Advice from Former Volunteers

“Expect the unexpected, and be patient! Things can change al tiro, or might not happen completely as you had thought, and this can be a very bothersome aspect for a gringo accustomed to order and stability. If an incoming volunteer knows this well in advance, they will have a much easier transition. I would encourage them to follow though with a lot of the advice in training and establish routines/classroom style right away. I know this was mentioned various times in training, but I think a lot of us ignored that valuable advice. I would also encourage people to get involved in their community as possible and get to know people. My colleagues and host family have been great to me, and made the experience what it has been.”-Harrison Swartz, Coquimbo Region

“I think this is a valuable program. Not only for the students, but it’s also great practice for the teachers. I would tell a [prospective volunteer] to go with the flow. As frustrating as it can be, there are days when my students don’t want to leave my class and those days are the best. Be interested in them and their culture. Learn a local dance, try typical food and ask questions. Chileans are very proud of their country and are more than willing to share it.” -Michelle Cox, Valparaíso Region

“My teaching experience was a fantastic challenge. Teaching a foreign language to students who have no motivation is very difficult. However, my motivation was to be creative with my lessons and activities. I wanted to create a fun learning environment and I believed it worked. Even though my students may not remember much of what they learned, they will remember me. I wanted to be a good role model by emphasizing the importance of education and opportunity. And I believe I made an impact. It was a soul satisfying adventure and a great experience.” -Ryan Villanueva, Araucanía Region

“It’s a lot of work. It really, really is. If it’s not, then you’re not doing your job. Don’t expect miracles. I came with such high expectations that in the beginning I was let down, a lot; I felt like a failure. Chilean education is very different from the US. And you can’t expect to change the way of life of a whole community. You have to find your place and be flexible or you’ll go crazy. I would do it again in a heartbeat.” -Tyler Harding, Los Lagos Region

“Only apply if you’re laid back enough to not be upset when things don’t go as planned and that you adapt well to sudden situations that pop up. Likewise, if you’re not flexible with your diet or daily living habits, living with a host family could be difficult, so just be willing to suspend your personal preferences for a couple months while you’re here, it’s not that bad, even if the food does make you fat. If you plan to teach high school, you should be able to relate to teenagers well and enjoy being around them…the whole point of this program is to teach and it will be the focus of your life here, so don’t take that responsibility lightly when thinking of how much traveling you’ll get to do. Oh and learn Spanish. That’s a good thing.” -Amy Dorsey, Arica Region

It’s a great experience, particularly if you’re interested in education. Be as friendly to people as possible, and have patience with the students. Take cheap soft toys to use as presents, and be creative with your lessons. take up every opportunity you can to do something new! - Paul Kearney, Los Rios Region

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