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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 and environmental education.

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

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. 

  • Have a proven ability to work both with a team and independently. 

  • Bachelor's or associate's degree encouraged.

  • Are willing and able to drive VSP passenger vans to and from programming activities.

  • Conversational Spanish or 1+ years of college-level Spanish courses required (Spanish is the primary language spoken with our students and in the office).

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

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Applications and internship timelines:​

  • Interns are expected to complete a 3-month commitment. 

  • Applications are open for internship dates throughout 2023. 

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Compensation information:

  • VSP does not pay interns directly. 

  • Housing and certain work-related expenses are covered.

  • We suggest interns arrive with $1,600 USD for 3-months with VSP, which includes:​

    • All living expenses

    • Travel Health Insurance

    • COVID-19 protocols to enter Chile

    • 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 USD. ​

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Additional information: 

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