humanitarian
india
intermediate english
From 4 to 12 weeks
Minimum age: 16 YO
This program is for anyone who wants to make a difference as well as immerse into a different culture and way of life. You will get to teach underpriviledged children in schools and on the weekend you can get away from it all and cruise along the lush backwaters of Kerala. There will be plenty of other activities in store for you such as cooking classes, yoga or a Kathakali dance show.
Your weekdays will be spent volunteering at an orphanage or a local school. Here you will lead and assist teachers in a range of fun educational lessons designed to improve the children’s English language skills. Your activities could also include arts, sports, reading, or drama, giving you a well-rounded experience, while assisting the children in many different roles.
No prior experience is necessary as you will be given training and resources to help you. Local staff will also be at hand to help you. There is flexibility to get involved in organising extra-curricular activities for the enjoyment and enhanced learning.
This program will also give you a chance to stroll around port town Fort Kochi where you will be living. This area is perfect to discover the history and culture of Kerala : the Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church (oldest European Church in India), the Santa Cruz Basilica built by the Portuguese, the spice market and the famous 15th Century Chinese fishing nets.
On weekends you will have the chance to go on a backwaters cruise - included in the 10 things to do in India according to the Lonely Planet guide! Drifting through quiet canals lined with coconut palms, eating deliciously authentic Keralan food, meeting local villagers and sleeping on the water under a galaxy of stars - it's a must do!
Other activities include:
- Visiting the beach town of Varkala or Goa where you can lie on the beach or get a surf
- Local cooking classes and Kathakali dance theatre show
- Tasting the delicious cuisine of South India
- Houseboat on the lush backwaters of Allepey
A supplementary fee of €200 applies to participants under 18 years old. For more information, go to the youth section.
Volunteers in Kerala are accommodated in a volunteer house shared with other volunteers. Living is comfortable and you will have access to electricity, WiFi and western style toilets. Your showers are cold but being a warm climate almost all year it’s never a problem. All bedding is provided and you can expect to be sharing a room with 1 to 4 other volunteers of the same gender. Mosquito netting is put on windows so you do not need to bring mosquito nets. You will be required to bring your own toiletries and towels. Private room upgrades are available for $25 per night and you can inquire with your in country manager Geetha Raj prior to arrival. We have private rooms in the house and if this is booked out we will keep you in a private room at a guesthouse within walking distance to the volunteer house.
The volunteer house has tea and coffee facilities all day, fresh drinking water, a kitchen area (with a seperate fridge) for volunteers use, a lounge area and a resource area. There is also a balcony and rooftop that are for your use. The house is fitted with CCTV cameras, basic medical first aid box, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers for your safety. WiFi is available in common areas but please do not expect this to be the same speed as back home. During power cuts WiFi may be interrupted which is beyond our control.
We have our office area on the ground floor where staff are available daily from 8 am to 5pm. We also have a safe in our office if you want to keep any extra cash or passports with us.
– Up to date CV/ resume
– Copy of return flight itinerary
– Police clearance
– Intermediate level of English; understanding and speaking
– Acceptance subject to availability of position
