Chile Volunteer Quests
Volunteer in Chile: 2-12 weeks

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.

• 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