Combi-Programme I: Himachal & Goa

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Combi-Programme I: 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 the remaining 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

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 going to the "Pink City" of Jaipur for a 4-day orientation. Here, you will be introduced to the basics of Indian history, culture, and society. You will explore Jaipur, visit the Amber Fort, learn a bit of Hindi, and get some useful tips about your voluntary work in India. Upon request and for an additional fee, you can also visit the world-famous Taj Mahal during your orientation.

Staying with an English-speaking Indian host family in Jaipur for the duration of the orientation, 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.

Accommodation: Hotel and host family

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, healthcare, and child care. You can find more information regarding this volunteer work under Himachal Pradesh. 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.

Accommodation: Volunteer house in Palampur

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 (this takes about 35 hours!).

Accommodation: Hotel

Days 29-55: Volunteer in Goa

Your accommodatin in Goa will be a volunteer house, located in a small town in the south of Goa. 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 daycare 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.

Accommodation: Volunteer house in 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 Himachal & 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: 20 Dec. 2010 and 17 Jan., 14 Feb., 14 Mar., 11 Apr., 9 May, 6 June, 4 July, 1 Aug., 29 Aug., 26 Sept., 17 Oct., 14 Nov., and 12 Dec. 2011.
• 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. At the project site, women must dress in traditional Indian clothing – during the first days you will be advised on how to dress appropriately.