the volunteach abroad position

As a volunteer teacher your goal will be to motivate students to learn English, introduce them to culture from the United States, and create new opportunities for both teachers and students to practice English on a daily basis. Conveying the value of English communication is essential to your success. As a foreign teacher you’ll be promoting a healthy exchange of cultures and empathy for Chilean students, teachers, and the greater community all while gaining awareness of local people, culture, and language through this unique immersion experience.

As a program participant your role will be two-fold: working as an English language teaching assistant to one or more English teachers in a public school, and organizing and implementing extracurricular activities for the school community. In collaboration with your Chilean English (EFL) teacher your classroom schedule, involvement in activities, and participation in student evaluations will be decided. Generally, volunteer teaching assistants will work with half of the class for 45 minutes and then exchange groups with the Chilean EFL teacher for the next 45 minutes. You’ll work 25 pedagogical hours a week and during classes work to improve the students listening and speaking skills including pronunciation activities, games, songs, role playing, and conversation groups.

For an additional 10 hours, the extracurricular activities kick in! You’ll spend a couple of those hours planning with your EFL teacher and the rest of the time creating and implementing activities for both students and teachers that will develop their English language abilities. Participating in extracurricular activities is a great way to integrate yourself into the school community at large. One program is the training of students for the National Dialogue and Debate Competitions – an amazing contest to witness! After school, you will also collaborate on existing activities or initiate new programs that match the interests of the students such as English clubs, art projects, sports, or science clubs. You’ll also be encouraged to start workshops for teachers interested to develop their own English skills.

Optional activity: Six-month Volunteach Program Only
The Ministry of Education provides program participants the opportunity to see other parts of the country and meet new students during their English Winter Camp program that takes place in between semesters (July). The Ministry provides transportation, meals, and accommodations while you provide the enthusiasm and activities to energize learning throughout the week. More information will be provided at orientation.