Village Volunteers in India

  India

Mayapur

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: customized to volunteers' availability

Description: Our Volunteer Program is an immersion program that offers volunteer opportunities for students, professionals, and anyone with the desire to serve in a rural village in Africa or Asia. Those interested in participating in the Volunteer Program complete an application process, and upon acceptance, are matched with one of our partner organizations in Kenya, Ghana, India, or Nepal. Volunteer placements are based on the skills and interests of the volunteer, as well as the needs of the partner community.

Our Volunteer Program is the result of collaborations between Village Volunteers and our partner organizations. We strongly believe that only our partners know what their communities need most, and so volunteers customize their own volunteer experiences in partnership with the Director of the organization with which they have been matched.

Volunteers are encouraged to have an open mind and heart, and be ready to learn and pitch in where needed. In India, volunteer activity areas might include:

* Economic development / micro-credit
* Organic agriculture
* Counseling
* Teaching
* Health care and public health

Village Volunteers works closely with each volunteer to ensure a comprehensive preparation that includes both an understanding of the people with whom you will be working and all considerations necessary for travel overseas.

Highlights: Be immersed in another culture; provide assistance with day-to-day tasks in a community.

Qualifications: Regardless of your skill level, your contributions are appreciated. Come with an open mind and heart, ready to learn and pitch in where needed.

2 weeks - 1430 USD
3 weeks - 1570 USD
4 weeks - 1710 USD
5 weeks - 1850 USD
6 weeks - 1990 USD
7 weeks - 2130 USD
8 weeks - 2270 USD
9 weeks - 2410 USD
10 weeks - 2550 USD
11 weeks - 2690 USD
12 weeks - 2830 USD

Alumni volunteers and youth (age 15 or less) are eligible for a 200 USD discount. Groups of six or more are eligible for a group discount of 200 USD per volunteer. Only one discount can be applied per volunteer.

* These prices are valid if a volunteers application is received by our office by midnight (PST) on this date. Volunteers do not need to travel by this date.

Volunteer Program fee includes:
* Personalized placement
* Travel preparation and cultural orientation
* Meals and accommodations
* Escorted ground transportation to and from the airport
* Escorted ground transportation to and from one village placement
* Care and supervision by a Village Volunteers partner organization
* Post-program assistance
* Financial support for sustainable development

Volunteer Program fee does not include:
* Airfare
* Personal travel expenses
* Excursions and tourist activities
* Personal spending money
* Cost for transportation to two or more village placements
* Phone calls
* Internet use
* Visa and passport fees
* Immunizations
* Travel health insurance
* Laundry services

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Typical Volunteer: Village Volunteers customizes international volunteer opportunities for anyone with the desire to serve.

Age Range: The minimum age to volunteer alone is 20-years-old. Volunteers who are 18 or 19-years-old are required to volunteer with a companion their age or older. Volunteers who are 17-years-old or less must be accompanied by a parent, a legal guardian, or a person appointed by that parent or guardian and must take full responsibility.

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

Participants Travel to India Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Village Volunteers's Mission Statement: Village Volunteers was founded in the belief that partnership is a key factor in the renewal and healing of areas plagued by poverty and disease. Committed to preserving autonomy and cultural heritage, Village Volunteers works in collaboration with village organizations to support the achievement of their goals and objectives by integrating international volunteerism, sustainable community development projects, and program assistance. Village Volunteers promotes self-sufficiency in rural villages through programs that foster economic and educational opportunities, food security, improved health conditions, public health awareness and support for vulnerable children.

Year Founded: 2003