Teach in Chile
Summer program discount! Apply for programs beginning in July 2010 and receive 10% off the program fee!
Our Greenheart Travel Teach in Chile Program is an excellent way to share your English language expertise with Chilean students while also engaging in an enriching cultural exchange experience abroad. Greenheart Travel has been selected by the Chilean government to send volunteer teachers to northern Chile in partnership with the Chilean Ministerio de Educacion, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the English Open Doors Program.Volunteers will be placed in local schools in the Coquimbo Region(IV), part of the “Chico Norte” zone, to support the English teaching staff by providing native language instruction and extracurricular activities. This is not just an opportunity to teach abroad, it is the chance to truly immerse yourself in a new culture, experience a different way of life, build friendships that will last a lifetime and discover your own potential!
The Teach English in Chile program is a full time commitment and is available for 8, 6 or 4 months with specific start dates (see table below).
Program Costs
8 Months: $1,100
6 Months: $1,000
4 Months: $900 ** $810 after 10% discount for summer programs beginning in July 2010
Fees may be paid by personal check, money order or credit card.
| Included | Not Included |
| Host family accommodation with full board | Airfare and reciprocity fee upon arrival |
| Full assistance of project staff | Personal spending money |
| Medical/Accident Insurance | Phone cards |
| 24 Emergency Staff | |
| Hostel, meals and transportation during 1 week orientation in Santiago | |
| Transportation to/from regional placement | |
| Online Spanish course | |
| Teaching resources and support | |
| Monthly stipend of CLP85,000 (approximately $150) | |
| Visa Assistance | |
Requirements
- Native English speaker or use English in your everyday language, and have received your K-12 or undergraduate education in English.
- Between the ages of 20 and 45
- Minimum of Associates' degree (2 year degree) or equivalent in any area of study
- Previous experience teaching in a classroom or working with children helpful but not required.
- A basic understanding of Spanish is helpful but not required. Lessons are available in Santiago prior to your start date for an additional fee. The orientation for 4,6,and 8 month programs also includes 2 hours of Spanish lessons per day.
- Possess a high level of responsibility and maturity
- Open-minded and flexible, desire to live and work in a developing country
- Genuine interest in Chilean culture
- Attendance at staff meetings
Read more about Greenheart Travel's discounted TEFL Certification Course!
Volunteer Responsibilities
The volunteer’s main responsibilities will be to work as an English language teaching assistant to one or more English teachers in a local public school and organize and implement extracurricular activities for the students and school community. The volunteer is integral to the student’s English language success and in motivating them to understand the value of communicating in a second language. Volunteers will be paired with a Chilean English as a Foreign Language teacher in their assigned school and will be collaborating with this teacher for the duration of their program. Each week, the volunteer is expected to spend a few hours preparing lessons with this teacher.
Each class typically consists of about 40-45 students and lasts 90 minutes in length. The volunteer will teach a select group of students who are highly motivated to learn English. This allows the students to maximize their time receiving instruction from a native speaker and does not overwhelm the volunteer given the large number of students in each class. Volunteers are expected to teach 25 hours per week.
In addition to teaching, volunteers will be in charge of organizing various extracurricularactivities that can include after-school clubs, sports, art projects, discussion groups and other activities that promote learning English outsidethe classroom. The volunteer is expected to commit at least 10 hours to this per week.
Location
Greenheart Travel volunteers will be placed in the Coquimbo region, also known as Region IV and located about 5 hours north of Santiago. Part of the Chico Norte zone, Coquimbo’s climate is characterized by the arid desert to the north and the vast Andes Mountains that jut out along its eastern border. The cool breezes from the white, sandy beaches on its coast make the capital city of La Serena a wonderful vacation spot for many Chileans. The region is comprised of a variety of both urban and rural areas and volunteers may find themselves placed in either. With the clear skies and an unobstructed view out to sea, Coquimbo is home to a few large observatories that have been pioneering the way in astronomical discovery over the years.
This region is also known for producing some great wines, especially Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Chardonnay. There are a variety of vineyards to visit that not only produce great wines but provide spectacular views of the towering mountains and beautiful valleys that are so unique to Chile.
Accommodation and Meals
During the one week orientation in Santiago, volunteers will stay in a hostel and all meals will be provided. For the duration of the program, all volunteers will stay with a carefully screened host family that is located in their assigned region near their school placement. Most families are affiliated with the school and active within the community. All meals with your host family are included in your stay.
Transportation and Travel Arrangements
Volunteers will be met at Santiago’s international airport on their assigned day of arrival and taken to a hostel where they will stay for the one week orientation. From there, each volunteer will head to his or her host community via bus. Upon arrival in the host community, volunteers will be met by a local representative and taken to their host family. Most schools are located within walking distance from the host family or a short bus ride away.
At the end of your program, you will return to Santiago for a final gathering and ceremony with other volunteers before departing for home.
Local Support
Greenheart Travel always provides you with a thorough network of support before departure and during your time abroad. You will be provided with pre-departure orientation materials that will walk you through every step of your program. Upon arrival you will receive a full orientation by Chile’s Ministry of Education that will help you to better prepare for living and teaching in Chile. Your local coordinator in the Coquimibo region, host family, and school teaching staff are more than happy to address questions or difficulties that you may have at anytime during your program.
Spanish Lessons
Upon acceptance, volunteers will be given an account for an online Spansih course that they can complete prior to arrival. In addtion, volunteers will have 2 hours of Spanish lessons daily during the one week orientation in Santiago.
Dates, Duration and Application Deadline for 2010
| Duration | Arrival Date | Departure Date | Application Deadline |
| 8 months | March 27-28 | December 3 | January 4 |
| 4 months (I) | March 27-28 | July 9 | January 4 |
| 6 months | May 30-31 | December 3 | March 15 |
| 4 months (II) | July 24-25 | December 3 | May 3 |
We recommend applying to Greenheart Travel as early as possible for your preferred departure date since space is limited.
How to Apply
Please visit our Application Materials page for information on applying.