Description

"If I were asked under what sky the human mind has most fully developed some of its choicest gifts, has most deeply pondered on the greatest problems of life, and has found solutions, I should point to India."
- Max Mueller

Spend a season immersed in the life of Varanasi, one of India's holiest cities, while serving those whose lives will be poorer without your help!

The primary purpose of this semester is to serve others and learn about service, while experiencing the richness of life in India. Over the past decade, while running shorter programs in Varanasi, LEAPNOW has forged contacts with individuals, small organizations and grass-roots initiatives that are working to serve people who have few or no resources or low status or limited rights, and who won't be helped without the intervention of caring individuals. This includes people who are very poor, lepers, children of prostitutes or underage prostitutes, the sick and dying. Semester participants will assist these grassroots efforts in Varanasi, while learning Hindi and living with Indian families, immersing themselves in the life of a culturally rich city. We will challenge ourselves to find new ways to support those who wouldn't be helped if we don't reach out to them and touch their lives in a positive way.

"Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together."
- Mark Twain

Highlights

Learn to Serve is a great option for those who are finishing High School early, taking some time off college or having a career break.

Students live with local families and study Hindi to experience a meaningful cultural exchange.

Service work is complemented by ongoing enrichment classes such as:
- Hatha Yoga
- Meditation and Healing
- Traditional Indian Dance
- Woodworking
- Sitar or Tabla Lessons
- Drum-Making
- Ayurvedic medicine
- Jewelry making
- Astrology and more!

Our weeks in Varanasi are frequently enriched by weekends exploring sites of cultural interest in the region such as Bodh Gaya (site of the Buddha's enlightenment), the Himalayan kingdom of Sikkim, Sarnath (site of the Buddha's first public discourse), and the Taj Mahal. Students will also have frequent opportunities to take part in the spiritual life of this vibrantly holy city - yoga and meditation courses, ceremonies and pujas, cremations on the ghats, and visits to other sacred sites.

During the semester, group members will comb the city to find undersupported people, projects, local initiatives and opportunities for service. During the semester each student will received a budget of USD 300 that they will use to identify and reach out to someone during the semester that they can help, and who isn't currently being helped. As a group, throughout the semester, we will explore themes such as: Overcoming entitlement; The paradox of the fact that the world needs change, and it's simultaneously perfect the way it is; How to serve effectively; Opening the Heart & Avoiding Burnout; Selfless service and karma yoga; Helping others, Helping ourselves; etc.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications

* Minimum age is 17 by the start date of the program. No age maximum.
* Requirements: Participants must be able to attend the full program. Anyone in reasonable physical condition should be able to complete the program successfully. A vegetarian or restricted diet can be easily sustained throughout the program.

Intern Types

• Social Work

Languages

• Hindi

Languages Used as a Medium of Teaching

• English

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

7,900

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Living stipend
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Travel while in host country

Program Fees Include:

The cost for Learn to Serve is 7,900 dollars and includes all scheduled program activities and excursions, food and accommodation during the program. Not included in the program fee is the cost of personal health insurance (required), personal spending money, as well as domestic and international airfare. The program fee is paid in full prior to the start of the program in a short series of installments.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Those interested in Learn to Service should be committed to the betterment of the planet through "being the change."

Age Range

17 and up

This Program is open to

American and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 6-12

Scholarships are Available

Small scholarships are occasionally available through LEAPNOW.

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Post Services Include

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

LEAPNOW: Transforming Education's Mission Statement

Leapnow's primary purpose is nothing less than transformation and positive change on the planet. We aspire to keep our work on the cutting edge of human evolution. We feel that we can have the most positive impact on the world by working in the area of education- which ideally is all about transforming and expanding the consciousness of our students. Cultural immersion, study and work abroad are our main vehicles for learning about one's self and the world.

Year Founded

1993