Quick Facts
Program code
CL-VOL118
Category
Volunteer Work, Child Care, Education
Country
Chile
Location
Curacavi, Central Chile
Program start
flexible start and end dates between March and end of November
Minimum duration
6 weeks
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
8 am - 4 pm EST
info@southamerica-inside.com
+56 97517 3724
+56 97516 9816
Program details
Become part of a unique educational space in rural Curacaví, just about an hour from Santiago de Chile. The volunteer program is conducted in a small school based on the principles of Waldorf education. It offers children from preschool to elementary school level 3 a holistic education rooted in respect for nature, creative learning, and social interaction.
This project is more than a school - it's a vibrant community focused on learning, sustainability, and humanity. Amidst 2 hectares of natural surroundings, with animals, gardens, workshops, and plenty of space for development, the children experience everyday life with all their senses.
Volunteers are warmly invited to support the friendly team and contribute their talents and strengths.
Here, children learn surrounded by nature on lovingly landscaped grounds that also include a small farm with animals such as horses, chickens, geese, and rabbits—ideal for nature-based learning. There are vegetable gardens, a woodworking shop, a quincho (open meeting area), and numerous outdoor play and learning spaces. A multi-sports area and a seasonally secure swimming area provide space for exercise and play.
Tasks
The school understands education as a collaborative, vibrant experience—and that's exactly what we want to share with dedicated volunteers. If you enjoy working with children, love nature, and want to be part of a holistic educational project, then this volunteer program is a great fit for you.
Volunteer tasks can include:
Teaching & Supervision
- Support in lessons, especially English
- Planning leisure activities
- Accompanying children during outdoor play, in nature, or on the farm
- Conducting creative, artistic, or craft activities
- Assisting with horse therapy for the children
Animals & Nature Care
- Assisting with animal care (e.g., horses, chickens, rabbits, geese)
- Assisting with gardening or permaculture
- Assisting with nature education activities
Crafts & Infrastructure
- Working in the wood workshop
- Assisting with simple construction, repair, or maintenance work on the premises
Community & Culture
- Assisting with organizing annual festivals, celebrations, or project days
- Assisting with food distribution or in the quincho (open area for meetings)
- Creative contributions to the school design (e.g., decorations, information materials, games)
Administration & Communication
- Assisting with organizational tasks (e.g., preparing materials, organizing)
- Supporting public relations (social media, (Photos, texts)
We ask participants to be flexible, as the tasks vary and are not the same for everyone.
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
A key aspect of your volunteer experience at the Waldorf school in Chile involves engaging closely with the local culture and community. Throughout your volunteer program, you will reside with a local host family in proximity to the school – referred to as a homestay.
You will have your own private room and will receive three meals daily. Any special dietary needs, such as vegetarian options or food intolerances, will be accommodated whenever feasible.
Take the opportunity to practice your Spanish and develop intercultural skills. Here, you are not just a visitor, but part of the family. Let yourself be swept away by the warm atmosphere and create unforgettable memories.
Location
Curacaví is a charming, rural community in central Chile. It is located about 50 kilometers west of Santiago – just an hour by car or bus from the capital – and halfway towards Valparaíso on the Pacific coast.
Thanks to its location, you can experience authentic Chilean rural life as well as take weekend trips to Santiago or the seaside (e.g., Valparaíso or Viña del Mar) – both of which can be reached in about an hour.
The region combines the tranquility of rural life with easy accessibility to major cities. It is known for its mild Mediterranean climate, idyllic fertile valleys, verdant vineyards, and the hospitality of its people.
The school is located on spacious grounds outside the city center, surrounded by hills, fields, and plenty of fresh air – an ideal place for children to learn and grow in direct contact with nature.
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your volunteer work in Chile, we advise you to take a Spanish course before the program starts. This gives you the opportunity to slowly get used to the language, culture and mentality.
You can book your Spanish course in Chile directly with us!
Requirements
- Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Chile!)
- Good English skills
- Minimum age 18 years
- Driving license (very helpful but not mandatory)
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office in Santiago de Chile you will be supported by an on-site volunteer coordinator.
Costs & Services
Our Volunteer Program at a Waldorf school in Chile includes:
- Single room in Homestay
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 1,100 (minimum duration 6 weeks)
Extra week: US$ 135
Additionally, you can book:
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Volunteer Guide
Find valuable information about volunteering abroad in our program guides. Find out about all the benefits, possibilities and challenges, that a stay abroad offers you. Read more about the great opportunities that South America Inside has at your disposal.
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