Animal humanitarian action

Francesco shares his experience with animal humanitarian action in Argentina: between Spanish lessons and animal volunteering!

 

2 WEEKS OF SPANISH CLASSES…

My arrival in Argentina went smoothly. I was picked up by my contact in Córdoba who then showed me around the city. The people of Córdoba are very open and warm, and you immediately feel welcome.

The Spanish classes are organized by an association called CEPES Idioma, for university groups from all over Brazil. That said, it’s a wonderful human experience because you meet people from a wide variety of backgrounds.

To be honest, it was these first two weeks that left the biggest impression on me. Between the variety of activities offered and the positive spirit that surrounds you all day long, it’s truly an unforgettable experience that I recommend to everyone. From rafting in the Andes Mountains to wine tastings and excursions to swim in waterfalls, every moment was unforgettable and incredibly enriching.

You never feel left out, and the classes are interactive and high quality. It’s possible to learn quickly, especially since even though most participants are Brazilian, communication is in Spanish and there’s no judgment—everyone is there to learn.

THE ANIMAL REFUGE AT PUMAKAWA…

Now, about Pumakawa:

I was welcomed by a staff member and immediately met the team of volunteers during the lunch break. I would have liked a short introduction to the project, its goals, and future objectives, just to get a better idea of what we were contributing to. There are many Argentinians, which is great for practicing our Spanish.

From the start, I knew there wouldn’t be any contact with the pumas (that’s reserved for a specific staff member), but I was hoping someone would explain the stakes and some basic knowledge about this animal.

Other than that, the staff is very friendly and attentive, and the setting is beautiful.

This experience was a success because I met amazing people. Internationally, it’s been incredibly valuable for me—both in terms of learning Spanish and making new contacts. It will benefit me both professionally and personally in future travels, which is fantastic.

 

IF I HAD TO RATE THE SERVICES FROM 1 TO 5…

• Information before departure : 3/5: The logistical information before departure was fairly clear. However, regarding the reserve, it would be important to clarify that as volunteers, we don’t handle anything related to the pumas. This can be misleading and disappointing for some.

 

• Registration process : 5/5: The registration process was very smooth, even though I was still doing my military service and not always available—so excellent.

 

• Supervision / project coordinators : 5/5: I was always well supported, especially by Augustina (my contact in Córdoba). She helped me so much and gave me amazing experiences. I 100% recommend her!!!

 

• Volunteer schedule : 5/5: The schedule within the project was well-organized!

 

• Meals and accommodation : 5/5: The accommodation was good! And all the food we bought was covered, which I thought was awesome.

 

A QUICK NOTE…

I recommend Freepackers, and I’ve already recommended it many times to people interested in what I’ve done. In fact, my cousin also went through Freepackers, which is great!!

Thank you for this amazing project—I can’t wait to leave again in a week for South Africa. The project looks wild, I love it!