Volunteering opportunities in Santiago are as varied as its geography. With a wide range of volunteering works in the capital city, a picturesque landscape with various hiking trails, relaxing and volunteering is a good combination when choosing Santiago as your next stop. Volunteering placements are available in a range of sectors. These volunteering projects run from a couple of weeks to few months, with support provided to the volunteers for the entire duration of each project.

Health & Health Services. Health programs will place volunteers in local hospitals and clinics. These programs will focus on public health efforts, physical therapy, and medical shadowing. These projects are good for individuals pursuing a career in medicine; it’s a great opportunity for hands-on, real-world experience. Institutions offering services like physical therapy for children and athletes with disabilities, and which participate in health campaigns and outreach programs for remote communities also require passionate international volunteers.

Animal Welfare. These programs are for volunteers who love and enjoy taking care of animals. Volunteers will be most likely be assigned to an animal shelter which rescues dogs and cats from the streets, where they struggle to survive. Volunteers will help in the shelters, taking care of ill and abused animals, or with an organization that feeds and looks after the animals that remain living in the streets.

Social Work. Social work in Chile, especially in Santiago, is a big issue, with many institutions in need of volunteers and financial support. Join one of the projects and work with different institutions, such as children’s homes, in women’s shelters, or taking care of handicapped and elderly adults. You will be trained and empowered to help and foster the development of local institutions, and to nurture the development of kids as role models, educators, and ambassadors for social justice. The lack of financial support from the government and its social service systems are one of the reasons why volunteering in social works in Santiago is a priority in Chile. Make a difference by staying in a local institution for a few weeks, or months, and help change lives.

Education. Volunteers who wish to develop their skills as English teachers, or even as teachers in general, will be able to experience teaching in different environments. Volunteers will be assisting local teachers and work closely with children, helping develop lesson plans, providing small group tutoring, and carrying out other admin/support tasks. Volunteering in a non-English speaking community is definitely difficult, but it is an opportunity to learn, and it provides positive insights for future teaching environments.