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Volunteer Abroad La Serena Chile:
Volunteering Work Chilean Opportunities

Volunteering Abroad in La Serena Chile: La Serena, in northern Chile, is the country's second-oldest town. La Serena maintains a Spanish neo-colonial style according to the "Plan Serena" implemented by the Chilean government, which allowed the city to grow yet keep its own unique style. The heritage of the city includes over 30 churches, a romantic avenue of replica classical Italian statues, elegant colonial buildings and numerous gardens and parks.

La Serena is a pretty colonial town with a population of about 120,000. It is the capital city of Coquimbo Province, located about 250 miles north of the Chilean capital of Santiago.

From here you can reach the Elqui Valley, famous for producing "Pisco", (the traditional drink of choice in the Andes), and for being one of the world's major astronomical centers due to its clear skies (Tololo, Campanas and Silla Observatories).

The surrounding area has the greatest concentration of astronomical observatories in the world.

Known as the The City of Bell Towers and the City of Carnations, La Serena is a warm, friendly coastal town offering a wealth of history, pleasant year round weather and many nearby attractions (Vicuña, Ovalle, Gabriela Mistral, Punta Choros).

We offer the following programs in La Serena:

Program Length : 1 to 24 weeks (1- 24 week placements with optional start date)
Program Date: Flexible Start & End Date
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 hour per day
Accommodations: Local guesthouse or homestay
Meals: Yes, 3 meals a day
Requirements: 18 years + , Basic Spanish knowledge, an able body and caring spirit.

100% * To be successful volunteering with a local NGO you need to be able to motivate yourself. Regardless of the country and program, to get the most out of your time abroad you need to quickly get to know the placement.

Find out where you can be of the most help and jump right in. Sometimes you might be the only person working on your particular project. You will have to decide what to do and how to do it. While our ABV Directors and local staff are a great resource for getting ideas and talking about your plans, you shouldn't be surprised when they leave the big decisions up to you. Successful ABV Volunteers all have one thing in common: they take advantage of this freedom to design really excellent projects or manage existing ones and are capable of working hard without a great deal of supervision.

Social / Welfare Service:

We have partnerships with local NGO's and private institutions that support the improvement of living conditions of children. Volunteers work at a local children’s home which doubles as an orphanage and day care.

The children range in age from infancy to 12yrs old, some with mild handicaps.

Volunteers assist the local staff with the basic needs such as feeding, bathing and clothin; as well arrange games and day trips with the kids. Basic Spanish is required, as well as a positive and flexible attitude.

Education / Teaching:

A recently stated goal of the Chilean Ministry of Education is that Chile must become a fully bilingual country. English is taught in all schools from the first to the twelfth grades. English teaching assistants will work closely with Chilean English teachers.

Education / Teaching La Serena

We have teaching placements in several small (primary and secondary) schools in La Serena. Volunteers do not need previous teaching experience, although it would be helpful. Basic Spanish is required, as well as a positive and flexible attitude.

Medical, Nurse & EMT Program:

We have placements in community clinics in La Serena. Community hospitals in La Serena provide necessary care for thousands of Chilean's poorest; their children and the indigenous people. Since most people, especially the children lack medical attention, these clinics provide basic health check ups, dental and immunizations free of charge, so the need for volunteers is great.

Medical volunteers assist the local staff in whatever capacity they may need, such as taking medical history, checking vitals, assisting with medicine and supplies. Medical and nursing students are accepted as well (some projects available for pre-medical students with Spanish knowledge) Proficient Spanish knowledge is required. This is a great opportunity to gain first hand medical experience in a foreign country while donating your time and skills. Healthcare volunteers must be in the medical fields or studying, EMT trained, and provide their credentials or university enrollment letter. *Pediatrics and dental care needs are the highest.

Program Includes:

programs includes Our local Project Coordinators will provide HD orientation & La Serena city tour with lunch, introduction and placement in a volunteer work project. Half day (4 hours) Spanish language lessons.

The project coordinator is available 24/7 in case of emergency, health-related or otherwise. They can assist in arranging sightseeing excursion before, during or after the volunteer program.

Language Immersion:

Delve into a new language! We provide you the chance to fully immerse into Chilean culture; learn Spanish, volunteer in La Serena and have the chance to discover the Elqui Valley.

The Spanish classes offer a perfect balance between teamwork and the personalized work, creating a climate of concentration and simultaneous fun that will make easy the leaning. The classes are limited to small groups, and focus in conversation practice, grammar, readings and the vocabulary. The lessons are provided 4 hours per day, total of 20 hours per week Monday to Friday. You attend classes in the morning, and the remainder of your day you will volunteer at children's center helping children learn English, while you practice your Spanish. The total immersion course is 1 to 4 weeks, program includes: