I generally try not to spend too much talking about working in Chile because I lived there and don’t want to play favorites, but as I was coming the Internet for an organization for this week’s spotlight, I was really taken with the simplicity and earnestness of Adelante Abroad and wanted to review their website and find out more about the program they offer.
Even though it was Chile that caught my eye, I was happy to find out that Adelante operates Internship programs across the world, in Spain, China, Costa Rica, Mexico, Scotland and Uruguay (as an aside, Uruguay is an often overlooked destination in South America that is both beautiful and inexpensive!).
What I really love about Adelante Abroad’s Intern Chile program is the fact that the internships are located outside of Santiago in the scenic, ocean side cities of Valparaiso and Vina de Mar. These sister cities are located just 1 hour west of Santiago on the Pacific Ocean….and they are breathtaking. They offer all of the culture of Chile without the somewhat stifling urban hustle and bustle of Chile’s capital. Vina del Mar is very much a resort/beach town, which gets much more crowded in the summer (Jan – March) and is a bit lazier in the winter. Valparaiso is a more year-round city, and is full of street vendors and colorful homes…kind of like a South American San Francisco!
But I suppose that while getting to love your surroundings in importantly, the internship experience itself is equally important. Here are some of the things you might do with an Adelante Abroad Internship in Chile:
- You will get three weeks of intensive Spanish training, followed by an internship lasting anywhere from 1 month to 6 months – it’s your choice.
- The program will place you in an internship for 4 days per week – anything from government work to private technology companies to nonprofit organizations. Chile has a rapidly growing economy, so it is a great place to get real work experience.
- The internship is intended to be 50% work and 50% cultural immersion, so Adelante plans excursions and activities to fill your off-hours.
- You will stay with either with a Chilean family or in an apartment with other interns. You have a choice in this, but my recommendation is if you are looking to really get a grasp of the language and culture, the best way is through a home stay with a local family.
Applications to the program are accepted on a rolling basis, and should be submitted 60 days before your requested arrival date. Work placements begin on the first Monday of every month. As you may have inferred, there is a cost involved with Adelante Abroad internships. The fee starts at $2,500 for one month and up to $5,500. . .so you really get much more bang for your buck if you stay for a longer period of time. The fee includes room and board, orientation, intensive language instruction and support from the Chile Program Director. Airfare and insurance are not included. Adelante also makes it very easy for you to obtain academic credit for your international internship.
So if you’re interested in a serious internship in some beautiful coastal cities, consider the Adelante Abroad Internship Program in Chile. If Chile isn’t for you, make sure to check out some of the other programs that they have available.