Volunteer in Goa | Volunteer Work

Volunteer in Goa

Although the situation in Goa has improved in certain respects, such as the growing tourism industry, challenges remain. Many schools have poor infrastructure, and diseases such as HIV/AIDS are an ever-present problem. This is where you, working as a volunteer in Goa, can make a difference!

As a volunteer in Goa, you can help out in schools, educational camps, day care centres, and schools for the disabled, as well as in nursing homes and in a home for people who are HIV-positive.

It isn’t all about work, of course – make sure to get out and enjoy your fabulous surroundings! Majorda Beach, a palm-fringed expanse of white sand, is just a stone’s throw away from your volunteer project site!

Accommodation and Excursions

You’ll spend your first night in India in Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay), before travelling onwards to the city of Lonavla, where you will explore the surroundings with your fellow volunteers. During an action-packed two-day trekking tour, you’ll experience one adrenaline rush after another, including:

• rock climbing,
• abseiling, and
• experiencing nature!

After all that excitement, some peace and quiet in an ashram will soothe your soul. At this temple, you will be invited to take part in yoga and meditation workshops. Finally, you will take the night train to Goa, where you will move into the volunteers’ house. This will be your home as you volunteer in Goa for the following weeks. Just a few kilometres away, you will find Majorda Beach, a 30 km expanse of fine white sand.

A two-day orientation will prepare you for your stay, introducing you to the local area and to your volunteering project.

Volunteer in Goa: Overview

• Activities: Depends on your project placement and the duration of your stay.
• Free Time: Usually at the weekend.
• Specifics: Our local partners will decide on your exact project placement once you’ve arrived. If you state a preference for where you’d like to volunteer in Goa, we will do our best to take this into account. Please note that we cannot guarantee that you will be placed in a specific project.
• Duration: 4, 8, or 12 weeks.
• Application: 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: 13 Dec. 2010 and 10 Jan., 7 Feb., 7 Mar., 4 Apr., 2 May, 30 May, 27 June, 25 July, 22 Aug., 19 Sept., 17 Oct., 14 Nov., and 12 Dec. 2011. Goa has heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, from June through September.
• Visa: Tourist visa and valid passport required.
• Practical Experience: Not mandatory, but it would certainly make your stay easier.
• Other: Note that when you volunteer in Goa, you’ll be entering an entirely different culture – patience, flexibility, initiative, and travel experience are essential. Women need to dress in traditional Indian clothing – during the first days you will be advised on how to dress appropriately. In the Ashram, you will need to respect the religious rules: no alcohol, no smoking, and only vegetarian meals on the premises. For excursions, a sleeping bag may be necessary, though our partners may be able to provide you with one if needed.