Volunteer in India

  India

Kolkata (Calcutta)

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: GVN has opportunities to work with disadvantaged communities in Kolkata, India. Volunteers can work with Children and Women in a variety of projects around the city

Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located in eastern India on the east bank of the River Hooghly. The city has a population of almost 5 million, with an extended metropolitan population of over 14 million, making it the third-largest urban agglomeration and the fourth-largest city in India.

There is a one month minimum set for the program. The program starts on the first of the month so you will need to arrive in Kolkata before this date. You will be placed where your skills are most suited. You will have the opportunity to look at the available options during the training program and make a final decision in consultation with our partner organization. Due to the nature of the situation, projects will start and end at different times so there can be no specific guidelines as to what project you will work in until you arrive. An orientation and training will take place upon arrival and you will be placed according to the current needs and requirements, with consideration of your skills and background.

The types of programs you could be involved with include:

Children: Working in a local slum school, assisting teachers, developing new lessons and strategies, working one on one with students in a tutoring type setting, etc. Additionally, there is another school which is specifically for disabled children where you would be working one on one with high need youth. Another option is to work in a tutoring program mainly English instruction.

Women: Volunteers are needed to work on various projects with women from the red-light district. Desired volunteers can either volunteer through teaching English to the women as well as their children, in computer training, or teaching business skills to small women's groups forming their own businesses. Additionally volunteers with web design, photography, or jewelry making skills are needed to work with women in the fair-trade market.

Qualifications: Program Requirements

As a volunteer in India you must:

    * be at least 18 years of age - the upper age limit is 60
    * be in good health
    * be a native speaker of English (fluent)
    * be enthusiastic
    * have cultural sensitivity and respect

Cost in US$: please inquire

Experience Required: no

Age Range: At least 18 years of age

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and South African Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to India Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Other

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Global Volunteer Network's Mission Statement: The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a private, Non Government Organization (NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our incorporation number is WN/1194442. Our vision is to support the work of local community organizations in developing countries through the placement of international volunteers. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.

Year Founded: 2000