In the early 1980's, 23-year-old Steve Reifenberg began volunteering at an orphanage in a poor neighborhood of Santiago, equipped with little more than basic Spanish and good intentions. Reifenberg's moving memoir Santiago's Children, about his two years at the Hogar Domingo Savio, was recently published by the University of Texas Press with a foreward by Paul Farmer.
Chile is a long, narrow country, extending 2,700 miles from the border with Peru in the north to Tierra Del Fuego at the southern tip of South America. Chile is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains, never more than 110 miles wide. It contains the most arid desert in the world in the north, and lush forests and fertile farmland in the Mediterranean-like central region. In the south, it boasts spectacular snow-capped mountains with glaciers, fjords and volcanoes, including 55 active ones; natural threats include earthquakes and tsunamis. Chile also has islands extending westward into the Pacific (the most famous of which is Easter Island), and a section of Antarctica.
Historically, the ancient Incan civilization extended as far south as Antofagasta in northern Chile, while the Mapuche people traditionally lived in southern Chile. Most Chileans today are mestizo, mixed descendants of the Spanish colonizers and the indigenous people. The population is generally conservative and the Catholic Church holds great influence.
About Chile's Central Region
Anchored by the port city of Valparaíso, Chile's 5th region (also called Valparaíso) features a Mediterranean climate, varied landscape, and a rich tradition of agricultural development. The city of Valparaíso itself is designated Chile's "Capital of Culture" and its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Chilean poet Pablo Neruda maintained two homes in the region, and the Pacific Ocean inspired some of his Nobel Prize winning poetry. Inland, vineyards and orchards of avocados, nectarines and other fruits flourish in this temperate zone mid-way between Chile's arid north and rainy south. Although the 5th region is relatively small, its coastal towns, ski resorts, and vibrant urban areas contribute to its reputation as an important touristic area of the country.
WorldTeach volunteers may also be placed in medium-sized cities, small towns and rural areas of Chile’s O’Higgins Region (Región VI). WorldTeach placed volunteers in this region in 2008. The O’Higgins Region is named after Bernardo O’Higgins, one of Chile’s founding fathers who fought for Chilean independent against Spain. This region is known as the huaso province after Chile’s cowboys, called huasos. A third of the region’s GDP comes from agriculture with emphasis on fruit orchards. The wine route of the region’s Colchagua valley is an important tourist attraction. The majority of the population of the region is rural although Rancagua, the regional capital, is considered an outskirt of Santiago and has a population of nearly 207,000.
About Valparaíso
Valparaíso is located on the coast of Chile’s heartland, serves as Chile’s main port, and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many compare its steep hills and windy roads to those of San Francisco, California. Valparaíso is currently home to the Chilean Congress, a move made in an attempt to decentralize the country, though many want the Congress to return to Santiago which is just a little less than 2 hours away by car. Valparaíso has a mild year-round climate that attracts large numbers of tourists. The port itself is one of the more economically depressed areas of the city and is currently undergoing privatization to increase its efficiency and tourist appeal. Valparaíso has an up-and-coming nightlife, though Viña del Mar often outshines it. However, Valparaíso excels in terms of craft, flea and antique markets.
About Viña del Mar
Viña del Mar (affectionately called La Ciudad Jardín, or the Garden City) is well-known for its white beaches and Mediterranean cityscape. Once Chile’s prime beach resort, now most travelers go to other seaside resorts that don’t have such a cool sea breeze, almost constant fog and chilly Pacific currents. However, on weekends and in the summers, one sees many Santiaguinos vacationing here. There are numerous options for fine dining in Viña del Mar as well as for entertainment. With a total population of over 800,000, Greater Valparaíso, which includes Viña del Mar, competes with the Greater Concepción area for position as the second largest metropolitan center in Chile.
About Santiago
Santiago is both Chile’s capital and largest city. According to the 2002 census, Santiago is home to 40 percent of Chile’s population, who live in 32 comunas or boroughs. Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago in 1541 and built it based on a traditional Spanish checkerboard pattern that can still be seen to this day. Thanks to its geography, Santiago has a Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers (December through March) and cold, wet winters (June through September). Santiago is the financial, business and governmental center of the country, and is home to a large number of universities, museums and cultural venues.
Anchored by the port city of 
Valparaíso is located on the coast of Chile’s heartland, serves as Chile’s main port, and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many compare its steep hills and windy roads to those of San Francisco, California. Valparaíso is currently home to the Chilean Congress, a move made in an attempt to decentralize the country, though many want the Congress to return to Santiago which is just a little less than 2 hours away by car. Valparaíso has a mild year-round climate that attracts large numbers of tourists. The port itself is one of the more economically depressed areas of the city and is currently undergoing privatization to increase its efficiency and tourist appeal. Valparaíso has an up-and-coming nightlife, though Viña del Mar often outshines it. However, Valparaíso excels in terms of craft, flea and antique markets.
