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So you want to leave your mark on the world? Have you ever thought about teaching English as a social contribution? Join the growing group of over 800 volunteers who have, since 2004, participated in a unique volunteer teaching program. In many attraction-filled regions of Chile, volunteers live with host families and work in public schools as English-language teaching assistants. 95% of last year’s participants agree that that they enjoyed a positive teaching experience. While teaching English, volunteers also learn Spanish, improving their language skills by as much as 2 ALTE levels (The Association of Language Testers in Europe). Learn Spanish, immerse yourself in local culture, encounter breathtaking wonders and touch lives by teaching in a leading South American country.
WhatistheMINEDUCNationalVolunteerCenter?
The MINEDUC National Volunteer Center was developed and implemented by the Chilean Ministry of Education and the United Nations Development Programme. The National Volunteer Center seeks to bring native English-speaking volunteers to work in Chilean public schools as English-language teaching assistants. The program is designed to compensate for the lack of exposure to native English speakers faced by most students in Chile’s public school system.
Whatdovolunteersdo?
Volunteers are assigned to public schools in regions throughout the
country, live with a host family in their community and receive a monthly
stipend. Volunteers work as English teaching assistants to Chilean
English teachers and lead extra-curricular activities for the
school community. For many students and teachers, a volunteer is their
only chance to listen to and practice speaking in English with a native
speaker.
Howareweunique?
SpecialVolunteerProjects
English Opens Doors volunteers can participate in program sponsored activities and apply for funds to develop additional projects to motivate English language learning in the community.
Examples include:
Program Sponsored Activities
• Coaching students in English Debates & Dialogue Competitions
• Teaching additional English classes to local micro-business owners and employees
• Photography Contest
Additional Volunteer Projects
• Organizing English festivals, school plays and competitions
• Making independent films involving the school community
• Hosting local radio programs |
Whatdoweoffer?
The Ministry of Education offers:
- E-learning Spanish course (at no charge to volunteer)
- Accommodations with host family and meals.
- Monthly stipend of USD150.
- All-expense paid orientation in the capital city of Santiago which
includes TEFL training, orientation to Chilean culture and
education, Spanish classes and cultural activities.
- All-expense paid local orientation.
- Assistance obtaining a temporary residence visa and Chilean I.D. card.
- Round-trip transportation from Santiago to regional placement site.
- Spanish lessons.
- Diagnostic and exit Spanish tests to measure learning (depending on program duration).
- Tours and activities tailored to the placement site.
- Materials for your classroom.
- On-going teaching support.
- Program certification by the Chilean Ministry of Education.
Whodoweworkwith?
The volunteer programs are made possible through the collaboration
and partnership of international organizations, national and regional
governmental authorities, private foundations and businesses, public
school teachers and principals, and thousands of students. The National
Volunteer Center recruits volunteers directly and works with recruiting
agencies specializing in programs abroad.
Volunteertestimonials:
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Cameron Coleman, Volunteer
Antofagasta 2007
My eight months with the program helped me to grow so much as a person. Being immersed in another culture instead of simply visiting a country will change the way you view the world. I feel that part of me will live on in Antofagasta even if I never return, which I definitely plan to do in order to visit the many great friends I made. |
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Samantha Thomson, Volunteer
Easter Island 2006 & 2007
Life as a volunteer at my school is full of surprises. In terms of my students, I think that my presence on the Island has provided them with a chance to have eyes to the outside world. All in all, volunteer teaching has been both the most challenging and rewarding task I’ve ever faced. |
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Randy Woodring, Volunteer
Coyhaique 2007
Being accepted not just into a physical house, but emotionally into a family is the highlight of my Chilean experience. There are certainly tough moments that come along, but they remain just that, moments that are quickly over shadowed by the love and acceptance that I have found in this tiny town in southern Chile. |
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Carly Gordon, Volunteer
Valparaíso 2007
The best part about volunteering was the relationships I made with my students and the teachers I was working with. My co-teacher and I became very close friends and will be working together again next year when I repeat the program. This country has so much to offer and I know it will always be my second home for the rest of my life! |
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