On this gap year India program, you will have the opportunity to make a genuine and varied contribution towards different projects and explore the culture of India.
You can divide your time between two unique different states – Kerala (in South India) and Kolkata (North India) OR simply choose to be in one location.
In Kerala you will be involved on education based programs at a local school or care home or playschool helping children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. You will volunteer for English teaching, or if you like focus on sports or arts. You can also help to organize activities that you enjoy for the children and give them additional help in the morning or afternoons.
In Kolkata you will be involved with NGOs and charities that work with slum children or with women who are struggling financially, have escaped abuse or prostitution. You can help with education, organizing activities and also helping the NGOs with any kind of administrative work.
On the weekends we will arrange excursions for you depending on how long you sign up for and your location. This is included in your program fee.
In Kerala your options include visitng the Tea Plantations, cycle to the backwaters, weekend on the beach relaxing, yoga classes, an Ayurveda massage, as well as a cooking class and a kathakali dance show. In between you can also enjoy Bollywood movies and local sightseeing living in the quaint and charming Fort Kochi.
In Kolkata you will get options like going to ShantiNiketan (home of Tagore), Sunderban Jungles where you can spot a Bengal Tiger if you are lucky and a stay at a royal family homestay in a local Bengali Village.
