Description

Volunteer Abroad in Chile! As in much of South America, children born with disabilities often face a bleak future in Chile. ELI works with several schools for special needs children. The schools work to provide the children with the skills and education they need to integrate into society.

Volunteers with this project will have the opportunity to assist with:
* Occupational therapy
* Physical therapy
* Art activities
* other developmental activities

This is a great opportunity to help motivate and empower the children at these centers. Interacting with international volunteers is always a high point for the children and their smiles are unforgettable.

Each placement depends on when you decide to go, your particular area of interest, your qualifications, what particular organization has openings for interns.

All programs require a 4-week minimum time commitment, and can last up to 12 weeks.

Highlights

Volunteers in Chile travel, not as tourists, but as active community members.

* Work and live in Santiago
* Live with a local host family (optional)
* Improve your Spanish skills (optional)

Placements are created on an individual basis, and are structured on the volunteer's objectives, qualifications, and what s/he would like to accomplish.

Qualifications

* Must be at least 18 years of age.
* Must have intermediate Spanish language skills.
* Must have a demonstrated interest or background in field.
* Must be a self-starter, creative, flexible, and able to work with a wide-range of people.

Intern Types

Languages

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Cost varies. Please inquire for details

Cost Includes:

• In-country staff support
• In-country orientation/Training
• Housing
• Food
• Written materials pre-departure
• Registration fees

Program Fees Include:

Pre-departure Support: ELI's staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help volunteers to prepare for their travels.

Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Santiago and provided with transportation to their host family or apartment

In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with an orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Chile.

In-country Staff Support: ELI's Chile coordinator is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

Accommodations: Participants share an apartment with other chileans and international volunteers

Experience Required

yes

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range

18 and older

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement

ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded

2001