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PROJECT INTRODUCTION
In the most beautiful natural environment of South America, Puerto Madryn, observe the habitats of whales and other wildlife, and participate in activities that protect the environment! Participants will engage in activities such as guiding tourists or cleaning beaches and wildlife observation areas. Experience the beautiful sea, wildlife, and nature while understanding the importance of protecting the environment!
12.3 Week
Based on past participants’ experiences, we’ve organized the common themes of learning, reflection, and growth by time period.
What makes this project special
Grow
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PROJECT ACTIVITIES
1. This project is conducted in Spanish.
Spanish Required ★ ☆☆☆☆
Basic tasks are conducted in Spanish, but assignments are based on the participant's proficiency, so you can join even if you are not fluent in Spanish. However, having basic Spanish skills will be very helpful.
2. Project Details
- This project is available from July to October each year, when the whales arrive.
- Whale watching activities generally take place from Monday to Friday, from 8 AM to 4 PM.
- The activity schedule may vary depending on the time of participation and local conditions, and there may also be activities on weekends.
3. Activity Examples
① Research or survey on Southern Atlantic humpback whales and their surrounding environment
② Protect and manage the observation platforms and the surrounding beautiful beaches
③ Assist tourists visiting the observation platforms
④ Provide environmental protection education for local residents, manage and plan events
⑤ Maintenance and repair of public facilities
* Detailed participant reviews can be found at Gap Year Stories (click) .
* More participant reviews can be found in the "Participant Reviews" section at the bottom of the project page.
SUPPORT
Not Included
- Round-trip airfare
- Individual travel insurance
- Lunch/dinner during the project period
- Other local expenses
INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION
This organization not only offers beautiful views to tourists and local residents but also focuses on creating an environment where people can coexist with nature. Additionally, it engages in activities to protect marine animals and maintain their habitats and surrounding environments. The observation site is located 21 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the beaches of Las Canteras and El Doradillo. Come and experience the truly special and beautiful views firsthand!
ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION
This project includes homestay accommodations. The homestay involves staying with a local family in Puerto Madryn, and we connect you with carefully selected homestay families by local agencies. Staying with a local family also ensures a much safer experience in South America.
Homestays offer the advantage of learning about Argentine culture and communicating with the host family in Spanish, allowing for a deeper understanding of both culture and language. This is a preferred accommodation type for many volunteers and travelers. Breakfast is provided from Monday to Saturday, but since there is no separate kitchen, other meals can be freely enjoyed at nearby restaurants.
| 2-person room / Shared bathroom / Breakfast provided (Mon-Sat) |
LOCATION INTRODUCTION
Location : Argentina, Puerto Madryn
The southern whale watching point is located near Puerto Madryn and offers the chance to observe numerous whale pods.
Puerto Madryn, a beautiful area with the Atlantic Ocean stretching out in front of you. The Golfo Nuevo surrounding Puerto Madryn has calm waters, making it a breeding ground and nursery for many southern right whales. Puerto Madryn is 1329 km from Buenos Aires, Argentina's capital, and takes about 16 hours by car. Summer in Puerto Madryn is very hot, but the weather in spring and autumn is fresh. Also, there is a significant temperature difference between day and night, so be mindful of your clothing.
■ Travel Destination Introduction
2. Punta Tombo
This place is a habitat for an incredibly large number of penguins, with thousands gathering from October to March. Tourists flock here to see these penguins, which are hard to find in Korea. You can observe their various behaviors, such as digging holes in the ground, coming out of the burrows, and heading to the water to feed.
Experience Punta Tombo, the penguin paradise with its fragrant sea breeze, and visit the world's largest penguin habitat!
3. Lobo Larsen
At Lobo Larsen, you can enjoy snorkeling in the sea with sea lions, offering a unique experience. Under the guidance of the staff, participants can safely snorkel and move to areas where sea lions gather, allowing for an immersive swimming experience surrounded by sea lions.
Enjoy snorkeling in Argentina's pristine natural beaches! Just imagining it brings beauty and coolness. The opportunity to play with sea lions is a special bonus just for you!
- Able to communicate in Spanish at a basic level
- 18 years or older Anyone
- People who want to see and care for marine animals firsthand
- People interested in environmental protection and directly protecting marine animal habitats and their young
SCHEDULE AND PRICES
■ The minimum participation period for this project is 2 weeks.
■ Participation Costs
- 2 weeks: 1,772,000 won
- 3 weeks: 2,102,000 won
- 4 weeks: 2,432,000 won
- 6 weeks: 3,092,000 won
- 8 weeks: 3,752,000 won
- 10 weeks: 4,412,000 won
- 12 weeks: 5,072,000 won
* For popular projects, there may not be available spots, so please apply quickly to secure your place.
■ Gap Year Mission ( ▶ Learn More )
■ Installment Payment Information
If you are unable to pay the full amount, please make an advance payment of 500,000 KRW and settle the remaining amount within 2 weeks. The process for confirming your participation will begin from the date of the advance payment, and we will check availability and TO. It is important to secure your spot early to participate on your preferred date and period! (No refunds once participation is confirmed)
* However, if the start date is approaching, the schedule for the remaining payment may vary depending on the situation.
■ Early Bird Discount and Emergency Application Information
All Gap Year projects are recommended to apply at least 3 months before the project start date due to the normal processing procedures and preparation period. The principle is to apply no later than 2 months before the start date. However, if there is an urgent need to participate in the project, you can use the emergency application service to pay an additional fee for faster processing.
* While we will assist with the fastest possible processing, there is a basic amount of time required for communication with local agencies and for confirming participation. Since all procedures are the same as for regular participants, those using the emergency application service must actively cooperate with the Korea Gap Year operation team.
** Those who apply more than 180 days before the start date can receive an Early Bird discount.
*** Emergency application services can be applied for through the options above. For inquiries regarding emergency application services, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
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- What is Provided: Gap Year mission and notes auto-application / Full OT materials provided upon participation confirmation / Emergency additional staffing / Support for necessary documents, etc.
* If you have difficulty calculating dates, please refer to the Naver Date Calculator >> Naver Date Calculator
** Note: In the case of emergency applications, there may be no TO due to local circumstances, and the process will proceed according to the Gap Year refund policy. Additionally, any issues caused by participant non-cooperation are the responsibility of the participant.
■ Estimated Additional Costs (based on 1 week)
| Item | Details and Notes | Amount | Category |
| Round-trip airfare (including TAX) | Varies by flight | Approximately 2 million won | Not Included |
| Visa issuance fee | 90-day (3 months) visa-free entry available | - | |
| Individual travel insurance fee | Varies by insurance company / duration | Approximately 10,000 won | |
| Local accommodation cost | - | Approximately 170,000 ~ 250,000 won |
*Airfare may vary depending on the flight.
*Local accommodation costs are based on average standards and may vary depending on participant preferences.
*Participants’ travel expenses and personal spending money are additional.
■ Reference (Estimated Local Prices)
| Accommodation | Per Night | Meals | Per Meal |
| Guesthouse | Approximately 10,000 won | Local food | Approximately 5,000 won |
| Hotel | Approximately 70,000 won | Restaurant | Approximately 10,000 won |
*Estimated local prices are based on average standards and may vary depending on participant preferences.
