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I don’t have teaching experience, can I participate in the CIEE Teach Immersion Chile program?
Yes! You should apply if you have a sincere interest in children and teaching. CIEE expects to receive applications from many qualified candidates for Teach Immersion Chile. As this is a competitive program, you are encouraged to highlight and explain skills and experiences that are transferable to the position of teaching English to local students in Chile.
If accepted to this program you’re encouraged to better prepare yourself to be a successful teacher in Chile by enrolling in the CIEE-arranged TEFL certification program. There is an additional fee for this optional certification course.
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Can I request a teaching assignment in the location of my choice?
All Teach Immersion Chile participants will be placed in smaller cities, towns, and rural areas. There will be one participant placed at a school and up to two or three in each location. That said, it is possible that you may be the only participant in your specific area.
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Can I be placed at the same institution as a friend also participating in Teach Immersion Chile?
Unfortunately, no. Because the Ministry of Education has a goal to introduce native English speakers to as many Chilean students as possible, there will be one participant per school. We can try to coordinate placements in the same location, but keep in mind that homestays will be separate. Dual placements in the same location cannot be guaranteed.
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Can I bring my child or spouse with me when I teach abroad? What about my girlfriend or boyfriend?
We are unable to accommodate non-teaching family members or friends on the Teach Immersion Chile program.
We are able to place married couples in the same location but at separate schools. Due to the challenges of finding a homestay for a husband and wife together with one family, alternative housing can be arranged and a housing stipend will be provided. Keep in mind that the two housing stipends together will not be enough to cover rent plus three meals daily; additional funds will be required from the couple's savings.
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What types of accommodations are provided for Teach Immersion Chile participants?
A highlight of the Teach Immersion Chile program is the homestay experience, allowing you to truly experience life como un chileno. The homestay experience is essential to the learning process and integration into life in Chile. The opportunity to live with a Chilean family not only allows you to deconstruct stereotypes and to observe real life in action, but also creates opportunities for intercultural dialogue and for Spanish language practice.
One program participant will be assigned to each host family; participants will have a private room and receive three meals daily. An exception to the single room policy may occur in rural areas.
Host families are usually secured by the staff at your Chilean school and are connected to the school community. They are generally from the same socioeconomic background as the students attending your school. Family dynamics are not limited to a married couple with small children but may include retired couples, single mothers with children, and possibly grandparents.
Most host families don’t live too far from school; you may be able to commute with a colleague or take the school bus. However, some participants may have to take public transportation to and from, at their own expense.
Learn more on the living arrangement section of this website.
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How am I supposed to live on 60,000 pesos per month?
Teach Immersion Chile is not a money making adventure but it will make you rich in cultural experience and teaching skills!
CIEE participants earn a monthly stipend of 60,000 pesos (see www.xe.com/ucc for current exchange rates) which is meant to supply participants with pocket money for transportation and other small daily expenses. Remember, your room and board are provided.
Most participants spend an additional US$ 50 -100 per month beyond their monthly stipend. This amount varies according to lifestyle and travel plans.
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Is there local staff in Chile to support program participants?
The Teach Immersion Chile program is administered from the CIEE Study Center in Santiago where undergraduates from the U.S. study abroad every semester. Here we have full time staff who will conduct the orientation and training programs and be available for support during your time in Chile. CIEE provides 24-hr emergency phone assistance and emergency support as needed.
In addition, the Ministry of Education employs a regional coordinator to help support your experience.
You will have a chance to meet all of these interesting and supportive individuals in March during the orientation training programs.
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Why does CIEE charge a program fee?
Your CIEE program fee covers many things related to preparing, training, and supporting your experience. This includes valuable program support before you go and in-country as well. We are your reference board and problem solvers should you need advice or assistance. Additionally, your program fee covers several in country training programs, airport transfers, program handbook, and teaching guides and tools. Please refer to the What's Included section of this website for details.
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I have not completed my bachelor’s degree, can I still participate?
You must have secured your bachelor’s degree prior to beginning the CIEE Teach Immersion Chile program. However, you can apply to the program while your degree is in progress. If this is the case, please submit a letter from a university professor, advisor, or registrar confirming when you are expected to graduate. Please address your specific situation with CIEE staff.
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Do I need to speak Spanish?
A basic understanding of Spanish is required to be considered for this program. Knowledge of the language is essential for your success and happiness in Chile—your host family, new friends, colleagues, and members of your Chilean community will not likely speak English.
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How competitive is the application process?
Current school openings are fewer than the number of applications received annually. While we are working to increase the number of placement options on Teach Immersion Chile, they presently do not match our candidate pool. Therefore, the application process is competitive. Learn more in the apply section .
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Does CIEE arrange my international flights?
No, travel arrangements are made independent of CIEE.
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What health and safety advice do you provide to U.S citizens living in Chile?
Please consult the State Department’s International Travel Information:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1088.html
The Health Information for Travelers to Chile provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationChile.aspx
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Does the Teach Immersion Chile program allow me to qualify for student loan deferral?
Loan deferment is tricky and particular to each individual’s circumstances and loan types, but CIEE will assist you and even provide some basic information and strategy. U.S.-based CIEE Teach Abroad staff can provide official documentation for each program that officially declares the dates of participation, amount of salary/stipend, and the parameters under which the teaching assignment is carried out. CIEE staff will work with you to achieve your goal of a successful international experience.
Please note that federally subsidized loans have strict qualifications for deferral. Most participants will actually be applying for loan forbearance, a way to temporarily postpone or reduce payments for a set period of time.
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My question is not listed
The CIEE Teach Abroad program staff will be happy to answer your questions by email teach@ciee.org or phone 1.800.407.8839.