Assistant Teacher in Elqui Valley

Nestled in the beautiful Elqui valley are three main primary schools that GapGuru works with. The projects began in Monte Grande and since then have expanded to include the other schools in the Comuna (administrative district). English, as a foreign language is compulsory for children from 5th Grade (10 years old), but recent government initiatives and the presence of English-speaking volunteers in the valley have encouraged the educational authorities, both on the municipal level and in the schools, to push for it to be taught from 1st Grade (6 years old) and even Kindergarten.

Aims of the projects:

• To support and add relevance and authenticity to the teaching of English from 1st Grade, possibly from earlier
• To raise levels of English (few currently speak English with any fluency).
• To widen the number of sports on offer, e.g. basketball and volleyball, and raising levels of performance.
• To provide support in the teaching of computing and Information Technology.

We are also keen for volunteers to get involved in vocational training for young people and adults in the valley. Keen volunteers would help with communication skills in English in the context of the tourist activities in the valley as well as in the acquisition of basic computing skills.

Basic knowledge of Spanish is essential, as very little English is spoken. There is also a minimum time requirement of 10 weeks for these programmes. For volunteers with very little Spanish, classes can be organised in La Serena a coastal town 1H30 away or in the valley itself. This is a great chance to improve or learn Spanish!

Your role: Volunteers work in one of the three main schools and generally spend one day a week assisting the peripatetic teacher in one or more of the others. The main objective will be to improve the level of spoken English among the students. In addition to the teaching of English, volunteers have, in the past developed projects like photography, music projects, drama activities, outdoor activities and repainting artwork in a school playground. There is much room here for creativity and initiative.

What you Gain: Based, in the beautiful valley of Elqui will be a perfect opportunity for you to explore the surrounds of Chile. Teaching at local schools and living along side communities will provide intercultural exposure and understanding of Chilean society, local conditions and challenges. Of course, the teaching experience brings immense joy and you will find it difficult to bid good bye!

This is also an incredible opportunity to learn Spanish while gaining from experience of a different culture and helping others.