Conservation Programs in Chile

  Chile

• Vina del Mar: 
Vina del Mar

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: throughout the year

Description: Chile's landscape is stunning. The country stretches from north of the Tropic of Capricorn almost to the Antarctic Circle. The Atacama desert in the north is the driest place on earth--only trace amounts of precipitation have ever been recorded in some areas of the desert. Moving south along the Andes, the intensely arid desert gives way to vineyards, world famous ski areas, temperate rain forest, and large ice fields in the south. Boats headed for Antarctica regularly set sail from Ushaia on the Argentine side of Tierra del Fuego. The first national parks and reserves in Chile were first established in the 1920s, but despite these early conservation efforts, Chile is facing many serious environmental issues including deforestation, industrial pollution, air pollution, and introduction of exotic species. Volunteers with a background in environmental science, agronomy, ecology, tourism, or aquaculture are welcome to work in a variety of projects in national parks and reserves.

Highlights: All ELI programs are set up on a completely individual basis and tailored to the specific requests and skills of each participant.

The Chile programs are based in Viña del Mar, Chile's garden city. Viña is a dynamic city with some of Chile's nicest beaches, beautiful parks, and a famous music scene.

Viña is a perfect place to be based when exploring all that Chile has to offer including the wine country, skiing during the northern summer, the Andes, The UNESCO Heritage site of Valparaiso, Patagonia, and the rest of Chile.

Participants can choose between the unforgettable cultural immersion experience of living with a Chilean host family or the exciting independence of renting an apartment in one of Chile's most exciting cities.

Qualifications: Participants should have at least an intermediate level of Spanish proficiency and be ready to work in a 100% Spanish speaking environment.

Cost in US$: Starting at US $995 for four weeks

Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Santiago and provided with transportation to their host family or apartment

In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a two to three day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Chile. Spanish classes are also provided.

In-country Staff Support: ELI's Chile coordinator has years of experience working with visitors to Chile. She is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

Accommodations: Participants can choose between staying with a local host family or in an apartment. Participants staying with a host family are provided with a room and breakfast and dinner each day. By living with a family, participants will learn about the day to day rhythms of Chilean life first hand as well as sample traditional meals not usually available in restaurants.

Participants who choose to stay in an apartment have the flexibility of preparing meals at home and the opportunity to sample the many restaurants in Viña. This housing option is perfect for participants needing more independence.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range: 18 and older

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

Participants Travel to Chile Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2001