Quick Facts
Program code
CL-WT117
Category
Working Holiday, Hotel Work
Country
Chile
Location
Valparaiso, Central Region of Chile
Program start
Flexible start and end dates year round
Minimum duration
4 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
Project details
This idyllic hostel is beautifully located in the historic area of Valparaiso, on Cerro Concepcion. Cerro Concepcion has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its historical significance and very special architecture. Cerro Concepcion is full of colorful houses, viewpoints, street art, restaurants, cafes, shops, galleries, bars and clubs. There is something special to discover on every street corner. Bohemian life pulsates in the alleys surrounding the hostel and yet it is only a few steps away from the financial district, the sea, the harbor, the market, and the famous steep elevators of Valparaíso.
This picturesque and cozy hostel has been open since 2011 and welcomes backpackers from all over the world to its 25 rooms. The hostel can accommodate a total of 96 people. In addition to the guest rooms, there are cozy lounge areas that invite people to linger and chat with mates and travelers. Around 7-10 (depending on the season) employees look after the well-being of the guests.
Tasks
Most of the work takes place in the hostel operation, such as working at the reception, doing check-in/check-out, answering emails, etc. What could be nicer than welcoming the guests there, being able to give them information and in return ensuring that they feel completely comfortable. The activities also include cleaning and maintenance work, such as keeping the common areas clean, preparing the beds and rooms for new guests (removing beds, remaking them), etc. As is usual in tourism, the work is divided into shifts and rotated. The night shift includes working at the reception so that guests can return late, cleaning work and preparing the breakfast buffet for the next morning.
The tasks in this program position are diverse and can vary depending on where you are needed at the time. Please be flexible and always helpful.
So that you can do as much as possible in your free time and get to know the exciting city of Valparaiso, you have 3 days off per week. In total, the hostel can accommodate 4 volunteers.
Accommodation
The volunteers live in the volunteer area of the hostel. There are shared rooms with shared bathrooms. The volunteer area also has a kitchen and a small courtyard. In the kitchen you can prepare your meals and store groceries.
As far as food is concerned, you can serve your breakfast at the same buffet as the guests. For the remaining meals, you will get a small allowance for grocery shopping.
Internet Wifi is available to participants and can be used outside of working hours.
Location
Valparaíso is just 90 minutes by car from the capital Santiago de Chile and is located directly on the Pacific coast. For this reason, Valparaíso is also known as “La Joya del Pacífico” (the Jewel of the Pacific), as it is Chile's most important port city. The colorful mosaic of houses on the numerous hills above the sea was sung in songs and revered in poems. Pablo Neruda, the Nobel Prize winner for literature, was also inspired here. But it's not just a lot of poetry that makes everything shine here - Valparaíso impresses with its rough harbor charm.
Although Valparaíso is a little crazy, colorful, and chaotic, it is undoubtedly the most worth seeing city in Chile. On almost every corner there are small galleries, artist cafés, studios and street art projects that present art and culture here like nowhere else. The old town of Valparaíso has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003. In a unique way, it combines the influences of immigrants from England, the USA, Germany, and France who joined the Spaniards in the 19th century. The city of Valparaíso was long considered a Chilean melting pot of cultures and was the most important port in South America until the Panama Canal opened.
There are numerous stairs that connect the upper and lower town - so residents have a real fitness routine every day. However, around 1900, steep elevators were built that effortlessly take you from bottom to top and back again. You definitely shouldn't miss a ride in one of these elevators!
Just a short ride by train takes you to the beautiful neighboring town of Viña del Mar with its long sandy beach. Other seaside resorts such as Reñaca, Concon and Maitencillo are also easily accessible. The area offers a high quality of life, fresh air, a unique atmosphere and exciting nightlife.
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your Working Holiday 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 and to meet like-minded people in a relaxes atmosphere.
You can book your Spanish course in Chile directly with us!
Requirements
- Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Chile here)
- Minimum age 18 years
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.)
- Completion of a 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, to reach us in case of emergency 24/7.
In Chile you will be supported by our in-country staff based in Santiago de Chile.
Costs & Services
Working Holiday in a hostel in Valparaiso includes:
- Accommodation, shared room
- Breakfast and allowance of 20.000 Pesos / month for groceries (subject to changes)
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your Working Holiday placement
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Costs
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 410 (minimum stay 4 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 20
Additionally, you can book:
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If you need assistance in putting together your personal experience abroad, then please contact us. Our experienced staff will help you to set up your tailor-made stay abroad.
Working Holiday Guide
Find valuable information about working 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.
Browse through our section Reading Matter!