Chile is a dynamic, quickly developing country with many unique internship opportunities. Interns in Chile quickly improve their Spanish skills while gaining valuable work experience. Each internship is set up on an individual basis based on the intern’s skills and interests. All internships require that participants be at least conversational in Spanish.

Health Internships

These internships at clinics and hospitals in Viña del Mar are open to medical, nursing, physical therapy, and other health science students. Medical and Nursing students will shadow doctors and assist with tasks assigned by the hospital or clinic staff. Physical therapy students will have the opportunity to work alongside Chilean physical therapists and assist patients with rehabilitation exercises. Internships are also available to pre-medical students wishing to gain more practical experience. Pre-med students will shadow the doctors and may be asked to assist with various tasks depending on their abilities. This internship is a great opportunity to learn about the Chilean healthcare system first hand, improve Spanish proficiency, and gain an understanding of the practice of medicine in Chile. Please note that participants in this program must have a high intermediate to advanced level of Spanish proficiency. Knowledge of medical vocabulary will be very helpful.

Winery

The first vineyard in Chile was planted almost 500 years ago by a Spanish monk. Since then, Chile has become one of the main wine exporting countries in the world. Interns can work in one of several wineries in the Casablanca Valley. Interns will assist leading winery tours and tastings. Interns have the opportunity to learn about and possibly assist in the areas of agricultural practices, wine production, or marketing and business development.

Tourism
The economy in Viña del Mar relies heavily on both international and domestic tourism. Interns will work with hotels and tourist agencies on a wide variety of projects. During the summer months from December to February, interns will mainly be assisting with customer service. During the rest of the year, interns will assist with a wide variety of projects including planning, communication strategies, and developing marketing campaigns. Interns will gain experience, know-how, and language skills to further their careers in tourism.

Teaching English

Interns wanting to get more experience in teaching English as a second language can work at a University, Language Institute, or Private company. Interns will work under the supervision of an experienced English teacher. Interns without previous teaching experience will complete an introduction to teaching ESL before beginning lesson planning and leading classes. This program is a great introduction for people considering a career as an English teacher abroad.

Business, Marketing, Accounting

Chile is a regional economic leader in South America and home to many multi-national companies. Business interns will have the opportunity to gain valuable international work experience in the areas of marketing, accounting, import/export, and finance. Placements are set up on an individual basis to ensure the best possible fit. Interns with this program must be conversational in Spanish and comfortable working in an entirely Spanish-speaking environment.

Media Internships: Print Journalism, Photography, and Radio

ELI works with a wide variety of organizations to create opportunities for interns with a demonstrated interest in the fields of journalism, photography, or radio. Journalism interns will work with one of two major newspapers based in Viña del Mar and experience the frenzy of a busy editorial office. Interns may have the opportunity to gather news, conduct interviews, assist with layouts, and publish articles. Interns wishing to gain more experience in photography and digital arts can work with companies, governmental institutions, or individual artists to gain experience and add to their portfolio. Thanks to grants from the Chilean government, the digital arts have been booming in Chile, and many unique opportunities wait for motivated interns. Radio stations in Viña del Mar accept interns to assist with tasks such as news gathering, advertisement creation, and radio programming. Working at a radio station is a unique opportunity to gain an understanding of Chilean culture, music, and day to day life while gaining valuable, bilingual work experience. All media interns need to be creative self starters, and have a high intermediate to advanced level of Spanish proficiency.

Legal Internships

In 2007, Chile finished implementing new criminal procedure code throughout the legal system. The new system is now similar to codes followed in North America and Europe. Interns with this project will work with Chilean lawyers assisting with research, case preparation, and record keeping. Some past interns with this program have been invited to observe courtroom proceedings. This internship is a great opportunity to gain experience in the Chilean legal system, learn about international law, and gain first hand knowledge about the effects of country-wide legal reforms.

Architecture

Chile is home to both cutting edge modern architectural creations and important historic Architecture. Valparaiso is a UNESCO world heritage site due to the unique hillside architecture and system of funiculars used for transportation. Interns will work with Chilean architecture firms, gaining experience with project design, cost planning, building stages, computer aided design, and working with contractors. Interns can gain inspiration and insight into the architectural challenges of building in such a mountainous and seismically active country.