Summer Volunteer Program 2013 - South India

Volunteering India offers an exciting opportunity for the volunteers with a combination of volunteer programs and weekend excursions in South India under the Summer Program South India 2013. The program starts in the city of Bangalore, which is the capital of Indian state of Karnataka.  The city is a major economic and cultural hub and enjoys a mild climate throughout the year unlike many other parts of India.

During the three week program, volunteers work in projects involving Teaching Work and Orphanage/ Childcare work.

Show Program Photo Video Gallery

Program Details

Volunteers will be working in the Teaching or at Childcare/ Orphanage placement in South India. Under this project ,volunteers help in education activities with the children, play games with them and introducing them to different new activities. Volunteers assist the staff at the projects in different tasks and carry out the roles and duties allocated to them.

As a volunteer you can also carry out development activities at the project you will be working in along with the other volunteers. Generally volunteers help in decorating classrooms, childrens rooms in the orphanages and do cleaning work at the project.

You will be volunteering for five days in a week and spend the weekend on the tours and excursions organized by the local coordinating team.
 

Program Requirements

The minimum age requirement to join the South India Summer Program is 17 years. Participants should be open minded, flexible and willing to work in a new culture and environment.

Duration: 3 weeks
 
Start dates
10th June 2013 - 29th June 2013
08th July 2013 - 27th July 2013
05th Aug 2013 - 24th Aug 2013

Arrival in Bangalore - Saturday before the Program Start date.
 
Working hours: 4-5 hours, 5 days (Monday to Friday)
 
Weekends: Travel/Sightseeing included in Cost
 

Weekend Excursion and Trips

First Weekend - Tour of Bangalore

Visit some of the famous tourist locations in the Garden City.

• Cubbon Park
• Isckon Temple
• Bannerghata National Park
• Lal Bagh
• Shopping Areas such as Brigade Road and Commercial Street

Second Weekend - 2 day / 1 night trip to Chikmaglur , 250 km from Bangalore and famous for Coffee Plantations

Chikmagalur is a small town situated in the Chikamagaluru district of the state of Karnataka. The city is located in the south-western part of Karnataka on the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range . The name Chikmagalur means ‘younger daughter's town’ in Kannada. It is 250 km from Bangalore, the state capital and is a popular weekend getaway.
The town is surrounded by green hills and waterfalls. it is the place where coffee was cultivated for the first time in India.
 

• Leave Bangalore on Saturday early morning
• Visit the following destinations on the way -
  • Belur ( Visit Lord Shiva Temple)
  • Halebedu ( Visit Vishnu Temple)
  • Shravanabelagola ( Visit Gommateshvara statue, important pilgrimage destination in Jainism)
• Reach Chikmaglur and visit coffee plantations
• Drive to Mullayanagiri - Second Highest Peak in South India. 16 km drive from Chikmaglur. While on the way
• On the next day, spend your morning exploring the town. After lunch return to Bangalore.
• All meals included with accommodation in a hotel/ guest house.

Third Weekend - Day Trip to Mysore
Mysore is the second-largest city in the state of Karnataka, India. Located at the base of the Chamundi Hills about 146 km southwest of the state capital Bangalore. During the day tour volunteers will get an opportunity to visit the following famous tourist attractions  :-

• Mysore Palace  -One of the most famous tourist attractions in India and attracts more than 2 million visitors every year.
• Mysore Zoo -  is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Closed on Tuesday. It was established under royal patronage in 1892, making it one of the oldest zoos in the world, and since then millions of people have enjoyed its wonderful animals and spectacular grounds.
• St. Philomena Church -  A beautiful Cathedral, reminiscent of medieval architectural style,is one of the largest churches in the country. Built in the gothic style,the Church is an imposing structure with stained glass windows and lofty towers.

Show Program Cost
 

What does your Program Fee Cover ?

Pre Departure information - A comprehensive booklet to prepare you for your trip before you come. You will get this booklet as soon as you pay your registration fee after completing your application form online. The booklet provides information regarding the country , projects , coordinators , Things to pack , Visas and Emergency Contact Information.
 
Airport Pickup - All volunteers are picked up from Bangalore International Airport. All volunteers need to book their flights to arrive on the Saturday before the program start date. Bangalore Airport is well connected with major destinations accross India and has regular flights from Europe, Middle East and South East Asia destinations.

Upon arrival in Bangalore, volunteers are provided accommodation in a hostel accommodation in the heart of Bangalore city. When starting their project, volunteers move to project or host family accommodations.
 
Orientation - A half day orientation will be provided by the local coordinators in Bangalore. Topics relevant to the project, safety guidelines, customs, local transportation, weekend activities are covered in the orientation.

You are encouraged to join the Orientation Week - Learn Language, History, Culture & Discover India! in Delhi which gives you an opportunity to explore different sights in Delhi and also learn some basic Hindi.

Accommodation - Volunteers are provided accommodation in the project itself or in host families. Accommodation would be basic with amenities such as bed and bedding, fan and toilet facilities.

Food - Volunteers are served with three meals a day in this project - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Typical Vegetarian Indian meals may include Dal(Lentils), Curry, Rice, Vegetables, Salad, Roti (Indian Bread).

Weekend Excursions - Weekend sightseeing trip of Bangalore, Chikmaglur as well as a day trip to Mysore is covered as a part of the program cost. All meals and transportation provided to the volunteers during the weekend trip.

In-country support - You will  have the support and assistance of the local coordinators and staff in case of any Emergency. All our staff and coordinators are available for any help which is required by the volunteers.
 

What your Program Fee does not cover ?

• Airfare
• Visa Fee
• Vaccinations
• Personal expenses such as toiletries, snacks, etc
• Daily Local Transportation
• Travel / Medical Insurance