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:
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Live and work abroad in Valparaíso, Chile, a unique city in South America.
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Make meaningful connections with our students, families, communities, volunteers, and staff.
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Experience working with a growing, youth focused non-profit.
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Participate in a team that includes members with experience in surfing, social work, and non-profit development.
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Improve Spanish speaking skills in a bilingual work environment.
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Gain valuable skills in youth mentorship, communication, leadership, and creative problem solving.
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Work in a dynamic environment; splitting your time between the beach and the office.
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Explore the coast of Chile while learning how to surf with access to the VSP's surf equipment.

Responsibilities as an intern include:
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Working closely with our student populations and communities to form strong relationships and expand impact.
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Support staff in organizing and leading programming activities including surf sessions, academic workshops, English classes and environmental education.
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Directing and assisting in daily administrative and operational related activities.
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Proposing activities and projects that support the mission of VSP and can be completed within the time of their internship.
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Participating in orientations and feedback sessions.
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Keeping the VSP office and intern housing clean and well-maintained.

We are looking for team members who: ​
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Are reliable, proactive, and have a strong ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment.
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Have strong problem solving, organizational, and communication skills.
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Have a proven ability to work both with a team and independently.
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Are willing and able to drive VSP passenger vans to and from programming activities with VSP students.
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Conversational Spanish or 2+ years of college-level Spanish courses required (Spanish is the primary language spoken with our students and in the office).
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1+ years of experience working with children (ex: camp counselor, babysitter, day care employee, social work, tutoring, or teaching experience).
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Bachelor's or associate's degree encouraged.



Applications and internship timelines:​
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Interns are expected to complete a minimum of a 6 month commitment and ideally can commit to 1 year.
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We are currently accepting applications for interns who can begin their internship in early December 2023.​
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Applications received after August 20, 2023 will be considered for an internship start date in early June 2024.

Compensation Information:​
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VSP does not pay interns directly. ​
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Housing and certain work-related expenses are covered.
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We suggest interns arrive with $2,500 USD for 6 months with VSP, which includes:
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All living expenses ​
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Travel Health Insurance
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International Driver's License
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FBI Background Check
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Not included:
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Airfare​
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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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Prior surf experience is not required.
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Please direct questions or concerns to contact@valposurfproject.org.
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PDF version of the internship application can be found here.