click here to e-mail ELI-Experiential Learning International

  India

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: Many children who end up in Indian orphanages face a grim future of menial labor and poverty, but more and more orphanages are placing an emphasis on education. ELI works with orphanages in and around Chennai, Bangalore, and Kanchipuran. These orphanges all work to send their children to school to give them an educational advantage. Volunteers working at an orphanage will have a wide range of tasks including leading activities, playing games, teaching remedial classes to children not yet able to attend schools, assisting with after school tutoring, feeding the children, and other tasks around the orphanage. Volunteers will stay in rooms provided by the orphanage and will eat with the children. This placement requires participants to be adaptable, resourceful, and prepared for challenging living conditions.

Highlights: All ELI programs are set up on a completely individual basis and tailored to the individual skills and requests of each participant.

The ELI programs in India are all in South India. These programs are a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultures of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Qualifications / Skills Needed: Patience and a desire to help.

Language: English

Cost in US$: Starting at US $925 for two weeks. Contact us for details

Cost Includes: Food, Housing, In-country orientation/Training, In-country staff support, Registration fees and Written materials pre-departure

Pre-departure Support: ELI's staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help volunteers to prepare for their travels. Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Chennai and provided with transportation to the hostel where orientation takes place In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a two to three day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Chile. Spanish classes are also provided. In-country Staff Support: ELI's India coordinator has years of experience working with visitors to India. He is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency. Accommodations: Participants stay in housing associated with the organization and are provided with three vegetarian meals a day

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer Projects: academic reinforcement, childcare/children, English teaching, nursing, nutrition, orphans, popular education, secondary education, street kids, teaching, tutor, volunteering, youth and youth development

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range: 18-70

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements: Group living and Other

Participants Travel to India Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2001