Volunteer Chile‘s striking natural wonders, its rich cultural history, friendly people and stable government make it an ideal place to visit and volunteer!
Although Chile boasts one of the most stable economies in South America, Chile suffers from one of the most uneven distributions of wealth in the world.
There are estimates that almost 60% of Chileans live near or below poverty levels, with almost 3 million living in extreme poverty.
ABV Volunteer project focus on supporting the children of Chile, at a large orphanage and in several schools in La Serena.
La Serena is Chile’s second-oldest town and maintains its Spanish neo-colonial style seen throughout the neighborhoods and downtown.
The city is dotted with beautiful green gardens, 30 churches, a romantic avenue of replica classical Italian statues and elegant colonial buildings.
Chile La Serena, In La Serena people, were very nice. I was always offered a seat on a crowded bus. Also, people were very helpful when I asked for directions in spite of language barriers.
Continue reading Testimonial Arlene Rosenbaum Chile La Serena Teaching Program
Volunteer Chile, My host family was extremely welcoming and made me feel at home. I went on a trip with them to a national park on Easter and my host mom Silvia took me places around the city. Her kids introduced me to their friends as well.
Continue reading Volunteer Chile La Serena Review Cassidy Metcalf at Orphanage
Volunteer in Chile Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time here in Chile. It was an eye-opener for me to see a new culture, a new language, and a new way of life. I learned so much in my three weeks here and wish I could have stayed longer. My Spanish has vastly improved and I have learned things about teaching children that I never realized would be needed.
Continue reading Volunteer in Chile Testimonial Nick Lauer Teaching Program
Volunteer Chile: My local coordinator, Vilma was amazing. She made sure we had things to do on our days off. I didn’t really feel the need to ask her for any assistance, but I was confident that if I needed anything that I could depend on her.
Continue reading Volunteer in Chile La Serena Review Milton B Teaching English School Program
1.- Why did you choose to volunteer in Chile La Serena, what program(s) are you doing and why?
Why Chile: I chose Chile because it is the safest country in South America
What program: orphanage
Why this program: I have always been interested in working with kids and I wanted to help and support children who need it the most
2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced while in the program?
Program: I wasn’t really sure how hard it is to watch and entertain all the kids at the same time and how well they are taken care of.
Host Family: My host family was super nice, I felt very comfortable and I really liked the food!
Country: I didn’t expect Chile to be so European, I have been to Costa Rica before, so I was hoping for a little bit more South America flair…
3. What was the most difficult thing you experienced while in the program?
Program: It was sometimes hard to know how to deal with the kids because I didn’t know what they were allowed to do.
Country: I thought it would be way warmer than it was… And at first the public transport system can be challenging
4. Any tips for future volunteers….
Clothing: warm clothes!!
Sightseeing: Isla de Damas, weekend trip to Valparaíso
Laundry/internet: Has to be paid separately (described in website, guides)
5. Other things volunteers should know about:
a.- City/town: It is nice, but there is not so much going on there, the mall is ok and there is a cinema, the Beach is far away (4 miles) , but cool
b.- Weather: in the morning it is always chill and cloudy and during the day it normally clears up and gets (more or less) warm (Spring time)
c.- Local People: the locals are very friendly and helpful, but also shy and mostly don’t know any english
d.- Tours: Isla de Damas is nice and a trip to Valparaíso!
6. Personal paragraph (volunteer program testimonial), detail as possible:
This was the second time I volunteered and I am really Grateful for this wonderful experience. The orphanage is far and not even in La Serena it took me normally at least 45 min by bus (traffic its 8 miles from the house) to get there… I really enjoyed playing, feeding, helping the kids it is such a nice (and sometimes exhausting) work. In the evening I normally went to the gym where I made some really good friends! Now, I am looking forward to traveling around and get to see more of Chile! 🙂
7. How would you describe your:
Accommodation: It was really nice, I had my own room and shared a bathroom.
Meals (favorite): I loved them all, after eating rice and beans for 2 months I was really Grateful for all the delicious food I got served!
Security: I always felt very secure, Chile is Nummer 29 worldwide from the safest countries (US is number 94)
Host family: My host Family was very very nice, I got along very well with them, especially Vilma always made me feel welcome!
8. What was your memory of this trip?
Program: I loved all the kids, everyone we and unique! The “tias” do an excellent job with the kids, half of the time I even forgot that it was an orphanage….
Host Family always friendly, helped me with everything I needed, we talked a lot in Spanish so I could improve my Spanish skills
Country: Chile is a very interesting country, 4000km long (which I definitely underestimated), long history and worth a trip:)
9. How was the local ABV Coordinator, the staff and the support provided in-country:
very good, I didn’t need any special help, but I am sure it would have been provided kindly
Volunteer Chile Ce voyage était absolument incroyable. J’ai adoré visité le chili. Les gens sont extrêmements chaleureux. Ma famille d’accueil était super gentille et très accueillante et je me sentais très confortable en restant chez eux
Continue reading Volunteer Abroad Chile La Serena Review Ericka Bernard Orphanage
Selon moi, la chose la plus surprenante de ma famille d’acceuil était qu’il y avait emplement de place pour mes amies et moi (nous étions 5 en tout). Nous pouvions dormir et se préparer confortablement sans être dans nos propres jambes.
Continue reading Volunteer La Serena Chile Emilie Cossette Orphanage program (in French)
Volunteer Chile: Then coming to Vilma’s home I was very happy to be greeted with amazing food. And along came the first day of volunteering where I was very nervous but settled in after a couple of days, teachers started to talk to me more and the kids would greet me when the would see me come in Continue reading Volunteer Chile La Serena Review Danika Plouffe Orphanage teaching program
Volunteer Chile: This was always an amazing time. I’ve made some great friendships in getting to know the other volunteers. Overall the trip was amazing and it gave me a great chance to volunteer, practice Spanish, and get to know Chile.
Continue reading Volunteer Chile La Serena Review Adrienne Moore Teaching program
Volunteer Chile: J’ai aimé mon expérience de bénévolat au Colegio et à Hogar. Les élèves et les enseignants étaient tous extrêmement gentils. Les journées ont passé tellement vite quand j’étais au Collegio. Chaques soirs, j’avais hâte au lendemain matin pour aller retrouver les élèves et la Profesora Fabiola. Continue reading Volunteer Chile La Serena Review Valerie Beland Orphanage/teaching program
Volunteer: Chile I had a wonderful experience working with the children and elderly people. I learned so much about Chilean culture and really improved my Spanish. I also made some great friends with other ABV volunteers and people at my work. I had a great trip after learning to adjust.
Continue reading Volunteer Chile La Serena Review Elizabeth O’hare Orphanage/Seniors program
Volunteer Chile: I enjoyed my trip a lot. I loved experiencing the Chilean culture. The food that Vilma makes is delicious! I learnt a lot from working at the orphanage, an area that financially has suffered from natural disasters.
Continue reading Volunteer Chile La Serena Review Alexandra Masek Orphanage program
