What is the English Opens Doors Program for teaching English in Chile?
As it is traditionally one of the most stable and wealthy countries in the Latin American region, Chile has long been a popular location for teaching English abroad. One convenient way you can do this is to join the English Opens Doors Program (EODP) that recruits volunteer teachers to work in schools across the country. Through this scheme you will work as a teaching assistant in classes with students ranging from 10 to 18 years old.
What are the requirements for the English Opens Doors Program?
The highly respected EODP is sponsored by the Chilean Ministry of Education and the United Nations Development Program. It is open to native or near-native English speakers aged from 21 and 35 (exceptions are sometimes made for those outside this bracket). All applicants need a bachelor's degree and funds to pay for their own transportation to and from Chile and living expenses. Previous teaching qualifications and international travel experience are also taken into consideration during the application process.
What does the English Opens Doors Program involve?
Successful applicants will work in a public school under the guidance of a local teacher. You are able to specify any location preferences in your application, but these cannot be guaranteed. An average week involves around 24 hours of classroom teaching, plus another 11 hours of extracurricular activities. The age of your students could be anything from 5th grade (10-11 years old) to 12th grade (17-18 years old). For more information please visit the official EODP website.
What are the benefits of the English Opens Doors Program?
As this is a volunteer scheme, the main benefits are personal fulfilment gained by living and working in a new and fascinating environment and the chance to gain valuable classroom experience. Chile also offers huge potential for fun and adventure away from the classroom. Other benefits of the program include:
- All housing costs and meals if you choose the homestay option
- A monthly stipend of 70,000 CLP (currently $100 US)
- Week-long orientation course in Santiago
- Free transport within Chile
- Free health insurance
- Free online Spanish course
- No visa fee
