Looking to Volunteer in Himalaya ,India? If yes; then you are in the right place. Help inspire the children in the Himalayan mountains by teaching English and promote confidence in our Teach English volunteer program. The power of education cannot be denied by anyone, but there are many children in rural India who are devoid of basic education due to financial constraints. The program is run for the children who don’t attend or have less attendance because of poverty, helping the parents in farming, lack of motivation towards education and remoteness from the major town. Every year there are many foreign tourists who enter to travel India with the purpose of carrying teaching volunteer work in India along with travelling and cultural exchange. They can join the program and contribute a little to this noble cause. With English becoming a global language for communication now, it becomes imperative to teach English to the kids. Our aim is to build a solid base for children so that they can go confidently for higher education.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

The Location

The school is located in a village in the foothills of the Himalayas. The locals live a basic life and the village has a strong sense of community. You will find most of your needs are provided in a nearby town. The volunteer will be living in a local home stay/hotel. Meals will be provided by a local family who will cook your breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The School

The school is a primary school, with the number of students always fluctuating. However, on average each class has about 15-20 students. There are 10 classes, from lower kindergarten to grade 8, 4-14 years old. The school building is basic, and differs between each school we work with. The school runs from 7:30 am-12:00 pm in the summer time. In winter, the school runs from 8:30 am-2:00 pm. In general, up to grade 5 the students learn 6-7 subjects, and after grade 5 they learn 8-10 subjects including English as a compulsory subject, science, maths, social studies, environmental science, sanskrit, general knowledge, drawing, arts and crafts, and of course Hindi.

WORK FOR VOLUNTEERS

The volunteers associated with this program will be entitled to a number of tasks. Although majority of the task involves teaching English with the help of other teachers but there are many other tasks which can be helped in such as painting the school, drawing learning graffiti, conducting a dance or arts & crafts section, developing Teaching learning material and so on. When teaching the volunteers are expected to be proactive and talk to the teachers, lead a lesson once they have understood the system, create a positive environment for learning. Volunteers can expect to learn Indian education system, method and how it works. They will also get a close purview of the local culture, religion and general way of living. If the volunteers have teaching supplies they would like to bring, they may do so. However it is not required. The volunteers would be working with the volunteer coordinator, alongside the teachers of the school. The program coordinator will welcome you and situate you into the classes, explain the educational set up, the local culture, customs and way of living. He will also explain the do's and don'ts of the local culture and living.

REVIEWS/TESTIMONIALS

Past Volunteers have wonderful time with us in the program. Volunteers join this program all over from the world. Most of our volunteers come from U.S, Canada, U.K, Australia & European Countries; if you come from these region you can also ask us our previous volunteers contact addresses. Have a look also at our previous volunteers reviews in GoAbroad and GoOverseas website.

Teaching Project India by VWI will make you work directly in local rural area school centers run by NGO. This project is very rewarding and it fulfills all my interest for the reason i Came India to Volunteer, “ says Eric Turner from U.K our past volunteer.” Read Our –Volunteers Stories & Reviews about the Program.

SKILLS REQUIRED FOR PROGRAM

There is no specific skill requirement to join the volunteering program. But volunteers who love and are passionate about helping people who are in need & also like to learn about the culture/life of the people in the country can join the program.

Free-time activities

Our community is known for having many fairs, festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Also there are lots of weddings that take place in certain months which you shall be invited. The place is dotted with many easy and medium level hiking trails leading to beautiful village mountains. Explore the trails as you pass by other villagers on the way. Witness children playing in the farms, farming practices, local life, rituals, spiritual practices in the villages. Be prepared to be surprised by the number of people inviting you for a chit-chat over a cup of tea.

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN FROM THIS PROJECT

>– A memorable and satisfying experience by teaching poor children.

>– Enhancement of the teaching skills.

>– An opportunity to see rural India closely and be aware of the problems faced and the life of the people living there.

>– Opportunity to spend time in India and have knowledge about the culture,, language and their traditions.

>– You will be a lifetime member of VWI, after the completion of the project.

>– An addition to your CV about working for a good cause.

LANGUAGE BARRIER

Language is not a problem for the international participants joining the program. The host family, our staffs, taxi drivers and kids/women in the program can understand basics.

However if you are un-comfortable with the language barrier you can join a week Hindi Lesson Class which run 90 minutes Monday to Friday costs $150 for a week. During submission of OnlinE application you can request in the form.

Video of Intro of our Program

VWI makes arrangements for room, food and transportation for the volunteers, from the first day of the volunteer’s arrival in Jaipur, India. Volunteers will be living with the Indian Host Family. You will be having your own room at the host family house which can be shared by the same gender volunteer in the program. Participants coming with their friends, couples or family members live together at the same accommodation. Our host families are carefully screened and selected based on VWI requirements. Host families are experience in the realm of hosting international travelers from last 10 years. You will be getting 3 Meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner), traditional but very nutritious. The meals serves at the accommodation are the everyday meals which are eaten by the Indian Families. This is how the program has made to make you feel and Live Like a Local. However if you are not able to adjust with the Indian meals or need more nutrition/protein/special diet in your meals you can arrange by your own from the near by local market. Staying with Host family will give you the opportunity to learn about Indian Life, meet the locals, try local food, speak local language and make yourself to immerse in local customs and traditions. The host family members are able to communicate in English and are very friendly with volunteers. The accommodations are neat and clean and provide volunteers a home away from home experience. Our volunteers have private rooms at the host family house which can be shared by the same gender in the program. If you prefer to have your own room you can pay additional to have a private room. The host family homes are equipped with wifi internet. You will have a very good access through computer & by Wi-Fi access. The house has filtered drinking water, geysers, air conditioning, satellite television, modern toilets, comfortable beds, fans and air conditioner. The homes are close to useful amenities like banks, ATMs, currency ex-changers, restaurants, cafes and shopping arcades. The program location is 20-30 minutes drive from the House. We also arrange transportation facility for volunteers which will everyday pick you to project site and drop to your home when you finish work. You will have everyday auto-rickshaw (tuk-tuk) or Car ride for Transportation.

Food Menu :-In Breakfast our Host Family will prepare you everyday Tea/Coffee + Bread or Poha or Indian Paratha. In Lunch & Dinner you will be having 2 Type of Indian Vegetable's + Roti ( Chapati's ) + Rice + Yogurt + Pickles. On food table there is always basket of fruits which you can use anytime.

Accommodation Option :-Please check our various accomodation options. Most of the participants prefer to choose Basic Accomodation Home which is shared by 2 participants.

• Basic Accommodation Home Stay [ Included in Price ] [ Shared by 2 Participants] [ Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ]
• Basic Accommodation Home Stay [ Private Room] [ Additional $100 weekly ] [ Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ]
• Luxury Accommodation Home Stay [Additional $350 per week ] [ Meals - Breakfast ]
• Hotel Accommodation [ Additional $450 per week ] [ Meals - Breakfast ]
• Own Accommodation [ Get Discount in Program Fees ]

Picture Gallery of Accommodation Click Here

Program Dates : All year round – Dates are flexible you can choose your own start and finish date. However we recommend you to arrive on Sunday. To check the availablity of the program dates click here :Start Dates

If you are interested in this project then contact us to be a part of Volunteering With India