Here you can read the experiences of several past TeachingChile participants from a number of countries. In addition, there are also testimonials of parents and former students. Some testimonials are fairly long, so only the preview text is shown. Click on a testimonial to view the complete text. Choose a category from the menu above or continue scrolling the page to read all the testimonials.
Thanks for a "life changing" experience for Ashley. She really enjoyed Chile, her experience, and most important the Teachers and people of Chile. I can't describe the positive impact this has had on Ashley.
I wanted to pass on our thanks for your patience and help in getting our daughter a position with a Kindergarten through 12th grade school (colegio) in the Santiago Metropolitan Region. She is very excited and appreciative of your help and looks forward to the program.
As her father I can say I am impressed with the TeachingChile Program – it’s very well organized and can see where it would be mutually beneficial to both the school and participants.
Very well done, Bruce. And by the way, Andrea does a great job, too.
Hats off to you, Bruce, and the schools participating in the program........
My daughter, Emily, taught at EducaUC in Chile with the TeachingChile program from July through November 2010. This had been a long-held dream of hers to teach English in a Spanish speaking country and to immerse herself in their language and culture. After researching many options she decided to apply to the TeachingChile program. Although Emily is a mature young woman who is very independent, I am like most parents in wanting to know a bit more about her plans of living and working in a foreign country that is six thousand miles away.
I was impressed by the testimonials that I read on the TeachingChile website from previous participants in the program. It was also reassuring to me to note that the directors of the program resided in Santiago and personally oversaw the placement of the teachers and their orientation to the country and to their positions. Other companies that Emily had checked into were based in the U.S. and served as "middle men" who screened applications and connected potential teachers with a government run program in Chile.
While those companies may be great, they did not allow a participant to know in advance specifically where they would be placed in the country until they arrived. With TeachingChile you knew your placement before arriving. Also, when you called or emailed to ask questions you were connected directly with either Bruce, the director, or Andrea, the program coordinator. This personal relationship and involvement with their teachers helped me to feel very comfortable about sending Emily off to Chile.
Her experience with the TeachingChile program proved to be everything Emily had desired. Her homestay in Rancagua was a perfect fit for her, and she loved the school, her students, and fellow teachers. I believe the fact that Bruce and Andrea personally select and place their teachers helps ensure that a "good fit" is much more likely. A teacher is not randomly placed and that is a huge difference between TeachingChile and other similar programs.
The TeachingChile program lived up to all of my daughter's expectations in terms of helping her acclimate to a new country and culture, as well as connecting her with a great group of fellow participants in the program. Bruce and Andrea provided wonderful support every step of the way. As her semester drew to a close, Emily developed a lingering cold that eventually turned into a serious case of pneumonia that resulted in her being hospitalized for a week.
I was unable to travel to Chile myself because of my own health issues at the time, but Emily's boyfriend, Jeremy, flew to Chile to stay with her. In the interim before he arrived, Bruce called me multiple times a day to update me on Emily's condition and helped to oversee her care. Bruce met Jeremy at the airport and had pre-arranged all his transportation to get him to Rancagua, where Emily was staying.
There are simply no words to convey how thankful our family is for Bruce and Andrea. It was like having extended family on the ground in Chile who cared deeply for our daughter and her well-being. This personal involvement was what I instinctively felt when I had talked with Bruce while Emily was applying for the program, and during Emily's health crisis this proved to be absolutely true. There is no greater fear as a parent than having your child seriously ill so far from home, being unable to get there yourself, and having to rely on others to care for her. I can honestly say that Bruce and Andrea were answers to our prayers. At one point they simply cleared their schedules of all appointments so they could attend to Emily and communicate with us back in the U.S.
The one thing I know for certain is that this response is not unusual for Bruce and Andrea. They are extremely caring, compassionate individuals who direct a quality program with great personal integrity. If your child is considering applying for TeachingChile and you have any questions or concerns you would like to discuss with a fellow parent, I would be happy to communicate with you. I am now the biggest parent fan for TeachingChile because I have personally experienced what sets them miles apart from any other teacher placement program in Chile.
I applied to TeachingChile with my significant other, and I was concerned about our ability to live together since Santiago is such a large city. I still remember the day Bruce called to tell us that he had managed to secure teaching positions for us at the same school. I know that Bruce went out of his way to make that happen, and for his efforts I felt extremely lucky and grateful. It took the stress out of wondering how my significant other and I would manage if we were placed at schools far apart.
From the very beginning the program coordinators proved to be accommodating and caring. Bruce and Andrea's support cannot be beat. If you are interested in teaching abroad, look no further than TeachingChile.
TeachingChile provided me with a rich professional as well as cultural experience. I was warmly welcomed by Bruce and Andrea, who helped me greatly with my pre-arrival process and also made my arrival and my adaptation period easier. The school I was assigned to also welcomed me with opened arms; I experienced first-hand the famous Chilean hospitality and I fell in love with the country and its people! Living and working in a foreign country is a challenge that can present many obstacles but because of the TeachingChile program, I was well surrounded and supported and despite missing my family and friends, I never felt alone or bored. I made friends I know I will keep for the rest of my life.
I would 100% recommend TeachingChile to anyone who wants to live an enriching cultural experience while teaching English!
Teaching Chile is a fantastic organization. It is filled with amazing individuals and is organized by two of the most outgoing, amiable, people I've met, Bruce and Andrea. These two truly care about each and every participant and are always available when needed.
My school placement was incredible. It was a staff filled with friends and warm hearted individuals who were open and receptive to me from the get-go. I don't have one single complaint about the school, nor TeachingChile. It was an all-around magnificent experience. Thank you Bruce and Andrea!
Chile is a wonderful country to live in and explore. TeachingChile made it possible for me to experience what it is like to live and work in a different country. The TeachingChile staff was incredibly supportive and I met amazing people here in Chile. My experience has been meaningful and I am certain I will look back on it with fond memories.
TeachingChile was a great help. Their assistance took the stress out of finding work in Chile, made the process of arrival and documentation easy and simple, and the orientation/practical information they provided was excellent. They were friendly, professional, and I always felt they were ready to answer any questions I had about navigating the city, getting set up to live here, etc.
Being able to start my stay in Chile with a great group of TeachingChile participants meant there was an automatic support network, too. I'm very glad I chose to work with them!
For someone that is looking for an experience abroad, I would highly recommend this program! Living in a foreign country has taught me more than I could have ever imagined. It has been such a great way to expand my views. The people, the culture, and the experiences have all opened me up to new ways of thinking and have given me pieces of myself.
This experience was made much easier with the help of Teaching Chile. When all is said and done, the program is more than worth the cost. Having the help with the documentation requirements before and after arrival, resources and contacts for all of your questions throughout your stay, monthly updates, and mid-semester reunions, it's all been great! Thanks Teaching Chile!.
Bruce and Andrea have been extremely helpful. I had no problems upon my arrival dealing with immigration, getting the proper paperwork completed, and obtaining my Chilean ID (RUT card).
Bruce has even gone out of his way to help with a number of issues unrelated to TeachingChile such as helping me receive mail from the abroad and loaning me money when my debit card was stolen. A truly helpful and generous individual. The hostel where I stayed my first month was one of the best experiences of my time in Chile. It's a huge, charming hostel in a great location where you will likely meet many of the other new TeachingChile members and forge friendships.
I could not have had that experience were it not for TeachingChile.
Andrea and Bruce are fantastic friends, and coordinators to have before, during and after your time in Chile. They were professional, available to help at a moment's notice, and extremely knowledgeable.
I'm grateful for my year teaching in this amazing country, and thankful for their help in making it a success.
Bruce and his team take very good care of the teachers and are always available to help. They provide a great service and are clearly passionate about what they do; you will be in very safe hands with them.
TeachingChile was an amazing program to choose for my year in Chile teaching English. Bruce was nothing but helpful from the very, very beginning and continued to answer any questions and offer advice/help throughout my time in Santiago.
The program does exactly as it promises and I am lucky to have a support system this far away from home in the United States!
This is one of the best life choices I've made so far. Sometimes I stop and it hits me, "WOW, I'm living in a foreign country and teaching!" The experience has been fantastic--I LOVE my school and my students, and it's amazing to have this whole life here, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
TeachingChile, and Bruce especially, are wonderful and caring and were absolutely instrumental in finding my way here; it's so much easier to go through an organized and trustworthy program than to try to find something on your own. If you're on the fence, do it--you won't regret it!
For a first-time expat, TeachingChile gave me everything I needed for peace of mind. I felt like Bruce and Andrea were very approachable and extremely helpful. It made my life easier just knowing that I had a support system if I ever needed anything.
If you are a little nervous about moving to a new country, then TeachingChile is a great way to go!
I've decided to go back to the US in July so I can start law school. I want to thank you both again. Coming to Chile really has been one of the best experiences I've had, both personally and professionally. Without TeachingChile it wouldn't have been possible.
I'm happy to tell you that I have decided to enroll at The George Washington University this fall.
Thank you for all the help you've given me throughout Chile and after. I simply wouldn't be going to graduate school if I hadn't gotten the abroad experience and language development that teaching in Chile provided. TeachingChile was a keystone in setting up my international affairs career.
Thank you for your support, and I'll let you know if I hear back from any scholarships.
TeachingChile has allowed me to pursue my dreams of traveling and following my passion of teaching. It is so nice having the support in a foreign country. I have met lifelong friends through this program. I would recommend this to anyone trying to make a difference and explore a beautiful country. The salary is sufficient enough to afford housing, food and travel.
I would recommend saving money beforehand if you want to travel far from your placement. I am so happy with this program and I actually have a friend joining me next semester.
Thank you TeachingChile for giving me the best experience of my life so far. Chile is an incredible place full of character and charm. One that welcomed me with open arms and a big kiss. I experienced fascinating history and a complicated culture, unnerving earth tremors, crazy nights and tiresome days. I met a people with grit and spirit and a land of moist beauty and barren isolation. Chile, is truly a unique place and one I would recommend to anyone.
Thank you Andrea and Bruce for the opportunity, you guys are the best!
The best thing I loved about TeachingChile was how welcoming, open, and helpful Andrea and Bruce were. They understand that people have different needs and with some participants they were hands on and addressing even the smallest problems. However they also understand that others may not need that level of attention and allow for your own independence. I went months without speaking to either of them, but the moment that I had a question that I needed their expertise on, they were immediately available. I found that to be the best thing about the program. They helped me with everything initially: Visa, travel, housing, documents, do's and don'ts and the moment I got my feet wet they let us go learn for ourselves. I didn't have a parent over my shoulder observing me, unless I wanted one. The only problems I had (minor by all accounts) had absolutely nothing to do with Andrea, Bruce, or the Teaching Chile team, but I knew that had I needed their help that they would have been more than willing to assist me.
My overall experience in Chile has been amazing. I love this country and would recommend Teaching Chile to anyone looking to teach abroad within a structured support system but also have the independence to immerse themselves fully in such a great place. Many of our experiences have been so positive that I and numerous other participants in the program are deciding to stay longer in Chile.
TeachingChile was a great way for me to realize my dream of working and living outside the United States for the first time. Arriving in Chile with a job, temporary housing, and help with getting documentation, etc was invaluable and made moving abroad a less risky endeavor than it could have been.
Through TeachingChile I was able to gain teaching experience at a Chilean primary school while also being paid a salary that allowed me to explore my surroundings and enjoy life-- a rare opportunity. Andrea and Bruce were great and very responsive throughout my year in Chile, something my parents especially were grateful for as their daughter lived 6,000 miles away. When it comes to working abroad, there are seemingly endless hoops to jump through.
TeachingChile made everything easier while allowing me to maintain my independence and enjoy the adventure itself.
I discovered TeachingChile at a crossroads in my life when I had just finished studying at the university and was uncertain as to what direction to take my life. While I had previously visited Chile, I was not sure about TeachingChile at first, because my only point of reference was their internet presence. When I saw that they had a U.S. telephone number, I decided to give them a call and see what sort of “human factor” I would find. I ended up talking with Bruce for a long time, and decided that TeachingChile was a sound established company. I was note sure at first about the placement fees, as they were a bit difficult to cover for me, but in considering all the services and support they obtained for me, I can now say it was more than worth the price.
I had noticed at the time that there were other programs that were offering volunteer teaching experiences without placement fees, which offered small monthly stipends, but I elected to go the TeachingChile route, feeling that it would be a fuller, more maturing process to receive full pay for my work and then make my own economic decisions (housing, food, etc.) rather than having an organization decide these things for me.
Throughout the process of preparing to go to Chile and teach, I was pleasantly surprised to encounter Bruce and/or Andrea at the other end of the phone, ready to help and answer the most mundane of questions.
This help and support continued as I arrived to Chile and began working, answering all of my doubts and questions. While my previous experience in Chile had prepared me culturally, I was still unexperienced in the world of Chilean labor.
Participating in the TeachingChile program was one of the most positive and important decisions I made in my life. The initial uncertainty paid off – TeachingChile turned out to be a wonderful experience that helped immensely in my career as an educator. Looking back, I don’t think I could have done it without TeachingChile’s support. Thanks, Bruce and Andrea!
Teaching English in Chile was, for me, a positive and valuable experience.
I was placed at a professional institute in Valparaìso, which I found to be a good fit: since I did not have a particularly strong level of Spanish prior to arrival, teaching intermediate and advanced English classes to adult students was really the best situation I could have hoped for. And my experience of the city itself -- the architecture, the scenic (and often necessary) gondola rides, the cobblestones, outdoor markets, my house (a beautiful Spanish-style character house with gardens, dogs, a wood stove, and avocado trees), and of course, the beaches -- was really quite wonderful.
TeachingChile was really helpful, not only in finding me such an agreeable (and well-suited) placement, but in helping with the difficult transitions involved in living and working in another country: they were extremely helpful with the visa process, and offered assistance finding accommodation; they provided a lot of opportunities to meet other teachers, which created a valuable support system; and, through my school, they even offered free Spanish lessons for the teachers who, like me, came to Chile with a less-than "basico" proficiency level.
Some final brass tacks for anyone considering the program:
Depending on your placement, the money’s really not bad. I couldn’t live on what I was making there in Vancouver, but in Chile it was more than enough to (fairly frequently) go on weekend trips into the Andes, take holidays in Valdivia, rent beach cabañas, and even bring a bit back (actually, a fair amount).
Research where you want to live. TeachingChile is really good at making sure you get your first or second placement choice, and making sure your city (or village) fits your lifestyle is a really important consideration. I might not have been as happy in a small "pueblo", bracing the southern winters, or even in a big city like Santiago as I was in Valparaìso.
The flexibility of doing one or two terms can be pretty important, and really quite rare with overseas teaching contracts. Living and working abroad is, frankly, not for everyone, but 4-5 months is really not that long if, for whatever reason, it’s not working for you. As much as I enjoyed my time there, I decided to leave after a single term to go back to grad school.
That I was able to do that without having to break a contract, miss out on any paycheques, or put myself in my school’s bad books was a factor that I can’t overstress the importance of.
All in all, a set of positive and formative experiences that I would highly recommend.
Living in Chile and teaching English in Santiago was hands down the best experience of my life. I had a wonderful living situation with a Chilean woman who is also an English teacher, just a short 10-minute bus ride away from the center of the city. In just 5 months I felt like I had been living there forever, all thanks to the warm and welcoming Chilean people. Santiago is a fun, lively, bright, and beautiful city with so much to offer. TeachingChile provides readily available support whenever necessary, while still allowing participants to be independent to live and travel.
I absolutely loved my time spent with my sweet, affectionate students. I learned so much from them, and can only hope they learned just as much English from me! To me, being in their classroom was just as exciting as it was for them to have a foreigner teaching them English. Every day was an exciting learning experience full of fun surprises, and I would work at my colegio again in a heartbeat!
Nothing compares to the relationships I formed while I was in Chile, I made lifelong friends in Chileans as well as fellow TeachingChile participants. I miss Chile every day and cannot wait to go back for a visit, or maybe something a little more permanent!
TeachingChile offers an excellent opportunity to teach abroad. The program gives you all of the tools you need to be successful. They have an excellent orientation and assist with all of your visa paperwork. They offer the flexibility of either working a semester or year contract and they are very helpful and assist you with everything throughout your time abroad.
I worked in a school with students ranging from grades K-12 and was able to experience the difference in teaching each age group. This gave me a better understanding of the grades I might want to teach in the future. The staff at the school were very friendly and supportive. There was flexibility with the schedule which allowed me to work during the times I preferred. Overall it was a very fun way to experience a foreign country. I would recommend it to all those wishing to explore Chile.
I am back in the United States now and I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to teach English in Chile for the past year. It was a life changing experience and it was very comforting that you both were always there for me. Thanks again!
TeachingChile is an excellent program to use for anyone looking to teach abroad in Chile. I came to Chile to continue practicing Spanish, gain a developed perspective of South America, and acquire professional teaching experience abroad. So far, all of those goals have been accomplished, and I'm still learning new lessons and cultural tidbits everyday.
Bruce and Andrea are incredibly useful resources, not just through the Visa and application process, but also once you arrive in Chile. They are helpful guides through the city for an Orientation process, the official immigrant documentation paperwork, and also (most importantly) finding a place to live.
Other perks include a one month's stay at a hostel to help you meet people and find a more permanent home, as well as a Chilean phone to help you get connected. For the application fee, I feel the price is well worth it, and was more affordable than competing programs. Teaching abroad is an amazing opportunity.
I work at la Universidad de Duoc in Santiago, Chile. The students and faculty are very kind, and using my bike to explore the different districts of Santiago provides for all sorts of unexpected fun. The people you meet, the lively Chilean students, the famous asados, and La Vega fresh markets are all part of the beautiful culture of Santiago. Also, Santiago is a gateway to travel away from the city for fun adventures. I couldn't be more happy with a way to spend a year of my life post college graduation.
I have been meaning to write to you over and over but things have just been so busy with the transition back home!
I just wanted to express my gratitude and appreciation for everything you did for us... and just tell you how much I enjoyed my experience this past year. I couldn't have asked to meet better people within and outside of the program, and I learned so much as a teacher and as a person.
Thank you for everything you do and happy new year!
I just wanted to say thank you for all of your help. Up through the end you guys were a good support system and I really appreciate all of the work that you put in.
I had the saddest sendoff at the school and gave more hugs than I can remember. The principal gave Catelyn and I awards for "dedicacion y entrega" and when they left the stage the kids swarmed in for a giant group hug. It was beautiful and I still feel so much love for them that it was really hard to leave.
I had an amazing time in Los Andes and at San Sebastian. I think anyone who ends up there is lucky.
Thank you for giving me the chance and the opportunity. I am now home and settled in, but I just wanted to thank you one more time. The relationships I formed while in Chile are incredible and I am already thinking about saving money to return and visit.
It is all possible because of you. I cannot thank you enough and I hope to stay in touch through future adventures.
I'm writing to let you both know that I'm back in Montreal, Canada! I came back last Friday. It's great to be back but I also miss Chile already! :) I want to thank you both for your support and help over the past year and for this incredible experience. I really enjoyed my time in Santiago and my teaching experience at Duoc Maipu. Thanks and maybe you'll see me again in Santiago at some point! I'd love to visit in a few years.
TeachingChile is a fantastic program that allows you to teach and learn while broadening your perspectives by living in another country. I am very grateful that I did this program and Bruce and Andrea have always been extremely helpful with any questions or needs that I have had.
I decided to go to Chile to improve my Spanish and learn more about the school system in the country. I was placed in Melipilla, a small town outside of Santiago, so I was really able to get to know my campus and students. My Spanish fluency increased quickly due to the constant interaction with students and people in that area. Being a small town, everyone knew where the "gringo" house was and they were all very welcoming and kind during my time there.
The year I initially spent in Chile sparked some academic interests that I am currently pursuing and Bruce has provided continual help. Since leaving Chile in 2009, I have been back to Chile twice, to visit friends and to work. I plan on returning to do my dissertation research and cannot wait for that opportunity.
TeachingChile is a program that offers people with different interests a variety of opportunities. Whether you are looking to travel, improve your Spanish skills, or investigate an academic interest, TeachingChile can provide you with the stepping-stones you need in order to make those things happen.
"Thank you so much for bringing me to Chile. Your program is so wonderful and I never doubted the authenticity of the program.
I always had complete confidence that I would be taken care of in the "foreign land" from the very beginning. I have had a wonderful experience and could not have asked for a better method to get me here.
I wish all the luck to TeachingChile and all of its future projects. It has been a pleasure, and thank you again."
“Teaching English to high school students in Santiago was by far one of the most rewarding experiences of my lifetime thus far, and I could not be more grateful to have acquired this job post-graduation.
The challenges and joys of teaching students a foreign language are incomparable to anything else.
The TeachingChile program is incredibly well-organized due to the tremendous efforts of Bruce Thompson and Andrea Rodriguez. They were both so helpful and available before and during my time in Chile. I cannot thank them both enough for their personal attention and concern for every aspect of my stay, from getting around and living in Santiago, to planning weekend trips, to genuine moral support.
Throughout my five months living 6000 miles away from home, never once did I feel like I didn't have someone available in the same city to ask questions about anything. I taught 5 days a week, but spent the weekends and national holidays experiencing the gorgeous country outside Santiago.
One of the greatest experiences was piling in a little white rental car with an Aussie, a Brit, an American, and a tattered Lonely Planet book. Paving our own paths through 500 miles of Chilean countryside and coastline, we attempted the use of our sub-par Spanish, discovered many isolated parts of Chile, and immersed ourselves in Chilean culture for a very memorable holiday weekend.
Teaching English is one of the best ways and reasons to travel, and I would highly recommend this program to anyone considering such an incredible opportunity!"
“Having had visited Chile on a previous trip, I had a great desire to return not simply as a traveller, but in a capacity that would allow me to learn about the people, culture and community – first hand. After exhaustive searches both online and via organisations, I came upon TeachingChile.
Upon contacting TeachingChile I was instantly impressed with their professional, up front and honest manner. Once I made the decision to go with the organisation I was led through what can be a painful visa process with the utmost ease. From the first contact I made from home in Sydney to the last day of semester I felt secure in everything that TeachingChile provided for me.
The position I was granted teaching in the south of Chile was perfect for me. Not only was I teaching middle class Chileans and experiencing everyday life, but I was also living alongside some of the world's most beautiful nature reserves, mountains, rivers, lakes and beaches. As a keen surfer and lover of the outdoors I found myself with very little to complain about. Apart from the water – it's pretty bloody cold."
“Bruce, I just want to thank you for all of your help with my transition to Chile. I think that you and your colleague, Andrea, go above and beyond for the teachers you bring to Chile.
There is a big difference between people who care and those who don't. It is very evident that you really care about the schools which you work with and the teachers you recruit.
I want to wish you and TeachingChile the best of luck in the future. I know that with the care and dedication you show, you will have no problem keeping this program a success. Also, if you ever need a reference for an incoming teacher, please feel free to contact me. I would gladly recommend this program to anyone who is interested."
I just returned from a semester teaching in Chile through TeachingChile, and I wanted to write to share what a positive experience it was for me. As a program, TeachingChile is rock solid.
Bruce Thompson – who runs the program as a volunteer – is professional, helpful, and extremely attentive to details, in addition to being a wonderful and caring person.
I enjoyed working at DUOC because it gave me contact with 18-25 year old Chileans in a real school environment. The most rewarding part of the experience was getting to know my students in and out of the classroom. The biggest frustration for me was that my students, kind and hilarious though they were, were sometimes pretty unmotivated to learn English.
A word about finances: I survived pretty well on my 300,000 peso monthly salary. My apartment was on the cheap side, 100,000, and I would spend less than 50,000 on food and transportation, so I would have 150,000 left over for going out, going on weekend trips, etc, and I only occasionally dipped into my savings.
Overall, I had a great experience in Santiago, and I recommend TeachingChile highly.
"I have just returned from Vina del Mar in Chile. I taught English at DUOC and my placement was organised by TeachingChile. TeachingChile participants received a training session for 10 days in Santiago before moving to the various sites.
This provides a good opportunity to meet your fellow teachers and subsequently have a contact in many of Chile's cities.
Once on site, all recruited teachers are treated comparably to local teachers. Local teachers are paid by the hour and the wages are low.
I found the TeachingChile program flexible in terms of accommodation and on-going obligations. Bruce Thompson (the TeachingChile coordinator) was efficient and helpful. He organised my placement, visa and sorted out any issues I had with DUOC during my stay.
The advantage of going through one of these organisations is the access to places like DUOC and the stamp of approval your application gets. It is difficult to get a student or work visa in Chile from abroad without an institution to sponsor you and for me this justified a good part of the fee.
On a lighter note, the TeachingChile placement allowed me to travel from Vina to Ushuaia and back through Argentina in a beaten up old Nissan. We had a great group of 10 English teachers in the Vina/Valpo area and together with our Chilean friends it seemed like one long party in those colourful bars that hang on the hills overlooking the bay of Valparaiso."
"I just wanted to say a big thanks for everything this year! You have an incredible organisation.
From the beginning you were so friendly, efficient and organised. When I arrived in Chile clueless and frightened, you made the transition easy for me.
I had an incredible year and I've recommended your program to everyone I meet! I have a feeling I might be returning to Chile in future…it's captured all our hearts!
Okay, well thanks again for everything. I'm just back in Ireland and it's a really strange feeling! But i'll adapt anyway! Besos."
Click on the following link to read an interesting article published by the Orange County Register regarding a TeachingChile participant from California. Click here to view article.
I wanted to let you know that I’m back in the United States now! I had such a wonderful time in Chile, and seriously learned more in 2 years than I had learned in the prior 23 years. Thanks for all your help and support.
TeachingChile was a great experience for several reasons. First, it gave me real teaching experience in which was an excellent tool to help me determine if it was something I wanted to do further down the road.
Second, it gave me the opportunity to travel, live abroad and to meet people from all over all while getting paid.
Third, Bruce and Andrea were amazing. They were available whenever I needed them throughout the whole process. They made the whole transition go smoothly even when some unforeseen events like earthquakes cropped up.
I had an amazing time and I'm convinced that having this experience has given me an edge over other applicants in the job market and at grad schools.
Teaching English in Chile with the TeachingChile program was one of the most exciting and enriching experiences of my life. Chile is a fantastic country, with great people, diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes, and unique cultures.
Going to teach in another country can definitely be a daunting adventure to say the least, however, Bruce and Andrea were there every step of the way to help familiarize, guide, answer questions, and solve problems. They supported us through the governmental and paperwork processes, escorting us to the multiple government offices and buildings and answering the many questions we all had. Without them the whole process would have been a nightmare. No matter what the issue, they were always there to help, which was very comforting to know.
My experience teaching was very rewarding; my students were great and had a real interest in learning. Not only did the program allow me to experience a new culture and lifestyle, it also provided plenty of time for me to travel during scheduled breaks to other parts of South America such as Bolivia and Peru. The experiences I had and the friends I made are truly unforgettable.
I would definitely recommend the TeachingChile program to anyone who wants to see another part of the world, while helping people and meeting like-minded individuals.
Thank you TeachingChile for this incredible experience, and I hope that anyone considering an international teaching position will choose TeachingChile as the secure, proven, and exceptional option.
Just wanted to say thanks for all you did to get us set up in this beautiful country. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and we will be back to Chile as soon as life allows. As you may have guessed, we found an alternative storage option for our luggage these past two weeks. We went to Buenos Aires and San Pedro for our final two trips and both were incredible.
Our memories from Chile will be great by the great friendships we made and the beautiful places we were lucky enough to visit. Thanks again for your help and for all the great work TeachingChile does to make such experiences possible for people like us.
We have already recommended TeachingChile to friends back home and fellow travelers we've met with similar interests. Because of this experience, Amber decided to pursue a master’s program in TESOL at the Columbia University Teachers College this fall. I hope to use this experience and the Spanish language skills I've acquired to pursue a career in international law and human rights. Maybe our paths will cross again one day, but if not, it was a pleasure. Thanks again, Bruce.
Thank you so much for your support and love throughout this whole process.
TeachingChile is a program that offers people with different interests a variety of opportunities. Whether you are looking to travel, improve your Spanish skills, or investigate an academic interest, TeachingChile can provide you with the stepping-stones you need in order to make those things happen.
Thanks so much. We really appreciate how far out of the way you've gone for both of us... the whole time.
I remember arriving beleaguered by not only being in a new country, but also by having MORE bureaucratic steps to make, in a new place, and all to be done in a new language! (Universal Fact: Chileno not = Castellano)
You were so helpful from the get-go, and the only company resident in Chile with information and experience. You've been extremely responsive and helpful from the beginning as well. In short, you've set a special example for us to follow in terms of personal care.
It's been a pleasure working with you, being in the program with TeachingChile.
Like a lot of people my age, I felt a little lost after graduating from college. Uncertain about my career direction, but knowing I had a love for traveling and a craving for new, exciting experiences, I decided to do a little internet research about working abroad.
I stumbled upon the Teaching Chile website (but was originally worried I hit an internet scam!)
After a quick phone call to Bruce I was quickly reassured that TeachingChile was anything but a safe support system that helped me fund my love of traveling through steady work. Upon arrival into Chile I soon met some life-long friends from around the world—many of whom were in the same boat as I was. Living in Chile for the year got me out of my post college rut and gave me a new passion and direction in life.
The best part is that the year of practical job experience in an exotic, foreign setting has provided the extra ‘wow’ factor on my grad school application. After returning to the USA, now I am on my way to complete a public policy Masters Degree in International Relations. Thank you, Bruce (and TeachingChile), for helping me make the best decision of my life!
I've just finished my tenure teaching in Aysén in the south of Chile, one of the more remote and beautiful regions of the world.
TeachingChile arranged this placement for me, to work with local businesses that need English instruction. Aysén is really off the beaten track, and I would never have seen this part of the country otherwise, with its huge mountains, forests and glaciers were it not for this teaching opportunity.
Living and working in Patagonia has been quite an experience; the students are friendly and really want to learn, and (although the weather left a great deal to be desired), it has been memorable.
I came across the TeachingChile program while looking for teaching jobs abroad that were in Spanish-speaking countries.
As I would be with any similar program I found on the internet, I was unsure what to expect, but, I quickly found Bruce and Andrea to be extremely helpful and reassuring.
They obviously have been doing this long enough to know how to handle all the details of teaching in a foreign country. I can’t express how great they were to have as support system while I was living in Chile.
As someone working towards becoming a teacher, the TeachingChile program was perfect. First, I was able to get experience teaching under a variety of settings. This helped to put much of what I had learned to practice in a real classroom. Sometimes I taught lessons to a whole class and other times, I worked with smaller groups of students.
The experience I gained has given me confidence as a teacher. Second, I improved my Spanish immensely. I know it seems like an obvious conclusion, but it was still amazing to notice how much it improved. My teaching experience in Chile has definitely been a beneficial addition to my resume. I would highly recommend the TeachingChile program to anyone who was thinking about teaching abroad.
"First of all, thank you Bruce and Andrea for providing such an amazing level of support through TeachingChile. I’m the kind of person who doesn’t mind figuring things out on the fly and was a bit hesitant to coordinate my overseas experience through an organized program.
My first conversations over the phone with Bruce gave me a positive feel for the benefits of the program but it wasn't until I arrived in Chile that I realized the program was worth it's weight in gold. From the incredibly helpful and comprehensive welcome packet I received upon arrival to assistance with many un-foreseen issues that surfaced, the TeachingChile program was nothing but a blessing and a lifesaver and truly has enhanced my experience as an ESL teacher in Santiago, Chile.
I would recommend the TeachingChile program to anyone without a single hesitation and I have recommended it to several people already. In addition to the support and organization of Bruce and Andrea, it also has been terrific to meet and become friends with the other program participants. It's like having an instant network of friends who can relate on the same level due to the shared experiences- it's fantastic."
Para mí el Ingles es un idioma importante, ya que es vital saber esta idioma, ya que todo está relacionado con Ingles, un ejemplo en Internet la mayoría de las paginas están en este idioma. Al viajar también es muy importante para poder comunicarse con los demás personas. Y en el trabajo igual es muy importante.
Ingles es importante para mí porque hace que aspire a más oportunidades de trabajo e incluso poder viajar en el futuro al extranjero no importándome el tabú del idioma. El Ingles es una lengua universal, tengo que aprenderla si o si.
Me guastan las idiomas. Me gusta el Ingles. Es muy útil para la carrera. Me interesa aprender el idioma porque me gustara viajar y conocer otros países, y el Ingles es casi universal.
For the nine days commencing September 15 thru September 23, Chileans will be celebrating Fiestas Patrias, or Chilean Independence. While the TeachingChile staff will be working for many of these days to answer your email and telephone inquiries, all of the contacts in our network of schools will not be at work and/or working in a very limited capacity.
Thus, if you have already submitted an application and it is currently under review by one or more of these schools, there will be no advancement of your placement evaluation during this festive holiday period.
On the other hand, if you have not yet applied, we do encourage you to submit your application online during this Chilean holiday time frame as schools will start the review process shortly afterward.
Special Notes
Teaching Positions to University Students
Starting end of February 2020: We are currently accepting applications. Ten-month (two semester) commitment required. TEFL/TESOL certification required, but not at time of application. We will be accepting applications for the next year starting end of February 2020 on September 23, 2019.
Teaching Positions to Adult Learner Students
Starting throughout the year 2020: We are currently accepting applications. Ten- or 12-month commitment required. TEFL/TESOL certification required,but not at time of application. The next round of applications received will be submitted to Teaching Institutions for review on or after September 23, 2019.
Co-Teaching Positions to Kindergarten through 12th Grade Students
Starting end of February 2020: We are currently accepting applications. TEFL/TESOL certification required, but not at time of application. The next round of applications received will be submitted approximately September 23, 2019.
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