Location
Mysore is a pleasant city with a very rich historical and cultural background. Mysore today, retains an old world charm, contributed by its broad shady avenues, well laid out gardens, fine buildings and a salubrious climate. It was the capital of Mysore State before the state of Karnataka came into existence.
From ancient times, this district has played a significant role in the history of South India. The Mysore Distr
ict is a popular tourist destination, offering several attractions ranging from the royal splendor of Mysore City and its fabulous Dasara Festival (Sept-Oct) to exquisite temples, pilgrimage centres and scenic spots. Mysore city is at 770m above sea level and 140 kms from Bangalore. Also known as the City of Palaces, Mysore retains a quaint charm that never fails to enchant.
About the Project
India has some of the most spectacular palaces and fortresses, religious temples, untouched nature and very colorful settings. India cannot be explained but experienced. This program give you the opportunity to experience the various sides of India. Participants from all over the world travel together to work with the communities and educate the children of Mysore and the surrounding areas. At the end of their volunteer placement, volunteers have the chance to choose from several exciting eco-trips in various parts of southern India.
Project Structure
- Week 1: introduction and
volunteer orientation
- Week 2+: community volunteer placement, easily extendable
- Last week (optional): Eco-adventure trips to wonderful sites in India
Week 1: Introduction and Orientation Week
The Introduction Week is the first step for a great stay in a new country! It's an action packed and fun filled week that is dedicated to getting to know India in all its cultural aspects with a firsthand live in experience.
You will also get time to meet the local people, taste the local cuisine and get familiar with the Indian customs. The Introduction Week will take place in our regional center, located in the historical and charming city of Mysore with a group of participants from different parts of the world. Loads of new things will be introduced to you and it will be the time to get used to the local culture. Our schedule will be flexible but all introduction weeks usually consist of:
India: Culture, religion, habits, customs, history, social issues, are some of the topics that we will introduce you to through group discussions, workshops and visits.
Language Skills: A first contact with an Indian language and you will learn a few phrases to get by. Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, are the languages taught depending on your project placement. India has 18 official languages, and more than 1500 dialects and sub-dialects. We will start by teaching you only one! English is widely spoken in all major cities.
Projects: If you proceed to do a volunteer project, we will give you an overview of the ongoing projects we support and send volunteers to, and an explanation of your particular placement.
General Information: Many new things will be introduced to you through some sessions on yoga, cooking, team work, project work, customs, habits, behavioral aspects, dos & dont's, and emergency preparation.
Cultural Site Visits and meeting people will acclimatize you culturally. You will have the opportunity to visit market places, and natural sites in groups or individually during free time.
Group Games will be the style of operation of our coordinators during the orientation week to make the theoretical sessions as dynamic as possible. Do not forget to bring items from your home (photos, music, food) to be able to talk about your place and your culture.
Week 2: Community Volunteer Placement
A special program will be created for all volunteers involved in this initiative. Activities can include a combination of:
- Teaching English on a non formal basis
- Working with the children in their vegetable garden (for their own consumption)
- Creating activities for the students including workshops for cultural exchange
- Arts & Crafts activities
- Sports after classes
- Environmental awareness activities
- Basic construction to improve the children's livelihoods
- Organizing a multi-purpose project to involve the community and sensitize community/people about the Health & Hygiene problems
- Educating the children to build a better and more conscious society
- Spreading awareness on Women rights issues and social welfare
- First Aid/ CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) Training
- Working with other NGOs in community service projects
- Assisting in orphanages
Accommodation & Food
Accommodation will vary depending on the project, but will be in shared bedrooms. The food is traditional Indian, which at times can be spicy. The breakfast varies from rice to Indian breads. For lunch and dinner you will have a variety of dishes, made of rice with Indian sauces and some vegetables.
The doors and windows are not mosquito-proofed; so don't forget to bring mosquito nets or repellents. Also, there are no laundry facilities, so expect to wash your own clothes by hand.
All participants are expected to be environmentally responsible and to use all resources with restraint, especially water, paper and electricity.
Last Week: Eco-Adventure Trips
After you volunteer placement you can join one of the exciting eco-adventure trips:
Trekking Week During the trek, you will experience India at its wildest. We will do an environmental trek in the Mudumalai national park with our experienced guides and go wildlife spotting with them during several jungle safari's. Following the national park, we will visit the Blue Mountains near Ooty, the famous Indian hill station, where we can do some further trekking and visit the tea gardens.
Body & Mind
A Fantastic program guaranteed to make you feel better. Our Body & Mind Program is carefully designed to make you feel younger, more energetic and refreshed. The body & mind program includes the possibility to learn more about the theory and practice of Ayurveda, Experience Yoga, Learn Meditation techniques.
Beach Week
Relax in a beautiful place at one of the beaches of Southern India and enjoy the other side of the country, which we came to know so well in the past few weeks. This is also the time for to be together with the other participants to make an evaluation of the previous weeks.
Minimum Requirements
- Min age 18
- Good level of English
- Motivation to work with children and meet new cultures
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)