Quick Facts
Program code
CL-VOL113
Category
Volunteer Work, Community Development
Country
Chile
Location
Valdivia
Program start
flexible start and end dates all 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
The volunteer project was founded in 2009 and has set itself the task of supporting local smallholders and small businesses with a cooperation for fair and responsible trade and consumption. The cooperative consists of almost 200 members, most of whom are private individuals. With an annual contribution they get access to fresh, local and organically grown products at lower prices. In addition, the cooperative offers a platform for local smallholders to sell their agricultural products here. For members, the cooperative offers e.g., weekly fruit and vegetable baskets with changing seasonal products. There is also a shop where non-members can buy the produce of local agriculture. Members also include local restaurants, hostels, the University of Valdivia and others.
Since 2020, the goods are also sold via an online portal in order to reach a wider audience and to be able to support local smallholders even better.
The cooperative is not profit-orientated! The mission is to make locally produced products easily accessible to local population while on the other side supporting small farmers of the region.
Tasks
Full cultural integration is given in this volunteer project. You have the opportunity to get an idea of many different areas of the cooperative and learn a lot about the country's culture, language and society.
The work areas for the volunteers are broad. Depending on the project’s needs, your own strengths and interests, the volunteers work in the store with sales, customer advice, inventory and updating the online platform. Like all businesses, the cooperative needs to do marketing. So, here too, your commitment is required by keeping the various social networks up to date. When visiting the producers, you will help with relationship management and pick up fresh goods.
The cooperative also hosts regular trips and events for its members, which are great opportunities to get to know each other better. Here, too, you will help with the planning and organization of the events.
The cooperative's shop has its own vegetable garden where you can put your green thumb to the test. In addition, you have the opportunity to gain insight into administrative activities, as well as to participate in the expansion of the customer base and the producer network.
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
During your time in the volunteer project in Chile, you will live in a so called homestay, meaning a local household. Your hosts will also take care of your meals, in case you add half-board service, so that you can try Chilean cuisine. You will be amazed how quickly you will start picking up the real "Chilean"!
Accommodation is always in a single room with access to the shared rooms. Bathroom is usually shared. Internet is included. The accommodations are located in a safe neighborhood with good connection to local transport.
Location
The volunteer project is located in the beautiful city of Valdivia in southern Chile, in the Los Ríos region. The city lies at the river Valdivia and with its wonderful river promenade it strongly reminds us of European cities. Thanks to the evergreen vegetation, the proximity to the water, the beautiful city center and the good fresh air, Valdivia is one of the most beautiful cities in Chile.
Valdivia is also home to one of the most important universities in the country, which is well known for its beautiful, huge botanical garden.
As its name suggests, the region is characterized by the many rivers that spring from one of the many inland lakes, which also includes the shores of the picturesque Lago Ranco. Further towards the Andes there are also various nature reserves and countless thermal baths that invite you to relax. Not far away you will also find one of Chile's many active volcanoes, the Villarrica. Adventure seekers and outdoor fans get their money's worth here.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the region around Valdivia was settled by European, mainly German, immigrants. Their influence is still reflected in the cityscape today.
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!)
- 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 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 a Cooperative for Fair Trade & Consumption in Chile includes:
- Single room in Homestay
- 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$ 915 (minimum duration 4 weeks)*
Extra week: US$ 170
*Half board with breakfast & dinner can be added at US$ 75/week
Additionally, you can book:
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Volunteer Guide
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