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.

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.

All of our projects are community based giving volunteers the opportunity to learn from, as well as help the local people.

Abi Wright, UK (Monte Grande, 2006) - "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 and 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$: $1600+

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 32. Couples and families are welcome and receive a 15% discount (this also applies to friends travelling together). 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: 20-69

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 a not for profit charity which sends volunteers (gap year, university & post university, career break, sabbatical etc) to help with development programs in Africa, Asia and South America. Our programs are community based and the normal stay is from 2-4 months. Volunteers are currently involved in teaching, business development, healthcare and environmental programs.

Year Founded: 2001