Oscar – Internship Adventure in Argentina

Oscar, a 21-year-old Sport and Exercise student in Haarlem, completed a six-week internship in Argentina with United Through Sport (UTS). What started as a last-minute arrangement turned into the experience of a lifetime. He shares his story from daily life in Buenos Aires to weekend adventures, personal growth, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.

The Start of Something Special

I had to organise my internship on short notice, but thanks to Ruben at De Kracht van Sport, everything was arranged quickly and smoothly. Before I knew it, I was flying to Buenos Aires to begin my six-week adventure.

The internship was exceptionally well-organised. I stayed in a hostel located in a wealthy and safe neighbourhood close to supermarkets, restaurants, parks, shops, and easily accessible public transport. Taxis were cheap and easy, making it quick to get around the city.

Work and Daily Life in Buenos Aires

During the week, I taught sports lessons at different locations across the city. Each day brought a new environment and a different group of participants, which kept things exciting, unpredictable, and fresh. The variety in settings, age groups, and community backgrounds made the experience dynamic, eye-opening, and incredibly rewarding. It challenged me to adapt my approach constantly and helped me grow both as a coach and a person.

UTS provided excellent on-site support throughout the internship. I had both an internship supervisor and a project supervisor, and I saw them almost every weekday. My project supervisor usually accompanied me to the projects, which was not only reassuring in terms of safety but also invaluable for translating and navigating the local culture, especially since I didn’t speak Spanish at first.

Learning the Language

Before arriving, I didn’t speak a word of Spanish. Since it’s the primary language in Argentina, I took 20 hours of Spanish lessons on site at the accommodation, which can be organised through UTS. These lessons helped tremendously! By the end of my internship I was much more confident in both understanding and speaking the language.

Exploring in My Free Time

Weekends were free, and I made the most of them. One weekend, I took a boat to Uruguay and stayed in a hostel in Montevideo. Another weekend, I flew to Brazil to see the Iguazu Falls, truly one of the best natural wonders of the world. With a friend I met out there I even took a helicopter flight over the falls and a boat tour right through them. It was unreal.

Buenos Aires also has a vibrant nightlife. There are countless nightclubs, which are super easy to get around by a cheap taxi. As a football fan, I couldn’t miss the chance to experience Argentine football. I attended five matches, including games at Boca Juniors, River Plate, Racing Club, and Independiente. The stadiums were massive, the atmosphere electric, and the fans absolutely next level. Tickets can be tricky to get, but with the right contacts, it’s possible and safe.

Final Thoughts and Advice

This internship taught me so much professionally, culturally, and personally. I made lifelong friends and created memories I’ll never forget. I’m already planning to return to Argentina next year, this time for a longer stay.

For future interns or volunteers, here’s a few words of advice:

• Check in advance whether your course offers any grants or scholarships. In Oscar’s case, this was well arranged and saved him a significant amount of money.

• Plan your trips ahead of time. Buenos Aires and its surroundings offer so much to see and do. Prioritise the places and experiences that matter most to you.

• Don’t miss the Iguazu Falls in Brazil, a weekend trip there is absolutely worth it.