Into the wild in Chilean 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?
- Teaching: Teach in primary and secondary schools and take on an excitable class of your own! Read our blog for more information.
- Sports coaching: Bring extra curricular activities to your children with sports being particularly popular. Read our blog for more information.
- Get outdoors: Spend your weekends and free time exploring these stunning surroundings. Get involved in trekking, rafting, glacier hiking and so much more! Read our blog for more information.
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 three month placement in Chile costs: £2595, excluding flights or £3765 including flights to Coyhaique, Patagonia Chile from London
What is Provided?
- Phone or face-to-face 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 from London with flexible return date (modest fee levied by airline for date changes). Total price including flight £3765
- ATOL Financial Protection (as long as we book your flights)
- All inclusive 10 day intensive Spanish course exclusively for Oyster volunteers
- 3 day camping expedition in magnificent Patagonian scenery (£350 extra)
- All food and accommodation for the duration ofyour 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
- Free access to InterHealth's Travel Health Advice Service
- Free myTsafe secure document storage account - worth £39!
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 home country travel costs (to airport and to interview if face-to-face).
- 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.
