Cultural Embrace has been selected by the Chilean Ministry of Education and United Nations Development Program to provide native English speakers to assist Chilean English schools in Region III (Atacama) & IV (Coquimbo). This "Small North" region features a vast array of geographical beauties. From desert landscapes to salt basin, sand, and lava flows, to beautiful coastal beaches. It boasts some of the clearest skies in the world, thus chosen as the site for many world-renowned observatories. Along the coastline, there are several beach resort areas whose clear, blue waters attract vacationers.  The largest urban centers in this zone are: Chañaral, Copiapó, Vallenar, La Serena, Coquimbo, Ovalle, Illapel. Be a part of this exclusive opportunity as Chile is taking great strides to improve their education curriculum.  The objectives of this “English Open Doors” program is to improve the English skills of the local Chilean communities, and foster mutual respect and friendship between people of different cultural backgrounds. “Discover the Similarities – Share the Differences”

Classroom experience is preferred but not required, with a basic level of Spanish.  Cultural Embrace provides pre-departure and local training prior to your teacher assistant placement.  A 20 unit on-line TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course will be included for all placements, so you can feel more comfortable with the English grammar and language, as well as teaching methodologies prior to your departure.  Upon arrival, you will attend an all-inclusive orientation in Santiago and your host region. This in-country training will include Chilean culture, cultural adjustment, health and safety issues, general country and local information, EFL teaching methods and teaching practice, and Curriculum training, workshops and field work with other English teacher assistants and Chilean facilitators. Round-trip domestic transportation between Santiago and your host city will be included.

Teacher Assistants will help Chilean English teachers in their classrooms for about 25 hours per week, with additional hours expected for class planning and preparation.  They will also participate in extra-curricular activities which may include developing English conversational groups, cooperating in art, science and other projects, encouraging community involvement with activities related to the English language.  We currently have three program dates: 1) March 22-23 to November 28, 2008 2) May 31-June 1 to November 28, 2008 or 3) July 26-27 to November 28, 2008. Apply now since positions are limited for all regions and start dates!

Region III- Atacama

The Atacama region is a region of strong contrasts, where you will pass extended barren plains to the richest agricultural valleys of Chile. A region of beautiful landscapes that range from valleys to the ocean.   Copiapo, the region’s capital is characterized for being a transition between the desert and the zone of transverse valleys, giving way to both climate conditions.

The geography varies from mountainous ranges, with an average elevation of 2500 feet, to beaches along the Pacific coast, to areas that are full of salt basins (salars) sand and lava flows. The landscape is so desolate it is sometimes described as "moon like.”

The "atacameños" (people from Atacama) were the founders of the so called "San Pedro Culture." They were the first farmers and therefore the first sedentary group of the country. As there was little cultivation area, they constructed terraces in the mountain slopes which were artificially irrigated and fertilized with Llama's guano. They showed their artistic developments through pottery, weaves, basketry, wood carvings, and metals.

Region IV-Coquimbo
Coquimbo is translated as the "place of calm waters." In fact, Charles Darwin had noted that the town was "remarkable for nothing but its extreme quietness." Since then, Coquimbo has developed into a bustling port and the region's major commercial and industrial center from which minerals, seafood, and fruits are exported.

Coquimbo is the gateway port for popular resorts in Chile. This region is rich in agriculture and is an important fruit distribution center, and the production capital for Chile's national drink, pisco sour.


TESTIMONIES from PAST VOLUN-TEACHERS in CHILE

“I can honestly say that I love coming to school everyday … In a month and half when I have to leave these kids, it is going to be one of the hardest things that I will ever have to do. The only thing that I wish is that I have made the same impact on my students as they have made on me.”
--Justin Hughes, Punta Arenas

“I do have a few students that show enormous potential - enough to be speaking better English than I do someday. I can’t help but think how fortunate these children are to be learning a foreign language from a native-speaker at such a young age.”
--Craig Gaver, Puerto Natales

“I decided to teach abroad because I wanted the chance to travel, learn about a foreign culture, and continue learning Spanish. I could not have imagined all that I would receive from my students, host family and other volunteers. They have opened my eyes and my heart to another culture and allowed me to share in their experiences; experiences that I will never forget.”
--Aileen Horgan, Punta Arenas

“My host family has been warm and caring, I have met and worked with wonderful people, experienced the Chilean culture, struggled and improved with the language, and seen students just as excited about my culture and language as I am about theirs.”
--Jessica Neufield, Punta Arenas 

”I highly recommend Cultural Embrace to anyone looking to see the world.  The staff makes sure you are set up before you leave and that you will be taken care of once you reach your destination.  I have researched competitors' offers and yes, Cultural Embrace does indeed give the best value.  At the same time, what you see and experience really can't be measured in monetary terms.  This has been a rewarding opportunity for my fellow volunteer teachers and me.  We have explored various parts of Chile and Argentina; been aired on local TV; and even had the privilege of meeting Michelle Bachelet, President of Chile.  I wouldn't trade this experience for anything.”
--Jennifer Lew, Puerto Natales

Congratulations to Aileen Horgan's (CE volun-teacher, Punta Arenas 2006) students, who earned top honors to compete in the Finals Dialogue Competition in Santiago, Chile!  To view a video of the Final Dialogue Competition click here.  

Teacher Assistance in Chile Offers:

• The satisfaction of helping others
• An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview
• An economical way to live and travel abroad
• An opportunity to participate in and learn local cultural activities (e.g.: language, music, dancing, cooking)
• Memorable travel experiences with the chance to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about 
• The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe
• A valuable work experience that strengthens your resume
• A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills

Cultural Embrace and Chile's Ministry of Education Offers:

• Guaranteed Teacher Assistant Position Prior to Departure
  Limited positions available as teacher assistants in Atacama & Coquimbo regions
• Compensation
  Monthly stipend of US$170/ month.
• Room & Board
  Housing and meals with a carefully selected host family.
• Online TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Course  
  This course teaches the skills and techniques required for successful language teaching and classroom preparation.  It is a 20-unit course to be completed at your leisure, requiring approximately 80-110 hours of attention. Certificate received upon course completion. 
• Visa Assistance
  Cultural Embrace and Chile's Ministry of Education will provide all the paperwork needed to obtain proper visas. Please note that certain nationalities are required to obtain and pay for the 1-year Temporary Residence Visa. (citizen of Canada US$212, United Kingdom US$1000, Australia $154, South Africa $47, New Zealand US$460; all other nationalities do not have a temporary residence fee see http://www.extranjeria.gov.cl/visa_tem.html  for up to date information)  
• All-Inclusive In-Country Arrival Orientation (provided by Chile's Ministry of Education)
  Training to include: Chilean culture, cultural adjustments, health & safety in Chile, general country and local information, EFL teaching methods and practices, curriculum training, workshops and field work with local English teachers and students.  All room, board and local transportation will be included for the orientation as well as round-trip domestic transportation to/from host city–Santiago.
• Arrival Assistance
  Airport pick-ups and transfers in Santiago's International Airport and host city domestic airport on designated arrival dates. 
• Travel Insurance:  Basic Major Medical Coverage 
  Our policy provides basic medical coverage at your teaching location. Cultural Embrace highly recommends additional travel insurance.
• Cultural Embrace Teacher's Kit
  Useful tips, advice, and information to prepare you for the amazing adventure of living and working abroad.
• Full-time Representation
  Cultural Embrace provides representation in the United States and Chile prior to, during, and after your placement. 
• Certification
  If you wish to receive a certificate detailing your teaching experience, please let us know and we will provide the necessary documentation. 

• Native English speakers or use English as your everyday language.  Must have received your K-12 or undergraduate education in English.
• Classroom experience helpful, but NOT required.  Bachelor's degree in any discipline. 
• Be aged between 21 and 50 years old*
• Basic Spanish knowledge (optional Spanish lessons are available before program start date)
• Mature, responsible, flexible and resourceful
• Enjoy leading groups and teaching children and/or adults
• Good lesson planning and organization skills
• Attendance at staff meetings
• Open to foreign cultures and living abroad
• High level of responsibility
• Dedication to the full term of commitment
• A criminal background check may be required by some schools and positions
  *Applicants older than 50 may be considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Ministry of Education.

Duration	Arrival Dates	Program Fee	Early-Bird Savings
8 months	March 22-23	US$1490 App deadline: Jan. 15	US$1200 App deadline: Dec. 1
6 months	May 31-June 1	US$1200 App deadline: April 20	US$1000 App deadline: Jan. 1
4 months	July 26-27	US $1000 App deadline: May 30	US $900 App deadline: March 15

*Program fee includes: placement, room, board, TEFL training, all-inclusive orientation in Santiago,
 domestic transportation, basic insurance, pre-departure & local support.
**Additional arrival fee may apply at Santiago airport and Temporary Visa fees 
***US$150 discount available for teacher's with prior TEFL Certification.
****Can$, Aus$, Br£, Euros€ can be accepted with an additional service charge for currency conversion. 

Contact us for more info about the application process or program.

1. Obtain the Teach Abroad Application Forms & Procedures documents in one of three ways: 

(a) Download the forms:  Teach Application (pdf) and Teach in Chile Details and FAQ (pdf).

(b) Fill out an online application request form and the forms will be mailed to you within 7-10 days.

(c) Call Cultural Embrace at 1-888-214-8570 (US toll-free) or 1-512-469-9089 to have the forms mailed to you in 7-10 days.

2. Read the instructions carefully and complete all forms.

3. Submit your completed application packet to:

CULTURAL EMBRACE
7201 Bill Hughes
Austin, TX 78745 USA

Completed packet should include:

• Teach Program Application
• Signed Teach Program Agreement
• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter explaining why you want to teach abroad
• An introductory letter in Spanish to your host family introducing yourself
• Copy of your Bachelor's degree and other significant credentials
• Copy of your passport (information page only)
• Three Letters of Recommendations (your referrer can send it directly to us via post or email)
• Medical report verifying physical and mental health
• Police background check
• Four passport-size photos
• One full-length picture
• US$200 non-refundable deposit (credited towards your program fee)

Deadline Date: January 15th (8 months - March departure); April 20th (6 months - May departure); May 30 (4 months- July departure) Apply early for Early-Bird Savings and to secure space!
                         
We recommend applying to Cultural Embrace's as early as possible, since space is limited.  Remember, the online TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course takes an average of 100-120 hours to complete, so it is best to apply with plenty of time to complete this course.

Upon receiving your application, we will contact you for a 20-30 minute telephone interview to learn more about your skills, experience, and needs and to discuss the program details and expectations. After acceptance to our program, we will invoice you the remainder of the program fee.

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at teach@culturalembrace.com or you can call us at 1-888-214-8570 (US Toll-Free) or 1-512-469-9089.