The desire to do good and Sun, sea and waves to enjoy? The combination of Surfing, social work and a real sense of community waits at the wild Pacific coast of Chile to you!
Our partner organization in Valparaíso has been working towards this goal since 2009, Children and Teenagers from precarious neighborhoods, New perspectives to open. On the basis of a unique program, consisting of surfing lessons, educational opportunities and personal support, young people are accompanied on their way to becoming self-confident and responsible personalities and a place is created where they are heard and seen and their ambitions are awakened and strengthened.
Here you will not only be part of a project, but Part of a community. You will be part of the support that brings about real change. Together with an international team, you will introduce young people to surfing, accompany them in the water, play, laugh and learn with them. In addition to surfing lessons, you will organize creative leisure activities, language exercises and small educational projects. All with lots of Heart, fun and team spirit.
And the best thing? When you're done, the Pacific Ocean is waiting right outside your door! Grab your board, feel the energy of the sea and experience unforgettable moments on the Surfing on one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in South America.
What is now an established social project with a huge impact once started out very small: with four surfboards, an idea and the desire to make a difference. After a group of local and international surfers realized that Valparaíso is a beautiful, colorful port city full of creativity and culture, but behind the colorful facade there is a A world of contrasts is why this project was launched. Because in Valparaíso, despite its beautiful tourist flair, many families struggle with Poverty, unemployment, drug problems and violence.
This is exactly where our Teach & Surf project to. Our partner organization works specifically with young people from vulnerable backgrounds and supports them in Discovering potential and long-term Better future prospects to develop. This project stands out in particular because the Centerpiece of the program is surfing. Surfing should teach young people far more than just how to handle waves. When they stand on a board for the first time, they not only experience the thrill of this sport, but above all a feeling of Freedom, self-confidence and control about a situation that initially seems unpredictable. The young people should learn to recognize and overcome their limits, develop patience and gain trust in themselves and others. The ocean thus becomes a A place of learning, community and personal growth.
However, these experiences do not end on the beach. The aim is to take the newly gained self-confidence back to the classroom and workshops. English lessons, tutoring and socio-emotional training build on this in a targeted manner and help to strengthen the skills that will subsequently be required for School, career and personal development are decisive. This creates a holistic approach. While surfing serves as an emotional and motivating anchor, the educational programs provide the necessary tools for a more promising future. This is complemented by programs for professional orientation, which help young people to discover their own strengths and develop concrete perspectives. In addition Beach clean-ups and excursions The arc of one's own sense of responsibility to that towards one's own living environment and the Importance of environmental protection drawn.
Volunteers, who support the project form an important Central role. They are Mentors, language partners and role models. They create connections between cultures, open up new perspectives and contribute to an open, supportive community. In this way, the project becomes a place of inspiration where young people gain courage, to go new ways and to believe in yourself.
Everyday life in the project is varied and reflects the holistic approach of the project. The Centerpiece are the Surf sessions on the beach, to which the children are accompanied. Together, the boards are brought to the beach and prepared, the wetsuits are put on and warm-up exercises are started before heading into the water. While the children try to catch their first waves or improve their technique Support always on site and the volunteers are also close by their side. For many participants, it is the first time they have held a surfboard in their hands or experienced the ocean as something positive and inspiring. So it's perfect that volunteers Practical tips or are just starting out and you can find out together how it works best! Of course, as a volunteer you also help with the Explanation of movement sequences, at the Starting and standing up on the board and is always available for Questions or assistance ready. Particularly important here is the Personal accompaniment. The children always have support nearby, there is a focus on the Safety of young peoplen and made sure that everyone feels comfortable. With Patience, enthusiasm and positive energy an atmosphere is created in which learning is fun and successes are celebrated.
On other days, the focus shifts to the Municipalities and schools. Whether with English lessons or Educational workshops, by organizing small games or supporting individual children with their tasks, the focus here is also on personal support for the children and young people. It is often at these moments that the most intensive conversations arise, in which Promoting trust and the children can be given one of the greatest gifts: an ear for the issues that concern them.
Between the planned activities, however, there is always Room for spontaneity. Perhaps a soccer match after class, a joint project or simply a conversation on the beach. Even with Excursions or environmental campaigns actively support the volunteers, accompany the groups and ensure that everyone feels safe and part of the community.
Volunteers are therefore intensively and actively in the team involved and although they have a supporting role, they quickly become important reference persons. Precisely because many of the children and young people come from precarious and unstable backgrounds, the Reliability of the project participants decisive. Regular attendance, keeping appointments and promises, the presence and attention given to young people creates an often previously unknown Constant in their lives. By listening and taking their concerns seriously, you can make the biggest difference as a volunteer.
When you take part in this project, you quickly notice how not only the everyday lives and perspectives of the children and young people change, but also your own view of the world. Because this project lives from Exchange, proximity and real connections. And that is exactly what makes this experience so special.
Valparaíso is located directly on the Pacific coast and is one of the most fascinating cities in Chile. At first glance, the city appears somewhat chaotic, and this is precisely where its special charm lies. Colorful houses stretch over steep hills, small alleyways meander through the neighborhoods and on every corner you will find Street art, music and creative life. It is not for nothing that the historic old town is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
But Valparaíso is more than just a city of artists. It is a A place full of contrasts, While some districts are characterized by culture and tourism, other parts of the city face major social challenges. The project works in precisely these communities and gives you an honest insight into the lives of many local families, far away from the classic tourist routes. By alternating between these worlds, you can not only gain authentic experiences, but also explore the city's stores and markets, as well as the typical „Ascensores„, the historic elevators, which impressively connect the hills of the city.
In your Leisure time Valparaíso offers you countless possibilities. You can stroll through the colorful districts Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción stroll, discover local cafés and enjoy the view of the harbor. The city invites you to let yourself drift and always discover something new.
In a short time you can also reach the beaches around Viña del Mar or Concón. While Viña del Mar with Promenades, parks and wide beaches looks rather urban and well-groomed, awaits you in Concón one Quieter, natural atmosphere with long sandy beaches and perfect surfing conditions, if you want to improve your surfing skills outside of the daily project routine. Also popular are trips to the Casablanca Valley, one of the Chile's most famous wine regions, where you can stroll through the vineyards or take part in a tasting. Small coastal towns such as Quintay or Maitencillo lure with rlush bays and relaxed flair. If you fancy a trip to the big city at the weekend, you can reach Santiago in just under two hours and can enjoy the vibrant city life there, from markets and museums to bars and restaurants. Depending on the time of year, you can also Day trips to the Andes for hiking or even skiing!
The easiest way to travel from Santiago de Chile to Valparaíso is by long-distance bus. The buses run regularly from the Alameda or Pajaritos terminals and take between one and a half and two hours. Of course, we will be happy to support you with all the planning steps and you will be welcomed directly by the project team on site.
Important for participation is above all a Open attitude, social sensitivity and genuine interest in working with young people. Volunteers should be prepared for a lively, sometimes challenging daily routine, Personal initiative and be ready, Responsibility to take over. To help you find your way around the project right from the start, there is a Training, which covers topics such as good treatment, children's rights and their protection, and an introduction to the Surfing includes.
For the participation a Police clearance certificate, which is not older than 12 months is required, otherwise there are no formal qualifications. Participation is from two months possible, the project team would like to invite you to a personal conversation get to know.
The national language in Chile is Spanish. To participate in the project, you already need Spanish language skills, so that interaction with the children and young people runs smoothly. Spanish also plays a central role in working with the team, which is why you should ideally already have an advanced knowledge of the language. Your Language level should above all be sufficient to Understanding instructions and you in the Communicating everyday life to be able to.
We recommend that you attend a language course in advance so that you are optimally prepared and can start your project period with confidence. We are happy to organize this for you! However, your language skills often improve automatically on site and you will notice how you develop day by day.
During your stay, you will live in your own Single room, a personal retreat where you can relax after an eventful day. The accommodation is simple but cozy and characterized by an open, familiar atmosphere.
Communal areas like the Fully equipped kitchen, A lovingly designed lounge area and an outdoor area invite you to do so, get in touch with other travelers, to cook together or relax at the end of the day. Wi-Fi and laundry facilities are also available to make your everyday life on site uncomplicated.
The accommodation is located in the authentic Playa Ancha district, a lively neighborhood where you can experience the real Valparaíso far away from the touristy backdrops. Between small local restaurants, colorful houses and student life, you will get a feel for everyday life here and immerse yourself in the city's culture.
You can achieve your project Comfortable on foot, so that you can organize your everyday life on site in a relaxed manner and without long distances. The airport is also only about 10 minutes away und ensures an uncomplicated arrival and departure.
At the same time, you are well connected. The famous hills with their colorful alleyways, street art and viewpoints as well as the harbor are just a few minutes away. The sea is also very close by and offers you the opportunity to take a deep breath and let your gaze wander over the Pacific.
The location creates a special balance. Quiet enough to arrive and close enough to discover the lively Valparaíso in all its facets.
Carlos is German-Peruvian and grew up in Lima in a German family. He still lives there today and therefore speaks both Spanish and German. He has never been in Germany for more than three months, but he knows the customs and traditions first-hand. He also knows his native South America and its culture and can hardly wait to show you everything. Carlos describes himself as a fun-loving, helpful and humorous person who will always be at your side with help and advice. He is our local insider who will provide you with lots of tips and information about Latin America. If you have any questions during your stay in Latin America, a German-speaking contact person is available via WhatsApp in the same time zone.
Founder of Wanderworld Travel
Advice and travel preparation
Sign up for a non-binding wanderlust consultation with us and we'll talk about all your questions, wishes and concerns.
Let us plan your trip to Costa Rica together. Without obligation and free of charge.
MO - FR 09:00-18:00
Or apply here for a consultation appointment by phone or video call.
