Day Trips and Delicious Treats; Just Another Day as a Homestay Teacher in Chile

Hola! I’m Brittany Hooper and I am currently participating in Greenheart Travel’s Teaching in a Homestay Program in Chile. I teach English 15 hours per week to a family and other than that, I’m free to immerse myself in the Chilean culture and to explore the country.

I’m excited to show you a few highlights of what I have experienced in Chile so far in the photos below!

Where My Travel Adventure Began

La Plaza de Armas in Santiago, Chile.

La Plaza de Armas in Santiago, Chile is where I started my journey. In this square, you can find el Palacio de la Real Audiencia, which holds the royal courts of justice. You can also see the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

After walking around, you can simply take in all that Chilean culture has to offer in that square. Have an empananda or two and watch a couple preform the cueca, Chilean’s national dance. Or, go inside the cathedral. There is always a lot to take part in within a plaza like this.

Alfajores are a must have if you’re teaching in a homestay and need a sweet treat in between classes!

If you are in need of a sweet treat, I suggest trying Chilean’s most popular pastries, the alfajor. Alfajores are thin cookies filled with manjar, which is basically Chilean’s way of saying dulce de leche. It’s so delicious that I try to only eat just one per day. It’s a must have if you’re teaching in a homestay and need a sweet treat in between classes!

Taking Advantage of Day Trips

I’ve been placed in a homestay in Quillota, Chile. It’s a city that is made up of 60,000 people, and I’m only a 2 hour bus ride to Santiago. I’m also a one hour bus ride to the coast, where I can visit Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, two extremely popular destinations for all tourists and locals alike.

Since I only teach 15 hours per week, there is a lot of free time to explore! My host family just so happened to take me on a day trip to Valparaíso, a city along the coast filled with tall hills, trolleys, and colorful murals throughout the streets. When I was there, I went to La Sebastiana, one of three Pablo Neruda houses in Chile. He is known as one of the greatest Latin American poets to have ever lived.

You can also hop on one of the famous elevators that the city is known for, or just enjoy the views of the picturesque buildings no matter what street you are on!

Some of the many sites around Valparaiso, Chile.

Daily Life as an English Tutor in Chile

If you’re thinking about Teaching English in Chile, my advice to you is to not stress about lesson planning and be flexible. Teaching English 15 hours per week in a homestay means that you have plenty of time to figure out what you will teach them. If you’re not sure, you have the option of asking them what they want to learn and go from there! Or, you can contact your Greenheart Travel program manager who would be more than willing to send you a bunch of ideas.

Also, flexibility is key. There will be days your family will have to cancel their class due to a doctor’s appointment or other important event. All that matters is that you make up those hours. Don’t stress, your host family will love you! They chose you to be in their family for a reason!

Just another awesome day in Chile.

Check out more of Brittany’s photos (@brittanyhooper) from her time in Chile on Instagram! 

Ready to start your adventure teaching English in a Homestay in Chile?