Combi-Programme II: Himachal & Goa

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Combi-Programme II: Himachal & Goa

Want to explore India and experience the local culture first-hand whilst volunteering? If working with children in a day-care centre or educational camp sounds like fun and you’d like to make a real impact during your stay, take part in our 8-week Combi-Programme in Himachal Pradesh and Goa!

After an orientation week in Jaipur, you will spend the next three weeks living and working at the foot of the Himalayas in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh. After this, you’ll spend three weeks volunteering on India’s western coast in Goa, with its sun-drenched beaches. As a volunteer, you will be welcomed here with open arms!

Days 1-7 Orientation and Sightseeing

You will first explore India for a few days before you begin to volunteer. When you arrive in New Delhi you will be picked up at the airport and will spend one night in India’s capital city before travelling to the “Pink City” of Jaipur. Here, you will be introduced to the basics of Indian history, culture, and social life during a 4-day orientation. You will explore Jaipur, visit the Amber Fort, learn a bit of Hindi, and get some useful tips about your voluntary work in India. You will also explore India's most famous site, on an excursion to the Taj Mahal.

Staying with an English-speaking Indian host family in Jaipur for the duration of the orientation event, you will get a taste of everyday family life in India. At the end of the orientation, you will take a night train to Palampur in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

Days 8-27: Volunteer in Himachal Pradesh

You will spend the next three weeks volunteering in Himachal Pradesh at the foot of the Himalayan Mountains. Palampur lies at an altitude of 1,200 metres in the Kangra Valley, which is known for its great abundance of water. The agricultural economy of the region around Palampur rests on the cultivation of rice and tea. But not just nature-lovers will enjoy this lovely region; those in search of culture will also explore India's many historical temples and fortresses in the area.

As a volunteer in Himachal Pradesh, you will volunteer in the fields of education, health care, and child care. You can find more information regarding this volunteer work under India 18+. You will be staying in a house together with other volunteers, and full board will be included.

Aside from your activities as a volunteer, you will also have the opportunity to explore Indian culture in a 5-day yoga workshop. Your weekends will be free, giving you time to go on excursions and explore the area. One weekend will include a collective trekking excursion to Dharamsala.

Day 28: Switching regions

After three weeks in Himachal Pradesh, you will take a night train back to New Delhi. After you have arrived and checked in at the hotel for the next night, you will have a full free day to explore New Delhi. The next morning, you will take the train to Goa.

Days 29-55: Volunteer in Goa

The volunteer house, located in a small town south of Goa, will be your home for the following three weeks. After the long train ride, you will have a free day to relax and explore this region of India before you start your voluntary work. Even though Goa has experienced much progress in terms of tourism, many problems remain. Many schools lack infrastructure, and diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, are very present. Corresponding to these needs, your project placement will be in a day care centre, educational camp, school, or home for people who are HIV-positive. You can find more information about your volunteer work under Goa.

Of course it’s not all work here – you will also have time to explore India in the beautiful coastal scenery of Goa. After your volunteer work in India comes to an end, you’ll bid farewell to Goa and depart from the airport in Mumbai.

Volunteer & explore India - Himachal & Goa

• Activities: Depends on project placement – see India 18+ & Goa
• Free Time: Usually at the weekend.
• Specifics: Our local partners will identify your exact project placement after you have arrived. If you state a preference, we will do our best to take this into account. Please note, we cannot guarantee that you will be placed in a certain project. The programme begins in New Delhi and ends in Mumbai. Please remember this as you book your flights.
• Duration: 8 or 12 weeks
• Application: It is best to apply as early as possible. At least 2 to 3 months before departure. We are happy to receive your application much earlier than this.
• Starting Dates: Once a month, on the following dates: 5 July, 2 Aug., 30 Aug., 27 Sept., 25 Oct., 22 Nov., 20 Dec. 2010.
• Practical Experience: Not necessary, but an advantage.
• Other: Note that you will be entering an entirely different culture – patience, adaptability, personal initiative, and travel experience are essential. Women must dress in traditional Indian clothing – during the first days you will be advised on how to dress appropriately.