
If you’ve been dreaming of teaching English abroad while fully immersing yourself in Latin American culture, the **English Open Doors Program (EODP)** in Chile might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Sponsored by the **Chilean Ministry of Education** in partnership with the **United Nations Development Program**, this government-backed initiative places native and near-native English speakers in public schools across Chile — from the Atacama Desert in the north to the fjords of Patagonia in the south.

As a **volunteer English teaching assistant**, you'll work directly with local teachers to improve students' speaking and listening skills — while living with a host family, exploring stunning landscapes, and gaining firsthand experience of Chilean life.

Whether you're a recent graduate, an aspiring educator, or just someone eager to give back through cultural exchange, the English Open Doors Program offers a **rewarding, meaningful way to teach, travel, and grow** in one of South America's most diverse countries.

## What Is the English Open Doors Program?

The **English Open Doors Program (EODP)** is a **government-run initiative** created by the **Chilean Ministry of Education** in collaboration with the **United Nations Development Program (UNDP)**. Its mission is simple but powerful: to improve English education in Chilean public schools by bringing in **native or near-native English speakers** from around the world.

Instead of leading classes on your own, you’ll serve as an **English language assistant**, working alongside local Chilean teachers. Your main role? Help students build confidence in speaking and understanding English — something many classrooms struggle with due to limited exposure to native speakers.

What makes this program stand out is its strong emphasis on **mutual cultural exchange**. You’re not just teaching — you’re sharing your language, culture, and perspective while learning about Chilean life firsthand.

### Key Features:

- Run by the **Chilean Ministry of Education**
- Volunteers placed in **public schools** (urban and rural)
- Most positions in **middle and high schools**
- Focused on **speaking and listening skills**
- Entirely **volunteer-based**, but with housing and support provided

Whether you're placed in a bustling city like Santiago or a small town nestled in the Andes, you’ll be making a real difference in students’ lives while having a life-changing adventure of your own.

## Teaching Role & Responsibilities

As a participant in the English Open Doors Program, your official title is **English Teaching Assistant** — which means you’re not expected to run a classroom alone. Instead, you’ll **collaborate closely with a Chilean English teacher**, supporting lessons and helping students improve their speaking, listening, and cultural fluency.

### 🧑‍🏫 What You’ll Do:

- Lead **conversational English activities** and games
- Help students **practice pronunciation and fluency**
- Assist with **lesson planning** and creative class activities
- Support **debates, language clubs, or extracurricular events**
- Serve as a **cultural ambassador**, sharing your experiences and traditions

You’ll primarily work with **students aged 10–18**, usually in middle or high schools. The program encourages volunteers to make lessons fun, interactive, and engaging — a break from traditional textbook learning.

### 📅 Weekly Schedule:

- **20–25 classroom hours per week**
- Monday to Friday (weekends off)
- You may also have time for **lesson prep, office hours**, or cultural events

> While the workload is reasonable, the impact is big — especially in under-resourced schools where students may have never met a native English speaker before.

Your presence brings energy, curiosity, and connection to the classroom — and it’s often one of the highlights of a student’s school year.

## Program Dates & Commitment

One of the perks of the English Open Doors Program is its **flexibility** — with two intake periods each year and options for both short- and long-term stays.

### 📆 Program Start Dates

The program offers two main starting points:

- **Semester 1:** Begins in **March** (end of Chilean summer)
- **Semester 2:** Begins in **July** (mid-academic year)

You’ll need to apply a few months in advance, as placements, documents, and visa processing can take time.

### ⏳ Program Length

You can choose between:

- **One-semester placement** (approx. 4–5 months)
- **Full academic year** (approx. 10 months)

Some volunteers extend their stay or return the following year. A one-semester placement is great for gap year travelers or first-time volunteers; a full year is ideal for deeper immersion and impact.

> No matter which option you choose, you’ll be expected to fully commit to your assigned dates — Chilean schools rely on consistency.

### 🧳 Arrival & Orientation

- Volunteers attend a **mandatory in-country orientation** before starting at their school
- Orientation includes **teaching workshops, cultural prep, and logistics help**
- You’ll meet fellow volunteers and start building your support network right away

Once placed, you'll head to your school and begin your new chapter as an ESL assistant in Chile — with local support and plenty of adventure ahead.

## Requirements & Eligibility

The English Open Doors Program is designed to be **accessible and inclusive**, welcoming passionate volunteers from around the world. While it's not a job in the traditional sense (you won't earn a salary), the program offers a structured way to **teach abroad legally in Chile**, even if you're just starting your ESL journey.

### ✅ Basic Requirements

To apply, you must:

- Be a **native or near-native English speaker**
- Be **21–35 years old** (some flexibility allowed)
- Have at least a **high school diploma** (Bachelor’s preferred)
- Be **physically and mentally fit** to work with students
- Have a **clean criminal background**
- Show a strong interest in **volunteering, teaching, and cultural exchange**

### 🌟 Preferred Qualifications

You don’t need formal teaching experience, but you’ll stand out if you have:

- A **Bachelor’s degree** (especially in education, English, or languages)
- A **TEFL/TESOL certificate** (online or in-person)
- Prior **volunteer experience**
- Spanish language skills (not required, but helpful!)

### ✈️ Who It’s Best For

This program is ideal for:

- **Gap year travelers** or recent grads
- **Aspiring teachers** seeking classroom experience
- **Career changers** exploring education or international work
- Anyone with a **passion for helping others and learning through immersion**

> As a volunteer-based initiative, the EODP is looking for **motivated, culturally curious individuals** — not just résumés. A great attitude and willingness to adapt will take you far.

Next up: what you’ll get in return for your time and energy.

## Benefits and Support

While the English Open Doors Program is a **volunteer position**, it comes with a range of benefits that make living and [teaching in Chile](/teach-english-chile) not only possible — but meaningful, affordable, and well-supported.

### 🏠 Free Housing

- Volunteers are provided with **free accommodation**, typically with a **local host family**
- Living with a host family helps with **Spanish immersion, local connections, and cultural understanding**
- Some rural placements may offer independent housing arranged by the school

### 💵 Monthly Stipend

- You’ll receive a **modest stipend** of around **70,000 CLP/month (~$75 USD)**
- Intended for daily expenses like snacks, transportation, or school supplies
- Most essentials — including room, board, and health care — are already covered

### 🏥 Health Insurance

- You’ll be enrolled in **Chile’s public health system (FONASA)**
- Covers doctor visits, emergencies, and basic medical care during your time in the program

### 🧭 Orientation & Training

- All volunteers attend a **comprehensive orientation** upon arrival in Chile
- Includes **teaching methodology workshops, Spanish tips, safety briefings**, and time to meet fellow volunteers

### 📜 Certificate & Experience

- At the end of your placement, you’ll receive an **official certificate of completion**
- Valuable for **future ESL roles, grad school applications**, or other international opportunities

### 🤝 Ongoing Support

- Program coordinators check in regularly to ensure you're adjusting well
- You’ll also have access to a **network of fellow volunteers**, many of whom stay in touch long after the program ends

> Bottom line: while it’s not a paid job, the EODP offers **solid infrastructure and real support**, allowing you to focus on what matters — connecting with students, growing as a teacher, and living abroad with purpose.

Up next: What life in Chile is really like, both in and out of the classroom.

## Life in Chile

From the snow-capped Andes to the rugged Pacific coast, Chile offers a stunning and diverse backdrop for your teaching adventure. Whether you're placed in a small mountain town or a coastal city, you'll quickly discover that **life in Chile is vibrant, welcoming, and full of contrasts**.

### 🏘️ Where You'll Be Placed

The English Open Doors Program places volunteers in **public schools across the country**, with a strong focus on:

- **Rural and underserved areas**
- Mid-sized cities and regional capitals
- Occasionally, outer neighborhoods of larger cities

You likely won’t get to choose your placement — but that’s part of the adventure. Many past volunteers say their smaller town experience led to **deeper connections and richer immersion**.

### 👨‍👩‍👧 Host Family Life

Living with a host family is a core part of the experience. You’ll:

- Share meals, daily routines, and family traditions
- Improve your **Spanish through real-life conversation**
- Gain insight into Chilean values, education, and lifestyle

Expect to become part of the family — birthdays, weekend outings, and all.

### 🌄 Free Time & Travel

Chile is **a playground for travelers**. With weekends and holidays free, you can:

- Trek through **Patagonia**
- Stargaze in the **Atacama Desert**
- Surf along the **Pacific coast**
- Explore Santiago’s **urban life and art scene**
- Visit neighboring countries like Argentina and Peru

### 🧂 Culture Snapshot

- Chileans are warm, friendly, and love to **chat over tea or wine**
- Spanish is fast and full of local slang (“Chileno”), but you’ll catch on!
- Food is simple and hearty — think bread, stews, avocado, and seafood
- Public transportation is reliable, and buses can take you almost anywhere

> Living in Chile isn’t just about teaching — it’s about **stepping into a new rhythm, new language, and a new way of seeing the world**.

Next: Let’s break down the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right fit.

## Pros and Cons of the English Open Doors Program

Every teach abroad program has its trade-offs — and the English Open Doors Program is no different. Here’s a balanced look at the ups and downs, so you can decide if it aligns with your goals and mindset.

### ✅ Pros

- **Government-supported & reliable**  
  Run by Chile’s Ministry of Education and supported by the UN — a legit, well-established program.

- **Free housing with a host family**  
  Great for immersion, language learning, and reducing living expenses.

- **Health insurance included**  
  Peace of mind for your entire stay in Chile.

- **Perfect for first-time ESL teachers**  
  You’re assisting, not leading classes solo — ideal for gaining experience.

- **Incredible travel opportunities**  
  Chile’s geography is stunning and diverse — deserts, mountains, beaches, wine country, and more.

- **Cultural immersion**  
  Living with locals and working in public schools gives you a deeper connection than most travelers ever get.

### ❌ Cons

- **Unpaid**  
  While you receive housing and a small stipend, this is a **volunteer position**, not a salaried job.

- **Limited placement control**  
  You won’t get to choose your location, and many placements are in smaller towns or rural areas.

- **Language barrier**  
  English isn’t widely spoken outside major cities — you’ll need patience and a willingness to learn some Spanish.

- **Modest living conditions**  
  Some host families may live simply, especially in rural areas. Flexibility and an open mind are key.

> This program isn’t for everyone — but for those seeking **purposeful travel, cultural connection, and a chance to grow**, it’s a truly unique experience.

Up next: How to apply and get started.

## Application Process

Applying to the English Open Doors Program is a straightforward process — but it’s important to follow instructions carefully and apply early, as placements are limited and competitive.

### 📝 Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. **Visit the Official Website**  
   Start by reviewing the program details and application timeline at [centrodevoluntarios.cl](https://www.centrodevoluntarios.cl/) — this is the official site of the English Open Doors Program.

2. **Complete the Online Application**  
   You’ll need to submit:

   - Basic personal information
   - Resume/CV (in English)
   - Motivation letter explaining why you want to join
   - 1–2 references
   - Recent photo
   - Optional: TEFL certificate or proof of teaching experience

3. **Interview Stage**  
   Selected applicants will be contacted for a brief **Zoom or phone interview**. Expect questions about your motivation, teaching mindset, and flexibility.

4. **Placement & Acceptance**  
   If accepted, you’ll be matched with a school and host family based on your profile and preferences (if possible). You’ll receive details about your town, school, and host family closer to departure.

5. **Pre-Departure Preparation**

   - Book your flight (at your own expense)
   - Apply for a **Temporary Residence Visa for Volunteers** (the program will help guide you)
   - Pack for your destination — Chile has diverse climates!
   - Brush up on your Spanish and cultural basics

6. **Arrival & Orientation in Chile**  
   You’ll attend a **multi-day orientation** with other volunteers before heading to your placement. This includes classroom training, cultural sessions, and logistical support.

### 📅 When to Apply

- **For March (Semester 1):** Apply between **September–November**
- **For July (Semester 2):** Apply between **February–April**

> Spots fill up quickly — the earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting a preferred placement and enough time for your visa.

## Conclusion & Resources

The **English Open Doors Program** is more than just a chance to teach — it’s a doorway to **cultural exchange, community building, and personal growth**. Whether you’re a new graduate, a career explorer, or simply someone looking for a meaningful way to live abroad, EODP offers a rewarding path forward.

You won’t get rich volunteering in Chile — but you’ll gain **real classroom experience, lifelong memories, and a fresh perspective** on the world. If you’re passionate about helping others and excited to fully immerse yourself in Latin American life, this program could be your perfect match.

### 🔗 Official Program Site

- [English Open Doors Program Chile](https://www.centrodevoluntarios.cl/)

> Ready to teach, explore, and make a difference? Start your application and get ready for your next big adventure — in Chile.


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TEACH ENGLISH IN CHILE