Pre-Program Steps

Please complete the following steps as soon as possible to help us prepare your program. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to us any time by phone or email.

1. Complete the pre-program form

To help us prepare for your arrival, please complete the Pre-Program Form as soon as possible.

Complete the Pre-Program Form

2. BOOK YOUR flightS + submit your flight form

Arrival timing and airport: You must arrive to the designated airport on the required arrival date by the listed time. There will be one group transfer from the airport, so early morning arrivals will wait for the rest of the group. If you arrive outside of the required arrival windows or to a different airport, you will be responsible for your own airport transfer. Most international flights are overnight, so make sure that you book to arrive (not depart) on the required date.

Required arrival date and time:
- Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini “Ezeiza” International Airport (EZE)
  - Session A: arrive before 11am on Friday, May 31, 2024
  - Session B: arrive before 11am on Friday, June 21, 2024
- Montevideo Carrasco International Airport / General Cesáreo L. Berisso (MVD)
  - Option 1: arrive before 12:30pm on Friday, May 31, 2024
  - Option 2: arrive between 4pm and 8pm on Thursday, May 30, 2024
Housing check out date (internships end the Friday before):
- Buenos Aires
  - Session A: Saturday, July 27, 2024
  - Session B: Saturday, August 17, 2024
- Montevideo: Saturday, July 27, 2024

Orientation schedule: We will have important orientation activities during your first weekend in-country, and then you will begin your internships that Monday. We will share a detailed arrival itinerary with you about two weeks before your program begins, which will provide information on airport pickup, housing, and orientation activities.

Complete the Flight Information Form as soon as you book your flights so that we can coordinate your pick up at the airport and transportation to your housing.

Complete the Flight Information Form

3. Attend the Mandatory Pre-departure Webinar

The mandatory Pre-Departure Webinar took place on Tuesday, March 26, at 3:00pm ART / 2:00pm ET / 11:0am PT. Attendance was required. If you were unable to attend, you must watch the recording below and confirm you have done so by emailing the Puentes team.

Watch the recording

FLIP THROUGH THE SLIDES

4. complete your internship work agreement

We will send to you by email a link to a Puentes Internship Work Agreement, which we ask you to complete together with your internship supervisor. The Internship Work Agreement includes information on anticipated project work and outcomes for the internship. We want to ensure that your work plan and internship expectations are clearly defined in advance of your program, so please be sure to complete the Work Agreement promptly, thoughtfully, and thoroughly.

5. Send WhatsApp test messages to puentes

In Argentina and Uruguay, it’s very common to use WhatsApp to communicate. Please send the following Puentes team members a WhatsApp test message with your “First Name Last Name Puentes” so that we are in touch for urgent matters.

Lali Pereira: +54 9 11 3628 5039
Kelly Williamson: +54 9 11 5466 8512

When adding new WhatsApp contacts, be sure to include the plus sign (+), the country code (54 for Argentina, 598 for Uruguay), and the area code (9 11 for Buenos Aires and 2 for Montevideo).

Please continue to contact the Puentes team by email or phone for any non-urgent matters as you prepare for your program. We will use WhatsApp as a way to connect in the case of urgent matters.

6. Pack your bag

Below are packing suggestions. Read them carefully, and keep in mind that you are going on a two-month, professional internship program; you are not moving to a new country with your entire collection of life possessions. Pack smart!

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Your Passport

Make sure that passport is valid for at least six months after your last planned date abroad. U.S. passport holders can enter Argentina and Uruguay as tourists without a visa for the Puentes programs. If you are entering Argentina or Uruguay on a passport from a country other than the U.S., please review the possible visa requirements for Argentina or for Uruguay. The Puentes team is available to support you with visa process inquiries, but it is ultimately your responsibility to secure a visa for the program if you are required to do so.

Put your passport in your carry on bag - not in your checked bag.

Money: Cards and Cash

Bring a debit card, a credit card, and U.S. dollars in US$100 bills (smaller denominations are often not accepted in change houses). Do not exchange to pesos before you travel abroad, as you will likely receive an unfavorable rate. There is a big cash culture, especially in Argentina, and you will get more bang for your buck by exchanging USD to pesos in-country.

Also notify your credit and debit card banks about the dates during which you will be out of the country so that you will not be flagged for fraudulent activities. Also ask your bank to waive the ATM withdrawal fee as an exception during the time that you are abroad; some banks will do this and others will not, but it is always worth it to ask.

If you plan to use Western Union to transfer yourself funds to pick up from a Western Union location abroad in pesos, create the Western Union account while physically located in the U.S. before you travel abroad.

Winter Clothes (for 42-65 °F)

Pack plenty of warm layers, rain gear, and a winter coat. May to July is winter in Argentina and Uruguay. Temperatures will range between 42 and 65 °F in the city. Buildings typically rely on radiators and space heaters, so bring sweaters for indoor wear too.

Typically professional attire is more informal here, but check with your internship supervisors about attire expectations for your specific internship workplace.

Cell Phone + Back Up Phone

Set up one of the following two cell phone options for your local communication:

(1) Set up an international cell phone plan with your cell provider. Contact your cell phone provider to check cell service rates for your destination abroad, and then change your current cell phone plan to one that allows for temporary international service.

(2) Unlock your cell phone and use a local SIM card. Contact your cell phone provider before your departure and request that your phone be unlocked. In the Puentes Welcome Pack that you receive upon arrival, we will give you a local SIM card, which you can use in your unlocked cell phone.

If you have an extra cell phone already on hand, you may want to bring it with you in case something happens to your phone while in country so that you have a ready, easy replacement.

Laptop

You must bring your own laptop to your internship. Also of note is that electronics are very expensive here, so it’s best to bring any cords, plugs, and accessories that you need for electronics.

Adaptor

Argentine and Uruguay electricity is 220 V, 50 Hz, which is different than the 110V in many countries. When using a computer, generally there is a voltage converter on the plug that protects your computer, but with bigger electronics like hairdryers and hair straighteners, you might need a 220 to 110 volt transformer.

Argentina and Uruguay use a mix of European and Australian plugs: either a plug with two circular prongs or one with two flat blades in a V shape with or without a third blade below. The most common plug in Argentina is two flat blades in a V shape. The most common plug in Uruguay is the plug with three points. You can either bring adaptors or buy them upon arrival in any ferretería (hardware store).

Zipper Bag

Do not bring open-top tote bags to transport your laptop, but instead opt for a zippered bag or backpack for daily outings. You’ll find most people carry their belongings in a fanny pack or crossbody purse, rather than their pockets, when out in public.

Prescription medication

Bring more than enough of any prescription mediation for your entire stay abroad. Medicine cannot be sent via postal mail from your home country, and you cannot use an international prescription at a pharmacy abroad; if you need prescription medication filled while abroad, you must see a local doctor.

Preferred Toiletries

If you prefer certain types or brands of toiletries, pack them in your suitcase. If you use tampons with applicators, those are hard to find here, since the applicator-free model is the one widely used.

Medical Certificate

If you plan to join a gym, you will need an “apto físico.” This can be a simple, signed note (in English or Spanish) from a doctor stating that you are in good health and able to undertake physical exercise in a gym.

Homestay Gift

While not expected or mandatory, host families often appreciate small gifts. Something from your hometown, an item related to a hobby you like, or something meaningful to you. Sentimental consideration is more important than economic value.

Items to not pack

No need to pack towels or sheets; your Puentes housing provides them.

We also recommend that you do not bring any expensive or irreplaceable jewelry or personal items so that you do not have to fret about them while adventuring.