Description

Women's empowerment is a major social issue in India. ELI works with several organizations in Chennai devoted to empowering marginalized women. The organizations have evolved from relief/welfare organizations to organizations emphasizing empowerment through development and capacity building. Interns can get involved in projects in their particular field of interest. Participants will learn about the processes of mobilizing self-help groups, fieldwork, documentation, and the challenges many women face everyday. The organizations also operate shelters for abused women. Participants are encouraged to spend time with the women in the shelters in order to gain a more personal understanding of the women. Individual assignments include data collection, reporting, and caring for children in the human trafficking division, grant writing, and public health campaigns.

Highlights

All ELI programs are set up on a completely individual basis and tailored to the individual skills and requests of each participant.

The ELI programs in India are all in South India. These programs are a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultures of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

The programs in India have completely flexible start dates most months of the year. During the summer months of May, June, and July orientation starts every other weekend. Participants should arrive in Chennai on the start date.

Summer 2012 arrival dates in Chennai:
May 14, 28
June 11, 25
July 9, 23

ELI volunteers are met at the airport and taken to a hotel for their first night in Chennai.· Orientation starts the next morning.· During the orientation we will help you set up a cell phone, exchange money, and take you sightseeing in Chennai before you settle into your program.

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Two-week programs start at USD 925

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Registration fees
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* Pre-departure Support: ELI's staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help volunteers to prepare for their travels.

* Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Chennai and provided with transportation to the hostel where orientation takes place

* In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a two to three day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Chile. Spanish classes are also provided.

* In-country Staff Support: ELI's India coordinator has years of experience working with visitors to India. He is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

* Accommodations: Participants stay in housing associated with the organization and are provided with three vegetarian meals a day

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range

18 and up

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Resume
• Written Application
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement

ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded

2001