"Discover India" Independent, Inclusive & PreMed Internship & Volunteer Programs with the International Internship & Volunteer Network

  India

Bangalore

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Programs start weekly, year round.

Description: India is an amazing country and provides an unforgettable experience for all who visit. Be immersed in the culture, lifestyle, language, food and traditions of the Indian people during our "Discover India" program in Bangalore.

This is a program that, in addition to the standard IIVN Program inclusions, also includes all accommodations, meals and a variety of planned activities. India is an unforgettable experience, be prepared to live it!

Week 1 Orientation/Culture: The Orientation is the first step for a successful stay in India! Therefore, the first week is dedicated to getting to know the country and meeting other participants. During this week, you may participate in basic meditation lessons and visit several places of interest in Southern India. This will enable you to experience Indian cultural and religious diversity first-hand. The program includes visits to the historical temple in Nanjanagud, the Golden Temple (Buddhist Monastery) and the historical town of Srirangapatna.   A sample of additional activities you may engage in include, but are not limited to: Team Building, Traditional Kerala Massage, Basic Yoga Lessons, Temple Visits, Basic Language & Cooking Lessons, THEEYAM dance, Henna painting and an Introduction to India and the Indian Culture. You will also have time to meet the local people, taste the food and learn about the Indian customs.

Weeks 2 & 3: Participants May Experience India at its Fullest by taking part in a customized intern program or in one of the volunteer program options below;

Volunteer Project Participation: Participants will be placed in a community based project in South India. The schedule and focus of the project will be adapted to the season and the needs of the organization. We have a strong social commitment and send participants to active projects where they will play a meaningful role in the local community. Several projects are run by our Receiving Organization and we also co-operate with several local NGO's all across the country.

Project Descriptions: Participants may volunteer in Educational Work, Social Work, Women Empowerment Centers, Red Cross Projects, Health Care, Orphanages, Marine Turtle Conservation & many more...Following are just a couple descriptions.

Educational Work/Teaching: As education is the most important tool in development, volunteers are invited to teach English and other subjects in a creative way to the local children at a primary school, as well as at center premises during & after school activities.

The Mission of this project is to: Teach English and other subjects to children, such as arts and crafts or sports like football, hockey, cricket and athletics; Motivate children to learn; Instill social, psychological and physical security to the children; Interact with the children.

Social Work: Volunteers will have the opportunity to work along with different organizations involved in the development of the underprivileged. The slum reality is a huge issue in the entire country; our aim is to spread awareness among the people and to give them more instruments to feel confident and free to decide or their future, and for the future of a new generation.

The Mission of this project is to: Organize a multi-purpose project to involve the community and sensitize community/people about the Health & Hygiene problems; Educate the children to build a better and more conscious society; Spread awareness on Women rights issues and social welfare; Environmental Issues; First Aid/CPR Training; Working with other NGO's in community service projects.

Week 4 Holiday Week at the Beach in Goa:   During this week you will have the opportunity to relax in a beautiful place at the beaches of Goa and enjoy the other side of the country, which you have come to know so well in the previous weeks. Goa is India's most cherished holiday state and is known for its white washed churches palm trees and Portuguese influence.

Additional 4 Weeks- Program Extension: Participants who decide to extend their program for an additional 4 weeks (up to a maximum of 6 months), will spend the extended time at one of our Community based Volunteer Projects as outlined above. Due to our strong social commitment, we send volunteers to "active projects" where they will play a meaningful role in the local community. Several projects are run by our partner organization and we also co-operate with a variety of local NGO's across the country.

Participants may choose to extend this program up to a maximum of 6 months for an additional fee of $200.00 USD per week. This includes all accommodations, meals and ground transportation to/from volunteer project (as applicable).

Highlights: This is a program that, in addition to the standard IIVN Program inclusions, also includes all accommodations, meals and a variety of planned activities!

Additional highlights of this program are experienced during Week 4, Holiday Week at the Beach in Goa:   During this week you will have the opportunity to relax in a beautiful place at the beaches of Goa and enjoy the other side of the country, which you have come to know so well in the previous weeks. Goa is Indias most cherished holiday state and is known for its white washed churches palm trees and Portuguese influence.

Qualifications: Applicants for each program must: Be at least 18+ years of age by start date of program. Present current Resume or Curriculum Vitae, Statement of Purpose and two Referrals for program participation; Internship candidates must be currently enrolled in, or a graduate of, an approved higher education institution; Internship candidates must present a Transcript or Certificates of study related to the occupational category they are applying for; Volunteer candidates must have a strong desire to contribute to the betterment of society and help those less fortunate, including women, children, the homeless and ailing; All participants must speak fluent English. In some cases, Internship candidates must have an intermediate+ conversation level of the language of the host Country they desire to visit. Volunteer participants are not required to speak the language of the host country they are visiting; Be enthusiastic, self-motivated, dependable, flexible, open-minded and eager to experience new cultures; Be committed to the entire duration of the project selected; Have a valid e-mail address throughout the duration of their program.

Applicants must be aware that the programs are a personal & professional growth/training experience that will be useful for future development, and their placement may not be at a managerial or senior level.

Participants should not try to use their program participation as a step to getting hired permanently by the Host Employer/Association, as this may lead to disappointment and may violate government regulations.

Cost in US$: Independent & Inclusive Internship & Volunteer Programs=$1550.00; Pre-Med Internship & Volunteer Programs =$1650.00; Premier Program Fee varies based on country and program selected.

Inclusive Internship & Volunteer Programs - $1550.00 USD: Developed for individuals who prefer to have consistent in-country support and other services included in their program. Program inclusions vary by host country visited and program selected, but may include housing, meals, language instruction, planned sightseeing/social events and a variety of other amenities.

Pre-Med Internship & Volunteer Programs - $1650.00 USD: Our Pre-Med Programs are ideal for individuals looking to add an international medical component to their resume, in an effort to gain acceptance into a graduate program, or further enhance their medical training & exposure. Our Pre-Med programs offer hands-on, shadowing and field work experiences in a wide variety of medical arenas; including pediatrics, emergency, trauma care, maternity, nursing, physical therapy, public health, psychology and many more.   Programs are customized for mature, self sufficient, professional individuals who do not require hand holding and planned social activities. Our Pre-Med Program Fee is consistent, regardless of program length, area of medicine and country visited.

All IIVN Program Fees are calculated to provide participants with the highest level of quality and service and include the following:

All Program Application Fees; Preferred Placement Matching; Customized & Professional Program Development - taking into consideration each participant's personal goals, experience and qualifications, in addition to the Host Employer/Association needs; Confirmed Program Placement - prior to departure; Pre-Departure Materials - including detailed Participant Handbook outlining important Int'l Travel & Program Information; Project Training & Materials (where applicable) - while experience is always helpful, it is not necessary to participate in all of our programs; Arrival Orientation duration & content will vary based on country & program selected; Academic Credit (based on educational institutions discretion); Local Program Supervision, 24/7 Emergency Service and Participant Support; Passport, Visa & Intl Travel/Medical Insurance Guidance; Airport Transfers to/from housing; Certificate of Completion; IIVN Commitment to ensuring that every participant is provided with the highest level of personal attention and service.

*Accommodations: Housing options vary based on country and program selected. In the event housing is not included in your preferred program, we are happy to provide resources and recommendations for options that are affordable, safe and convenient to your placement location.

*Meals: One to two meals per day are offered in select programs. The number of meals offered varies based on country and project selected. In the event your preferred program does not include meals, we are happy to prepare you with budget guidelines to ensure you plan appropriately.

*Ground Transportation: Ground transportation to/from the airport/housing of your host country is offered to all participants. Ground transportation to/from planned social activities and sightseeing will vary based on country and project selected. Transportation resources and costs will be provided to ensure you budget accordingly.

*Holiday Week: Select programs include a full week of rest and relaxation the last week of your program. This provides an opportunity to reflect on your project experience and further enjoy the many unique sights your selected country has to offer. In the event your preferred program does not include a holiday week, we will be happy to provide you with a list of sightseeing and points of interest you wont want to miss!

Unless otherwise noted, IIVN Programs DO NOT include: Housing (unless otherwise noted in selected program. In the event housing is not included in your program, we are pleased to provide resources and guidance for options that are convenient to the placement site and in a safe location.); Meals (unless otherwise noted in selected program or part of home stay arrangement); Round-Trip Airfare & Airport Taxes; Passport/Visa Fees or other necessary legal Work/Travel Document Fees; Intl Travel/Medical Insurance; Personal Expenses; Vaccinations/Immunization Fees (as applicable).

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: IIVN Volunteers are looking to add a real-life International experience to their resume, while discovering another culture first hand! They represent IIVN with the highest degree of professionalism, warmth and friendliness. Extending respect to every individual they interact with. Volunteers have a good level of conversational English and enjoy spending time surrounded by children. Participants are flexible and eager to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity!

Age Range: Participants must be 18+ years of age. No one is too old to participate!

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to India Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of based on project needs.

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Transcript

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Int'l Internship & Volunteer Network's Mission Statement: The International Internship & Volunteer Network is dedicated to providing individuals with an opportunity to strengthen their professional experience and further develop their cultural knowledge, by acquiring supervised International Work & Volunteer Experience in an occupational category relevant to their education and interest through customized internship and volunteer programs abroad. We pride ourselves on being able to personally work with each participant to find the perfect placement to meet their individual needs.

Year Founded: 2008