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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 April

Description: Volunteer at a remote rural school for tribal children in Wayanad District. The students come from small villages tucked into the lush deciduous forests. Abject poverty, malnutrition, and limited education options are harsh realities faced by the children on a daily basis in their home villages. The school provides the children with meals, clothing, books, housing in the student hostels, and classes at no charge. Until recently, the school building itself was only a thatched shed. The shed has now been replaced with a concrete building and very basic dormitories for the students. Volunteers at this school will assist with teaching English, Math, Science, and any other subjects according to their interests. Volunteers are also welcome to get involved with extra curricular activities such as sports, games, music, drama, dance, or any other activities. This is a rare opportunity to gain an understanding of the tribal cultures in South India.

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$: Prices 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, building schools, childcare/children, curriculum planning, drama, education, English teaching, indigenous issues, literacy, minority groups, popular education, primary education, secondary education, 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 and older

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

Typical Living Arrangements: Apartment/Flat, 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