Overview

Volunteers teaching in India help to address some of the educational issues affecting marginalised communities. Our voluntary work in India’s Himalayan foothills places international volunteers in rural villages near Kalimpong and Darjeeling, where the need for their skills teaching English abroad is greatest.

Volunteer teaching helps to compensate for the lack of trained teachers in remote areas and you can help students to progress beyond a basic education. Teaching English abroad also provides children from poor backgrounds the chance to improve their spoken English, opening up countless opportunities for them.

Teaching in Himalayan villages can be part of a rewarding career break programme or gap year experience and your energy, enthusiasm and effort can give children greater confidence and inspire them to learn new skills. For the proactive international volunteers in India there are also opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular activities, such as sports clubs and community projects etc.

Location

Country
India is a country bursting with diversity. While its vibrant culture and contrasting landscapes can be a shock to the senses, they make it a truly inspiring destination for a career break programme or gap year abroad and many are drawn back to visit again and again.

Region
This international volunteer programme is available in Kalimpong and Darjeeling region. Located in the Himalayan foothills in north-east India, Darjeeling and Kalimpong are famed for their tea plantations and distinct Nepali culture. The picturesque mountains of the region provide a stunning contrast to the bustling cities.

Local attractions
Kalimpong and Darjeeling are famous for their tea plantations so a visit is essential for those volunteering abroad. Another popular attraction is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Keen hikers will find plenty to entertain them in the spectacular mountain scenery.

Getting there
Volunteers fly into Bagdogra airport, which is located around 100km south of Darjeeling. Volunteers are met at the airport and transferred to start their volunteer programme teaching abroad.

Cost

This volunteer project lasts a minimum of one month. To give you greatest flexibility in your volunteer experience we give you the option of extending your stay on a week-by-week basis.

Programme Price
1 month = £1,190
Extra weeks = +£100 per week

What’s Included
• Pre-departure briefing
• Twin-share accommodation in local homestay
• Breakfast & dinner at homestay
• Meet at airport and transfer to project
• In-country orientation & 24/7 support

What’s not included:
• International flights
• Visas, vaccinations and travel insurance
• Local transport
• Personal expenses

How to Book

You can book this international volunteer programme online by clicking on ‘Book Now’. After filling in our online booking form you will be asked to pay a sign-up fee of £150 via PayPal, which will confirm your place on the project. Alternatively you can book your place on the phone, by calling 08000 32 33 50 and speaking to one of our volunteer coordinators.

The £150 sign-up fee is not an additional cost and is taken from your total project cost. Your place is not confirmed until we receive this payment. Payments can be made online via PayPal, by phone or by bank transfer. If you have any queries regarding the booking process please get in touch.

Not ready to book?
If you’re not ready to book, but want to find out more about any of our international volunteer opportunities, click on ‘Enquire about this trip’ and submit our online enquiry form, or phone us on 08000 32 33 50. Our volunteer coordinators will be happy to answer any questions you may have and advise you on what project best suits you.

What happens next?
Once we have confirmed your booking we will guide you through the application process and help you plan and prepare for your trip of a lifetime!