Join our Citywide Volunteer Team!

  Chile

• Santiago: 
Santiago

Durations of Program: 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Dates: Sessions begin in March, June, September, December

Description: VEGlobal charges no fee (and in some cases provides free housing) and places talented and motivated volunteers to work with underprivileged children in Santiago, Chile in a wide variety of institutions including community centers, daycares, schools, and orphanages. Tasks include anything from helping the children with homework to upkeeping the grounds of the orphanage.

While volunteers work full (35 hours per week) or part-time (varies) in distinct institutions, they also form a larger and more potent volunteer force that organizes larger scale projects like a soccer league, educational curriculums, fundraising, and repair projects. Each volunteer is placed on a VE committee, which empowers volunteers to expand exisiting programs or to develop new projects within the network.

VE has no religious affiliation.

Highlights: Although each institution has its own routine, volunteers are given the flexibility to create new programs, thus maximizing the experience. Volunteers come from a wide variety of locations, so the organization provides a rich experience for cultural exchange while living in Santiago provides the opportunity to do the same. For every three months of work, volunteers have a one week vacation to take advantage of traveling within the country or internationally.

Qualifications: Volunteers of all backgrounds, ages, and talents are welcome. We especially look for energetic, patient, and affectionate individuals to work with abandoned and abused children. Because of the importance of communication, we require all volunteers with limited Spanish ability to take 30 hours of classroom Spanish before they arrive in Chile. Please see our website for information about our specialized positions in Public Relations & Development, Volunteer Coordination, Project Coordination and Web Development.

Cost in US$: Volunteers pay nothing to participate in our program, and committee leaders as well as those volunteers who live in the orphanages stay for free (keep in mind the decision to live in an orphanage is not something that should be taken lightly as privacy can often be compromised). However, volunteers who opt for other housing opportunities such as home stays, apartment rentals, or long-term hostel rentals will be required to pay for their own housing, food, and transportation to sustain their lifestyle.

Credit Available: yes

Salary / Pay: Committee Leaders receive free housing. As a USA 501(c)3 non-profit, many volunteers can obtain loan deferrals during their work in Chile.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Over the years, volunteers have ranged from 18-38 years of age and have come from 33 different countries. Spanish speaking ability has ranged from perfect to knowing only the word "hola." The most essential attributes of a volunteer are patience and a love for children. Although volunteer positions vary depending on the institution, the basic role of the volunteer is to offer extra hands as most of the institutions are understaffed, thus volunteers find themselves wearing many hats. Education is a top priority of VE. So if you have skills in a particular subject area, you might be asked to share your knowledge by giving special classes. VE also works as a team to foster a network among its volunteers and encourage them to work together on larger projects. They are assigned jobs in different committees that reflect their skills to assist with fundraising, project planning, technological support, and administration, for example.

Age Range: 18+

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

Participants Travel to Chile Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 2-20

Application Process Involves:

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

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

VEGlobal's Mission Statement: VEGlobal organizes a global network of volunteers of diverse backgrounds and nationalities in a universal effort to achieve equality of opportunity in Chile and bridge the social rifts that perpetuate poverty and child abuse.

Year Founded: 2004