July 2026 Cohort Now Open — Limited to 10 Participants
Social Impact Program
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Project Focus
Sustainable development
& social impact
Participation Hours
120 supervised hours
Educational Content
Human rights, ethics
& co-design
Age
+18 years old
Program Duration
3 weeks, July 2026
Program size
10 people
Programme Overview
This 3-week Humanitarian Engineering programme takes place in Buenos Aires in collaboration with Engineering Without Borders Argentina. Participants engage with real community-led infrastructure projects developed through co-design with local organizations and residents.
Rather than focusing only on volunteering, the programme introduces participants to how engineering projects are planned, evaluated, and implemented in real contexts. Depending on the stage of the project, participants may contribute to construction tasks, observe project discussions, and learn how community-based engineering works in practice.
Typical Week
• 4 days working on the community project
• 1 programme and learning day: on-site classes for the student team at UTN (National Technological University), with formal UTN certification of attendance.
• 2 free days to explore Buenos Aires
Project days include traveling to the site, working alongside local teams, and gaining insight into the technical and social aspects of the project.
Programme Fees
Total programme cost: USD 1,130 (3 weeks).
The fee is split into two parts:
Direct Contribution: Participants may cover up to half of the programme fee through guided fundraising, with support from CHE. 100% of the funds raised are transferred directly to EWB-Argentina, directly funding the community project you will work on. Fundraising is not an additional cost, but part of the total programme fee.
Programme Delivery Fee: The remaining portion is paid to CHE and covers supervision, coordination, and programme delivery.
A 10% deposit is required upon signing the participation agreement.
Accommodation & Meals
Participants arrange their own accommodation according to their budget and preferences. CHE provides guidance and recommended areas to stay. Lunch during project and programme days is included.
Operating Cost Breakdown
| Category | Contribution | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Project | 69% | Materials, tools, equipment |
| Operations | 13% | Logistics, operation staff |
| Administrative | 12% | Legal, accounting, admin. staff |
| Financial | 6% | Financial services |
What’s Included?
– Guaranteed project placement with EWB Argentina
– On-site engineering & construction training
– Sustainable development and human rights seminar in partnership with UTN (National Technological University)
– Travel together to the project site by public transport
– Lunch on work and academic days
– Comprehensive work insurance for the activities at the work place
– Certificate for 120 hours of professional experience
– 24/7 in-country support
– Project direct contribution
What’s NOT Included?
– Flights
– Accommodation
– Meals outside the mentioned above
– Travel insurance
– Personal spending money
Refund Policy
The deposit is non-refundable, covering administrative and planning costs. The remaining fee may be refundable if a participant withdraws before programme-related expenses begin. Refunds requested up to one month before the start date are assessed case-by-case and may incur deductions. No refunds are available within one month of the programme start, as funds will already be committed.