Coyhaique - self-styled capital of Patagonia
A Gap Year in Chile is an amazing opportunity for anyone who loves the wilderness, because Coyhaique is surrounded by spectacular, jagged mountains and you will have plenty of chances to hike, bike, camp, ride and kayak.
You will help teach English in selected primary and secondary schools in this small and friendly town. The placement includes a three-day camping expedition through rugged, unforgettable landscapes and an intensive 10-day Spanish course; relatively few people speak English.
'I loved being in a part of the world where the beautiful scenery and people's attitudes made me feel relaxed and at peace.' Becky Pini
What will I do in Chile?
When you are placed in one of our schools as a volunteer, you will start off by assisting the English teacher until you feel ready to cope with a class on your own. No question, it's hard work - probably any teacher in the world would say that! - but it's also amazingly rewarding.
At weekends you can meet up with other volunteers to explore, get outdoors with a trek or mountain bike ride, or just relax and enjoy Cohaique. Read our blog for more information.
'I am teaching in 2 schools, one is a primary school and the other secondary. I absolutely love my classes with the little ones; whenever they see me they shout ´tia!´ or 'aunty!' They are so energetic and constantly tire me out, but they are a joy to work with.' Ceri Broussine 2008
Getting there
Our representatives will meet you at the local airport (Coyhaique is about 2,000 miles south of the Chilean capital, Santiago), sort out your paperwork and lodgings with a Chilean family - and start you off on your Spanish course. The course is specifically for Oyster volunteers and covers local culture cuisine and Salsa dancing as well as a traditional Chilean Asado (BBQ).
Representative
Jacqueline and Ian
The British couple have lived and worked in Chile for many years with their young family. They live just outside Coyhaique, where Ian runs his consultancy in Outdoor Education and Conservation, and Jacqueline is a Primary teacher who also runs the Spanish course, so you’ll see a lot of her from the start.
Supporting You
If you have a work-related difficulty your first contact will be the head teacher of your school or the member of staff sponsoring you.
If you have any other problems (or if any school issues are not satisfactorily resolved) you can always ask for assistance from Jacqueline and Ian Farmer, our Oyster representatives who have lived and worked in Chile for many years. Jacqueline runs the Spanish course so you will get to know her well from the start.
They will meet you on arrival and co-ordinate all aspects of your placement. They live just outside Coyhaique and Ian is easily found at the office of his company, Patagonian Adventure Expeditions in Coyhaique.
'The programme was superbly organised and I can think of no real changes I would make. Philippa Kober' 2004
Accommodation
'The family is so welcoming and look after me really well.' Ceri Broussine 2007
Volunteers are usually placed with a family on their own, although other Oyster volunteers will be close by.
This is challenging at first but works well in practice and is fantastic for your Spanish. You'll soon feel part of the family - these are really friendly people. They'll give you breakfast, lunch and dinner (a minimal affair in Chile) and show you the Chilean way of life.
Cost and what is provided
A four month placement in Chile costs: £2725, excluding flights
What is provided
- One-to-one interview and informal briefing
- 1 or 2-day pre-departure course covering medical, safety and placement advice
- Details of visa requirements
- Help and advice from our UK office before departure and whilst away
- Finding you a suitable teaching placement and host family in Chile
- Optional - flight with flexible return date (modest fee levied by airline for date changes). Total price including flight £3725
- ATOL Financial Protection (as long as we book your flights)
- All inclusive 10 day intensive Spanish course exclusively for Oyster volunteers
- All food and accommodation for the duration of your time in Coyhaique
- Met at Coyhaique airport and taken to accommodation
- Assistance and support from our representative whilst on your placement including regular social 'meet ups'
- Assistance and support from our representative Jacqueline in Coyhaique including social meet ups
What do I need?
- A passport valid for 6 months beyond the end of your placement
- Insurance – we can recommend you a policy (approx £161 for 4 months)
- Cost of changing your return flight if you need to (approx £30).
- Pocket money – eating out, telephone cards etc – recommend £20pw max
- Warm outdoor clothing
- All UK travel costs (to interview, pre-departure course and the airport).
- Organising and paying for independent travel including return to local airport.
- Renewing visa after 3 months (US$100 approx)
- Independent travel costs
One more thing...
While you're down there, see if you can continue on down to Punta Arenas and do a boat trip back up the fiords.
