I had a wonderful experience and would highly recommend the program to anyone interested in a volunteer experience in Latin America. - Rebecca Flax, United Planet Quest Volunteer, Santiago, Chile

Ongoing year-round Quest Opportunities in Chile:
United Planet offers several ongoing volunteer Quest opportunities in Chile that each begin on the first and third Monday of each month, open to volunteers of all ages. Except for the English teaching assistant positions, volunteers should have at least two years of Spanish language studies.

Special Home Building project - late July 2008 (exact dates TBA) - This is a special project for high school and college students! For the last two weeks of July 2008, join Chilean students as they travel around Chile constructing much needed housing. Spanish language skills are required. Please call us for more details!

English Teaching Assistants
For volunteers with or without previous Spanish language studies, working as English teaching assistants with local English teachers in government subsidized schools will provide a richly rewarding experience. A recently stated goal of the Chilean government 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, developing lesson plans, providing small group tutoring and correcting tests. They may also read aloud and sing songs in class with the younger students and talk about their own experiences. There is a direct benefit to the Chilean English teacher of having a native speaking English assistant. It provides a unique opportunity for the teachers to speak and practice their English. As a result of this experience, the teachers typically feel more supported and energized in their daily work. This quest is offered from mid-March to the end of November.
ONLY BASIC SPANISH REQUIRED

Working with children in daycare facilities
Volunteers will work in small daycare centers located near downtown Santiago. The Sala Cuna serves a maximum of 12 children between the ages of 3 months and 2 years old. A larger Jardin Infantil serves children from 2 years to 5 years old. The mothers of these children reside at a nearby shelter for the homeless and work during the day. The children stay at the centers from 9 am until 5 pm. In the Jardin Infantil, they eat a morning snack and lunch, and participate in daily activities including game playing, story telling, drawing, riding tricycles, and using didactic learning materials, all supervised by volunteers. This quest is offered all year.
INTERMEDIATE SPANISH REQUIRED.

Health Care
United Planet volunteers will work in a “sala de enfermos" or a room for sick people. There are 80 beds in a two-story building and the beds are usually all occupied.  There are no births or operations because it is not a medical clinic.   Most of your volunteering will involve talking with patients and comforting them. There are doctors and nurses who visit and perform basic medical procedures such as taking blood samples. Other volunteers will typically be Chilean nursing and medical students. A medical background is not necessary for United Planet volunteers. Volunteers must make a two week commitment and be fluent in Spanish. There is a telephone interview with United Planet’s coordinator in Santiago prior to entering this particular quest which is offered all year.
ADVANCED SPANISH REQUIRED.

Visas
United Planet sends volunteers from many countries around the world. Obtaining a Visa (if necessary) is therefore the responsibility of the volunteer. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the U.S. State Department to learn more about foreign entry requirements. For citizens of all other countries, please contact your destination country's embassy in your home country or your government website. If you need a letter from United Planet to verify your participation in our program, please e-mail us with this request and we will be happy to provide one.

Health Issues and Vaccinations
Some countries require or suggest that volunteers have certain vaccinations before entering the country.  Please consult your country's government website for more information regarding the health of travelers. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control to learn more about vaccinations and staying healthy while traveling.  It is also recommended that you visit nearest travel clinic prior to departure.

Living and volunteering in another country, often in conditions you are not used to, can take a toll on the body and mind.  In addition to the information that is provided in your pre-departure package, please research how to stay healthy in your country of destination.  It could make all the difference!