Community Work in Rural Darjeeling, India

  India

Darjeeling

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: multiple start dates year round

Description: Fancy experiencing authentic India in a beautiful setting?

On this unique project set against the backdrop of the rolling Darjeeling hills, you'll see a beautiful country at its beautiful best. On a project which has all of us in the office checking flight times and digging out our rucksacks, you'll spend time in the shadow of the Himalayas becoming involved in a variety of work at a local tea plantation. You'll help to establish health and education programs for the workers while the green fingered amongst you can learn more about the agricultural processes used on the project. One thing is for sure though; even though you're in the countryside you won't be far from a cuppa. Don't forget we include our TEFL certification too.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights: What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?

"The people were lovely, very friendly and made me feel so welcome! The children were bright, happy and eager to learn. Chitra Datta, the i-to-i coordinator was absolutely brilliant. A very helpful and hospitable couple, Chitra and her husband, Ranen, would often invite volunteers to their home. I cannot speak highly enough of these two.The area was also sublimely gorgeous as it's located at the foothills of the Himalayas." (Kate Linton)

On this unique project set within the rolling hills of rural Darjeeling, you'll become immersed in the fascinating culture of local life in a tea plantation near the town. You'll leave something very special behind as your varied volunteering efforts will benefit the struggling local community, full of friendly faces but lacking in education and care.

As you admire the world-class sites set against the stunning backdrop of snow-covered Himalayan peaks, you'll try your hand at a wide range of activities.

The Tea Estates are located near the desirable tourist destination of Kurseong - a small town with internet cafes, restaurants and hotels, 30 kms outside of the bustling pace of Darjeeling. At a lower elevation than Darjeeling, Kurseong enjoys a more temperate climate and is surrounded by tranquil tea gardens and a wealth of flora.

Darjeeling boasts not-to-be-missed sites; from the renowned Yiga Choeling Monastery and the Natural History Museum, to its surrounding magnificent mountains of Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.

Qualifications: This project requires commitment, initiative and a willingness to learn. Mature, independent volunteers would be most suitable for this type of work, as you may not always be given a fixed timetable of activities, and will be expected to be proactive in order to get involved. A genuine interest in people, flexibility, self-motivation and openness to a new culture are also highly valued at these projects.

Cost in US$: $1390.00 for 3 weeks, $200.00 for every week thereafter

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to India Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994