What is English Open Doors?

From July to about December, I will be in Chile with the English Open Doors Program! Let me tell you a little about it.

Aww, how sweet! 

What is it?

English Open Doors is a program through the Chilean Ministry of Culture and Education, backed by the United Nations, that aims to improve English proficiency in Chilean public schools. This program places native (or near-native) English speakers in classrooms all throughout Chile to improve students' listening and speaking skills. The volunteers collaborate with their head teacher and organize/assist with extra-curricular activities, such as debate team. Volunteers work with students from 5th to 12th grade.

25 hours are spent in class, whereas 10 are spent helping with/developing an extra curricular activity.

For my geography-challenged friends
(South America, Chile is on the left)

Can I become a volunteer?

You will need to have a Bachelor's degree and be a native/ near-native speaker of English. You will also need sufficient funds to get to and support yourself in Chile, because while you do get a stipend, you are not guaranteed this payment until the end of your stay (Bummer, I know). Last, you need to dedicated! The EOD staff makes it clear that teaching is your top priority- you can travel afterwards! Previous teaching experience is great but not required.

How long is the program?

About 4-5 months. Some people have renewed for another semester, but it's on a case by case basis. Here were the dates for 2014.

How do I apply?

Through this website.

Where will I be placed?

Anywhere in Chile! You'll find out your region two weeks before orientation in Santiago, and you will find your exact city during your orientation. So yes, this means you won't really know where you're going until you're already in Chile. Scary? Maybe. But sometimes surprises are good!

Your preferences will be taken into account, but very few people are placed in Valparaiso, Santiago, or Viña del Mar.

Is this a good deal financially?

I hope there are money trees in Chile!

Well, it's relative. You are technically a volunteer, so you are paid a stipend of about $115 dollars monthly. This is to cover teaching-related costs such as transportation and extra supplies. If you scrounge you might be able to travel on it (Here's to the frugal life!) You are also given health insurance, and food and lodging is provided via a homestay. There are no fees associated with the program, other than costs to get to the visa consulate, your medical clearance and your plane ticket.

However, since you have to pay for your plane ticket, it's almost impossible NOT to lose money. I'll be in Chile for about four months and the plane ticket alone costs around $1,600 (I probably could have gotten it cheaper if I bought in advance, but you live and learn!). So I have to pay more than $1,000 out of savings to do the program.

Now, is $1,000 a lot? If you compare it to how much you'd be making if you found a job in your home country, then no, it's not a good deal financially. If I just found a teaching job here, I'd be making money instead of losing it! But other volunteer programs charge thousands of dollars for a few weeks of service. And a study abroad semester typically costs more than 8K (sometimes much more!). So compared to other volunteer programs, this one is pretty generous.

Plus, it usually takes a while to establish yourself as an English teacher in Latin America, and quite a few people lose money before they start making it. It's difficult to pay for your basic necessities when you are just getting started, and renting can be an expensive and confusing process, especially for foreigners. Therefore, if you're curious about teaching English abroad in Latin America, learning about other cultures, and you don't feel experienced enough to 'go it alone', I definitely recommend this program from a financial standpoint.

¿Preguntas?

If you have any other questions, leave me a comment! I'm excited to keep you all updated on this program!

Besos,
Katie