Quick Facts
Program code
CL-VOL116
Category
Volunteer Work, Child Care, Education
Country
Chile
Location
Frutillar, Lake District, Southern Chile
Program start
flexible start and end dates between March and end of January (the school year ends on Dec 15, but the school offers "summer school" in January)
Minimum duration
6 weeks
Minimum age
20 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Program details
The volunteer work takes place in a small rural school in the idyllic south of Chile. The school is located near Frutillar, a very popular tourist town right on Lake Llanquihue overlooking the snow-capped Osorno Volcano. The school is a self-directed teaching community in which boys, girls and teachers meet on an equal footing.
Self-directed learning is described as a strategic and self-reflective learning process in which students, with or without the help of others, take the initiative to identify their own learning needs, set goals, and identify and implement appropriate strategies. The school provides a physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe space where the students can develop their natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. The friendly teaching staff offers maximum support with minimum intervention. They accompany the natural learning processes of the children with the appropriate learning material.
The school is a modern alternative to the traditional school. Children follow the schedule at their own pace, guided by their interests and abilities. The children have space to explore, play, create, jump, dance, sing, play instruments, solve puzzles, paint, carpentry, do handicrafts, pottery, design, but also write, read, do math, and take part in workshops. That way, they're always learning, even when it seems like they're just having fun.
The school team consists of 4 supervisors aged between 30 and 45 years. Around 20 boys and girls between the ages of 3 and 11 are currently attending this small country school.
The school is housed in a large building with a spacious green area. It is a great environment for children to learn, discover, explore, play, grow and develop together.
Tasks
A wide variety of tasks will come your way. Of course, the focus is on looking after the children and designing and enriching the learning environment. Intercultural exchange with teachers, children and families is very important in this volunteer project. Volunteers should be flexible, tolerant, and proactive in community life.
The working time is approximately 35 hours per week from Monday to Friday.
As a volunteer, you have an important role model function. Please always be aware of your responsibility towards the children. A large dose of responsibility and a sense of duty are important.
The volunteers' areas of responsibility include:
- Looking after the children at school
- Supervising free play
- Shaping and enriching the learning environment
- Offering projects and workshops
- Playing, making music, dancing, doing handicrafts, painting
- Doing sports with the children
- Promoting the development of children with meaningful activities
- Teaching the children in your mother tongue
- Supervising children during mealtimes
- Assisting in the maintenance of the rooms and outdoor areas
- Attending the weekly team meeting
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
An important aspect of our volunteer work at a school in Chile is the exchange with the local culture and community. During your volunteer work you will live in a local household, a so-called homestay, in the vicinity of the school.
The accommodation includes a single room and three meals per day (typical local food, vegetarian and/or vegan can be accommodated).
Location
Frutillar is a beautiful small town on the picturesque Llanquihue Lake in southern Chile, about 1,000 km south of the capital Santiago de Chile. The town is situated in a small bay. From the shore there is a magnificent view of the snow-capped Osorno volcano.
The area around Lake Llanquihue is influenced by German immigrants, who sought and often found their fortune here in the mid-19th century. The German influence is still visible everywhere today, be it in gastronomy, architecture, and the residents' own culture.
Frutillar is a very popular holiday resort, especially in the glorious summer months. Nature lovers and outdoor sports fans are drawn to Lake Llanquihue. Deep forests, raging mountain rivers, lovely mountain landscapes and unique national parks characterize this area.
The next largest cities are Puerto Varas, also on Lake Llanquihue and a major tourist attraction, and Puerto Montt on the Pacific Ocean.
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 20 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 Work in the countryside 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$ 1,060 (minimum duration 6 weeks)
Extra week: US$ 130
Additionally, you can book:
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Volunteer Guide
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