Description

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival into Cochin airport (airport code COK)

Today you will be met at the airport and accompanied to your accommodation. It only takes around 45minutes to travel from the airport to your arrival point so sit back, stare out of the window and take in the sights, sounds and smells of Kerala. You'll have some time to unpack in your new digs before having an orientation with your in country team either that same day or tomorrow, depending on what time everyone arrives in Kerala.

The orientation will take place at your In Country Coordinator's residence and will take you through what it's going to be like at your project, do's and don'ts, how to stay safe and it's your prime opportunity to ask any burning questions that you haven't yet had answered. After the orientation you'll have some time to relax and prepare before your first day at the project tomorrow.

If you aren't able to arrange a flight to get you into Cochin on the designated arrival day then we'd recommend you fly in a day early.

We can arrange an early airport pick-up for you including one night's accommodation for an additional fee. Please call us for more information.

Day 2 (Monday): First day on the job

Today you'll be accompanied by one of our team to meet your new project staff and of course the children. The children you'll be working with range in ages from three to eleven years old and have no shortage of energy! They also have a real desire to learn which might make a pleasant change from classrooms back home. The first few days spent at your project will most likely be about sitting back and taking everything in, there's no hurry here. of course, if you'd prefer to jump straight in then no one will stop you!

Day 3 (Tuesday): Come back for more!

Take time to get to know the staff and build a bond with the children, we recommend it as the best way of settling in quickly and finding your own niche here. There's plenty to get involved in and plenty to do - it's just a matter of asking and getting stuck in. Once you feel more confident with the curriculum in place and perhaps having learnt some key words in the local language, Malayalam, have a go at some group work to get started. What's the worst that can happen?

Days 6 and 7 (Saturday to Sunday): Free time

This is your chance to venture out and explore the exotic sights and sounds that Kerala has to offer! Whether it's a backwater river cruise, lazing on the beach or exploring the bustling markets...Kerala is your oyster!

Following weeks:

Get stuck in at your project and enjoy every moment of your time in Kerala! You'll be making a huge difference to the children in your classroom as you teach them to enjoy learning and getting an education. Don't worry if you've never taught before, it'll be very different to teaching in a classroom back home anyway; the children have great respect for their teachers and whilst you'll always get the cheeky children at the back, just like all around the world, the vast majority will relish being in your company and we're sure the feeling will be mutual!

Your Last Day (Monday):

Your last day has come around so quickly, it's time to say goodbye and move on to your next adventure. Whether you're staying in India or heading back to the airport, we hope you've enjoyed your time and made many new friends.

If you're heading back to the airport, you'll need to arrange this yourself and we'd recommend taking a taxi which will cost around 1000 Rupees.

Highlights

Put your skills to the ultimate test and have an experience of a lifetime. As a volunteer in a school in Kerala you will have the opportunity to teach English, music, drama, arts and crafts, or any other subject that you feel will benefit the children's educational development. You may be teaching your own class or working side by side with local teachers. In either case you will learn a huge amount about the life of young people in India and the challenges they face. This a great opportunity to share new ideas and make new friends while furthering the education of disadvantaged children in Kerela - one of India's most beautiful states!

Trip Highlights:
- Living in India's most laid back state - paradise
- Assisting with the education of wildly enthusiastic students
- Exploring the 'backwaters' on your weekends

Qualifications

What's the project like?

Education in India is seen as a privilege and one that everyone is keen to aim towards. The depressing reality is that only around 15% of students in India reach high school. Your students will be motivated and eager to learn but might be frustrated by their backgrounds. Lessons might lack structure and content but the staff do the very best that they can for the children with what they have. The children enjoy learning new songs, games, arts and crafts and music.

Why does the project need volunteers?

Despite the fact that English is one of the official languages of India, the standard of conversational English in schools is usually very poor. As a teaching volunteer, you will play a vital role in improving the spoken skills, and therefore the life-chances of the children, and teachers, in the schools of Bangalore. You can help shape young lives in India by sharing their English skills and teaching talents. Native or fluent English speakers with or without formal teaching experience can contribute greatly to a child's educational development.

You are not required to be fluent in any of the Indian languages as English is widely spoken and understood by most Indians. On the teaching program you will be trained before you go on your project through i-to-i's International on-line TEFL course (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). This course is included in the cost of the trip.

You are required to have a desire to help the people and environment of India. Be flexible, have self-motivation and an openness to a new culture and a willingness to learn.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 1,649.00 for 4 weeks, USD 220.00 for every week

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training

Program Fees Include:

What's Included

* Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse.
* Food: All meals
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation and on line TEFL course
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, local in-country team and 24 hour emergency support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Community Development
• Education
• English Teaching
• Teaching

Age Range

18-80

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Guest House

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently

i-to-i Volunteering's Mission Statement

i-to-i Volunteering provides unique opportunities for you to travel, work and volunteer abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 16 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations. With over 130 projects on 4 continents, across 22 countries you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching English, community development, conservation, home building, and working with animals.

Year Founded

1994