Volunteer in Chile

Chile’s recent history has been dominated with extremes of political and economic upheaval. Though it now appears to be one of the fastest growing economies in the region, there are still more than three million Chileans living in poverty.

Special on-going earthquake relief program

Volunteer opportunities are available in different fields and geographical areas of the country. Work with abandoned and abused children in Malloco town (1 hr. west of Santiago city) or in Temuco city in Chile’s South. Help develop CONAF’s ( TheNational Forest Conservancy) goals to promote and implement environmental awareness policies at a national park - a world biosphere reserve - in central Chile. Teach in rural schools around Mapuche communities in southern Chile.

Volunteering in Chile is an open invitation to rediscover and get to know yourself while learning from local culture and people. Improve your Spanish language skills and admire a country of breathtaking natural beauties and extremes.

Volunteer Abroad Program Overview — Chile

Arrival - Homestay - Program Fees - What is Included - What is Not Included - Payment Schedule

Arrival and Orientation

Before your arrival in Chile, you will get a detailed account of your arrival procedure that includes transfer details and code, where to go and what to do in Santiago airport, who you should meet, host family information and your schedule for the first days after arrival. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred directly to your host family and will get a welcome call from a VIP Chile representative. To facilitate adjustment to a new country and to answer all your questions related to your program, you will have to attend an orientation session at EIL-VIP Chile office on the day and time set in your schedule. We will also provide you with a site orientation so you learn where you are, where your Spanish classes will take place and how to move back and forth using the local public transportation.

Homestays

During your program you will have 2 home-stays, with different Chilean Families. Living with a Chilean family might be the highlight of your VIP program. Families are easy to please and love caring for their family members and guests. Also, family gatherings are common every day of the week. We have developed relationships with families who will try to make your home-stay meaningful. We only ask for your openness to allow bonding and mutual learning. Getting involved in daily life will help you to experience and appreciate family life in Chile.

First Part of the Program — First Home-stay

During the first 2 weeks you will live with a Chilean family in Santiago, Chile's Capital City. You will be attending an intensive 32-hour Spanish Course with indoor and outdoor Spanish lessons and assignments (4 hours a day / Monday - Thursday). You will also have volunteer project orientation sessions to talk about project related issues, culture, economy, education and travel tips. During these two weeks in Santiago, you will also have a 1 day excursion where you will probably meet other volunteers.

NOTE: If you need more time to become familiarized or fluent in Spanish, you could extend this first part of the program up to 4 weeks at an additional cost.

Second Part of the Program — Second Home-stay

For 10 weeks you will live with another family in the town/city you have chosen for your VIP project and you will begin working at the project site. Staff and all those involved will expect your best. You will also be an ambassador of your country. The impression people have of you will help the project and others who will come later. Experiment Chile - your host office - and local reps will remain in touch during the length of the program.

2010 Program Fees

8 Weeks : USD 2200
12 Weeks : USD 2855
16 Weeks : USD 3450
24 Weeks : USD 4500

A six month program is available on request. Special VISA requirements may apply. Contact the VIP representative in your country for further information.

Note: Published prices remain subject to change in case of major currency fluctuations. Contact your sending office.

What is Included

Application processing, interview, pre-departure information
Pick up service from airport upon arrival
Guided comprehensive cultural orientation upon arrival
2 week home-stay accommodation with half board in Santiago city
32-hour Intensive theoretical and practical Spanish Course during stay in Santiago city
1 excursion during stay in Santiago
10 week home-stay accommodation with half board during your volunteer project
Free Internet access at EIL Chile office during stay in Santiago city
Placement in a volunteer work project
Constant support from EIL office and local volunteer reps.
Support and problem solving from a mentor within the project
Round trip tickets from orientation site to volunteer work project site
Contribution/donation to volunteer project
Money contribution for part of local transportation expenses during volunteer project

What is Not Included

International airfare and airport taxes
All lunches during the program
Domestic and international phone calls while in the program
Mandatory Health, accident and travel insurances
Personal expenses and documentation (passport, visa, or any other)
Entrance reciprocity fee at International airport for some nationalities only - check with your sending office (Canada US$132, USA US$131, Mexico US$23, Australia US$61 as of Jan 2009). It is paid once and remains valid until the passport expires (for Canadians and Americans) or for three months (for Mexicans and Australians).

Payment Schedule

A deposit of 20% of the total program fee is required with your application. It is non-refundable upon notification of acceptance and is applied to the total program fee.

The balance of the program fee is required 30 days before departure.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation after acceptance, but prior to placement confirmation: Deposit is forfeited.
Cancellation after confirmation of placement: 50% of the program fee is forfeited.
No Show or Early Departure from Program: 100% of the program fee is forfeited.