Meet Rob Camm. Aussie living in Santiago de Chile. Husbear. English Coach. And Former VicBear President.

Born and raised in Melbourne, I enjoyed a happy childhood as the youngest of 3 kids, growing up on a cattle farm on the outskirts of the city in the town of Monbulk. A country boy turned city-slicker for my high school and university years, I graduated with a teaching degree but never taught in the school system. I fell into the hospitality industry and worked my way up to be a workplace trainer for a national hotel chain.

The majority of my career, I have been able to utilise my initial teaching qualifications in working with, coaching and training adults in business. For over 35 years now I have had the privilege to be working with some amazing people across the world, sharing my knowledge and experience, and learning so much more in return. My passion for teaching and helping others achieve their best has never abated, and I continue to coach and motivate others reach their dreams for students across South America.

Lucky in love is one way to describe the relationships of my life, having had a few special long-term relationships. Falling hard for love (or maybe it was lust!), I moved to San Francisco, California for 8 years back in the 2000’s, where I continue to train, coach and work with business owners in achieving their potential. A crazy 8 years of travel — work and fun – took me all over the US, and made tons of friendships and connections along the way. Experiencing high bear events (Lazy Bear, Big Bear Lake, TBRU) and a wild all-gay Atlantis cruise out of Ft Lauderdale would definitely be my highlights.

Once again, the look of love took me back to the Americas in 2019, this time South, to Santiago de Chile. While the initial nuptials didn’t really work out (the severe lockdowns of the Covid pandemic didn’t help at all!) I have since met the man of my life, got married in 2022 and set up house in a nice inner suburb of the city, with our mischievous cat Juno. Now coaching Business English, I evolved from working for local language schools to setting up my own Business English coaching enterprise, with corporate clients, private students and a couple of other teachers working for me. Business is brisk and life is good here – no complaints!

Being able to continue to teach, coach and train others is a true joy, and it truly doesn’t feel like real work – it is so rewarding and satisfying to see the successes of those I work with. In addition to private classes, corporate coaching and workplace workshops, I also run special events for students to enjoy and practise their English in casual cafes and bar nights. The fortnightly Cafe Conversation Workshops are taking off and I think I have created a monster with those!

(Luka took some time to chat with Rob recently to find out more)

LUKA: So Rob, firstly congratulations on your engagement with your partner, Ale, and it has been over two years since you and partner became husbears. How did the romance all start and what are the common passions?

Rob: Well, after breaking up from my ex-bf, and living alone during the height of the Covid lockdowns here, I was looking for some company, and you know, the dating apps fulfil a need and the Scruffy one worked best for me. Alejandro (Ale) popped up, came over and never really left. We’ve been lovingly close and enjoying life together for 4 years now. Discovering that Ale was just as passionate and a fan of Kylie Minogue made our relationship even more perfect. Dancing at the club to her tunes, travelling to the beach for the weekend, enjoying science fiction series and movies together and a love of seafood – are just a few of the passions we share.

Luka: So you were originally living in Victoria Australia, before you moved to Santiago de Chile? Is it difficult to make the permanent move from your home country (in this case Australia) to another country (Chile)?

Rob: The move to Chile was made easier by having a roof over my head, a partner who spoke the language, and securing work almost immediately. Got to say, being native-English and a qualified teacher made getting work a breeze and I am grateful for that everyday I live here.
But there were many challenges along the way – the language, the excessive bureaucracy, the cultural differences – many things to adapt to and learn. I had to consciously stop complaining about things here in my first year, as I had to accept that Chile is not Australia – it is different, and that is OK and to just deal with it, as this is home now. As a result, I am much more settled, calm and less fussed about the differences of living here (and there are many!)

Luka: In Victoria, you were the President for the VicBears. How long were you part of the VicBears, and how did you get into the leadership role?

Rob: Oh good question! I have been part of the VicBears Community since I stumbled into The Laird back in my early 30’s. I found my tribe with the bears, and started volunteering and helping with the Southern Hibernation events initially, and then worked my way onto the Committee for a few years. I jumped into the leadership roles a couple of times, recently back in 2018 for a year, before I moved to Chile. It has always been a blast to be part of VicBears, and working on the Committee with other like minded bears was always a great and enjoyable use of my time. I cherish my VicBears Life membership and have nothing but great, furry fun memories of my time with da bears!

Luka: So, I can see from your profile, that you are team #Kylie Minogue. What are your favourite songs from her? Do you think you would team #Lady Gaga or #Madonna, or Aussie forever?

Rob: Totally Team Kylie – all the way. Love the other gals too, but as an active member of the Chile Kylie Minogue Fan Club (@kylieminoguechile), I will always put her first. We can’t wait for her Tension Tour to finally arrive here in Santiago on 12 August 2025 – we will have the biggest “fan actions” you will see from any audience yet!! The anticipation is off the chart. As for favourite songs – damn, there are too many – but “I Believe in You” and “The One” are tracks I can listen to death. Plus the new Tension tracks of “Taboo” and “Love Train” always get me bopping.

Luka: So how long have you stayed in Chile for and what are some good places to visit? Any good Spanish phrases or words that you would recommend for anyone visiting Chile?

Rob: Landed here in Santiago de Chile in February 2019, so called this crazy, chaotic city home for over 6 years now. This country – the longest in the world – continues to surprise me with its vast beauty, natural environments and diverse scenery – it is amazing. I have been attracted to the coast and north of the country where the temperatures are warmer and the oceans swimmable. The Atacama Desert is a must see for any visitor, as well as the vast open spaces, volcanoes, mountains, lakes and glaciers in the south. Plus Isla de Pascua (Easter Island) way out in the Pacific Ocean is also on my must-travel list while I am here.

Luka: Do you miss Australia, or is Chile your permanent home?

Rob: I do miss Australia. There’s not a day that goes by when I don’t think of “home” and all my family, friends and buddies there. Christmas was always huge in my family, and I especially miss home during the festive period. My daily social media fix keeps me current with happenings back there, and I love seeing what everyone is up to. While I now have permanent residency here in Chile, I have no plans to renounce my Aussieness. Chile is home for now – maybe a few more years, I really don’t know when – but probably at some point in the future, I will happily import hubby Down Under to call Australia home again once more.

Luka: Is the Golden Gaytime your favourite Australian treat, or are you a big fan of another Aussie goody?

Rob: It’s been eons since I’ve had a Golden Gaytime (not including the “gaytime” I had last weekend!). It is one of my all time faves. But over here in Chile, I occasionally find Tim-Tams in the big supermarkets, and I am down to the last half of my last jar of Vegemite – still love a smear of that on my daily toast.

Luka: It seems like the beach and pool is your favourite choice to relax (but this would be obvious for many bears). Are there any other hobbies and activities that you enjoy? Any recommendations in Australia and Chile?

Rob: You’re right, the pool and beach are my favourite places – anytime of the year – to enjoy a splash and relaxing time with hubby and friends. Add to that, some great scenery, seafood and unique experiences and you’ll know my favourite get-away. In Chile, ConCon on the coast about 2 hours from Santiago is a fave weekend getaway, and all across LATAM there are many great beachside locations on my list, like Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and returning to Cartagena, Columbia. Back home in Australia, I have enjoyed living on the Sunshine Coast a few years back, but just last year enjoyed visiting my niece in her new digs in Airlie Beach, Queensland. The beaches, snorkeling and lazy days up there were amazing!

Luka: So, you have been an English teacher, specifically TOEFL, for over 20 years? Why teach English, and how have you managed to be successful to teach English in Chile without being one of those visiting visa English teachers who are not enjoying the collaboration between teacher and student?

Rob: Actually, I have only taught English since I have been here in Chile for the last 6 years. Prior to that, my career has focused on workplace coaching and training in a variety of businesses and industries. The common thread has been “learning and development” of others, just now it happens to be through English language skills. I attribute my success here to a few factors – having the right qualifications to teach, the passion to help others be their best, and going independent!! Leaving the employment of the language schools and forming my own one-man company, setting my own schedule and rates was the best decision I’ve made.

Luka: Are there any queer and ever bear groups in Chile, or bear gatherings in Chile? How would a queer expat find the queer joint in Chile, as I would imagine that being openly queer is not easy in South America, right?

Rob: Yes, there are actually lots of diverse community groups here in Chile, covering all colours of the rainbow. There is an active bear group, but less like we know a bear group to be, and more like a regular gathering of bearish guys at dance and pool parties. I’ve been to a few, but they don’t compare to the events of Southern HiBearnation, BearEssentials or Northern Exposure back home! The leather community is healthy, and one I have actively joined and engaged in. @GrupoLeatherChile has regular monthly bar nights, “private” social gatherings and they guys and gals always participate in the wider community events such as SantiagoPride, and commemorative marches. Chile recently enacted marriage equality a few years back (which I now enjoy with my Chilean husband) and being openly and comfortably gay can be clearly seen on the city streets and in everyday life. Not every South American country enjoys these freedoms and openness, but I do feel Chile is leading the way here in the region.

Luka: Would you say being a bear has helped or hindered your career? Is your audience primarily bears?

Rob: Hmmm, I’ve never really thought about that. While I do see myself as proudly “bear” I don’t think it has been an influencing factor either way in my working career. In my community and social life however, sure! Being a bear offered me many opportunities to support, get involved and help others for many years. I fondly reflect on my years with VicBears, and volunteering for a few years with the LazyBear events in San Francisco when I lived there, and being able to comfortably enjoy bearish venues, events and parties around the world.

Luka: Is there any advice that you would give someone (like a bear) who would be interested in moving overseas with a boyfriend, partner or husband, and what is involved?

Rob: Yes, having done this twice now in my life (8 years in San Francisco, CA from 2002, and Chile since 2019), I have some helpful advice;

• take an extended vacation with your partner in the desired location. Take time to check out the place fully, and go off the typical beat track for tourists. Also, experience a taste of “real life” with your partner, to feel the day-to-day of living there.
• do your research! Check out job opportunities, community groups, economic factors before deciding to take a leap.
• get a good, local immigration advisor/lawyer. Their local knowledge and expertise of the visa options and working through the bureaucracy will be invaluable when you make the move, and if you plan to stay long term.
• Finally, have a Plan B in case it doesn’t work out with your partner. Will you return home? Stay there and go it alone? Good questions to ponder just in case.

Luka: Is there any advice that you would give someone (like a bear) would be interested in being in a leadership role for a bear kindred group, and what is involved?

Rob: There’s a couple of ways I believe anyone can get more involved in our community.
Firstly, get more involved with the community group, at an organisational level. Step up and volunteer, sign up and take an active role in events, planning, operational activities, etc. Groups of all kinds appreciate enthusiastic individuals to help advance their goals and impact in the community – so find the will and the time, and do more with your group/club.
Secondly, if your desire is to lead and take on more responsibility, then actively develop those much appreciated leadership skills that all community groups value. Expand your communication skills, develop your confidence and enthusiasm in social gatherings, embrace teamwork and collaboration and be more organised! From my own experience, becoming a master in these areas really helps you take on more as a leader of others, and increases your impact and success in such a role.

Luka: What are your career goals for the future?

Rob: Simply, keep teaching and helping others until I can’t. I think I’ve got another 10 or so more good years of productivity in me, and as long as I can keep talking and my mind sharp. I think I still have a lot more to teach, coach and inspire in others. My years of ambitious career goals and climbing the corporate ladder are long behind me. That being said, I still have a lot to learn and do with my life – but it’s more of a life and personal focus now, and less about work and money.

Luka: Thank you Rob for answering those in-depth questions.

Here are some quickfire questions:
Location: Santiago de Chile
Pronouns: He/Him
Relationship status: Married
Favorite Drink: Piscola (Pisco + Coca-Cola), Sauvignon Blanc
What type of guy are you into? : Dotado activo maduro osos! (I’ll let you translate that one!)
Favorite Cities/Vacation Spots: Whitsunday Island, Palm Springs, Buenos Aires & Melbourne.
Favorite Hobby or Pastime: Entertaining at home, nights out with mates, eating seafood at the beach (any beach!)
Idea of a good date? : Nice dinner, catch a movie/show, drinks at a bar, dance the night away, and a romp in the hay.
What do you look for in a guy? : Kindness, humour and passion. Physically – smile, beard, fur and a nice lunch pack!

Where can we find you? Website, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
Facebook (personal): https://www.facebook.com/robcamm
Facebook (work): https://www.facebook.com/robcammthebusinessenglishcoach/
LinkedIn: https://cl.linkedin.com/in/robcamm
Website: https://robcamm.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robearded66/?hl=en