Project Orientation
You will be given a comprehensive 3-day orientation in Jaipur. Here you will also have the option to visit the Taj Mahal on an organised excursion at your own cost. During your 3 day orientation you will learn about India and the volunteer placements, the afternoons will entail excursions and in the evenings you will be living with a local family where you will have dinner and breakfast.
The 3-day orientation will include:
- An introduction to Indian history, Hindi, culture and values
- Your health and safety whilst in India
- Workplace ethics before starting your project
- An introduction to the area
- Amber fort with elephant ride (if permitted) and old city
- Hindi “Bollywood” film
- Shopping for traditional clothing
Accommodation & Meals
In Rajasthan
Your accommodation is unique – a comfortable and clean mud hut! It even comes with en-suite bathroom! All meals are served in the restaurant area – buffet style. There is Internet, telephone, DVD/TV facilities. For the active volunteers, there is volleyball net and other outdoor games. You will be sharing with a maximum of 3.
The food is amazing and there is plenty of it. Besides from your personal space, volunteers benefit from a dining area where they eat food prepared by our staff, a kitchen where they can cook special meals, a common area for relaxing, watching movies and holding cultural workshops in yoga and Indian cooking. There are also Internet facilities. Breakfast is served at 08:30, lunch at 13:30, Chi tea at 16:00 and dinner at 19:00.
In Goa
When doing your volunteer work you will staying in an old-style Portuguese house with a spacious recreation (hang out) hall, a dining area and computer centre. In addition, 3 wings of housing consist of spacious rooms that will comfortably accommodate up to 6 participants per room with private bathroom facilities. There is also a small cafe that will be run and maintained in the campus for volunteers to buy any additional things for their everyday need at the campus itself.
The campus is 3 km from the beautiful and tranquil Majorda beach, which is adjacent and very similar to Colva beach, which has been our “main beach” for all these years in Goa. A short distance from the camp, are cafes and utility shops that can also help volunteers fulfil their everyday requirements.
On this volunteer programme you are required to be responsible for the up keep of your own room as well as helping out with washing up dishes after meals etc. Meals are all included and consist mainly of vegetable and sometimes fish curries, Indian breads, rice and fruit.
Free Time
Weekend Travel in Rajasthan
When not working, volunteers have plenty of time to relax and pursue their own hobbies. Some volunteers borrow a bicycle and tour the local countryside, others read, write, play volleyball or even plan excursions to local points of interest. Most Friday evenings, volunteers arrange a small party or get together to celebrate the end of the workweek.
Weekend Travel in Goa
There is so much to do in Goa and travel excursions are very reasonable. Just a few of the things you can get involved with in Goa include Spice Plantation trips, elephant rides and washes, visits to waterfalls and temples, busy local markets and plenty of amazing places to eat. Palolem, the main backpacker hub and where all the Full Moon parties are held is a £7-8 taxi ride. With basic beach accommodation starting from about £3 a night, Palolem is popular with the volunteers for weekend stays.
Project Support
Throughout your stay in India you will have the support and guidance of a Camp Manager and their team. They will provide you with competent assistance and help you with any questions or advice you may need during your stay. The staff will be on hand throughout the day.
In addition, we will provide you with a 24 hour emergency contact number before you depart, so that you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
Project Age Limit
Minimum 17 years old with parental consent form.
