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INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The Valpo Surf Project seeks motivated interns looking to learn from new experiences and challenges abroad. We are a youth mentorship organization that uses surfing to instill positive values and life skills in our students during their most formative years. Interns are an integral part of the day-to-day operations of our organization.

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An internship with the VSP provides an invaluable opportunity to:

  • Live and work abroad in Valparaíso, Chile, a unique city in South America.

  • Make meaningful connections with our students, families, communities, volunteers, and staff.

  • Experience working with a growing, youth focused non-profit.

  • Participate in a team that includes members with experience in surfing, social work, and non-profit development.

  • Improve Spanish speaking skills in a bilingual work environment.

  • Gain valuable skills in youth mentorship, communication, leadership, and creative problem solving. 

  • Work in a dynamic environment; splitting your time between the beach and the office.

  • Explore the coast of Chile while learning how to surf with access to the VSP's surf equipment. 

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Responsibilities as an intern include:

  • Working closely with our student populations and communities to form strong relationships and expand impact.

  • Support staff in organizing and leading programming activities including surf sessions, academic workshops, English classes and environmental education.

  • Directing and assisting in daily administrative and operational related activities. 

  • Proposing activities and projects that support the mission of VSP and can be completed within the time of their internship. 

  • Participating in orientations and feedback sessions.

  • Keeping the VSP office and intern housing clean and well-maintained.

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We are looking for team members who: ​

  • Are reliable, proactive, and have a strong ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment. 

  • Have strong problem solving, organizational, and communication skills. 

  • Are able to work with a team and independently. 

  • Speak conversational Spanish or are willing to learn. 

  • Have experience working with children (ex: camp counselor, babysitter, day care employee, social work, tutoring, or teaching experience). 

  • Bachelor's or associate's degree encouraged.

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Accommodation Information:​

  • Interns live and work at our HQ in Valparaíso, the French-Alamos Center.​

  • Each intern is provided with their own private room on the second floor of the French-Alamos Center with shared bathrooms. Bed linens and towels are provided.

  • Interns have access to a comunal kitchen that they share with other interns and VSP staff during working hours. 

  • The French-Alamos Center has a large outdoor patio, where interns can enjoy the shade from our two avocado trees (they make great avocados!) and an incredible roofdeck with expansive views of the city. 

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Applications and internship timelines:​

  • Interns are expected to complete a 1-year internship. 

  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

  • We are currently accepting applications for interns who can begin their internship in December 2024, March 2025, and June 2025.​

Compensation Information:​

  • VSP does not pay interns directly. ​

  • Housing and certain work-related expenses are covered.

  • We suggest interns arrive with $5,000 USD for 1 year with VSP, which includes:

    • All living expenses ​

    • Travel Health Insurance

    • International Driver's License

    • FBI Background Check

  • Not included:

    • Airfare​

      • Airfare is variable and depends on where you are flying from. In general, roundtrip flights from the United States to Santiago, Chile (SCL) can range from $600-$1,800. ​

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Additional Information:

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