Description

Volunteers begin the program with a two week intensive Spanish Course (4-5 hours a day four days a week) and orientation to the country and volunteer project. Subjects such as cultural and travel tips, economy, education and project related issues will be covered during orientation. Volunteers will have weekends free during this time to enjoy and discover on their own, as well as to spend time with their host family and learn about the culture from the inside.

The community service project begins after the orientation. There are different types of projects, and various locations and durations, to best suit your skills, intersts and available time.

Some of the projects we have already developed include:

Social Welfare Services:
* House improvement and day care in centers for sexually abused and abandoned girls
* Food delivery for homeless people
* Social work in poor communities and information centers
* Day care centers for children
* Therapeutic work in communities for children and adults at risk
* Assisting the homeless and terminally ill patients

Environment:
* Conservation programs in indigenous communities

Education/Teaching:
* Teacher Assistants in rural schools

Construction:
* Housing projects for the poor
* House and building repair

Healthcare:
* Healthcare and daily assistance to the elderly

The possibilities are endless! Let us know what you seek in your volunteer experience. EIL Chile, together with our partner institutions and individuals, will do our best to make your experience enjoyable, meaningful and rewarding.

Qualifications

To apply for a volunteer experience in Chile you must:
* Be mature, flexible, have common sense and enthusiasm, be reliable, sensitive and adaptable
* Be between 18 to 40 years old
* Have the ability to work under strenuous conditions which may arise during your volunteer program
* Be able to communicate in Spanish at an intermediate level
* Have an excellent and positive attitude
* If applying to work with minors or others with special needs, professional certifications and/or background record checks may also be required.

Languages

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

USD 2,625

Program Fees Include:

*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

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Your host community will benefit most from your sincere commitment and open-minded curiosity about local culture and individual lives. At your host project, your success will depend on teamwork, creative problem solving, patience and openness to other points of view. Your co-workers will expect you to be a dependable, resourceful, motivated contributor who works well with others. Your contributions will be much appreciated, even as you learn further from the skills and life experience of your new family. As you listen and adapt to circumstances, your friendship with local people will grow. They will welcome you and the goodwill you bring.

Age Range

18-40 (except US citizens 19-40)

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Scholarships are Available

Application Process Involves

• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Written Application
• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Volunteers for International Partnership's Mission Statement

Volunteers for International Partnership offers each international volunteer an opportunity to learn a culture from the inside while doing valuable community service, peer to peer, in a stimulating new environment. VIP is committed to: *Careful selection and preparation of the volunteer, host family and Host Organization. *Emphasis on the education and self-awareness gained through international community service and volunteering. *Planning the volunteer's intercultural experience to highlight enrichment from cultural differences. *Full immersion in the host culture through orientation, language training, worksite and housing selection. *Individualization of volunteer placement design to take full advantage of volunteer differences in skill, age, experience and diversity. *Effective evaluation of the experience and the Host Organization. *Strong efforts to enhance the volunteer's social adjustment to regional habits and customs. *Choosing volunteer service projects that are worthwhile, safe, meet the needs of the local community and are conducted responsibly with regard to environmental, social and local issues.