Why Volunteer with the English Opens Doors Program?

"While looking for an international volunteer opportunity, I sifted through an overwhelming amount of “volunteerism” organizations; I was seeking an authentic volunteer experience in which the resources were being directed toward the people who needed them. When I found the English Opens Doors Program (EODP), an entity of the Ministry of Education in Chile and supported by the United Nations Development Program, I felt confident in the legitimacy of their fee-free, volunteer initiative. As far as the actual volunteering, I had such a positive experience that I participated in this Program for three semesters in two extremely different, yet rewarding volunteer placements! What I genuinely appreciated about being a volunteer with EODP was the opportunity to integrate into a local Chilean community by living with a host family, which many other volunteer programs were lacking.

While the intrinsic benefits made my volunteer experience what it was, the tangible benefits were also extremely helpful in my feeling confident in this particular volunteer initiative. EODP volunteers receive a week-long, comprehensive training in addition to in-country, volunteer support to help them navigate the volunteer experience and teach effectively in a Chilean classroom. This is not a study abroad experience; this is an opportunity to really make a difference and to help evolve education and opportunities for public school students in Chile. It was a life-changing experience for me that evolved into my current job position in which I now help to train, guide and support the volunteers in our Program.

If you are looking for an international living experience, an opportunity to develop personally and professionally and to volunteer in a meaningful way, please check out our website for more information!"
Stephanie Hairgrove, volunteer in March, 2013-July, 2014 and current staff member for the EODP

Application Deadlines are Coming Soon!
Volunteer Service 4 (August 3rd-November 29th): April 27, 2015
Volunteer Service 5 (August 17th-November 29th): May 11, 2015

To apply, fill out our online application via the link on our website!

The English Opens Doors Program is seeking people who are:
-Native or near-native English speakers
-Between the ages of 21-35 years old
-Have a bachelors degree or equivalent from an accredited university
-Are physically and mentally capable of working with children

English Opens Doors Program Volunteers will:
Work 35 hours a week which will include:
-Working independently in collaboration with a Professional Chilean teacher of English
-Planning and teaching dynamic classes which focus on developing students' listening and speaking abilities
-Creating opportunities for cultural sharing and being an ambassador for their home country
-Integrating into the public school community by facilitating extra curricular activities and participating in EODP events