A Cultural Immersion Experience in Sikkim, India

  India

Gangtok

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Sep - Dec & Mar - May (12 weeks) / July - August (6 weeks)

Description: Live with local families! Serve communities in need! Study the language and put it to use! Learn about the culture experientially through seminars and local exploration! A comprehensive orientation sets the stage for a deep intimate cross-cultural experience. Make friends and make a contribution through this extraordinary immersion program in India.

The small Indian state of Sikkim nestles in the majestic Eastern Himalayan range, bounded on the north by the great Tibetan Plateau, on the west by Nepal, and on the east by the kingdom of Bhutan. Sikkim is a magical land of immense vistas, enchanted valleys, and awe-inspiring, snow-capped mountains that seem to reach toward the heavens. The most revered of these is Kanchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world, towering over its neighbors like a god surrounded by smaller deities. Sikkim encompasses an astounding diversity of climates and ecosystems, ranging from sultry tropical forest to dry alpine tundra. The ecological diversity of the state is mirrored in the great variety of customs and cultures in the human communities, many of which still live according to centuries-old traditional patterns. Ethnic groups include the indigenous Lepcha, the Bhutia from Tibet, Nepali immigrants, and the Indian business community from the plains. Today these peoples among them Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians coexist in a model of peaceable diversity. Sikkim truly presents a kaleidoscopic wealth of images and experiences to the visitor!

For those who would like to learn about this ancient land and its people and would like to experience a true adventure while doing it, International Cultural Adventures has organized a unique program of cultural exploration that allows participants to immerse themselves in the Himalayan cultures of Sikkim, providing enriching opportunities for life-transforming experiences. Emphasizing experiential learning, participants become intimately familiar with local communities of Sikkim by living together with host families, immersing themselves in the rhythms of daily life, and taking advantage of opportunities to give back through community service. Participants gain a deep understanding of this magnificent land and its people by engaging mind, body, and spirit in experiences that provide opportunities to learn, to educate, to serve, to inspire and be inspired, to have fun and to transform the experience into one that can have lasting impact.

Our program unfolds in two stages: a comprehensive Orientation & Education Phase followed by a Community Service Phase. The Orientation & Education Phase activities help you to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of your new cultural environment, while setting the stage for further immersion and learning in the second phase. The Community Service Phase allows you to get more involved in the culture by lending your time and effort in community service, while reinforcing what you learned in the first phase and exposing you to more intimate learning and cultural sharing opportunities.

The India Cultural Immersion Experience: Sikkim is rich with opportunity. The people and the cultures of Sikkim have much to teach. As a participant, you will have the chance to explore Sikkim's unique way of life, immersing yourself in the warmth of its people and in its legendary natural beauty. We feel confident that you will return from your Himalayan adventure with an enlightened mind, an enriched spirit and a greater sense of empowerment. Our goal is for each participant to complete the program not only with beautiful photographs and dirty laundry, but also with precious memories and heart-felt experiences!

Highlights: In the Orientation & Education Phase, you'll receive an introduction to the cultures of Sikkim and be gradually immersed in them through activities taking place in both urban and rural settings. Structured individual and group experiences guide you through the process of acclimating to your new cultural environment. These learning activities support positive cross-cultural interactions with the community. Individual involvement is highly encouraged, and with the tools provided, youll be able to create your own unique immersion experience. This first phase is approximately one-third of your total journey, so that by the time you move into the Community Service Phase of the program, you will have a strong foundation of understanding for this unique culture and will feel comfortable, knowledgeable, and ready to make a real contribution.

Below you'll find descriptions of each of the components you can expect on the India Cultural Immersion Experience: Sikkim program.

* Home Stay in Gangtok
* Nepali Language Training
* Cultural Seminars and Current Events Discussions
* Exploration of Cultural and Historical Sites
* Introduction to Yoga and Meditation
* Village Home Stays
* Educational Excursion in West Sikkim
* Adventure Trekking

Qualifications: For the majority of community service projects that we can organize, no special qualifications or skills are necessary to serve, only an interest and willingness to give your time and energy. Some projects in medicine and healthcare do require specific skills of varying levels. Foreign language skills are not necessary to participate on these programs.

Cost in US$: $3900 6-week programs / $4750 8.5-week programs

Meals: Two meals per day at Gangtok home stay; some meals with local families during the Village Home Stays; all meals during the Cultural Excursion in West Sikkim; Special dinner at the end of the Orientation & Education Phase.

Transportation: Airport transfers to and from Bagdogra; to and from all cultural and historical sites during the Orientation & Education Phase.

Educational staff: Nepali language instructors; Cultural seminar educators and speakers; English-speaking cultural interpreters for all local exploration.

Miscellaneous: All entrance fees for scheduled visits to cultural and historical sites during the Orientation & Education Phase; group camping equipment (sleeping, cooking & toilet tents); all trekking & camping permits; complimentary ICA duffel bag.

Salary / Pay: unpaid

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Typical candidates are truly interested in gaining an intimate understanding and appreciation of the Himalayan cultures of India by actively engaging with local people through home stays, language immersion, cultural education and individual community service projects. We seek individuals who enjoy being with other participants but who are not afraid to go over the cultural barrier that might otherwise be created by a group experience. The best candidates are open-minded, respectful of local customs and willing to get involved in a variety of cultural-sharing activities with the people of Sikkim. In addition, the program is ideal for those interested in learning more about Buddhism.

Age Range: 17 and up

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to India Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

International Cultural Adventures's Mission Statement: Since 1996, International Cultural Adventures has been creating extraordinary cultural, educational and volunteer service experiences in Asia and South America. Our Custom Design Programs allow you to create a truly unique intercultural experience. Gain deeper insights into local cultures, enjoy rugged outdoor adventures, explore your own special interests, or combine them all in one enriching journey it's up to you! The Cultural Immersion Experience (CIE) is our comprehensive program offering participants a uniquely intimate and profound intercultural experience through home stays, cultural seminars, language training, educational excursions, village visits, adventure trekking, community service, and more. The CIE is for you if you feel motivated to gain a deeper understanding of a very different culture and of yourself! by living as a member of a local family, participating in experiential learning activities, and actively engaging with the local culture through community service. Our extended or short-term adventures take you into some of the most breathtaking areas on Earth including Peru, India, and Nepal. Explore our programs and explore the world!

Year Founded: 1996