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  India

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: July through August

Description: Live in an ashram and volunteer at a charitable school in beautiful Kottayam between the foothills of the Western Ghats and the magical Kerala backwaters. Volunteers will work at a school that offers English medium schooling to students who would not otherwise be able to afford school. The main purpose of the volunteers is to help the children with their spoken English. The children usually have fairly high levels of English proficiency, but they are often shy about speaking. Volunteers should help encourage children to use the language creatively and spontaneously through creative writing activities, games, theater, music, and other activities. Accommodation is provided at a nearby ashram. Volunteers staying at the ashram have the opportunity to study Malayalam, yoga, and South Indian Cooking.

Highlights: All ELI Programs are set up on a completely individual basis according to the interests and skills of each participant and the current needs of the local organizations we work with.

Participants in India experience India's vibrant culture in one of the most exciting parts of the country. The rich cultural heritage of South India is evident in the colorful festivals, elaborate temples, and daily rituals.

ELI participants work with local organizations and have a rare opportunity to gain insight into the day to day workings of Indian organizations.

Intern Types: Education and English as a Second Language

Language: English

Cost in US$: Costs vary, please contact us for details

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

Pre-departure Support: ELI's expert staff will be happy to assist you with planning your trip Airport Pickup: Participants are met when they arrive at the airport in Chennai and brought to the program accommodation In-Country Orientation: Each program starts with a 2-3 day orientation to help participants get their feet on the ground and able to navigate South India In-country Staff Support: ELI's India coordinator has years of experience working with Volunteers, Interns, and Study Abroad Students. He is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency. Accommodations: Participants stay in housing associated with the project and are provided with three basic vegetarian meals a day.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer Projects: academic reinforcement, arts, childcare/children, culture, education, health education, literacy, minority groups, painting, popular education, primary education, teaching, tutor, volunteering, writing, 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 and older

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. .

Typical Living Arrangement: Group living

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