Quick Facts
Program code
CL-WT121
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
22 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
Project details
Work where others vacation – you can do that at this hostel in the heart of Valparaíso. Backpackers from Chile, Argentina, and Brazil come and go here, as do globetrotters from many European countries. Good Spanish and English skills are therefore a must for this working holiday position.
The hostel, run by Constanza, is located in a beautiful, lovingly restored house from 1918 with a turret and a cozy courtyard and can accommodate up to 25 guests in six rooms. The rooms are all different and colorful, just like the rest of the hostel.
The city shape of Valparaíso itself is also multicolored patchwork of houses. If you like a cozy and colorful atmosphere and enjoy meeting new people, this is the place for you. Small concerts and other cultural events are also held regularly. The hostel is committed to environmental protection and sustainability.
Tasks
As a volunteer, you will work 25 hours per week in a system of three shifts of eight hours each. Shifts are either from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or from 4:00 p.m. to midnight. There will also be one hour of team meetings per week. Punctuality at the start of your shift and responsible work until the end of your shift are expected.
You have the other four days of the week free and can use them to explore the wonderful port city of Valparaíso, learn Spanish, or take excursions to the capital, Santiago, the mountains, wineries, or travel up and down the coast.
You can participate in free city tours and kayaking lessons organized by the hostel, and you will receive free entry to several clubs. Please note that the days off not always are in a row.
Duties may include:
- Working at the reception (guest check-in and check-out)
- Maintenance work: gardening, painting, recycling, repairs
- Cleaning (rooms, bathrooms, laundry room, common areas)
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
Like the other staff members, you will live in the hostel itself. You will share a room with colleagues, and the bathroom will be one of the communal bathrooms, which is also used by guests.
Some ingredients for breakfast and lunch will be provided at the hostel. Volunteers prepare their own meals. Collegial cooperation, a sense of responsibility, respect, and "buena onda" (good vibes) are very important in this way of life to ensure a successful stay.
Internet Wifi is available to participants and can be used outside of working hours.
Location
The hostel is located in the heart of the historic port city of Valparaíso. The center, with its many tourist attractions, is just a five-minute walk away. Located a one-and-a-half-hour drive west of the capital city of Santiago, Valparaíso is directly on the Pacific Ocean and also bears the unofficial nickname "La Joya del Pacífico" (The Pearl of the Pacific). The city is home to Chile's largest and most important port, and its historic center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003.
With its many hills surrounding a wide bay, Valparaíso offers a unique cityscape characterized by a mosaic of colorful houses, staircases, and narrow streets. The city blends the rugged charm of an old port city with modern art, culture, and creativity like nowhere else in Chile. Many small alleys are home to art galleries, fashion and design studios, charming cafés, and many other creative businesses.
A particular highlight are the inclined elevators constructed around 1900. They connect the lower town at sea level with the residential areas on the hills, providing a convenient alternative to the numerous stairs on almost every hill. Although the elevators are over 120 years old, they are still part of the public transport system today. Every visitor should dare to take one for a few pesos at least once!
From the hostel, it's only 6 km to neighboring Viña del Mar, a modern coastal town and popular vacation spot. Other nearby beach resorts are also easily accessible by public bus. There's a bus stop one block from the hostel, and the nearest tram station (which also connects Valparaíso and Viña del Mar) is three blocks away.
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 22 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
- Some ingredients for breakfast and lunch (subject to change!)
- 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$ 350 (minimum stay 4 weeks)
Each additional month: US$ 15
Additionally, you can book:
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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.
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