Travel And Work In South America: A Guide

South America is a continent of contrasts, from the bustling cities of Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro to the remote Galapagos Islands, and from the Atacama desert to the icy landscapes of Patagonia. With its diverse nature, vibrant culture, and affordable travel options, it's no wonder that South America is considered the holy grail for many travellers. For those looking to extend their stay and immerse themselves in local life, there are numerous work opportunities available, from teaching English and volunteering at orphanages to conservation work and busking. For those with artistic flair, there are artisan markets where you can sell your creations, and for a more stable source of income, there's always hostel or bar work. If you're looking to travel and work in South America, it's important to plan ahead, especially when it comes to visas and insurance. So, roll up your sleeves, pack your bags, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Teaching English

English teachers are in high demand in South America. As the number of tourists in the region increases, more and more people are hoping to learn English to communicate and work with expats and individuals overseas. There is a particular need for competent teachers in rural areas of countries such as Bolivia and Brazil, where poverty levels are high and education levels are consistently low.

English language schools are abundant in South America and are a great option for both experienced and novice teachers. Teachers can also find work in international schools, private language schools, and universities. Volunteering opportunities are also available, especially in Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador.

In terms of qualifications, a TEFL/TESOL certification is generally preferred, and some schools require teachers to be native English speakers. However, if you have a few years of solid teaching experience, you may still be considered for positions without a certification. It is also worth noting that South America is in the southern hemisphere, so the hiring season will be different from that of North America.

Salaries for English teachers in South America vary by country and range from $400 to $1,200 per month. While these salaries may not be as high as in other regions like Asia and the Middle East, the cost of living in South America is generally very affordable. Additionally, teaching in South America offers the opportunity to learn a new language, experience the local culture, and travel to incredible destinations like Machu Picchu and the Amazon rainforest.

Working in orphanages

Orphanages in South America are filled with children who have been abandoned by their families for financial, social, or personal reasons. While some orphanages are unregistered and running illegally, there are plenty of organisations that do ethical work with the best intentions for the children. Volunteering in an orphanage can be a rewarding but challenging experience.

Requirements

Volunteering in an orphanage requires a minimum commitment of four weeks, with longer stays of three months or more encouraged. This is because children in orphanages struggle with attachment and fear of abandonment, so stability is important.

Volunteers must be experienced childcare professionals with a degree in psychology or extensive work experience with young children. A blank criminal record must also be submitted with the application.

What to Expect

As a volunteer in an orphanage, you will be supporting the main caretakers in their work. This may include:

• Interacting and engaging with the children
• Preparing activities to keep the children busy and entertained
• Teaching English and other subjects
• Playing outdoor games and sports
• Helping with food preparation and caretaking of children

Choosing an Ethical Organisation

It is important to carefully choose an ethical organisation to volunteer with. Child exploitation is common in orphanage volunteer programs, and some organisations have been linked to child trafficking rings. Look for organisations that have the children's best interests at heart and are committed to providing improved care and support.

Understanding the Impact of Orphanages

It is important to recognise that most children in orphanages are not actually orphans, and that institutionalised care can have negative impacts on a child's development. Research has shown that children in orphanages are more vulnerable to trafficking, abuse, and exploitation, and face a higher risk of homelessness, mental health challenges, and suicide.

Therefore, it is crucial to consider alternative ways to support children and families, such as through programs that focus on keeping families together and addressing the underlying causes of poverty and inequality.

Rainforest conservation

South America is home to the world's largest rainforest, the Amazon, which spans nine countries and 7 million square kilometres. The Amazon is not only the most extensive tropical forest on Earth but also the oldest and most biodiverse. It is home to more than 80,000 plant species, the highest density of plant species anywhere, and one in ten known species globally.

The Amazon is critical to the planet's stability, storing massive amounts of carbon and regulating rainfall patterns. However, it is under severe threat from deforestation, with 20% of the rainforest lost in the last 40 years, and an additional 20% at risk of destruction.

• Supporting Indigenous Communities: The Amazon is home to more than 120 indigenous groups, and their knowledge and stewardship of the forest are crucial. Conservation efforts must respect and empower these communities, recognising their long history of sustainable management of the rainforest.
• Sustainable Livelihoods: Providing alternative livelihoods for local communities can reduce their reliance on activities harmful to the rainforest, such as deforestation and illegal wildlife trade. Initiatives such as the export of Brazil nuts from Madre de Dios, Peru, have provided sustainable income sources while conserving the forest.
• Protected Areas: Establishing protected areas, such as national parks and wildlife reserves, is essential for safeguarding vulnerable ecosystems. The creation of the Bajo Baudó protected area in Colombia, for example, helped preserve the Chocó forest, one of the most biologically rich areas in the world.
• Ecotourism: Ecotourism can play a significant role in rainforest conservation by generating revenue that funds protection efforts and benefits local communities. It also raises awareness about the importance of conservation and provides an economic alternative to destructive practices. Destinations like the Amazon, the Pantanal in Brazil, and the Andean Cloud Forest in Ecuador offer ecotourism opportunities that adhere to sustainable and responsible practices.
• Partnerships and Collaboration: Conservation organisations, such as the Rainforest Alliance, work with forest communities, farmers, governments, and companies to protect the Amazon Basin. Their initiatives focus on supporting indigenous communities, promoting sustainable agriculture, and conserving biodiversity.

Hostel or bar work

If you're looking to extend your travels in South America, working in a hostel is a great way to do so. The pay may not be great, but you can often work out a deal with hostels and bars to offer your labour in exchange for a bed and meals, which may be more valuable than any money they could give you.

Large hostel chains like Kokopelli and Loki are known to offer deals to backpackers to help them continue their trips.

There are two ways to go about getting a job in a hostel in South America: you can either arrange a placement before you arrive, or you can get hired on-site. Both are possible, but depending on various factors, one might work better for you.

Arranging Work from Abroad

If you know you want to work in a hostel, setting up a job placement in advance can be advantageous. Some hostels advertise online for positions, and agencies like Contact Chile and ChileVentura can set you up with work for about $500. Work exchange programs like Workaway offer room and board in exchange for your work, for a minimal membership fee.

Getting Hired On-Site

Some hostels require that you show up in person before they'll hire you, so they can evaluate whether you're the kind of person they want to hire. It's also common for travellers who were initially guests to become employees, so don't be afraid to strike up friendships with the people who work there.

Skills

Languages, especially English, are a must for hostel work in South America. Other useful skills include people skills, persistence, webpage design, and cooking.

Hours and Pay

At La Casa Roja in Santiago, Chile, 18 hours of work per week will get you free accommodation. Work hours combine shifts at reception, the bar, and cleaning rooms and bathrooms. Night shifts are part of the deal.

At La Casa del Viajero in El Bolsón, Patagonia, Argentina, work may include gardening, watering plants, chopping wood, and construction. They offer travellers the possibility of working in exchange for accommodation, and sometimes a food stipend.

Working at a hostel requires a minimum time commitment that some travellers cannot meet. Cleaning bathrooms and checking in guests can be tedious, and night shifts at reception can be long. You will usually live among travellers in a dorm room, so life can get noisy, and privacy is limited.

However, a job at a hostel can be a great way to get to know people from all over the world, as well as the local culture.

Au pair work

Au pairing is a great way to travel and work in South America, particularly if you love children and have experience in childcare. Au pairing gives you the opportunity to live with a host family and become an 'equal' member (as 'au pair' translates from French).

Au pairing in South America is a chance to combine your passion for childcare with travel and cultural exchange. You will be able to live with a local family and care for their children, receiving free accommodation and meals in exchange for a few hours of work per day. This is a fantastic way to make a local connection and gain cultural insight.

South America Inside is an agency that arranges Au Pair programmes specifically in Chile. They have been organising stays in the country for almost 20 years and are the only agency located in Chile that arranges these programmes.

Au Pair in America is another agency that arranges au pairs for South America, as well as other parts of the world. They have a large global recruitment network spanning nearly 60 countries.

Au pairing in South America will allow you to explore the continent in an affordable way, and you will have the opportunity to travel on weekends and vacations. You can also study alongside your childcare duties and receive weekly pocket money.

To become an au pair in South America, you will need a visa that allows you to live and provide childcare in your chosen country. For example, in the USA, au pairs need a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa. Make sure to research the specific visa requirements for your desired South American country.

Au pairing is a wonderful way to gain cultural exchange, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences while travelling through South America.

Frequently asked questions