Description

When you arrive in India, representatives from our Indian cooperator will meet with you to find a volunteer placement that both matches your interests and serves local social service needs. Typical placements include primary schools, day care centers, and other community-oriented projects. You'll work about 20-25 hours per week, including one hour of mandatory community work per week.

Current Placements include:

Goa - The state of Goa is India's most well known beach destination. Despite the apparent benefits of large scale tourism, Goa remains a stark reminder of many social issues like poor education infrastructure and HIV/AIDS that still face the Indian society in general, making it an ideal region for community outreach. Volunteers are needed to teach English and computer skills, work in an HIV/AIDS shelter, or help with childcare services.

Himachal Pradesh - Himachal Pradesh is a state in the Punjab region in northwest India. Located in the midst of the Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh was once known as Deva Bhoomi (the land of the gods). Our volunteer programs are based near the town of Palampur, approximately 18 miles from Dharamsala, the capital of the exiled Tibetan government and center of Tibetan Buddhist culture. Volunteers are needed to teach English and mathematics, work with orphaned or mentally challenged chldren, or assist with women's empowerment projects.

Jaipur - Jaipur's rapid rapid urbanization has adversely affected many animals' health and wellbeing. Areas once inhabited freely by animals are quickly being encroached upon by urban development. Volunteers in this program give much-needed attention to the neglected animal population.

Kanjar Community - The Jhalawar district is located in the southern portion of India's state of Rajasthan, and is home to the Kanjar community. Over time, the Kanjars' social class, or caste has been ostracized by its surrounding communities, causing isolation and social, political, and economic discrimination. Volunteers assist with adult and child literacy projects, community building, data collection, and health and hygiene awareness programs.

Rajasthan - Tourism is one of the success stories of modern Rajasthan; however, economic and social progress (especially for women) remains slow and inconsistent outside of the main tourist centers. Volunteers will teach English and mathematics to children, and work on empowerment projects for women and adolescent girls.

Highlights

Volunteers in India benefit from special workshops on Indian culture such as yoga and cooking, and planned excursions to local sites of interest. Participants will have plenty of free time for reading, relaxing and exploring the local surroundings. Volunteers are aided by local assistants who serve as guides, translators, and overall support staff.

Qualifications

* Be at least 18 years of age with at least a high school diploma
* Be in good health with an independent, flexible, open-minded attitude
* Be able to live and work in rural communities where conditions are basic
* Meet the Visa requirements for India

Minimum Education

High School

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* Placement in a volunteer project
* Access to discounted international accident and sickness insurance
* Airport pick-up
* First night's hotel
* Orientation
* Local transportation required by the program
* Housing and all meals
* Excursions
* Group workshops on yoga and Indian cooking
* Required materials for activities during the volunteer work

Full Support Included

Full support includes dedicated on-site assistance from an English-speaking translator/helper for the first 4 weeks of the program, amenities such as refrigerator, DVD player, television, a video and books library, board games, and Internet facilities (with nominal charges), and assistance with excursions during the weekends.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Aids
• Health
• Health Care
• Health Education

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

American, Australian, Canadian and European Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Scholarships are Available

Financial assistance is now available through the InterExchange Foundation Grant Program. Established in 2006, the Foundation aims to encourage young Americans to pursue work and life experiential programs abroad. If you have applied for, and been accepted to, an InterExchange Working Abroad program (Language Schools excluded), you may be eligible to receive a Working Abroad Grant. Details will be sent to participants upon acceptance to their programs.

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

InterExchange's Mission Statement

InterExchange is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural awareness through a wide range of work & travel, language, teaching English, volunteer, professional training, internship and au pair programs within the United States & around the world. Our goal is to create affordable and exciting cultural exchange programs, each with an unparalleled level of support. We take great pride in the professionalism and service of our staff and work hard to ensure our programs provide a rewarding experience for all participants.