Yes! You should apply if you have a sincere interest in children and teaching. CIEE expects to receive applications from many qualified candidates for 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.
All immersion chile participants will be placed in smaller cities, towns and rural areas in the O’Higgins Region (VI) of Chile, the region just to the south of Santiago. Occasionally a program participant may be placed in the Maule Region (VII). 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.
Participants will learn specific school assignment during the orientation program in Santiago. Learn more at chilean students and location.
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.
All participants will learn their specific school assignment during the orientation program in Santiago. Learn more at chilean students and location.
We are unable to accommodate non-teaching family members or friends on the 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.
A highlight of the 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 fro, at their own expense.
Learn more on the accommodations section of this website.
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 85,000 CLP (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 is provided.
Most participants spend an additional US$ 50 -100 per month beyond their monthly stipend. This amount varies according to lifestyle and travel plans.
The immersion chile program is administered from the CIEE Santiago de Chile Study Center 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 six months in Chile. A part time CIEE staff member resides in the O’Higgins Region of Chile and is there to support immersion chile participants by visiting you at school, at your host family and helping you solve any problems that arise.
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 late May and early June during the orientation training programs.
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 and regional transfers, insurance coverage, program handbook, teaching guides and tools, visa assistance in Chile, and housing. Please refer to the services section of this website for details.
immersion chile has perfect timing for spring university graduates! With a start date in late May and a program duration of six months, it’s an ideal time for an international adventure, a time to implement all the skills you acquired in college – and a an opportunity to contribute to an educational system that needs your help.
You must have secured your bachelor’s degree prior to beginning the CIEE immersion chile program. However, you can apply to the program while your degree is in progress. If this is your 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.
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. To help participants develop their Spanish skills while in Chile we’ve arranged for several immersion options.
CIEE’s current school openings are fewer than the number of applications received annually. While we are working to increase the number of placement options on immersion chile, they presently do not match our candidate pool. Therefore, the application process is competitive, learn more at application overview.
No, travel arrangements are made independent of CIEE.
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
The CIEE Teach Abroad program staff will be happy to answer your questions by email teach@ciee.org or phone 1.800.407.8839.
