Chile Forum

Hello there members,

I've been reading through this forum for a few weeks now, and have noticed that 'Moving to Chile' is interpreted by most forum users, as a more long term commitment than i currently have planned.
I have noticed that when new members have posted their desires to live in Chile, they are repeatedly asked by seasoned members 'Why Chile?', who then proceed to caution the new user by painting the picture of Chile in reality... not the hassle free, easy going place you thought it was, and you begin to stare into the vision of experienced expats and in my case- worry a little.

I am a 24 year old Australian female who has decided to halt her life for a little, to go and live somewhere in the world for 1 year or possibly 2, a plan i have had in the back of my mind for some time now. Having backpacked extensively through South America for six months (09-10), i fell in love with Chile, it's natural and varied beauty, it's people (no, not one person in particular) and the idea of leaving my familiar home in monotonous Melbourne, while i have the chance to put my career on hold, and move to this foreign country where i don't know the slang slurs of Castellano or one Chilean.
Having just finished a Bachelor of Communication in Creative Advertising, i started to work hard in a numbing market research call centre, and put all my savings towards the goal to move to Chile to teach English. So i undertook a TESOL course and have now booked my one way ticket to arrive on 22nd June 2011, and begin my new adventure.

Having researched and tentatively decided upon Valparaiso as being; the easiest, within budget and most work accessible location for myself, i have found possible accommodation for the first month renting with a family, whilst undertaking 4 weeks of Spanish. I have my fingers crossed that i will, in that time, meet someone who is looking to share an apartment as well as physically finding some part time work as an English teacher at any institution in Vina or Valpo and possibly do some private tutoring. I have saved enough money to live comfortably, solo if need be, in an apartment in a safe area of Valpo for at least 5 months, so costs are not really of importance, experience is.

Now... for a little advice from those in the know. Is Valparaiso a good place to meet other people in my position? Not just travellers passing through, but residents who speak even poco English, students, expats? I am comfortable in knowing that i am planning on living in on of the less reputable places in terms of safety, this is a challenge i believe i can live with, i just want to experience a new culture with it's inhabitants in a vibrant setting.
Initially i wanted to be somewhere more remote, yet i have realised there wasn't much that i could benefit from in the way of employment in small towns and the likelihood of meeting other English speakers isn't high, is this true?

Where would you, with your knowledge of Chile, send a person in my situation to fulfil the potential that my proposition poses...? Where does the reward for such a short lived tasted of Chile lie?

I would appreciate any comments and advice, whether it be harsh or happy

Annelii

There are quite a few people who come to do the same, and valpo is a relatively popular destination for the reasons you stated.

try this blog...

http://mnlydia.blogspot.com/

or this one

http://harpersinchile.blogspot.com/

suerte!

Hi Annelii,

You sound level headed, I'm sure you will have a great time.

Register with smarttraveller on arrival (they really rely on this in catastrophic events, during the earthquake the ambassador personally called us to find out if we were ok!) and PM me if you are ever in trouble. We are well connected in the Aussie community here in Santiago and in a fix, there will no doubt be someone who can bail you out and help you with a warm bed and a cold beer

So why chile?

Just kidding.

You should be fine. Just keep up on the various crime issues in valpo.

Have fun, enjoy your fling in chile, there are really is no problems with what you plan to do, and 1000s do it each year, there are lots of facebook groups for foreigners in chile around your age that organise events and outings and partys every week that mix with people from around the world, and chileans, mainly in Santiago, buy there are some smaller groups in valpo and viña,

Have a blast. The only regrets in life are the things you didn't do or attempt. You sound like you have a very positive attitude and your plans are more than realistic. Plus you have a backup plan of 5 months worth of funds. That is why you did not get the flood of cautions....

More foreigners in Vina/Valpo region than most of the rest of Chile, parts of Santiago excepted, so no lack of English speakers to talk to. A fair number of universities in that area, and some money in Vina & Con Con as well, so there should be something of an audience. Definitely watch out in re crime in Valpo. Cali is familiar with ESL teaching and related issues, I think his imput would be valuable to you. Best of luck, keep us posted on progress.

John Hyre

Hi Annelii,

I would imagine you will be able to find decent employment teaching ESL in Valpo or Viña. I came to Santiago last September to teach English, and have found the to be market very strong with people who have a desire to learn English. I would recommend that you contact language schools now to create a relationship, and maintain communication with them up until you arrive in the city. This will be your best bet for landing a job shortly after your arrival. I really can't make a specific recommendation on schools, but a google search should give you some insight.

Valpo is one of my favorite cities, very unique with the big cargo ships in the port and the mazes of small roads. Definitely find a safe place to stay, as there are a number of perhaps-dangerous areas adjacent to the normal barrios.

I do recommend couchsurfing.org as a resource for making new friends and learning about any city you travel. I couchsurfed for a full month in Santiago, and found new friends, a long-term apartment and a cute girlfriend through contacts made using the website.

Your plan sounds great. Good luck with the move.

Hi Anneli,

I thought I would introduce myself on here as I'll be coming to Santiago in late July. I am a newly qualified English teacher and will be looking for work in Chile. I have a few possible contacts, but no concrete plans for how long I'll be staying.

It would be great to meet up with some of you guys for a drink to help me get the lowdown on Chilean life (I have v. limited Spanish).

I'm 26, enjoy music, sport and socialising.

let me know if you fancy meeting up, or if you can offer me any tips on finding work as an English teacher.

Muchos gracias.

Phil

Hi Annelii,
Valpo is a great place.
But keep in mind:
Valpo is very poor compaired to every other city in Chile, therefore crime is a problem as mentioned before.
I also would look into Viña from day one, I think the chances of finding work there will be higher, more money in Viña to spend on something that
the normal porteño in Valpo can't afford.
We moved 30km outside Valpo 7 month ago but I think I know my way around Valpo and you can contact me anytime if you need info or help.
Where in Valpo will you be staying for the first few weeks? What cerro?
The difference between the cerros is big, there is basically no "good / save" area in Valpo, just nicer areas.
At this stage I wouldn't live anywhere exept Cerro Alegre or Cerro Concepción, but this doesn't mean that you don't have to watch your bag
all the time while out on the street.

Groschi
PS: I can give you contact details of a realy nice Aussi (Martin) who runs a small very nice Hostal near Ascensor Artillería

one thing I forgot,
as John said, contact Tom, he is an english teacher in Concepción, search in the members list for "cali_chile48" and he will be able to give you some ideas about teaching in Chile.

good luck,
Groschi

Nice plan. Bring some warm merino for the winter here.

One thing to note is with a one way ticket you are allowed to enter Chile with one BUT last year Qantars/LAN made a friend of mine BUY a return leg ticket BEFORE they would let him board the plane to Santiago from Melbourne, saying it wasn't allowed.
He had to pay for an expensive fully refundable ticket which he then fully refunded, after he arrived here. He did convince the Qantas staff that he shouldn't have to pay the 'refund fee' but it was a stressful situation. He has done this trip many times so knew that there wouldn't be any problem at the Chile end. This wasn't enough to convince the Qantas staff however.

I have also been asked to show return/exiting flights when using a one way ticket from Australia to Chile. Sometimes you can say you plan to travel around SA and depart the country via a land border and return to Australia via say BsAs. Or something similiar.

Just a heads up.