TEFL Institute is proud to be partnering with the Chilean Ministry of Education's English Opens Doors Program. Spend 5 to 10 months experiencing the people, language and culture of Chile while contributing to communities throughout the country as an English teacher.
Stretching over half the length of South America, Chile offers the gamut of natural wonders - from the driest desert in the world (near San Pedro de Atacama to massive glacial fields. Filling up the in-between are volcanoes, geysers, beaches, lakes, rivers, steppe and countless islands.
Program Details
The English Opens Doors Program (Programa Inglés Abre Puertas) is an initiative supported by the Chilean Ministry of Education. The Program works to improve English-language education throughout the Chilean public school system and seeks to foster a new generation of Chilean students equipped with the tools and abilities they will need to succeed in an increasingly globalized world.
Program volunteers are placed in primary and secondary schools throughout Chile to co-teach alongside Chilean teachers. (Placements are based off the needs of particular schools and regions and while volunteer placement preferences will be taken into account, they can not be guaranteed.) Class sizes typically range from 35 - 45 students.
All volunteers are required to attend orientation in Santiago, Chile held at the beginning of each volunteer session. Orientation topics covered include working in Chilean schools and additional TEFL training specific to working in a Chilean school.
English Opens Doors Program Week 1 - 3 Schedule Overview:
Week One: Orientation in Santiago
Week Two: Observation and shadowing Head Teacher at school placement to observe teaching styles and classroom dynamics
Week Three: Volunteers begin teaching in classroom at school placement
Week Four - Program End Date: Ongoing teaching at school placement
Additionally, volunteers live with a host family during their stay in Chile, allowing them to become fully integrated in the community, learn Spanish, and facilitate cross cultural exchange.
*Applications are open to TEFL Institute Alumni. Only qualified applicants will be submitted to the program. Please see How to Apply for more details.*
Program Dates
Volunteer Service
Program Start Date
End Date
Application Deadline
VS3
Mar 26, 2012
Jul 27, 2012 or Nov 30, 2012
Feb 20, 2012
VS4
Apr 10, 2012
Nov 30, 2012
Mar 5, 2012
VS5
Jun 4, 2012
Nov 30, 2012
Apr 30, 2012
VS6
Jun 18, 2012
Nov 30, 2012
May 14, 2012
VS7
Jul 23, 2012
Nov 30, 2012
Jun 18, 2012
Housing
During the first week of orientation in Santiago, volunteers will be provided with shared hotel accommodations in the city.
Volunteers are placed in a host family for the duration of their program. Host family stays are a great way to learn about the Chilean culture and improve Spanish skills.
Please note: While host families may try to accommodate each participant's dietary needs, this will not always be possible. Volunteers with specific dietary needs (i.e., vegetarians, vegans, etc.) will need to bring additional funds and supply their own food to match their needs.
Compensation
English Opens Doors program is a volunteer program. Volunteers receive the following:
Host Family Accommodations
Bonus equivalent to 60,000 Chilean pesos per month served in the regional placement site; volunteer bonuses are prorated according to the number of days of volunteer service
Medical Insurance Coverage throughout the duration of the volunteer stay
Assistance obtaining Temporary Residence Visa and Chilean ID Card
Airport Transfer to the training accommodations with the designated arrival days
Round-trip Transportation from Santiago to regional placement sites on the designated days
E-learning Spanish Course
Internally recognized certification to measure Spanish Learning
Materials and educational resource to be used in school placement
Teaching and logistical support within the regional placements
Certification by the Chilean Ministry of Education upon completion of service
Program Costs
Activity Fee of $100 for TEFL Institute Alumni
Round-trip international airfare from home country to Santiago, Chile
Reciprocity fee upon arrival at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (if applicable)
Visa fees and other fees involved in the visa process (passport, photos, ID card, etc.)
Personal expenses
Eligibility
BA from accredited university
Age: 21 - 35 years old
Native English speaker or English fluency
Experience living or traveling in another country, preferably in the developing world
Candidates should be mature, flexible, responsible and highly committed
English Opens Doors Volunteers have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of their students, motivating them to improve their English, participate in cross cultural exchange, and succeed in an increasingly globalized world. Given the enormous task at hand, the fundamental responsibilities of every volunteer participant are taken very seriously. Given their TEFL certification and travel experience TEFL Institute Alumni are well qualified candidates for this program. Acceptance to the program will be determined by the applicants overall qualifications and the program needs. Be sure to review the information and materials provided below. We look forward to receiving your applications!
Fundamental Responsibilities of each EODP volunteer:
Act as an ambassador of his or her home country and for the Chilean Ministry of Education. As such, he or she is responsible for their personal conduct and behaviour as well as level of professionalism at all times.
Be proactive and independent, and to take initiative in regards to personal health, safety and well-being.
Regard his or her students, colleagues, host family and fellow volunteers with an attitude of mutual learning, cooperation and respect.
All volunteers must:
Be a native or near-native English speaker.
Have completed a minimum 4-year degree from an accredited university and be between 21 and 35 years old.
Be mentally and physically capable of teaching children.
Pay all fees related to the acquisition of the temporary residence visa.
Have experience living or travelling in another country, preferably in the developing world.
Have an interest in Chilean culture and living in a developing country.
Be highly committed, responsible, and flexible.
Have access to sufficient funds in order to cover personal expenditures throughout the duration of the program.
Apply to Program
TEFL Institute Alumni are eligible to apply for the Chilean Ministry of Education English Opens Doors Program through the Student Services Department. Be sure to complete all application materials completely. Candidates will be eligible for interviews once all application materials have been submitted. Please note all application materials must be submitted in the requested format to studentservices2@teflinstitute.com
Application Steps:
Step 1: Review Volunteer Service Dates and Application Deadlines Step 2: Complete and Submit Volunteer Service Application – Click here to download. Step 3: Submit the following application documents:
Resume in pdf or word document format
Refer to your International Resume Template and Guide from Student Services
Resume include: Education, Related Experience, Other Experience, etc.
Resume should highlight international experience, qualifications, teaching experience, etc.
Be sure to personalize the file name (ex title: John Smith Resume)
Photo 1 in jpg format
Photo must be clear headshot with white background.
Professional photos are not necessary.
Photos will be used in visa applications for successful candidates.
Be sure to personalize the file name (ex title: John Smith Photo 1)
Photo 2 in jpg format
Informal Photo of you. Feel free to submit travel photos.
Photo should be fun and appropriate – showing a bit of the applicants’ personality
Be sure to personalize the file name (ex title: John Smith Informal Photo)
University Transcript in pdf format
Unofficial or student copies of transcripts are acceptable in application stage.
Official university transcripts may be required upon acceptance.
Be sure to personalize the file name (ex title: John Smith University Transcript)
Passport Photo Page
Scanned copy of passport photo page in color
Be sure to personalize the file name (ex title: John Smith Passport)
Step 4: Submit completed application materials to studentservices2@teflinstitute.com Early applications are encouraged as programs spots are filled on a rolling basis. We recommend applying up to 4 weeks in advance of the Application Deadline for the desired program.
Interview
All applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of application materials. Qualified applicants will be contacted for interviews. Interviews will be conducted via Skype.
Applicants will be evaluated on the following topics:
Knowledge of the English Opens Doors Program
Interest in Participating
Prior Experience
Teaching Initiative
Ability to Participate in Program
Maturity and Flexibility
Acceptance and Pre-Departure
Successful candidates will receive notice of their acceptance into the program. Upon confirmation of program participation successful candidates will complete pre-departure tasks in preparation for their volunteer program in Chile.
Pre-Departure Tasks include submission of:
Payment of $100 Activity Fee
Signed Terms of Participation
Host Family Letter
Health History Form
Submission of Flight Itinerary
TEFL Institute’s Department of Student Services will provide ongoing pre-departure support. Information including program details, orientation schedule, placement requests and onsite support will be provided.
The English Opens Doors Program (Programa Inglés Abre Puertas) is an initiative supported by the Chilean Ministry of Education. The Program works to improve English-language education throughout the Chilean public school system and seeks to foster a new generation of Chilean students equipped with the tools and abilities they will need to succeed in an increasingly globalized world.
