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.
Volunteer opportunities are available in many areas of the country. Work with the homeless and children at risk in Valdivia and Concepcion. Work with CONAF, the National Forest Conservancy, to promote environmental awareness at national parks year round. Work at Afunalhue Mapuche Indiginous community near the city of Villarrica to promote agricultural development. Volunteering in Chile will be an amazing learning experience that you will never forget.
Volunteer Abroad Program Overview — Chile
Arrival - Homestay - Program Fees - What is Included - What is Not Included - Payment Schedule
Arrival and Orientation
To facilitate the adjustment to a new country and to answer all questions still pending on the day of arrival, a transfer service will take you to meet the VIP-Chile staff for a welcome meal and further details of your first days in Chile. We will also provide you with a site orientation so you learn where you are, where your host family lives, where your Spanish classes will take place and how to move back and forth using the local public transportation. Later, we will take you to your host family for your first two weeks of home-stay in Santiago.
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 36-hour Spanish Course with indoor and outdoor Spanish lessons (4,5 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.
Second Part of the Program — Second Home-stay
For 10 weeks you will live with another family in the town/cityyou 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.
2008 Program Fees
- 3 Months: US$ 2,730
- 4 Months: US$ 3,325
- 6 Months: US$ 4,375
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 (arrival and departure)
- Guided comprehensive cultural orientation upon arrival
- 2 week home-stay accommodation with half board in Santiago city
- 36-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
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.
