Quick Facts
Program code
CL-VOL103
Category
Volunteer Work, Social Work with Adults, Health, Child Care
Country
Chile
Location
Santiago de 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
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Program details
Having a disability or looking after a family member with a disability is a big challenge everywhere. In Chile, where there is very little support and families often face high costs if they find support, this is even more difficult. The health care system hardly covers help, so charity organizations often step into the breach to improve people's quality of life and promote their physical and mental development.
We place our volunteers in several homes and other centers for people with disabilities, where they are cared for in a family atmosphere and where their families are supported with a lot of dedication and affection. Here you can care for those who are often given too little respect and attention in society. If you want to help where it is really needed and develop your intercultural skills along the way, one of these volunteer projects is ideal for you.
You specifically address the physical and psychological needs of the patients. You will be able to get involved in various areas to help the disabled to discover and develop their talents and skills in workshops, occupational therapies and courses. Supervision and care during leisure is also an important task to ensure well-being and safety.
You do not need to have any previous knowledge in this area, but you should definitely have patience, a great sense of responsibility and empathy.
As soon as you have been successfully placed in a program position, we will send you the exact description of your volunteer position. This way you will know exactly where you will be working before you leave.
Tasks
Possible tasks can be:
- General support for nursing staff
- Playful employment of the disabled
- Support for creative activities such as handicrafts, painting, knitting
- Assistance with workshops
- Assistance during therapy sessions
- Care and accompaniment
- Development-promoting activities such as speaking, moving, etc.
- Help with meals
This project is also available as a part-time volunteer program in combination with a Spanish course.
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
We offer accommodation in a homestay. This means that you live in a local private household in which one or more rooms are sublet. Hosts can be single persons, e.g. nice señoras, young professionals, couples, families or students.
You will have a single room with access to living room, kitchen, bathroom, etc.. Internet is included. All accommodations are in a safe location with good public transport connection. Half board with breakfast & dinner can be added.
Note: Only our premium package includes accommodation placement.
Location
The capital of Chile is an amazing city and one of the few metropolises in the world where you can actually ask yourself: "Going to the beach today and skiing tomorrow, or the other way around?", since world-class ski slopes (and trekking routes in summer) await you in the high Andes. Santiago divides Chile into the fertile south and the dry, mineral-rich north.
Santiago itself offers fun for everyone: There are beautiful places to relax, old colonial buildings and a lively urban culture with museums, street artists, theaters and more; small craft markets and green meadows, countless restaurants and pubs in beautiful nightlife areas.
And above all, there is the flair of a metropolis, which combines the characteristics of a modern capital with those of a colonial city. Santiago is where the heart of Chile's economy and progress beats and whare about one third of the Chileans are at home.
The Santiaguinos are usually friendly and helpful people and as a foreigner, you can quickly connect to them. Santiago is also home to numerous universities, which has led to a lively international student life.
Language skills
Spanish at communication level, so that you can communicate with the staff in you volunteer project, understand work instructions and get actively involved.
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!)
- 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 foreign travel health insurance (get your travel health 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
Volunteer Work Basic includes:
- 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
Placement fee: US$ 250 (minimum duration 4 weeks)
Extra week: US$ 10
Additionally, you can book:
Volunteer Work Premium includes
- Single room in homestay
- Internet access at homestay
- Airport pick-up in Santiago
- 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
Placement fee: US$ 955 (minimum duration 4 weeks)
Extra week: US$ 175
Additionally, you can book:
- US$ 75/week for half-board suplement (breakfast & dinner)
- Spanish course in Chile
- Spanish courses in Latin America
- Travel Health Insurance
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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.
Browse through our section Reading Matter!