Chile Ministry of Education Selects TEFL Institute for Summer English Teaching Program

Chicago, IL, December 20, 2008 --(PR.com)-- TEFL Institute is selected by the National Volunteer Center of Chile to offer a Summer Program in Chile. TEFL Institute and the National Volunteer Center of the Chile Ministry of Education have partnered to offer this summer program. The program is geared to those who would like to immerse themselves in the Spanish culture of Chile. Participants receive housing, meals, and a stipend to cover personal expenses.

TEFL Institute participated in a rigorous selection process conducted by the Ministry of Education to receive this honor as the only TEFL training organization approved to offer a Summer Program.

The selection process is an international call for proposals from different institutions. The multi-disciplinary selection committee is composed of personnel of the Chilean Ministry of Education and the United Nations Program for Development - Chile. According to Alissa Blair, Program Director for the Open Doors Project, “because of TEFL Institute's intensive training to prepare the volunteers and because your operation is oriented to education, TEFL Institute was selected over other partner institutions to recruit volunteers” to serve as English teachers in Chile.

Additionally, TEFL Institute has been approved to recruit volunteers for a Summer Program, which no other partner institution has achieved. According to Ms. Blair, “typically we work with universities on summer programs because they can offer a continuity of volunteers who study education.” Because of TEFL Institute’s commitment to offer this volunteer program to all of its TEFL students and alumni and its rigorous TEFL Certification program. TEFL Institute has been selected as the only Summer Program provider for the Open Doors Project in Chile.

To learn more please visit their website at: www.teflinstitute.com.

Participants serve as a volunteer English instructor working mostly in the small villages and towns throughout Chile. The majority of the assignments are alone but couples and friends can be grouped together as well. You can expect to teach English about 20 to 25 hours each week plus spend 10 to 15 hours on activities outside of the classroom. Each class period is about 90 minutes and there are 40 to 45 students in each class.

TEFL Training
Your TEFL course prepares you to teach students at all levels using a variety of methods and approaches. You will be prepared to teach various class sizes as well. You can complete your TEFL training online or onsite (in-person) at over 21 international locations through TEFL Institute. You may start your training at anytime but it must be completed by May 31, 2009.

Arrival in Santiago, Chile
Upon arrival in Santiago, participants will be met by representatives of the Chile Ministry of Education. Participants will spend the next 2 – 3 days in Santiago preparing for their teaching assignment. On the third or fourth day each participant will be taken to the town and home of their host family.

Orientation in Santiago, Chile
The Santiago orientation is designed to help you become acquainted with teaching English in Chile. It is a 2-3 day orientation that includes teacher training and cultural workshops conducted by the staff of the Ministry of Education. Santiago is a fascinating city, during your free time you are encouraged to take in the sights and enjoy the food.

Traveling to Your Assignment
You will travel to your respective village or town by bus. Through the Chile Summer Program you will teach English for about 10 weeks. The majority of the assignments are located in the small villages and towns throughout Chile. Most assignments are located south of Santiago and north of Puerto Montt, with some projects located north such as north near Concepcion and so on. Your actual assignment will be determined by the Ministry of Education.

About The Program
Your accommodations and meals are all covered by the Chile Ministry of Education. Housing is provided in the form of a “homestay” (living with a family in the local community). Your school will provide you with a small monthly stipend of about to cover the cost of personal items. Participants are recommended to have an additional $750.00 - $1,000.00 with them in Chile for additional expenses – gifts, travel, emergency needs, etc.

For the next ten weeks you will live, work, and teach English in Chile. There will be ample time to sightsee and connect with other volunteers around the area. In the middle of the program, during the month of July, you will have one week off for this purpose. Last year, many of the teachers traveled to Peru or Argentina with their friends in the program.

Finally, everyone will return to Santiago by the weekend of August 23rd or 24th. Most will return to the USA, some will stay to travel, and others may choose to go on and teach English in other countries with the assistance of TEFL Institute.

In this program you are responsible for your airfare, course tuition, health insurance, entrance fee into Chile and incidentals. Volunteers receive:

· an internationally recognized TEFL Certificate from TEFL Institute
· pre-departure support from TEFL Institute advisors preparing them to go to Chile
· orientation in Santiago Chile conducted by the National Volunteer Center of Chile
· housing in the form of a home stay, apartment, or dormitory with meals twice a day
· in country support provided by the National Volunteer Center of Chile
· monthly stipend provided by the National Volunteer Center of Chile or their school to cover incidental expenses

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