Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in India
- India is one of the poorest countires in the world, with 2 thirds living in poverty.
- According to UNICEF, about 25% of children in India have no access to education, with higher rates of girls not attending school.
- 43% of childen under five years are underweight and around 61 million children are stunted due to malnutrition.
- Even though there is a law about no child labour under age 14, it's estimated by aid agencies, that there could be up to 65 million children aged 6-14 working.
WHAT does Cultural Week Involve?
- Become comfortable with your new surroundings and settle in before your project starts
- Explore the local areas- walking tours, cultural excursions, temple visits, cooking classes, language lessons & yoga lessons
- Meet your fellow volunteers and make friends before your project
- Become immersed in local life by practicing your new language skills with the locals!
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 30 Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: CULTURAL ORIENTATION WEEK
LOCATION: GOA
START DATES: WEEKLY
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE (SHARED ROOMS)
MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
For standard and specialty India placements, you can chose between 3 very unique experiences in either Goa, Updaipur or Sikkim. Given the nature of India and it’s ability to culture shock even the most seasoned travelers, a one week orientation is the ideal way to become comfortable in your new surroundings.
This is a great way to settle in and get to know your fellow volunteers while learning as much as possible about the destination, the culture and local customs so you can get the best our or your experience. You’ll receive language lessons, cooking classes, yoga sessions, sightseeing, visits to authentic Indian homes, workshops that will introduce you to the culture, visits to our project locations and more.
Location
Goa, Kerala
The beach goers destination with the right mix of infrastructure and order coupled with that crazy un-ordered Indian charm. Goa is a really fun destination, with plenty of party goers and a relaxed funky vibe great for the free spirited types who want a more ‘westernized’ taste of India!
Project Tasks
- Learn about the local language, culture and norms
- Interact with the community and other volunteers
- See some local sights and get to know your new surroundings
Food & Accommodation
The Goa Volunteer centre is a large western style house with a lovely garden and large outdoor area. The house features and hot water (solar powered), WiFi, dining room, mini library and travel desk, lounge areas, television with satellite connection, safety lockers and lockable rooms, fridge and western style toilets and purified water. Bed linen is provided, however you should bring your own towel. You’ll be sharing a room with max of 2-4 volunteers at any one time in single gender rooms. You can wash your clothes by hand otherwise there is laundry services available for an additional fee. The centre is located located about 1 hour from the airport and about a 15 min walk to the nearest supermarket with ATM and personal SIM card for additional Wifi if desired as the quality of internet is not the greatest! The closest city is Mapusa.
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 food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about twice per week. You can also use the kitchen facilities to cook for yourself or eat out at any of the local restaurants.
*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.
Standard Projects
- Cultural Orientation Week, Goa
- *Buddhist Monastery Teaching, Darjeeling
- Community Construction, Darjeeling
- Hospital Internship, Goa
- Sports Coaching, Udaipur
- Kindergarten & Outreach School, Udaipur
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1 Week - $435
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2 Weeks - $595
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3 Weeks - $875
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1 Month - $1095
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2 Months - $2150
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3 Months - $3250
- Private rooms cost additional $250 p/week
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
Testimonials...
FAQ
If you want to gain a head start on your projects and feel comfortable in your new surroundings, before you begin, this week is a fantastic way to do just that! It gives you time to adjust before your project begins, to explore the local area and to learn more about the culture and customs. This can greatly help you to communicate with the locals on your projects.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Dabolim International Airport (GOI). You must arrive between Sunday 00:00 to 24:00 on Sunday.
If arriving outside the pickup times we charge an additional fee for any extra night’s accommodation before your program, and another fee for a private transfer.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From the airport to accommodation, it takes 45 minutes by road.
Sunday – Arrive at your chosen destintaion. Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up and transferred to the volunteer center to settle in.
Monday to Friday (A general overview)
- Overview of India culture, religion, customs, history, geography, social issues and how you can help!
- Group discussions, debates, lectures etc
- Basic language lessons (English is widely spoken all throughout the country (especially Goa and Rajasthan)
- Project Overviews and project visits
- Cooking lessons, Yoga (most days start with Yoga),
- Local sightseeing at various markets, nature sights and local attractions
- Group games, team building exercises & emergency procedures etc
Here are some things you can do when visiting Goa, India:
Beach Hopping: Goa is famous for its stunning beaches. From the vibrant nightlife of Baga Beach to the serene beauty of Palolem Beach, there’s a beach for every mood.
Water Sports: Try your hand at thrilling water sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, banana boating, and windsurfing, available at many of Goa’s beaches.
Goa Carnival: If you’re visiting during February, don’t miss the colorful and lively Goa Carnival, featuring parades, music, dance, and cultural performances.
Historical Sites: Explore the rich history of Goa by visiting ancient forts like Aguada Fort and Chapora Fort, as well as historical landmarks like Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls: Embark on a scenic trek or take a jeep safari to witness the majestic Dudhsagar Waterfalls,
cascading from a height of over 300 meters amidst lush greenery.
Cruise on the Mandovi River: Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Mandovi River, offering stunning views of the Goan coastline, live music, and entertainment, especially during sunset.
Wildlife Sanctuaries: Visit the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary or Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary to spot a variety of flora and fauna, including leopards, deer, and exotic bird species.
Spice Plantations: Take a guided tour of one of the spice plantations in Goa, where you can learn about various spices, herbs, and traditional farming techniques, followed by a delicious Goan meal.
Anjuna Flea Market: Browse through the colorful stalls of Anjuna Flea Market, offering a diverse range of goods including clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
No extra requirements for this program.
India is an eclectic and intoxicating cultural experience like no other! Home of the famous Taj Mahal, the Himalayas, the sacred Ganges river, and over 1 billion people of varying languages, cultures and beleifs, India is sure to push you to the boundaries of your comfort zone.
IVI is focused on establishing sustainable employment and education through volunteering efforts in India. Children in some of the regions we service have not had basic nutritional background. Over 950,000 newborns per year in India die from infections. Education about health for families provides a strong foundation for self-care in the communities we service in India.
India’s climte ranges from tropical down south to alpine up in the northern mountain regions.
From April until the start of October is summer, and in most places in India, is very hot. In June the monsoon rains start in Kerala down south, and move inland. Further north and in the rural areas of Rajasthan, it can get pretty cold from December to January- sometimes as low at minus 5 degrees!
Be prepared for some hot temperatures but if in the Sikkim region, bring along some warmer clothing as it can get cold in the mountains.
India is a country FULL of culture! From the beautiful colours, different religions, ancient traditions and the smells of spices- India is a country like no other. It’s the the second most populous nation after China, with over 1.2 billion people.
The most prominant religions are Hinduism and Buddhism and around 13% of the popualrtion are Muslim. Because there are so many religions, India celebrates a large number of festivals throughout the year. Some of these include Diwali, Holi, Eid and Good Friday.
In India, the cow is considered to be a Holy animal and you will see cars either driving around, or simply waiting if a cow is in the road holding up traffic! In some parts of India it is forbidden to eat meat or drink alcohol.
You will see many temples in India, as well as colourful clothing, particually the sari’s that the local women wear, and many cultural dance shows and activities.
30 Years Non Profit Experience
IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
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