Evan Clark recently spent eight transformative weeks in Santiago, Chile, volunteering through United Planet. From June 9 to August 1 2024, his journey was defined by community, family, and an immersive experience that provided a deep connection to Chilean culture.
From the moment Evan arrived, he was welcomed with open arms by the United Planet team. Astrid Cortés Montecinos, the country coordinator, provided him with a personal tour of the city, setting the tone for what would become a deeply engaging and educational experience. “United Planet gave me the path to total immersion into an authentic Chilean life, and I ran with it,” Evan reflects.
During his time in Santiago, Evan had the opportunity to volunteer in a unique education program, where he found himself fully immersed in the daily lives of his students. Whether it was navigating the fast-paced conversations with local youth or participating in cultural exchanges, he felt connected to the people and the city around him.
“I felt cared for in Chile,” Evan recalls, “and I always felt trusted by United Planet to make the most of my opportunity.” This trust allowed him the freedom to explore Santiago’s many facets, including its rich historical memory, political atmosphere, mountain ranges, and vibrant queer community.
Evan’s adventures in the city extended beyond his volunteer work. He was able to engage in numerous activities, from trekking up Cerro Santa Lucía to visiting the Villa Grimaldi Museum of Memory, exploring Valparaíso, and even spending a weekend in Rio de Janeiro. These excursions helped Evan forge lasting friendships with fellow travelers, further enriching his experience.
Reflecting on his time in Chile, Evan notes that even unexpected challenges, such as record flooding or health concerns, were met with unwavering support from his host family and country coordinator. “I knew I could count on them—they treated me like family,” he says.
In total, Evan dedicated over 210 hours to volunteering. The lasting impact of his work is matched only by the personal growth and deep connections he made throughout his time in Chile.
Evan’s final reflection is one of gratitude: “I truly felt like I got everything I could out of my 8 weeks.” His experience with United Planet not only gave him a profound sense of purpose but also left him with memories and relationships that will last a lifetime.
ABOUT UNITED PLANET
United Planet is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. Established in 2001, United Planet offers volunteer abroad, virtual internships, internships abroad, gap year volunteering, and global virtual exchange in more than 40 countries.
