construction of a water tank in a Nepali village 40 km from Kathmandu along with our partners; New International Friendship Club. Cecilia and Paz were part of a maintenance project for a castle in the German suburbs along with European and Asian young people and our partner organization, IBG. Ezequiel worked with young people in a conflict situation with the Justice in order to promote their citizen participation in a city in the south of France along with our partner SJ (Solidarités Jeunesses), more stories can be found in the Subir al Sur blog: subiralsurarg.blogspot.com

Top

Duration

The “Intercultural Meetings of Cooperation” /workcamps last around 2 or 3 weeks. Through Subir al Sur are able to make a “combined” registration for the interested person. There are volunteer’s opportunities in short or long term which soon we will be releasing!!!!

Mid and Long term projects in Argentina last from one month to one year.

Top

Food and Accomodation

During the encounters/workcamps volunteers have free food and accommodation. In general, accommodation is in common centres opened by local people for projects, organizations, town hall installations, etc. Conditions are basic and this is part of the challenge for all who live this experience. Food is organized-bought and cooked- in teams formed by the same volunteers group.

In Europe, in general, in order to have food and accommodation covered it is not necessary to pay any contribution to the local organization. In general, youth policies in European Union, countries and regional governments finance the projects. Accordingly, volunteers who do this kind of experience in Europe, just need to pay for the cost of transportation (airplanes, buses, trains) until arriving to the place/places of the project.

In countries as Africa and America (as in Subir al Sur, Argentina) it is requested, in general, a contribution in order to finance these tow points (food and accommodation, as well as materials, transport, administrative costs, etc). In general, the cost can be around USD 150 and USD 350 for the whole project. It is always paid once you are in the project.

In Asia, this finance policy varies according to the country.

The relationship in general is linked the economical situation in the country (“level of development”) and stronger or weaker youth policies.

For Mid and Long Term projects in Argentina – Food is NOT provided.

Top

Free time activities

During weekends, generally, cultural activities are organized in order to deepen knowledge about local history and cultural/social situation of the region you are working at. Depending on each project, they are really fun and varied!

Top

Who else will be in the volunteer group?

Our partner organizations try to guarantee the most possible diversity in each project in terms of young representatives from different countries, continents, genres and ages. The volunteers apply previously through partner organizations forming part of networks such as CCIVS and Alliance and, in our case, through Subir al Sur as a partner of these organizations in Argentina…and everybody meets at the moment in each the project begins. This implies a big challenge to deepen our communicative attitudes with unknown people and with different way of thinking and acting, our way of collaborating in the construction of a group spirit to promote solidarity and understanding values.

Some organizations, in the moment of sending the info sheet to the registered people mention their names and countries of the volunteers participating.

Top

What is the age of participants?

Most participants are around 18 and 30 years old. You will always find older people, till 80+ years old. Many of them participate in this kind of experience during their holidays (college or work) or during periods of personal search from travel experience. Many of our partner organizations organize “workcamps for teens” (13-18 years old), family camps or camps for over 40s, retired people etc…

Top

Information for people with a disability

Many projects are intended specially to create opportunities to people with different capabilities. In each case it is specified.

Top

Language

Most of our partner organizations do not request a specific language as a basic criteria for participation in a project (for example: to be mandatory the speaking of English or French). In Subir al Sur we promote the participation of volunteers beyond language abilities to empower our creative resources creating bonds beyond words. However, it is always useful but Not necessary to have a base of English, French or Spanish language during the intercultural meetings – workcamps.

All Mid and Long term volunteers participating on projects in Argentina need to speak intermediate Spanish as they will be working directly with youth groups who do not speak English.

Top

How to register in a project. How in advance do I need to register? Can I participate in more than one project?

For Argentine volunteers interested in being part of the “intercultural meetings of cooperation” in the rest of the world, please, write to info@subiralsur.org.ar to request more details. Also, you may write to this address if you are Argentine and want to participate in an “Intercultural meeting” organized by Subir al Sur in Argentina…

For volunteers from the rest of the world interested in participating in the “intercultural meetings” in Argentina organized by Subir al Sur and their partner organizations in Argentina…you need to communicate with our partner organizations in your country,  write to info@subiralsur.org.ar and we will send you the details regarding who and where to contact.

In general, we recommend volunteers to register at least three months in advanced to the project/projects you are interested in due to high demand especially in Europe! After the register process, every volunteer receives their Info sheet with details and concrete characteristics about the experience, how to get to the “meeting point” (there is a date, hour and place for the WHOLE group to meet), contact information of the local organization, e-mails, detailed information on how to get there (buses, trains, schedules, etc) All useful and basic information to guarantee the participation of every registered person.

Subir al Sur will organize reflexion meetings before and after the trip and intercultural service experience of Argentine volunteers, so as to elaborate on the knowledge acquired along the way and the challenges which can turn into new abilities for personal and social actions.

When coming back to the country (Argentina) Subir al Sur will contact –at least, virtually, specially with those outside Buenos Aires city- each volunteer to analyze the experience.

Top

Who Pays for my travel?

From Argentina to other country, as well as from the city where the volunteer lives to the city where the project is being held, travel costs are each volunteer’s responsibility.

Subir al Sur does not count with information nor manages tickets buying. However, we will publish information in our website that can be interesting in our “recommendations” section (http://www.subiralsur.org.ar/9reco.html )

Top

When does the Info Sheet arrive?

Normally, it should arrive at least one month in advance to each of the registered volunteers. Some organizations send it directly to each volunteer, and others do it through us. Before that and meanwhile, each volunteer is responsible for organizing his own trip: airplane ticket, itinerary, medical insurance, etc. Subir al Sur does not give services related to these topics.

For volunteers from the rest of the world who are arriving to Argentina to participate in our intercultural meetings, Subir al Sur send them the Info sheet with at least one month of anticipation and it is directly communicated to each of them through participacion@subiralsur.org.ar.

Top

How much does it cost? How do I pay?

The majority of Subir al Sur’s financing is made by volunteer’s support; they work and build this dream along with us. This method gives us independence and flexibility to work towards a change.

Each Argentine volunteer who registers to a meeting through Subir al Sur makes a contribution to our organization as a support to our actions. This contribution is done previously to the confirmed registration and departure. All our organizations use the same financial policies with amounts varying according to the country. The inscription costs 120 Argentine pesos.

Each volunteer from the rest of the world participating in an intercultural meeting organized by Subir al Sur makes a one off payment to Subir al Sur for administrative costs and a monthly payment to the local partners for accommodation and materials. Contributions are stipulated in the moment of the inscription. For more information: info@subiralsur.org.ar.

All volunteers during their travel must pay travel costs from their country to the place where they intend to experience the intercultural service, as well as medical insurance. (Although in many projects in Europe this service is provided, we recommend everyone to have their insurance). Subir al Sur does not finance volunteers’ trips. There is an exception when Subir al Sur applies to the called “solidarity funds” which, in general, social organizations from the “North” (developed countries) make available to “South” organizations (developing countries). These solidarity founds are destined to give an opportunity of training-action to young people with less opportunities participating in our local projects or for the Subir al Sur team as an strategy of institutional empowerment.

Top

Where does my money go?

In the case of contributions from Argentine volunteers on trips around the world, funds are destined directly to sustain administrative costs for the existence of Subir al Sur as an organization: telephone, electricity, central coordination, transport, printing, etc. Our policy is to have always the minimum expenses in organizational structure in order to develop in the future a solidarity fund for young Argentines with fewer opportunities to have the option of participating in intercultural projects in the rest of the world or in other cities in Argentina.

In the case of contributions from volunteers from the rest of the world,

Mid/Long term projects (One month to one year)

The international volunteers who participate in our projects pay a one off participation fee to Subir al Sur in the on arrival workshop depending on your time of stay. (350 Argentine pesos one month, 550 pesos 2 – 3 months, 850 pesos 4 – 12 months) and then pay a monthly fee between 400 – 700 Argentine pesos to our local organizations which covers accommodation and administrative costs.

Intercultural Encounters / Workcamps

The volunteers pay a one off fee for the two week workcamps which is approx. 1000 Argentine pesos.

This money pays for the workcamp itself, 2 percent of this budget goes towards Subir al Sur’s administrative costs, and 2 percent to the local organizations administrative costs.

In addition to this we add in all donations which are made by shops, businesses, local governments, organizations etc… especially in kind (not money, but objects).

The budget is presented to the volunteers in the on arrival workshop as we promote the transparency of how the money is distributed.

Top

What can I do when I come back from an International volunteer experience (in Argentina or the rest of the World)?

We would like to tell your story, to spread information about this opportunity!!!… Through our webpage/blog/facebook/twitter/radio, telling your stories, creating bonds among friends and relatives who can grow with this experience, and who want to contact Subir al Sur to be part as well!!!!!!!

For Argentines: it would be important to know if we can count on you to organize specific meetings about the country in which you worked as a volunteer in order to share useful information with people about to start the journey.

We intend to offer you the space, support and information for these exchange meetings after your return and, to deepen it with discussions and reflexions about each others experience on topics such as: stereotypes, political and economical situations, groups in diversity, cooperation beyond borders, etc.

We also expect to receive your feedback from ALL volunteers after your return in order to make an evaluation about the impact of voluntary service

Contact us: info@subiralsur.org.ar

Top

What to do if one decides not to go-not to participate: NOTIFY in advance.

If for any reason, you have to cancel your participation in the project in which you registered it is necessary that you notify us to be able to inform our partner organization. This way, the position you were applying will be opened for another interested person! If you do not notify Subir al Sur, please, and if it is an advance date contact directly the partner organization who is waiting for you!

Top

SERVICE CONDITIONS: Information regarding Visas. Information regarding health insurance.

Each volunteer is responsible for their medical insurance for the trip -in general- and during the experience. Subir al Sur is not responsible for health personal problems or technical conditions during the project organized by our partners.

Each volunteer is responsible for having reliable and updated information about Visas requirements needed for each country to make the volunteer experience. Each volunteer is responsible for the transaction of their Visa (in case of being necessary) at the embassies or consulates BEFORE the trip to the selected country. In Recommendations (http://www.subiralsur.org.ar/9reco.html) we will publish important links to visit and be well informed. Subir al Sur does not promote the illegal stay of people arrived to the country as a volunteer. We promote the respect to legal rules of each country. We are not responsible for setbacks that volunteers may have for not having enough information about Visas or personal attempts to stay illegally in any country the volunteer visit for an intercultural service experience.

Top

What Subir al Sur is not

    • Subir al Sur is not a travel agency, offering “alternative” ways of travel.
    • It is not a Spanish School offering volunteer opportunities.
    • It is not an organization which “finds” opportunities for volunteers, but promotes a particular volunteer method in Argentina –based on popular education and values education from intercultural meetings- and supports the spirit of movement through international volunteerism.
      Top

      How to register in a project. How in advance do I need to register? Can I participate in more than one project?

      For Argentine volunteers interested in being part of the “intercultural meetings of cooperation” in the rest of the world, please, write to info@subiralsur.org.ar to request more details. Also, you may write to this address if you are Argentine and want to participate in an “Intercultural meeting” organized by Subir al Sur in Argentina…

      For volunteers from the rest of the world interested in participating in the “intercultural meetings” in Argentina organized by Subir al Sur and their partner organizations in Argentina…you need to communicate with our partner organizations in your country,  write to info@subiralsur.org.ar and we will send you the details regarding who and where to contact.

      In general, we recommend volunteers to register at least three months in advanced to the project/projects you are interested in due to high demand especially in Europe! After the register process, every volunteer receives their Info sheet with details and concrete characteristics about the experience, how to get to the “meeting point” (there is a date, hour and place for the WHOLE group to meet), contact information of the local organization, e-mails, detailed information on how to get there (buses, trains, schedules, etc) All useful and basic information to guarantee the participation of every registered person.

      Subir al Sur will organize reflexion seminars before and after the trip and intercultural service experience of Argentine volunteers, so as to elaborate on the knowledge acquired along the way and the challenges which can turn into new abilities for personal and social actions.

      When coming back to the country (Argentina) Subir al Sur will contact each volunteer to analyze the experience.

      Top