Program Sponsored by Ministry of Education & United Nations Development Program

  Chile

• Santiago: 
Santiago
• Valparaiso: 
Valparaiso
• All Other Areas in Chile: 
La Serena,  Copiapo,  Arica

Durations of Program: 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Throughout the year

Description: Improve your Spanish, your resume, and your world with the United Nations Development Program. Sponsored by the UNDP and the Chilean Ministry of Education, English Opens Doors seeks highly motivated individuals to teach English to children in Chilean elementary and high schools. The program offers two FREE ten-week summer programs, as well as longer 4,6,8, and 12 month programs that give volunteers the opportunity to learn Spanish and immerse themselves in Chilean culture while having a positive impact on the developing world. All programs include Spanish classes, orientation, TEFL training, housing with a Chilean host family, and a living stipend.

Highlights: A program fee of 600 dollars for four and six month volunteers and 1,000 dollars for eight and twelve month volunteers helps to offset the costs of a comprehensive package offered to all participants. This package include:

*    Accommodations and meals with a host family.
*    A monthly stipend of CLP 85.000 (approximately USD$164 as of September 2008).
*    Health Insurance, Pre-Departure Information and Support.
*    All-expense paid orientation in Santiago, which includes TEFL workshops, information about the Chilean educational system, a cultural orientation, Spanish lessons, and cultural activities.
*    Airport transfer fees to designated accomodations for Santiago orientation for volunteers who arrive on official program start dates.
*    All-expense paid regional orientation
*    Assistance obtaining a Temporary Residence Visa and Chilean I.D. card.
*    Round-trip transportation from Santiago to the regional placement site.
*    E-blended Spanish Course (online Link Chile e-learning Spanish)
*    Classroom Materials
*    Ongoing teaching support.
*    Program certification by the Chilean Ministry of Education.

Qualifications: * Be a native or near-native speaker.
* Have completed a minimum 2-year degree.
* Have experience teaching or working with children and a genuine interest in assisting English teaching.
* Assume all related costs to complete the in-country process for obtaining their Temporary Residence Visa and Chilean I.D. Card.
* Be mentally and physically capable of teaching children.
* Have experience living or traveling in another country, preferably in the developing world.
* Have an interest in Chilean culture and living in a developing country.
* Be highly committed, responsible, and flexible.

Cost in US$: 600-1000 dollars

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: There is no "typical" volunteer with English Opens Doors, as we accept individuals from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds. However, all volunteers should be flexible, enthusiastic, and interested in cross cultural exchange.

Age Range: 20-50

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:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

English Opens Doors Volunteer Program's Mission Statement: The English Opens Doors Volunteer Program was developed by the Chilean Ministry of Education in conjunction with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to provide new opportunities for both students and teachers to practice English with native English speakers. The English Opens Doors Volunteer Program provides increased on-site school support to improve English learning in elementary and high schools by assigning foreign English-speaking volunteers to work as English language assistants in different schools throughout Chile.

Year Founded: 2004