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Chile Volunteer Quests
Volunteer in Chile: 2-12 weeks

 
"My United Planet Quest to Chile was wonderful. I arrived in Santiago, nervous but very excited to get to know a different culture and to help the people there in the process. Overall, this quest allowed me to grow in ways that I didn't think possible, and also awakened me to the potential of a group of kids. We really could, very easily, change the lives of a lot of people in a short span of time. I left feeling inspired and looking forward to what the future would bring, knowing what was possible."

-Jessica Pierce, United Planet volunteer in Chile

United Planet's Quest Volunteer Abroad program offers you or your group a life-changing opportunity to interact with local communities through customized work experiences, cultural activities, and home stays.


 

Country and Community Information

Chile is one of Latin America’s oldest democracies, interrupted only for a brief period during the rule of General Augusto Pinochet. The country is known for its striking and varied landscapes: the Atacama Desert, known as the world’s driest desert, the Andes, and coast, and the remote region of Patagonia. Chileans lovingly refer to their country as “The Land of Poets”: Nobel Prize-winning poets Pablo Neruda and Gabriela Mistral are a source of national pride.

Many Chileans have European heritage; the indigenous minorities—the Mapuche of the South and Aymara of the North—also make up a significant portion of the population. The lifestyle and diet is similar to that found in Mediterranean countries. Chileans are also predominantly Catholic and Spanish-speaking. About one third of Chileans live in the greater area of Santiago, or Gran Santiago.


While Chile boasts the strongest economy of the Americas, not all Chileans have benefited from the country’s recent economic growth. The government has worked hard to overcome uneven income distribution since the mid-1990s but has not yet fully eradicated extreme poverty. Providing the poor with adequate housing and improving education are necessary for Chile to achieve full social equality for its citizens.

 

 

Map Chile


Volunteer Opportunities in Chile

The purpose of this Quest is to promote a deeper level of cultural exchange and understanding through meaningful volunteer work at local schools, home stays, and both free and guided excursions.

United Planet is currently working with different volunteer opportunities in partnership with local organizations in Chile.


  1) English Teaching Quest
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. 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 speaker as an 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. The last week of this Quest is spent in Vina Del Mar. Only basic Spanish required.

2) Day Care Quest
Volunteers will work in small day care centers located near downtown Santiago. The Sala Cuna serves a maximum of 12 children between the ages of three months and two years. A larger Jardin Infantil serves children from two to five 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; participate in daily activities including: game playing, storytelling, drawing and riding tricycles; and use didactic learning materials, all supervised by volunteers. The last week of this Quest is spent in a Day Care Center in Vina Del Mar. This Quest is offered year-round. Intermediate Spanish required.


3) Healthcare Quest

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.  No births or operations take place here as it is not a medical clinic. Most of the 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, however. There is a telephone interview with United Planet’s coordinator in Santiago prior to entering this particular Quest which is offered year-round. Advanced Spanish required.


4) Special Homebuilding Quest

The Homebuilding Quest will run in late January or July 2009 (exact dates TBA) - This is a special project for high school and college students! For two weeks, volunteers join Chilean students as they travel around Chile constructing housing for low-income families. Please call us for more details! Intermediate Spanish required.

5) Women's Shelter Quest

This Quest is open year round. Volunteers work with women and their children in the shelter, taking care of the children and helping with tasks around the shelter. Please call for more details.

 

Quests take place in Santiago, Vina Del Mar and for the homebuilding Quest, locations throughout Chile. Santiago de Chile is a vibrant capital city full of cultural learning opportunities. United Planet also provides excursions, such as a tour of a mining town and a day at the port city of Valparaíso, where volunteers learn more about Chilean history. Many of these are included in the program fee - please see the Chile Prices and Details page for more information.
  • Chile Quests begin on every Sunday of each month.
  • Two years of Spanish language studies are required for all Quests, except for English Teaching Assistants.
  • Chile Quests are open to individuals aged 16 yrs old and up
  • Click here to view a sample two-week itinerary


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!

 

 

 

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Request Info

Any questions? Please contact us online at Request Info or call 1-800-292-2316 or 1-617-267-7763. United Planet is open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST.

Apply Now

Fill out the online application and start to make a difference as a volunteer!

Prices and Start Dates
Check out prices and details for Chile volunteers!

Why Pay to Volunteer

Learn how your program fee is spent.

Fundraising

Need help with your fundraising activities? Check out our fundraising kit.

Short-term Locations
(1-12 weeks)

Cambodia
Chile
Costa Rica
Ecuador
Ghana
Guatemala
India
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Mexico
Nepal
Peru
Romania
Tanzania
Thailand
Tibet
Turkey

Long-term Locations
(6-12 months)

Belgium
Bolivia
Brazil
Colombia
Costa Rica
Denmark
Ecuador
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Honduras
Iceland
India
Italy
Kenya
Mexico
Moldova
Mozambique
Nepal
New Zealand
Nigeria
Russia
South Korea
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Uganda
United Kingdom

Skills and Interest

Quests projects vary by location and are offered to both skilled and unskilled volunteers. Read more at:

Groups

Are you interested in going as a group? Learn more on our groups page!

FAQS

Click here to find out answers to many frequently asked questions about United Planet Quests.

Picture Gallery

View pictures taken by our volunteers and staff.

Volunteer Testimonials

Hear what United Planet volunteers have to say about their Quests.

Family and Friends Page

Are you a parent, family member or friend of a UP volunteer? Read this important information!

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