25 trees will be planted on your behalf for every experience purchased, via our partnership with One Tree Planted.
See more at onetreeplanted.org
Overview
This program lets you explore the life and style of Goan people. This is a very important step that will prepare you for your stay in India. Loads of new things will be introduced to you and it will be the time to ask all your questions about the organization, the programs, the country, the culture and anything else that might come to mind.
Moreover, there will be language lessons, cooking classes, yoga sessions, sightseeing, visits to authentic Indian homes, workshops that will introduce you to the culture, visits to our project locations and much more!
You will also have the opportunity to learn about the projects which you will be participating on and training will be given to your prior to beginning your project the following week.
Local language communication will be part of this program, hands-on Indian cooking class, yoga sessions, visiting scenic sights and surroundings, and project training workshops. All these encompass this week making your entry to the Goan life.
Objectives
- The purpose of this program is to help you get an understanding of the manners, norms, and etiquette that is inherent in Indian society as well as show you around and introduce you to your new surroundings.
Impact
Volunteer experiences have a direct and positive impact on local communities by injecting money into the local economy through the purchase of food, transportation, and tourism activities. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the comunity and make a difference in the world. Depending on the type of volunteer experience you are interested in, your time can be spent improving educational resources and opportunities, providing medical services to underserved communities, or promoting environmental conservation and sustainable farming techniques.
1% of gross sales will be donated to 1% for the Planet-approved charities via our partnership with 1% for the Planet.
See more at onepercentfortheplanet.org
Location
Goa, India
Consistently ranked among India’s top tourist destinations, Goa is the ideal place for first-time travelers and adventurers alike to acclimatize to a different culture. From caves behind waterfalls to villages hidden in sandy coconut forests, there is always something more waiting to be rediscovered. The mountain ranges and spice plantations enhance the beauty of this glorious state. Apart from its natural beauty, this former capital of Portuguese India and home to various UNESCO World Heritage sites has a lot to offer in terms of architecture with churches, cathedrals and forts abounding. Put together, it is all of these aspects and more that make Goa the ultimate travel destination.
Itinerary
Sunday - Arrival
Our pickup time is Sunday 08:00 to 14:00 at Siliguri Bagdogra Airport, Bagdogra (IXB). Please enquire about other pick up points and times.
Monday
- Breakfast at the Center
- Introduction to the program including code of conduct and Do’s and Don’ts (House Rules).
- Visit to Old Goa and Spice Plantation
- Lunch at Spice Plantation
- Mapusa city visit and the local Market
- Dinner at the Center
- Relax for the evening
Tuesday
- Self Defense classes
- Main Course Breakfast
- Join a practical session of Indian Cooking
- Lunch at the Center
- Sightseeing tour to visit Candolim & Sinquerim Beach
- Dinner at the Center
- Culture shock, discussion about safety and transport.
Wednesday
- Breakfast
- Yoga session
- Local Language Lesson, (Alphabets, sentences, phrases, names of fruits and vegetables, numbers); a short break to learn making Indian Chai (tea)
- Lunch at the Center
- Anjuna Beach and market visit
- Dinner at the Center
- Enjoy a Bollywood movie at the Center
Thursday
- Breakfast at the Center
- Project visit (Disability care, Kindergarten, Old Age Home, Animal Shelter)
- Lunch at the Center
- Project Visit (Community Outreach project and women empowerment)
- Dinner at the Center
- Orientation on projects which includes a Power-point presentation. Training on Project activities and group discussion along with an explanation about project structure
Friday
- Breakfast at the Center
- Go on a local bus ride to the capital city called Panjim. Walkthrough the streets of the capital, visit markets, churches, malls and more
- Lunch at Centre
- Relax for the week followed by feedback of our Culture Week.
- Dinner at the Center
- Group activities.
Saturday - Departure
Leave the accommodation on Saturday morning. Take a taxi to the airport 3 hrs before your flight.
Inclusions
- Shared Accomodation
- All meals included
- Free beverages
- Wifi in public areas
- Arrival Transfer (included with 2 wk+ trips)
- Departure Transfer
Options
More Information
Requirements
- minimum age18
- maximum age65
- minimum english levelBasic
- CRB RequiredOn signup
- passport copy requiredOn signup
- resume copy requiredNo
Other Requirements
- Due to the active nature of this program, a decent level of fitness is required.
- Participants below the age of 18 should have parental consent.
- Participants above the age of 65 should have medical clearance.
Food
The meals are a mix of Western and Indian food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about twice per week. You can also use the kitchen facilities to cook for yourself or eat out at any of the local restaurants.Accommodation
In our centre, there is a mini library, a dining room, a lounge area where you can hang out with fellow participants and a beautiful garden to relax.
Furthermore, there is a refrigerator which you are welcome to use to store food and beverages.
Cancellation Policy
Bookings can be amended and cancelled 30 days before the program start date without any costs. Bookings that are cancelled less than 30 days before the program start date will be charged the first week of the booking.
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