Be a Volunteer Sound Technician in Argentina

Volunteer sound technician in Argentina

On this project you will be working as a volunteer sound technician for Serrana FM radio station, based in the town of Unquillo.

Argentina has a long history of radio broadcasting. It began experimenting with new technology as far back as 1910. Interest and expertise in the area has been growing ever since. Today Argentina boasts numerous private stations broadcasting over AM, FM and shortwave frequencies.

With only a small number of staff and a lack of modern technical expertise, the Serrana FM needs help in improving all aspects of the station’s production. It caters for a large audience throughout the Gran Cordoba area and would really benefit from the expertise of an experienced sound technician to improve their service.

Here you will find answers to the following questions:

How can a volunteer sound technician help in Argentina?

What will I gain from this project?

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

What skills or qualifications do I need?

How do I apply to join this project?

How can a volunteer sound technician help in Argentina?

You can use your knowledge and experience as a volunteer sound technician to work in collaboration with local staff to develop and improve the service they provide

• Work with existing staff to produce daily radio broadcasts, including:
• Setting up, testing and operating equipment.
• Monitoring audio signals to detect sound-quality deviations or malfunctions.
• Producing, adding and synchronizing pre-recorded special sound effects during the broadcast, as required.
• Assess the work of existing staff and provide them with training in all aspects of modern sound production.
• Work with existing staff to produce a long-term Development Plan documenting future changes to the structure and production methods of the station in order to improve the quality of their shows.
• Organise and run training clinics for Projects Abroad volunteers working with the station (optional).

You will work from 18-35 hours a week - and sometimes out of hours - depending on the individual project and how you develop your role with your project supervisor.

What will I gain from this project?

Voluntary work as a sound technician in Argentina

You will be involved with a friendly and highly dedicated team who are committed to the service they provide. Working with often limited resources and staff lacking technical knowledge and training, you will be able to adapt and develop your existing expertise to a different working environment, often facing challenges not experienced in your home country. Through this cultural exchange you will learn different methodologies and techniques in your own discipline.

You will also have the opportunity to develop skills and experience in a wide variety of areas. These could be (and are project dependent)

• Assessment of the needs of the project partner.
• Collaborating with the project partner to develop more efficient and effective systems in the workplace.
• Collaborate with the project partner to develop outreach programmes in the local community and beyond.
• Use your expertise to train staff and other volunteers.
• Using your initiative and problem solving skills to develop, set up and manage projects/programmes.
• Monitor existing or new projects/programmes.
• Develop and contribute to project evaluation reports to help with continuity between volunteers.

All of these can provide you with valuable experience and transferable skills useful for your career, and make valuable use of your existing expertise where it is truly needed.

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

We have over 20 years’ experience of running volunteer projects. We provide you with the following support to make sure your time in Argentina is successful and enjoyable:

• Safe accommodation with an Argentinian family close to your project.
• Friendly and dedicated local staff available to help 24 hours a day.
• A friendly member of staff available to meet you on arrival at the airport.
• Comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
• Social events with other volunteers such as a weekend trip to a local tourist destination.

What skills or qualifications do I need?

If you have a Bachelors Degree in Sound Technology or a related subject as an absolute minimum, then you will be suited to this position. Ideally, a qualified technician on this project would also have at least two years’ experience of working in radio broadcast. Specific specialisms or interests in your field will be highly desirable. Please discuss this with us on application.

You will also require a good level of spoken Spanish.

Please contact us if you think your knowledge may be useful on this project but do not have the required qualifications.