Teaching English in Chile: The English Open Doors Program

What is the English Opens Doors Program?

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.

The National Volunteer Center, which is a branch of the English Opens Doors Program and is supoprted by the United Nations Development Programme-Chile, recruits native and near-native English speakers to come to Chile and work as teaching assistants in
Chilean classrooms, specifically to improve students’ listening and
speaking skills.

What do volunteers do?

Volunteers teach and encourage the study of English while living with Chilean host families and interacting with members of the local community.

Where can you teach?

From the Atacama Desert to Patagonia and everywhere in-between! Chile is one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world and volunteers are placed throughout the entire country. A majority of volunteers teach in schools outside of Santiago, which greatly enhances the ability to immerse oneself in the Chilean culture and really become a part of the community.

Am I eligible?

The only requirements that the English Opens Doors Program requires of applicants is that they be native to near-native English speakers with a degree from an accredited institution.

When can I come?

In 2012 there will be five different Volunteer Service Initiatives lasting between 5 and 9 months each. The first begins in late February and the last begins in late July and services run until the end of November.

Does it cost anything to volunteer in Chile? What benefits do volunteers receive?

Unlike similar programs, the English Opens Doors Program does not charge volunteers a fee for participation! Volunteers need only arrange for their transportation to and from Santiago, Chile. The program provides the following: home-stay with a Chilean family, meals, a participation bonus of 60,000CLP for each month of completed service, health insurance, TEFL training, and access to an online Spanish course.

Interested in Participating?

We are currently looking for qualified individuals who might be interested in coming to Chile to participate in one of our Volunteer Service Initiatives in 2012. For more information about this volunteer opportunity please visit our website at www.centrodevoluntarios.cl.

Dave Hanegraaff is the Teaching English in Chile Editor for Wandering Educators.