India – Community Aid in Rajasthan

Please Note: This program is temporarily unavailable. Check out our alternative programs in Asia or schedule a one-on-one call with one of our expert volunteer advisors.

 

Join the people of Rajasthan and our local project team and make an impact in this magnificent region in India! This project works to serve disadvantaged populations around Udapair.

Program Highlights:

  • Volunteer to serve disadvantaged populations that are often marginalized
  • Help local children build their confidence and English language skills
  • Choice of morning volunteer placement (depending on the needs of the community and then personal preference)
  • Volunteer at a school for those with special needs, a kindergarten or primary school, a construction site or in a sports program
  • Visit the Taj Mahal and India’s other amazing sites during free weekends

 

Your Schedule at a Glance (Minimum two-week commitment):

Day 1, Sunday: Arrive at Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur (UDR). You will be picked up from the airport and taken to settle in to your accommodations in Udapair and meet fellow volunteers.

Day 2, Monday: Volunteers will receive an introduction to Udapair, complete with an authentic Rajasthani cultural dance concert and a visit to the local market.

Day 3, Tuesday: Volunteers will be given an introduction to their selected volunteer placement by observing and partaking in a training session.

Days 4-6, Wednesday- Friday: Your day will begin around 9:00 AM. You will be picked up from your chosen placement at noon and taken back to the volunteer house for lunch. From about 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, you will volunteer at a community outreach project (English teaching) and then be taken back to the volunteer house where you will have your evening free.

Days 7-8, Saturday and Sunday: The weekend is free for volunteers who are extending to spend how they wish.

Remaining Weeks: Remaining weeks will follow the pattern of volunteering Monday-Friday and having weekends free. Departures are on a Saturday.

 

Location icon Location of the Project: Udaipur, India

Project length Project length: Min 2 weeks – Max 8 weeks

Arrival Airport Arrival Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur (UDR)

Volunteer Work Volunteer Work:  Community assistance, teaching, orphan care

Age Age:  18-70

Number of Volunteers Number of Volunteers: Up to 20 international volunteers

Important Note Important Note: A tourist visa is required to enter India and most volunteers apply online. A visa cannot be obtained for a stay exceeding 180 days. Volunteers can substitute Culture Week for their first week of volunteering for no additional fee.

 

What’s Included

Accommodations Accommodations: Shared room in volunteer house

Food Food: Three meals a day during the week, two meals a day on the weekends

Airport Transfers Airport Transfers:  Airport pickup is provided upon arrival

Orientation Orientation: Volunteers will attend a traditional dance show, visit the local market in Udapair and be trained before beginning volunteer work

Support Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.

 

What’s not Included

Flights, visa (required), travel health insurance, personal expenses, some weekend meals

India is incredibly rich in both culture and heritage. From its cuisine to its festivals, many are entranced by the country’s beauty and delicate intricacies. Udaipur received its “Venice of the East” nickname because of its spectacular lakes, the most famous being Lake Pichola. The wealth of ornate palaces, ancient temples, colorful streets and stunning views make Udaipur feel like it comes straight out of a fairy tale. The friendly, open nature of its inhabitants adds to its charm, while the hustle and bustle of local markets and endless restaurants leave much to explore.

 

You will be assigned to an afternoon project, assisting children of the slums. Many of the children living in the slums cannot afford to go to school, so the education they receive during these informal lessons may be their only learning opportunity. Since classes are held outside, much of the learning is done through games and other fun activities.

Volunteers will also be involved in a specific morning project depending on the needs of the community and then your personal preference. These morning project options include:

  • Kindergarten and Primary School Aid: Volunteers will work together with the schools’ qualified teachers in tasks such as leading classes, building a syllabus and daily lesson plans, and assisting in other classroom activities such as games and crafts.
  • Construction and Renovation: Help under served communities by constructing and renovating community buildings such as schools! Please note that this particular placement has a $50 USD supplemental fee per week.
  • Sports Coaching and Health: Volunteers will work in one of two local schools to introduce news sports to the children and promote physical fitness.

 

A typical day: Your day will begin around 9:00 AM. You will be picked up from your chosen placement at noon and taken back to the volunteer house for lunch. From about 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, you will volunteer at a community outreach project and then be taken back to the volunteer house where you will have your evening free.

Holidays: Schools will not be in session during the following dates:

  • February 12-15, 2020
  • April 9-24, 2020
  • May 17 – June 24, 2020
  • August 24-26, 2020
  • October 5-7, 2020
  • OCtober 10-December 23, 2020
  • Dec 24, 2020 -Jan 3, 2021

Internet icon Internet: WiFi is available at volunteer house.

Laundry icon Laundry: Volunteers can wash clothes by hand. There are laundry services available for an additional fee.

Accommodations icon Accommodations: You will stay in a comfortable, clean, two-story house with single-gender dormitory style bedrooms and adequate bathroom and toilet facilities that include running hot water. On the first floor there is a dining area, kitchen and a living room with a TV, DVD player, Wi-Fi and a computer, which you are able to use.

Food icon Food: You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Indian foods, consisting mainly of vegetarian cuisine, including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about twice a week. You can also use the kitchen facilities to cook for yourself or eat out at any of the local restaurants.

 

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

  • Minimum age of 18
  • Police clearance
  • Immunizations (please consult your local travel clinic)
  • CV / Resume
  • Basic level of English

Program Add-Ons (Not Included):
You may consider joining this special program before or after your volunteer placement to add another dimension to your experience in India:

  • Culture Week (Highly Recommended):
    Before you begin volunteering, you will enjoy an exciting orientation week designed to introduce you to India. You will have a chance to visit and tour some of the many nearby sites, including the Monsoon Palace, SasBahu Temple, Lake Pichola and a few local markets. Through yoga, language, self defense sessions and cooking classes, you will begin to understand more about Indian culture and traditions. This week is also a great opportunity for you to bond with your fellow volunteers and to enjoy cross-cultural exchanges. The orientation program runs from Monday through Friday, giving you the weekend to relax or explore the area on your own before you start work at your project.
  • Body and Mind Week: Learn about yoga, meditation practices and Ayurvedic treatments to improve your health and well-being.

 

Please note that there is an additional fee for this program.

Volunteer Experiences

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