Volunteer Abroad Chile South America Volunteering Opportunities Ethical Tourism Humanitarian Trips www.abroaderview.org

Chile, the longest country in the World, claims almost 3000 miles of the Pacific shoreline. This is a land of contrasts and extremes; with glacial landscapes of Patagonia in the south and the heat of the famously dry Atacama Desert in the north. Running almost the entire length of the country are the impressive peaks of the Andes mountain chain which are visible from many towns and cities.

Since Chile is one of the narrowest countries - only about 125 miles at its widest point, the sea and the mountains are never more than about two to three hours apart, anywhere in the country. Chile's striking natural wonders, its rich cultural history, friendly people and security make it an ideal volunteer location.

Chile has seen many changes in the past 25 years, now boasting one of the most stable economies in South America. Though Chile's economy appears to be the fastest growing economies in the region, Chile suffers from one of the most uneven distributions of wealth in the world. There are estimates that almost 60% of Chileans live near or below poverty levels, with almost 3 million living in extreme poverty.

Our programs allow you to take part in meaningful community service work, while discovering the people, sights, smells and tastes of Chile. Volunteering in Chile is a way to totally immerse yourself in Spanish culture.

This is a great opportunity to make life-long friends, learn a foreign language and discover that one person really can make a difference. Volunteer with us and see A Broader View of the World.

" You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you" - Anonymous.

Volunteer opportunities are available in many areas of the country. Our local Project Coordinators are located in La Serena, Santiago and Concepcion. Some programs are based in more rural areas like the Elqui Valley in the north and Arauco in the south of this wonderful country.

Location pages:

Elqui Valley
La Serena
Santiago
Concepción

More information about chile
http://www.arikah.net/encyclopedia/Chile

The Elqui Valley is a fertile and magical place in northern Chile, located in the middle of the Andes Mountains. This is a 150-mile-long oasis surrounded by arid mountains that stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Argentine border. The Valley's ideal climate has made it Chile's premier travel destination; sun worshippers love its average of over 300 sunny days a year, astronomy buffs come for its night sky, and New Age folks swear by its mystic energy. The most famous product in the Elqui Valley is the pisco, Chile's national alcohol. The valley's unique location and temperature make it an ideal place for growing grapes, and vineyards can be seen everywhere.

Going out from La Serena the landscape changes and emerges green lush vineyards and breathtaking mountains. The Valley is dotted with tiny and impossibly picturesque villages - Vincuna, Montegrande, Pisco Elqui - most of them built in adobe, with dusty roads and old churches.

We offer the following programs in Elqui Valley: (1-24 weeks placements with optional start date)

Program Length : 1-24 weeks
Program Date: Flexible Start & End Date
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 hour per day
Accommodations: Local guesthouse or homestay
Meals: Yes, 3 meals a day
Requirements: 18 years , Basic Spanish knowledge,  an able body and caring spirit.

Social/Welfare Service: We have partnerships with local NGO's and private institutions that support the improvement of living conditions of children. Volunteers work at a local children's home which doubles as an orphanage and day care. The children range in age from infancy to 12yrs old, some with mild handicaps. Volunteers assist the local staff with the basic needs such as feeding, bathing and clothing, as well arrange games and day trips with the kids. Basic Spanish is required, as well as a positive and flexible attitude.

Education/Teaching: A recently stated goal of the Chilean Ministry of Education is that Chile must become a fully bilingual country. English is taught in all schools from the first to the twelfth grades. English teaching assistants will work closely with Chilean English teachers. We have teaching placements in several small rural schools in the Elqui Valley. Volunteers do not need previous teaching experience, although it would be helpful. Basic/Intermediate Spanish is required, as well as a positive and flexible attitude.

Medical/Healthcare: We have placements available in a rural clinic, about 25 minutes outside of La Serena. The community clinic serves about 300 people and sees a variety of patients. Volunteers assist the local staff in whatever capacity they may need, such as taking medical history, checking vitals, drawing blood, assisting with medicine and supplies. Volunteers must work in the medical field and provide copies of their credentials. Since this is in a rural area, and intermediate knowledge of Spanish is required. This is a great opportunity to gain first hand medical experience in a foreign country while donating your skills and time.

Program Includes: Accommodation with a local host family. All meals included daily Airport transfers on arrival and departure. Our local Project Coordinators will provide full day orientation on arrival in La Serena, introduction and placement in a volunteer work project. Half day (4hours) Spanish language lessons. *Additional Spanish classes can be arranged for you locally.

The project coordinator is available 24/7 in case of emergency, health-related or otherwise. They can assist in arranging sightseeing excursion before, during or after the volunteer program.

La Serena, in northern Chile, is the country's second-oldest town. La Serena maintains a Spanish neo-colonial style according to the "Plan Serena" implemented by the Chilean government, which allowed the city to grow yet keep its own unique style. The heritage of the city includes over 30 churches, a romantic avenue of replica classical Italian statues, elegant colonial buildings and numerous gardens and parks.

La Serena is a pretty colonial town with a population of about 120,000. It is the capital city of Coquimbo Province, located about 250 miles north of the Chilean capital of Santiago. From here you can reach the Elqui Valley, famous for producing "Pisco", (the traditional drink of choice in the Andes), and for being one of the world's major astronomical centers due to its clear skies (Tololo, Campanas and Silla Observatories).

The surrounding area has the greatest concentration of astronomical observatories in the world.

Known as the The City of Bell Towers and the City of Carnations, La Serena is a warm, friendly coastal town offering a wealth of history, pleasant year round weather and many nearby attractions (Vicuña, Ovalle, Gabriela Mistral, Punta Choros).

We offer the following programs in La Serena: (1- 24 week placements with optional start date)

Program Length : 1 to 24  weeks
Program Date: Flexible Start & End Date
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 hour per day
Accommodations: Local guesthouse or homestay
Meals: Yes, 3 meals a day
Requirements: 18 years , Basic Spanish knowledge,  an able body and caring spirit.

Social/Welfare Service: We have partnerships with local NGO's and private institutions that support the improvement of living conditions of children. Volunteers work at a local children's home which doubles as an orphanage and day care. The children range in age from infancy to 12yrs old, some with mild handicaps. Volunteers assist the local staff with the basic needs such as feeding, bathing and clothing; as well arrange games and day trips with the kids. Basic Spanish is required, as well as a positive and flexible attitude.

Education/Teaching: A recently stated goal of the Chilean Ministry of Education is that Chile must become a fully bilingual country. English is taught in all schools from the first to the twelfth grades. English teaching assistants will work closely with Chilean English teachers. We have teaching placements in several small (primary and secondary) schools in La Serena. Volunteers do not need previous teaching experience, although it would be helpful. Basic Spanish is required, as well as a positive and flexible attitude.

Program Includes: Private accommodations at a local Spanish colonial style guesthouse or homestay option including breakfast & dinner daily. Airport transfers on arrival and departure. Our local Project Coordinators will provide HD orientation & La Serena city tour with lunch, introduction and placement in a volunteer work project. Half day (4 hours) Spanish language lessons. The project coordinator is available 24/7 in case of emergency, health-related or otherwise. They can assist in arranging sightseeing excursion before, during or after the volunteer program.

Santiago, situated in the central valley, on the Mapocho River, is the capital city of Chile. Santiago is an urban metropolis with over 5 million people yet it still retains a small town atmosphere especially downtown. Santiago is graced with a mix of colonial and modern architecture, tree-lined streets, several parks, distinctive neighborhoods, and an ample assortment of restaurants and shops. The city has a modern, secure and efficient metro system which makes traveling around the city easy and worry-free.

Santiago's central location makes it a convenient home base for trips to the north, south, and central coastal regions of Chile. A vibrant and exhilarating city, Santiago is a good place to explore and volunteer; study Spanish and immerse yourself in the Chilean culture.

We offer the following programs in Santiago: (1 - 24 week placements with optional start date)

Program Length : 1-24 weeks
Program Date: Flexible Start & End Date
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 hour per day
Accommodations: Local guesthouse or homestay
Meals: Yes, 3 meals a day
Requirements: 18 years , Basic Spanish knowledge,  an able body and caring spirit.

Social/Welfare Service: We have partnerships with local NGO's and private institutions that support the improvement of living conditions of children. Volunteers work at a local children's home which doubles as an orphanage and day care. The children range in age from infancy to 12yrs old, some with mild handicaps. Volunteers assist the local staff with the basic needs such as feeding, bathing and clothing, as well arrange games and day trips with the kids. Basic Spanish is required, as well as a positive and flexible attitude.

Education/Teaching: A recently stated goal of the Chilean Ministry of Education is that Chile must become a fully bilingual country. English is taught in all schools from the first to the twelfth grades. English teaching assistants will work closely with Chilean English teachers. We have teaching placements in several small (primary and secondary) schools in Santiago. Volunteers do not need previous teaching experience, although it would be helpful. Basic Spanish is required, as well as a positive and flexible attitude.

Program Includes: Accommodation at a local Spanish colonial style guesthouse or homestay option. All meals included daily. Airport transfers on arrival and departure. Our local Project Coordinators will provide full day orientation with city tour with lunch, introduction and placement in a volunteer work project. Half day (4hours) Spanish language lessons. *Additional Spanish classes can be arranged for you locally.

The project coordinator is available 24/7 in case of emergency, health-related or otherwise. They can assist in arranging sightseeing excursion before, during or after the volunteer program.

Concepcion, located in central part of Chile near the Pacific coast, is Chile's second largest city. Familiarly called Conce, Concepcion lies on the southern coast on the Bio Bio River, about 300 miles south of Santiago. An important commercial and educational city, Concepcion also boast the second largest concentration of universities in Chile, giving the city a youthful feel. The city is also a gateway to La Araucanía (the region most heavily settled by Chile's indigenous Mapuche communities) and is close to the natural splendor of the southern Lake District.

Concepcion is home to about half a million people, but still encompasses a small town atmosphere. The climate is characterized by well-defined seasons with a warm summer and a cold winter. With lush parks, natural scenery, forests, lakes, wildlife and birding in close proximity, Concepcion is a great place to live and volunteer.

We offer the following programs in Concepcion: (1 - 24 week placements with optional start date)

Program Length : 1-24 weeks
Program Date: Flexible Start & End Date
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 hour per day
Accommodations: Local guesthouse or homestay
Meals: Yes, 3 meals a day
Requirements: 18 years , Basic Spanish knowledge,  an able body and caring spirit.

Social/Welfare Service: We have partnerships with local NGO's and private institutions that support the improvement of living conditions of children. Volunteers work at a local children's home which doubles as an orphanage and day care. The children range in age from infancy to 12yrs old, some with mild handicaps. Volunteers assist the local staff with the basic needs such as feeding, bathing and clothing, as well arrange games and day trips with the kids. Basic Spanish is required, as well as a positive and flexible attitude.

Education/Teaching: A recently stated goal of the Chilean Ministry of Education is that Chile must become a fully bilingual country. English is taught in all schools from the first to the twelfth grades. English teaching assistants will work closely with Chilean English teachers. We have teaching placements in several small (primary and secondary) schools in Concepcion. Volunteers do not need previous teaching experience, although it would be helpful. Basic Spanish is required, as well as a positive and flexible attitude.

Program Includes: Accommodation at a local Spanish colonial style guesthouse or homestay option. All meals included daily. Airport transfers on arrival and departure. Our local Project Coordinators will provide full day orientation with city tour with lunch, introduction and placement in a volunteer work project. Half day (4hours) Spanish language lessons. *Additional Spanish classes can be arranged for you locally.

The project coordinator is available 24/7 in case of emergency, health-related or otherwise. They can assist in arranging sightseeing excursion before, during or after the volunteer program.