Volunteer Projects in Sikkim, India

  India

Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: September, March

Description: These community placements are right in the heart of the Himalayas in the former Himalayan Kingdom of Sikkim. Sikkim is a Buddhist state and has a unique culture that has roots in Indian and Tibetan cultures. This will suit volunteers with a passion for the outdoors and a desire to see this unspoilt corner of India. Volunteers need to be able to connect with their hospitable hosts, enjoy their way of life and be prepared to bring something of themselves e.g. sport, music or art.

Volunteer work:
On arrival in Sikkim volunteers start with an orientation course that builds on the Pre departure course. The orientation will include some language training and a short trek. There are a number of options that involve working with children and an opportunity to get involved in an eco tourism program. Local village schools would welcome help with their English teaching and you would work with the local teachers. We are keen to find volunteers with other talents, for example, sport and music that they can share with the local community in an informal way.

Highlights:
- Being part of one of our first groups to Sikkim - one of the most beautiful places in the Himalayas.
- Enjoying being more than a visitor and making a real contribution as resident in a part of the world that receives few visitors.
- Learning about Buddhist culture and participating in the festivals.
- Understanding more about India at a time that it is becoming ever more important on the world stage.
- Trekking and exploring this untouched landscape known for its rhododendrons and the odd Himalayan bear.

Cost in US$: GBP 2395

Experience Required: no

Age Range: Our voluntary placements are open to anyone over 17 and we always welcome career breakers of any age. For Canada you will need to be aged 18-30.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to India Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Oyster Worldwide's Mission Statement: Oyster is a small UK based Gap Year Company. We pride ourselves on offering a personalised service to our clients through our experienced destination managers. We offer either voluntary or paid work in one of 10 countries around the world. A gap year represents a unique opportunity to go to places you've never been to before, try new things, challenge yourself and meet new people. Change the lives of street kids in Brazil, perfect your Spanish teaching lively classes in Chile or finance the best ever skiing season by working in a Canadian mountain resort. Whatever you choose Oyster will help you get it right.

Year Founded: 2006