Quick Facts
Program code
CL-VOL102
Category
Volunteer Work, Social Work with Adults
Country
Chile
Location
Santiago de Chile
Program start
flexible start and end dates, year round
Minimum duration
2 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
Chile is a wealthy, well-developed country. This is particularly evident in the capital city of Santiago. Fancy nightlife districts, office towers and chic apartment complexes tell the story of the economic rise. Unfortunately, Chile is also a country in which wealth is extremely unevenly distributed. Certain streets divide the capital into poor and rich, highly developed and lagging behind, in successful and hopeless. Anyone who lives on the dark side of this world hardly gets a chance to get out of there.
This affects above all a large number of homeless people who live on the streets of major cities, including many older people who are afflicted with old age poverty. The street is the last home for many seniors. Non-profit volunteering organizations have addressed this issue and provide humanitarian aid. They run homeless shelters, soup kitchens or advice centers for the homeless. They offer refuge, shelter, medical care, meals and spiritual support.
You do not need to have any previous knowledge to do this voluntary service in Chile. However, you should be able to work responsibly and independently, be good with people and be empathetic. At the same time, you should not be too sensitive and be aware in advance, that you could experience extreme situations and see very harsh circumstances. Despite this, or perhaps even because of it, working with the homeless is very rewarding. You will learn to see the people behind the facade, maybe you will become more understanding and you will also realize how good a life you have had so far.
Tasks
- Administrative work in the office of the foundation
- Creation / updating of databases to record the current living situation of the homeless
- Registration of those in need, together with their history, for better support within the project
- Accompanying the social workers on tours
- Establishing initial contact with the homeless
- Development of own ideas to satisfy the needs of those affected
- Assistance in serving meals
- Healthcare education
Working hours are between 20 and 30 hours/week.
This project is also available as a part-time job 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 can be booked.
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.
Valparaíso is located just off the Pacific coast about 90 minutes drive from the capital Santiago de Chile. Chile's most important port city is a real gem - that is why Valparaíso is also called "La Joya del Pacífico" (the jewel of the Pacific).
The colorful house mosaic on the many hills above the sea was sung in songs and immortalized in poems. Also, literature Nobel Laureate Pablo Neruda was inspired here. So much poetry does not mean that everything shines here - much more likely Valparaíso impresses with harsh harbor charm.
Since 2003, the old town of Valparaíso has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, uniquely combining the influences of immigrants from England, the USA, Germany and France, who joined the Chileans of Spanish descent in the 19th century. Valparaíso was the most important port in South America until the opening of the Panama Canal, and thus a Chilean melting pot of cultures. To this day, it is considered the most interesting city in Chile. Art and culture are flourishing here like nowhere else, and at almost every corner there are small galleries, artists' cafés, ateliers and street art projects to discover.
Upper and lower town are connected by countless stairs - so the inhabitants complete a daily fitness program. But since this is very tedious in the long run, lifts were built around 1900, which bring you effortlessly from bottom to top and back again. You should not miss a ride in one of them!
Only a metro ride away from the nearest beaches and surrounded by small fishing bays this colorful city offers a unique atmosphere and a great nightlife.
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$ 100 (minimum duration 2 weeks)
Extra week: US$ 15
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$ 455 (minimum duration 2 weeks)
Extra week: US$ 170
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!