Teaching in the Elqui Valley, Chile

  Chile

• All Other Areas in Chile: 
La Serena

Durations of Program: 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: flexible

Description: Looking at a map of Chile one feels a touch of amazement that so much can happen in this long, narrow strip of land, tucked between the towering Andes Mountains and the endless Pacific Ocean! It is a beautiful country, and the Elqui Valley with its breathtaking scenery, is home to our current volunteering projects.

89% of the Chilean people are Roman Catholic, (10% Protestant), and the vast majority only speak Spanish. It is essential that volunteers have or acquire some knowledge of Spanish prior to their departure. Previous volunteers have highlighted this as something which needs to be taken very seriously, as people in Chile in general, and in the Elqui Valley in particular, do not speak English.

Our volunteers are working in three large primary schools based in Monte Grande, Pisco Elqui and Paihuano as well as in a secondary school and several small rural primary schools. Teaching English is the main focus of these projects although volunteers have also been active in teaching drama, sports and science.

The children are responsive and welcoming and the need is for enthusiasm and commitment from our volunteers, rather than formal qualifications. We offer an optional weekend short course in Oxford for those who feel they need extra teaching support. Qualified teachers are also welcome as they can assist with local teacher training.

In each country we have a local manager; we are very careful over security and health issues, and upon arrival you will be met at the airport by our manager and taken through an induction and to your placement to settle in.

Abi Wright, UK (Monte Grande) - "Teaching has been so fun I have really enjoyed myself... hard work but fun... I am genuinely going to miss my family and friends here....I want to thank Mondo for being so good to me on all of my trip. I really felt cared for and an individual rather than just another volunteer... it has been such a great experience for me and I loved every minute."

Highlights: Although some English is spoken at the schools in which our volunteers are currently working, the level is basic, and so this is a great chance to improve your Spanish! Volunteers live and work with the local community and there are opportunities to take courses locally making this an ideal placement for university students studying Spanish. A great way to brush up before oral exams!

Qualifications:
*A good level of general education
*A good knowledge of the English language
*flexibility
*cultural interest
*ability to cope in a rural environment
*Volunteers must have a comprehesive level of spoken Spanish, but this is a good opportunity to perfect their linguistic skills.

Cost in US$: 1,350 for 1 month+

Salary / Pay: Volunteers make a financial contribution to help the development of our projects worldwide.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: The average age of a Mondo volunteer is 35. Couples and families are welcome. Travel with a family member and the second member gets 50% off your programme. Travel with a friend and save 10% of your programme cost. Approximately 50% of our volunteers are non-UK based, with a large number of volunteers from North America, Europe and Australia. Our volunteers have a good level of general education and are enthusiastic, culturally aware, adaptable and highly motivated.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Chile Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 2-3

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

MondoChallenge's Mission Statement: MondoChallenge is an ethical organisation which organises overseas volunteer placements for people seeking a career or pre retirement break. We promote sustainable development in local communities with over 100 exciting projects in 21 thrilling locations and 9 amazing countries. Projects range from Business support & Livelihood, Community development, Health & Care Work, Teaching and many more. Projects are offered in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and South America. So, go ahead..take a break ! Explore a new country and do your bit for the world

Year Founded: 2001