Volunteer Role & Benefits

The English Opens Doors Program is a fee-free Program serving the students, teachers, and school communities of Chile’s public education system. EODP volunteers make a lasting impact on the lives of their students, motivating them to improve their English and participate in cross cultural exchange. We are seeking committed volunteer teachers who wish to make a significant impact on the English language level of their students for periods of one to two semesters at a time. The English Opens Doors Program is not seeking volunteers whose principal motivations are to travel or learn Spanish. A volunteer’s primary focus must be on teaching and supporting their students. Learn more about the volunteer role and benefits below!

What do volunteers with the EODP do, and what are our expectations?

Volunteer Role

Works with a Chilean teacher to plan 45 minute-long classes focused on speaking and listening skills.
Teaches classes independently to students ages 10-18 years old.
Works in public schools in rural, midsized, and urban settings throughout Chile

Responsibilities

Work a total of 35 hours per week, divided into 24 teaching hours, 7 lesson planning hours, and 4 extracurricular hours.
Participate in other EODP initiatives occurring in their school and community.

Expectations

Acts an an ambassador of their home country and the Ministry of Education in Chile.
Motivates students to learn English through engaging classes and cultural activities.
Maintains volunteer work as the priority, over travel and Spanish language learning.
Reads, understands, and abides by the Terms of Participation agreement.

What requirements do applicants need to meet?

Applicant Requirements

Bonus Points if you…

Speak English fluently

Possess a Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university

Be between the ages of 21 and 35 (upper age limit is flexible)

Be mentally and physically able to teach children independently

Have experience living, traveling, or working in another country

Have an interest in Chilean culture

Possess a teaching degree or certificate

What benefits do we offer and what costs are volunteers responsible for assuming?

Volunteer Benefits

Fee-free visa

No application or program fee

Volunteer stipend ($100,000 CLP per month served)

Basic bank account

Emergency health insurance

Accommodations and meals with a host family

Week-long volunteer training in Santiago

Access to an e-learning Spanish resource

Airport transfers to accommodation upon arrival (within stipulated dates)

Round-trip transportation from Santiago to placement

Box of classroom supplies (1 per semester)

Classroom observation and feedback from Program personnel

National and Regional level support from Program staff

Pre-departure information and support

Volunteer costs

Round trip airfare

Minor costs associated with the visa application process

Personal/leisure expenses

Chilean phone or Chilean phone number (SIM card)

Again, this is a fee-free volunteer program. This means that there is no application or participation fee, nor an initial deposit. We do provide volunteers with a modest stipend which is meant to assist with minor daily expenses like transportation to school or extra classroom materials or activities. Our volunteers will need to have access to sufficient funds to support any personal expenditure throughout the duration of the Program. The biggest cost our volunteers will incur is their international transportation to and from Chile.

Questions? Write us directly at voluntarios@mineduc.cl