Volunteer Abroad in Elqui Valley Chile Orphanage Schools Medical Programs www.abroaderview.org

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Volunteer Abroad in Elqui Valley Chile: Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Abroad in Elqui Valley Chile: The Elqui Valley is a fertile and magical place in northern Chile, located in the middle of the Andes Mountains. This is a 150-mile-long oasis surrounded by arid mountains that stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Argentine border. The Valley's ideal climate has made it Chile's premier travel destination; sun worshippers love its average of over 300 sunny days a year, astronomy buffs come for its night sky, and New Age folks swear by its mystic energy. The most famous product in the Elqui Valley is the pisco, Chile's national alcohol. The valley's unique location and temperature make it an ideal place for growing grapes, and vineyards can be seen everywhere.

Going out from La Serena the landscape changes and emerges green lush vineyards and breathtaking mountains. The Valley is dotted with tiny and impossibly picturesque villages - Vicua, Montegrande, Pisco Elqui - most of them built in adobe, with dusty roads and old churches.

We offer the following programs in Elqui Valley: (1-4 weeks placements with optional start date)

Program Length : 1-24 weeks
Program Date: Flexible Start & End Date
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 hour per day
Accommodations: Local guesthouse or homestay
Meals: Yes, 3 meals a day
Requirements: 18 years , Basic Spanish knowledge, an able body and caring spirit.

Social/Welfare Service:

We have partnerships with local NGO's and private institutions that support the improvement of living conditions of children. Volunteers work at a local children's home which doubles as an orphanage and day care. The children range in age from infancy to 12yrs old, some with mild handicaps. Volunteers assist the local staff with the basic needs such as feeding, bathing and clothing, as well arrange games and day trips with the kids. Basic Spanish is required, as well as a positive and flexible attitude.

Education/Teaching:

A recently stated goal of the Chilean Ministry of Education is that Chile must become a fully bilingual country. English is taught in all schools from the first to the twelfth grades. English teaching assistants will work closely with Chilean English teachers. We have teaching placements in several small rural schools in the Elqui Valley. Volunteers do not need previous teaching experience, although it would be helpful. Basic/Intermediate Spanish is required, as well as a positive and flexible attitudes.

Medical/Healthcare:

We have placements available in a rural clinic, about 25 minutes outside of La Serena. The community clinic serves about 300 people and sees a variety of patients. Volunteers assist the local staff in whatever capacity they may need, such as taking medical history, checking vitals, drawing blood, assisting with medicine and supplies. Volunteers must work in the medical field and provide copies of their credentials. Since this is in a rural area, and intermediate knowledge of Spanish is required. This is a great opportunity to gain first hand medical experience in a foreign country while donating your skills and time.

Program Includes:

Accommodation with a local host family. All meals included daily Airport transfers on arrival and departure. Our local Project Coordinators will provide full day orientation on arrival in La Serena, introduction and placement in a volunteer work project. Half day (4hours) Spanish language lessons. *Additional Spanish classes can be arranged for you locally.

The project coordinator is available 24/7 in case of emergency, health-related or otherwise. They can assist in arranging sightseeing excursion before, during or after the volunteer program.

Tel: 1-215-780-1845 / Toll Free: 1-866-423-3258 / Fax: 1-215-887-0915
volunteers@abroaderview.org - www.abroaderview.org