India : 3 Months Adventure and Challenges in a Fascinating Country

  India

• New Delhi: 
New Delhi

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: please inquire

Description: The programme combines 4 weeks travel and 8 weeks voluntary work. The adventure begins in Delhi with all its magnificent contrasts between old and new India. You will visit Gandhi's memorial, India gate, and try out some of their famous markets. After Delhi it is onto Haridwar and the fascinating yoga city, Rishikesh. In Haridwar, one of India's most holy cities, you will enjoy the outstanding atmosphere on the steps (ghats) to the holy Ganges. Families and friends assemble enjoying life and the view of the river.

The journey continues to the pink city of Jaipur, safari at a tiger park and to Agra, Taj Mahal - a building of such outstanding beauty that you can't imagine it until you are standing in front of this huge memorial.

Highlights: The voluntary work takes place in a small village near the old colonial city of Darjeeling in West Bengal. In 1835, Darjeeling was given to the East India Company by the King of Sikkim. It became a popular resort for the British who wanted to escape from the sweltering heat of the plains. Today the city has many beautiful colonial buildings, restaurants, internet cafes and shops. Moving up the hills towards the city you will see lush green tea gardens, trees, flowering plants and snow-capped mountains in the background.

The village is about 30 km by road from Darjeeling. Compared to other neighboring villages it is a fairly big village with a population of about 10.000 people. The main spoken language is Nepali and Hindi and some English. The main religion is Hinduism, other religions being Buddhism, Islam and Christianity. However it is a delight to see people celebrating all the different festivals of different religions. Here the group teach in the school, take part of daily life and experience the many festivals, weddings and other celebrations.

There are four schools in the village out of which three are private schools. By convention the parents of these students are better off financially. The government school is called Vidya Sagar School. It has Primary, Junior and the Senior wings. You will be helping in the junior wing that has a total of 35-50 students studying from class I to IV with just one teacher!

The children come from nearby villages and walk at least 2 - 3 Km everyday to get to school. Since these children are taught English from class five only - when it comes to competitive exams etc, they stand no chance. There is a high rate of class bunking as the children prefer to go down to the river for a swim instead! Being from a poor family with no access to good education, they do not necessarily believe in getting themselves educated. All these factors finally result in many dropouts. However there are always some students who would like to do well in life but have no means or encouragement.

- Primary aims of voluntary work:
- To teach English to the children of the primary classes
- Afternoon classes for children that don't attend school
- The children are very enthusiastic so project ideas are welcome

Daily life of volunteers start in the morning with a 10 minute walk to school. You take part in two periods per day, one before lunch and one after lunch. School is over around 2 pm and each volunteer will be given "charge" of some students each. In the afternoon you can teach children at your house. These children are usually not attending school and are very keen to learn.

Evenings will be kept free for the volunteers where they will be introduced to the way of life in the village: dances, festivals, music, pottery etc. It is up to the individual's interest if one wants to go further with it. It is also planned that as many times as possible the volunteers and the children will be taken to the nearby villages, tea gardens, silk farms and to outdoor picnics. You will experience the various aspects of daily life of this hilly terrain.

During weekends there are lots to do in the area. You can visit the many sights in the area or hang out in Darjeeling. There are many walks to do with excellent views and unspoiled scenery. As the road descends over 1500 meters you pass mountain streams, uncultivated land, tea estates and small villages.

Cost in US$: please visit our website

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-30

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to India in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Other
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Year Founded: 1984