English Open Doors Program Chile: Teach English in Public Schools

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 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 — 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

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