Summer Experiences: Living in the Heart and Hospitals of Argentina

By Shayna Mooney, EC Scholar and Honors College Senior

In July 2014, I traveled to Argentina to volunteer through International Volunteer Headquarters (IVHQ) and Fundación AFOS, IVHQ’s partner organization in Argentina.

For two weeks, I lived in the small town of Villa Allende, in the center Córdoba Province, and volunteered at El Dispensario Dumesnil, a small community clinic run by the municipal government in Córdoba.  The clinic provides general medical care, nursing services, vaccinations, gynecology, dentistry, and social support to needy populations in the area. I shadowed health care professionals and provided assistance by taking patient vitals.

Through this volunteer experience, I was able to improve my Spanish speaking skills and increase my knowledge of how health care is practiced in a different area of the world.  I not only learned about the health issues face by Argentines, but I also learned about the customs and culture of Argentina.

The highlight of my experience was watching the semi-final and final matches of the FIFA World Cup with the locals. The atmosphere and excitement were unlike anything I had ever experienced. I was also fortunate to travel to different parts of Argentina after my volunteer experience.

I visited El Calafate in Patagonia to see the Perito Moreno Glaciar. I also traveled to the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, and spent a few days taking in the sights of the beautiful European-influenced city.

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