Teach and Beach in Goa, India (2 weeks)

  India

Goa

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Throughout the Year

Description: What's the best thing about knowing English?
It gives you an excuse to travel down to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and share your native skills with friendly children who will just love your accent! After a week in the classroom you will have a week free to explore as many beaches as possible in Goa. And trust us&there are plenty! You can also wander the city streets to enjoy the Portuguese colonial architecture, delicious Goan cuisine and amazing bargains on just about anything in the markets that line Goa's cosy streets.

*Day 1: Arrive in Goa
Welcome to Goa! You will be picked up from Dabolim airport (GOI) in Goa and taken straight to your home stay to meet your new family!

*Day 2: Your first day!
Today you will meet your in country team and have an orientation about life in Goa and your project.

*Day 3 to 6: Teaching at a kindergarten and an orphanage
For the next few days, you will get involved in a host of activities all aimed at keeping some amazing youngsters entertained and learning. In the mornings you will be teaching English through songs, games and lessons at a kindergarten. In the afternoons you will get involved in teaching a range of subjects including English, math or arts and crafts at the orphanage.

*Day 7 to 8: Free time
Use your free weekend in Goa to explore ancient temples, historic churches and delicious restaurants. Spend your afternoons sipping water from a coconut, chatting with new friends and feasting on tasty curries.

*Day 9 to 14: Beach time
Today will you head off to your fantastic guesthouse right by the beach. You have the next week free to relax and enjoy. Toss your watch into the very bottom of your bag and be sure it stays there for the rest of week. Shrug off your stress with a swim in the sea, an ayurvedic massage, and a few hours with your favourite novel. If you want a change of scenery, why not visit the nearby Dudhsagar waterfalls and spice plantations?

*Day 15: Depart
Sadly its time to say goodbye to Goa. You will need to make your own way to the airport or onto your next destination.

- What the project does and why it needs you!
In the morning you'll be able to help the kindergarten teachers with a range of daily activities including helping to teach songs, reading, writing, telling stories and playing games. You can also help in less formal areas of education such as the principles of health and hygiene, first aid, and giving advice on a balanced diet. In the afternoon you'll be teaching a range of subject areas from maths and English to arts and crafts and playing games when the children return to the orphanage.

- What you'll be doing
You will be assisting a teacher at the kindergarten in the morning from 8am to 1pm helping with daily activities, teaching songs, reading, writing and playing games. The class size is approximately 40 with one teacher. From 3pm to 6pm you will be helping with the children at the orphanage teaching English, maths, art and crafts, music, dance and playing games.

- Where you'll be staying
For the first week you will be staying in a local home stay in a shared room, very close to the kindergarten and a 15 minute walk from the orphanage. During your stay at the beach you will be staying at a local guesthouse staying in shared rooms.

- What you'll be eating
You will be provided with three traditional Indian-style meals a day - remember Goa is the birthplace of the 'vindaloo' so expect some spice in your meals!!! Vegetarians are easily catered for since over 70% of Indians eat a mostly vegetarian diet.

- Project resources and advice
The kindergarten is relatively well resourced with all the necessary equipment however the orphanage has very few resources and you may like to bring some creative supplies from home, eg craft or drawing items, games or musical instruments or, even better, purchase some resources locally in Goa. As you will be a role model for the children, it is important that you keep your dress neat and modest.

- When you arrive
If you time your arrival to one of the designated arrival dates then airport pick-up is completely free. Please book your flight to arrive into Dabolim Airport, Goa International Airport (airport code GOI). Should you require a different pick-up time or any additional nights at the orientation accommodation, for example if you arrive a day or two early, you can arrange this through the i-to-i office.

Highlights:
- Swimming in the sea and lying on the golden sand
- Making children smile with your goofy teaching antics
- Enjoying the vibrant nightlife
- Meeting new people from all walks of life
- Indulging in delicious Goan food - the region is home of the vindaloo so be prepared!

Qualifications: Who is it for?
This is available for anyone who has a genuine love for helping the underprivileged and desire to help direct the children in the kindergarten and orphanage to the right way in life. Enthusiasm and energy are a must - but don't worry you have a week chilling on the beach to recover!

Cost in US$: USD 1,145 for 2 weeks

Experience Required: yes

Online TEFL course.

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

Participants Travel to India Independently

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: 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