Volunteer in India and make a difference in people's lives!

  India

Mumbai

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Throughout the year

Description: Scholarships Available for February, March and April 2009. Email us for scholarship details and the application form.

"Whilst at the hospital I was struck by two things: the passionate commitment of the employees to the vocation and the lack of funding and resources available to the hospital... I was shocked to discover that an auxiliary source of power was not available to the hospital during times of load-sharing. It was staggering to observe a patient suffering from a scorpion sting receive treatment by the light of a mobile phone." This was observed by ISAC program participant, Mark who had been working in the tribal villages of Maharashtra, outside Mumbai city.

ISAC's medical program is a perfect combination of service and learning for international medical students. The program gives students a chance to learn about the health care system of India.

Students can choose from
a) Rural and Public Health Rotation
b) Urban Clinical Rotation, Mumbai
c) Introduction to Traditional Medicine, Pune
d) HIV / AIDS program, Goa.

Or, students can combine two or more programs to get a full experience of rural and urban heath issues or traditional and western medicine systems in India.

While on the program, students work one on one with local doctors. The program combines working on one or all of the following:

- mobile health vans serving tribal villages with no health facilities,
- small local hospitals with little infrastructural facilities,
- health camps for children,
- HIV/AIDS project run by a local non-profit organization,
- private practitioners and facilities.

This program offers great learning opportunities for pre-meds, medical students, public health students and nursing students who are interested in International health.

Non medical students who are interested in teaching rural children can work in small schools in the rural, tribal areas and orphanages. Opportunities are also available to volunteer for various social work programs including, women's savings and credit, community development, village development, rural housing and sanitation, etc.

Qualifications: ISAC Medical Programs: are ideal for pre-medical, medical, nursing students, residents and other allied health professionals.

The Teaching program and the Grassroots Community Development program is open to all.

No prior experience or other training required. Participants must be over 18 years of age easygoing and flexible. They must be committed to working with underserved communities and be able to live in rural areas. Volunteers must be open minded, willing to take initiative to contribute and learn from their environment and be respectful to their surroundings. The students should be able to adjust to inconveniences caused due to disturbances in power supply and water supply in the remote areas. Students need to respect the local traditions and norms of the community they stay with and be careful not to disturb others in any manner.

Cost in US$: Starting at $800 for 2 week program, $175 each extra week.

Items not included: Daily local transportation. Air ticket to India, visa fees and any travel insurance will be the responsibility of the student. Airport drop at the end of the program.

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18+

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

Participants Travel to India Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

India Study Abroad Center's Mission Statement: India Study Abroad Center (ISAC) offers a variety of experiential learning programs. These programs are designed with the particular student's interests in mind, allowing the participants to explore and learn about the country with special focus in their area of interest. We strive to ensure that our programs are most affordable to allow people from all walks of life to be able to participate. Our aim is to provide students with an unforgettable learning experience.

Year Founded: 2006