Two Month Homestay + Volunteer Experience in Chile
septiembre 26, 2025
Homestay & Learn Spanish Program in Chile
septiembre 26, 2025
Duration: Flexible (1–3 months)
Locations: Santiago, Temuco, Puerto Montt, Valparaíso
Program Overview
This program combines the unique experience of living with a Chilean host family and participating in a supervised health care placement. Students and volunteers learn about Chile’s medical system, observe local procedures, and gain insight into community health practices while improving their Spanish.
Homestay Accommodation
- Private furnished bedroom in a host family home
- Three meals per day included
- Internet and laundry service
- Orientation session on arrival
- Ongoing support and supervision
- Cultural immersion: daily practice of Spanish, shared meals, family activities
Health Care Placement
Settings may include:
- Public hospitals and health clinics (consultorios)
- Private medical centers
- Community health programs
Activities depend on background and language skills:
- Observation of procedures: patient consultations, preventive care, minor medical procedures
- Administrative support: patient intake, records, translation for foreign patients (if bilingual)
- Public health assistance: support in vaccination campaigns, nutrition education, or health promotion workshops
- Non-clinical support: helping with logistics, patient orientation, and educational outreach
Note: Direct patient care is limited and depends on host institution regulations. Most participants engage in observation, support, and community health roles.
Spanish & Cultural Component
- Weekly Spanish classes (10–15 hours/week, with medical vocabulary modules)
- Cultural workshops on Chilean healthcare traditions and practices
- Weekend excursions to nearby destinations (Valparaíso, Pucón, Chiloé, vineyards, etc.)
Sample Weekly Schedule
Monday–Friday
- Morning: Spanish or medical vocabulary classes (2 hrs/day)
- Midday/Afternoon: Health care placement (4–5 hrs/day)
- Evening: Dinner and cultural exchange with host family
Weekends
- Saturday: Excursion or free time
- Sunday: Shared family activities or cultural workshops
Program Benefits
- Immersion in Chilean daily life through homestay
- Firsthand exposure to Chile’s health system
- Opportunity to observe medical procedures and learn local health practices
- Improved Spanish with focus on medical terminology
- Cross-cultural skills and professional experience for future careers in health care
Outcomes
Participants receive a Certificate of Participation stating their involvement in:
- Homestay & Cultural Immersion
- Health Care Observation and Support
- Spanish Language & Medical Vocabulary Training