Intern / Work / Travel / Social work / Teach in Sikkim

  India

Rural Areas

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

Description: A heartfelt welcome to Sikkim! Presumably this is a dream come true, to be here in Sikkim: among the mountains, the people and now the children.
We are also running different volunteer programs in Sikkim. We offer year round volunteer program in the areas of teaching English in schools, orphanages home, monasteries, colleges, universities, internships in medicine and newspaper, conservation work, conduct short term training, conference, workshop, other community development programs etc.
Orientation Details:
- Airport pick-up and drop to the host family house
- Detailed Orientation & Placement Briefing
- Language & Cultural ideas
- City Tour
- Transportation
- Transfer to Placement: Depending on the placement location (which will not fixed) we have many school, monastery, orphanage so it will depend up on the location of placement. Be sure we will place volunteers in safe, quite and good environment. Most of the time we prefer village area for placement because it will gives you the real taste of Sikkim.

Teaching Placements:
-Who will I be Teaching?
You ask an interesting question. The answer is as broad as the entire school, or maybe just a few classes. This is something that will be sorted when you arrive and meet with the head master: this meeting will investigate your English level- where you feel comfortable teaching, and how many classes you what to teach a day.

-What should I be Teaching?
The reality is - you may be taking over a class that a regular teacher has taught. In this case, simply go ask them what the lesson plan is, where the materials are, what needs to be covered for the tests. If they give you a "volunteer" class, you write more of your own lesson plan. These grammar classes have texts, and after a few days of sorting it out- you will see what needs to be taught. And at what speed.

-When am I Teaching?
Your schedule will be sorted with the head master, but expect to teach at least three classes a day. One of these may be a morning English class- and the others are regular during the day.

-I've never taught before
This has not stopped many volunteers before you. Many volunteers have never even taken an education course, crazy as it may sound. The volunteers in the past rely on their English, common sense, and an unexpected visit to Grammar School memories of how those teachers taught us. Games, memorizing tactics, homework level, expectations, etc. Rest assure the children here are wonderful, motivated and ready to help you teach (wild thought I know) in any way. Being on the teaching side of school, you gain a whole new perspective of school. Relax, and do your best.

-What else can I do?
Do not worry, there are plenty of things to do- if you are finding yourself bored. Take more classes. Also, the children love after school activities: drawing, painting, sports, chess, music, etc. They will come, in masses and entertain you for many hours after school. Along with all that, the office always needs a hand to write up reports, tests, revise and edit, or simply use a little Western organization.

-Where can I go on my days off?
Anywhere, of course. A lunch in Pelling is nice, or even the crazy bus ride to Gangtok is worthy for a nice meal and shopping. Hiking up the hill, to see rice fields, temples and baba's is but an hour or two away. The lonely planet handles the valley and Versey well and Nepal. This is a journey, to say the least. The bus ride is serious, but the views are a memorable experience. It is recommended, but keep in mind this is still a serious adventure to get from Sikkim to Nepal- down a dirt road for 5 days.

-Are there any Nepali customs I should be aware of?
The Asian mantra: bring your own toilet paper. Also, hands will become your favorite eating utensil, and by that I mean your only. Wash those hands and enjoy rice, for most meals. Privacy is a non-existent idea in Nepal. The roots must lie in its third-world history: be prepared that anything you do, read, write, have will be examined some way or another. The innocence of it all is sweet, but even right now this report is being read by everyone that walks by. It is hard to get used to: "What are you doing" being asked every 5 minutes as you read on the roof.
- Eat with your right hand, do not touch your food with the left hand [right for eating, left for 'other']
- Take your shoes off to enter houses
- Spilling or wasting food is a serious 'no no'. So, be careful with those new forks and knives but also, if the food is not tasty, speak up right away. This will be best for both sides.
- Clothing is an important aspect to the culture. The men have a fascination in western clothing: so boys need to bring some collared shirts and pants to wear to school. The women wear traditional dresses to work.

The American and European travelers with roughed up clothes, washed out tee's, etc. may sometimes be offensive to their culture. Example: a dirty shirt or a shirt worn inside out or something is an omen of bad luck. The influx of the West in Kathmandu is slowing allowing for us rough travellers to get by walking around Thamel with no problem- beards, old socks and a few months late for a haircut. But in the village, such things are seen as improper- bad influence on the children- and simply ugly. [this is the reality, cultural difference number 1000- you can certainly do whatever you wish my friend...]

- Drink tea at least 3 times a day
- Male female relations is certainly under the light of Hinduism: do not worry if some of the female teachers come of as shy or uninterested in you. It is not in the culture to have equal rights between men and women.

**Be aware that during the Monsoon season some road ways are blocked due to land slides and floods. We understand that the monsoon sits uncomfortably during college holidays, and can personally state that the monsoon has not affected much of our time for travel or enjoyment. It rains heavily once a day, if you get caught in it, it will be the best shower you had in weeks, but it does not stop life here. So, still come if this is your only time too.**

Interns in Medical Placements

-Volunteers are needed to work in medical clinics and hospitals in Sikkim.

Highlights: Volunteer must have smart and good treat with people.

Qualifications: No formal qualification needed.Basic knowledge and good English.

Cost in US$: 500 - 3,000

* Extra Administrative charge $250 for each program, non- refundable.
The above costs include the following:
* Transportation to and from Bagdogra (Siliguri) Airport.
* Transportation to and from village placement.
* Accommodation and meals during period .
* Language and cultural information classes.
* Special training according to the program.
* In addition, you will be responsible for your flight tickets to India and should you wish to spend more time in Sikkim pre and post placement period, go trekking, and sight seeing etc. please remember to budget accordingly.

Cancellation fees:
Before starting program training 75% refund *
Before completing program training 25% refund*
*Excluding administrative charges

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Education Program: Primarily, volunteers assist local English teachers in teaching conversational English in the school. This program aims to assist schools for their quality teaching by supplying volunteers, conducting school supporting programs. Volunteers enrolling in this program are also expected to share their own teaching methodologies as well as helping the school teachers to develop their conversational English skills. Volunteers can teach English in community, youth groups and women's group and also teach those children who are unable to go to school. Health & Sanitation Awareness Program: Volunteers who have strong background or training in the primary health care may also work in the health post or health center. Volunteers can raise awareness by demonstrating related activities among rural people about health and sanitation. People who are willing to experience on international health care can also apply for this program. Other program: The program is suitable for anybody, family, individual groups. There is no age bar for this program.

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 or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 4/5

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Year Founded: 1998