Enrolment form India
Enrolment form please CLICK HERE.

EXIS arranges language- culture- and volunteer work stays in Dehli, Jaipur and Bangalore, duration minimum 4 and maximum 12 weeks. The work stays begin with a one-week preparation course.

Volunteering is a unique way to discover a country, its culture and people while doing a meaningful job.

You must be at least 18 years old, independent, outgoing, and interested in volunteering.

The country
India is the same size as Europe but has over 1 billion inhabitants, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. India borders Pakistan, China, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma and Bangladesh. India is the meeting place for new and old Asia. Energy and entrepreneurship vibrate in the large cities, but the ancient culture remains part of the street scene. Here unimaginable wealth exists alongside extreme poverty in the big city slums. There are hundreds of ethnic groups, languages, religions and gods. A constant chaos that both charms and repels and where the only thing to expect is the unexpected.

Map over India: click.

Population
The Indian population is a mixture of numerous cultures and ethnic groups. There are more than a thousand languages and dialects, but only 18 are officially recognised, the most widespread being Hindi. English is widely used in administration. 80% of the population is Hindu, but there are also large groups of Sikhs, Buddhists and Muslims. Most people still live in villages.  

Climate
Most of India lies in the tropical zone, but to the north, the country borders the subtropical. Because of its size and geography, the climate is very diverse. See temperature differences:

http://www.wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/India/Climate/

Delhi
With its 13 million inhabitants, India’s capital spreads over a huge area. The town is divided in two parts: Old Delhi, with its pulsating life through the crowded bazaars – and New Delhi, India’s modern capital, with green boulevards, large office blocks, the parliament etc.

See a video of Dehli traffic

Jaipur
The capital of Rajasthan is also known as “the pink city”, since it was painted pink to honour the British prince Albert, who came on an official visit in 1853. The city boasts many examples of impressive architecture and is surrounded by magnificent landscapes.
In the centre of Jaipur you will find the architectural wonder Hawa Mahal, (palace of the winds) once a harem watching post, as well as the Jantar Mantar observatory, founded by Jai Singh in 1728. Jaipur is 262 kilometres from New Delhi. The area is at its best from October until March. See more: click.

Bangalore
Bangalore, in the south of India, is called “Garden City”, because of the many green areas, parks, lakes and wide boulevards. This is India’s most progressive city, always developing.
Bangalore is also known for its important industries and scientific research facilities. Here you can find fast-food restaurants, yuppie bars and trendy nightclubs, and things that are taboo elsewhere in India. Couples walking hand in hand are often seen in Bangalore. The houses are a clash of handsome new buildings and old run-down shacks. Almost everywhere in Bangalore decay and dilapidation, chaos, junk and mess assault the eye of the visitor.

The more than six million inhabitants of Bangalore include employees of modern companies and young IT students alongside the deep poverty of sprawling slums. 

The Program

1 week language and cultural orientation followed by voluntary work on the project you have chosen. This is an international program with participants from many countries. The language and culture orientation program prepares volunteers for their work and starts every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, with arrival in Delhi (for volunteers to Dehli or Jaipur) or Bangalore Sunday before.

The main goal of the language and culture program is to introduce participants to the language and give them an insight into Indian society, culture and religion.

Board and accomodation
During the first week of the program, participants will stay in double rooms in a hostel or hotel. During volunteering, accommodation depends on the workplace facilities. In most cases, participants stay with a host family in a single room. If you choose to work at an orphanage, you may get a room there.

During your entire stay, you will receive 3 meals daily. Please note that breakfast is a light meal, usually a cup of tea and some bread. Most accommodations have electricity but do not expect luxury. Most of the host families are educated and have experience with international volunteers. Normally at least one member of the family speaks English.

Part one: introductory programme in Delhi
Arrival pick-up at Delhi international airport Sunday before the programme start.

You will be welcomed on the first day to our Indian office and informed about the week’s program and activities.
The rest of the week you will follow an introduction program with lessons in history, culture, religion and traditions in the mornings and Hindi language lessons in the afternoon.
Throughout the week there are excursions to places of interest, for example Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, Rajghat, where Mahatma Ghandi was cremated in 1948, and the city’s colourful marketplace.

 “Golden triangle” option
If you decide to volunteer in Delhi or Jaipur, you can choose to add the “Golden Triangle” excusion to your program. This trip covers 4 days (three nights) with visits to Delhi, Agra, Fatehpursikri and Jaipur. In Agra, India’s former capital, you will visit the famous Taj Mahal mausoleum, constructed 1632-1647 and considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. On the way to Jaipur you will visit the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar, but soon abandoned for lack of water. The trip ends in Dehli. See Golden Triangle.

Part one: introductory programme in Bangalore
Arrival and airport pick-up Sunday before program start.

On the first day you will be informed about the week’s program and activities. This includes 3 hours language, religion, history, culture, politics, geography and some good advice on health. A sightseeing tour of the area ends the day. The rest of the week there are lessons in yoga and Karnataka, the local dialect. The yoga lessons are from 5.30 am until 6.30 am before breakfast, so you have to get up early! Language lessons last about 3 to 4 hours per day. The rest of the day is time off.

Part two: Volunteer work (4 -11 weeks)
After the introductory language and culture program, voluntary work begins. You can work as a volunteer for 4 – 11 weeks. If you want to travel around the country after your work period, the coordinator will help you with good tips and ideas.

Volunteer work options in Delhi, Jaipur or Bangalore

1. Teaching English (Delhi and Jaipur)
Volunteers for this kind of work teach Basic English to children between 6 and 16 years old. In order to partici-pate, you must have a reasonable level of English. There are about 25 – 30 children in each classroom. You will re-ceive some teaching material, but you ar expected to de-velop your own teaching projectsas well. Playing, drawing, painting and organizing other activities are also part of the job.

Schools in India close during the following periods:
April – May (summer holidays), two weeks in October (Dasara fes-tivities), and 10 days in December (Christmas holidays).

2. Local development programs (Delhi)
Many women in India are victims of poverty and social oppression. Some social organizations help poor, single and uneducated women to get on by offering counselling, schooling and practical skills.

On these projects you may work with:

• Development of micro credit programs

• Teach practical skills such as sewing
• Formal and informal options for women’s education
• Drug addiction
• Problems within families

• You may also work in areas such as administration, writing reports, as well as developing educational programs and teaching.
  

3. Orphanage (Delhi and Jaipur)
Thousands of children live in orphanages in India. Local institutions lack resources and staff. The main goal of this program is to improve the children’s education and welfare.
Your main job will be to teach English. Other tasks depend on the orphanage and the volunteers’ skills and interests. You might teach hygiene, sports, art, music, dance and other activities. You may also help with homework, feeding and helping the children with their personal hygiene and lend a helping hand with other odd tasks.

In Jaipur, a small school is connected to the orphanage.

4. HIV/AIDS projects (Delhi)
The level of HIV/Aids is extremely high in India. Many poor people are not educated and have no idea about contagion. People who have the virus are often excluded from their families and society. Several organisations in Delhi inform about and treat the disease. “Sahara Michael’s Care Home & Salam Balak Trust” is a home in southern Delhi with about 30 children from 5 to 15 years. The home has only 4 employees and is run by a local NGO working with AIDS/HIV in India. 

Volunteer tasks can be:

• Inform about HIV, rights and social responsibility.
• Teach and advise about health and hygiene.
• Teach English.
• Help with homework and entertain with games and other activities.
• Help during meals, serve food and create a warm, family atmosphere.
• Help get children ready and accompany them to school.

Besides daily tasks, the center leaders appreciate any creative initiatives, artwork, picture books, singing and dancing; also excursions, picnics, trips to the zoo, museums etc. with the children.

Work time is 5 hours a day, 6 days a week.
The home is about 20 minutes from downtown Dehli. 

5. Health (Delhi)
Participants mostly help doctors and nurses with daily tasks. You may be asked to help keeping medical records, help with personal hygiene and any other odd hospuítal taks. You will not assist at operations. Only volunteers with medical experience are accepted in this working area.

6. Work with physically handicapped (Bangalore)
This home has physically or mentally handicapped children from 5 years and up. Volunteer tasks include helping children to dress and eat, help with physical training or teach basic English. If you have creative skills, you are more than welcome to arrange activities.

The aim is to create a normal life for the residents through care and structure. There must be room for work, leisure, friendship and family. Volunteers may also help with maintainance, decoration and gardening, cooking, cleaning and keeping the residents company.

7. Home for HIV-positive children and victims of child prostitution (Bangalore)
This home accepts only female volunteers. The children are extremely vulnerable and the home gives them counselling, teaching and psychiatric care. A medical or nursing background is a great advantage.

Working hours do not exist at this project. You work and live at the home, become a part of the team and help wherever you are needed. Tasks vary, but most important is daily life together. You will help the residents live a life that strives to be as normal as possible.

8. Schools for children at risk (Bangalore)
This centre is for children and teenagers up to 16 years old. You will work 6 to 8 hours per day.
Volunteers will mainly help teaching English. The main purpose of this program is to improve the education and welfare of the children. Tasks vary from centre to centre, and depend of course on your skills. You can expect to teach English, art, music, dance, sports and other activities. You may also help clean house, feed the children, help with personal care as well as any other odd tasks necessary in an orphanage.

9. Centres for abandoned children or orphans (Bangalore)
This centre is for children and teenagers up to 16 years old. You will work 6 to 8 hours per day.

Volunteers will mainly help teaching English. The main purpose of this program is to improve the education and welfare of the children. Tasks vary from centre to centre, and depend of course on your skills. You can expect to teach English, art, music, dance, sports and other activities. Moreover, you may have to help clean, feeding children, helping with personal care as well as any other odd tasks necessary in an orphanage.

10. Work with blind and visually impaired (Bangalore)
This is a home for blind and visually impaired children and teenagers. The home is also a day center that offers lessons, work, free time activity, support and care.
Accommodation is on site, and working hours vary. You will read books, teach and help with homework and generally give moral support. The staff give guidelines and information throughout your stay.

11. Local women development programs (Bangalore)
Several development projects are available for volunteers who want to strengthen women’s self-esteem, which in turn helps the whole family. Women learn about health and economics.

There are many areas to work on this varied program, including environmental problems in close cooperation with the local society.

You can also choose to work at improving the local school and offer art or handicraft courses for children during school holidays. This project gives volunteers an opportunity to learn about natural medicine and ecological agriculture. It is also possible to work in the program office with reports about the project, development of new innovative projects and fundraising.

The local coordinator will help you choose your work area when you arrive.

Enrolment form India
Enrolment form please CLICK HERE.

Prices in Euros. Including one week introduction course.

Includet in the price

• Airport pickup and transport to hostel/hotel. If you land between midnight and 06.00 a 10 USD tip to the driver is expected.
• 1 week’s language and culture program.
• Transport to volunteer workplace (not to Jaipur).
• Board and accommodation during the entire program (3 meals per day). During the first week in a hostel with shared rooms. During the second part of the program with an Indian host family or in the institution you will work for.
• Help and guidance from the local coordinator during the entire program
• Handbook.
  

Not included in the price

• Visa fees
• Insurance
• Travel to/from India
• Spending money
• Any entrance fee during sightseeing and trips
• Transport to and from host family or hostel during work (cost $3-$4/day)
• Food and accommodation in case of early arrival $30-$35/day at the hostel.
• For those choosing to work in the Jaipur area: Transport to Jaipur ($175).

Before you leave
Volunteering demands maturity, flexibility, independence and a real desire to do social work. It is emotionally very demanding to work with poor people, but it also gives you the opportunity to do meaningful work, try something unique and, not least, an unforgettable experience.

Living and working in India is a huge challenge and you will need to adapt. It may seem overwhelming at first to adapt to a completely different way of life, a new language etc. Things do not function the way they do where you come from and people do not react as you expect. Everything is different. During work, you will confront a harsh social reality and experience things that most tourists cannot even imagine.

Summer program combines voluntary work with tourist trips to the Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Please see: http://www.taj-mahal-india-travel.com/golden-triangle-india/
Participating in the voluntary work is a challenge that gives a completely different view of the Indian society from the one that tourists usually get.

Program

• Arrival at Delhi airport on the 1st of July
• 1 week language and culture program in Delhi
• 14 days voluntary work near Delhi
• 1 week excursion.

Language and culture program
The language and culture program consists of 3-4 hours of lessons in Hindi, culture and religion as well as 1-hour yoga class per day.

The first week introduction course is very important in order to be able to understand and interact with the local population during your stay.

During this week, you will also visit colourful marketplaces, walk in small villages close to Delhi and participate in a cultural evening organized by the children from the orphanage in Anusaran. Accommodation will be in a hostel.

Voluntary work in an orphanage in Delhi
If you have the energy to give a lot of attention and love to children, volunteer work in an orphanage could be right for you. Your work at the orphanage will be mainly teaching English. You may also have to help with cleaning, feeding the children and helping with their personal hyigene as well as lending a helping hand with any other odd task necessary in an orphanage. 

7 days excursion in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur

Price summer program 2008

Price for summer program: 1.251 EURO.

The itinerary and price are subject to change.

Enrolment form India
Enrolment form please CLICK HERE.

Visa
A visa is needed; you can apply at the Indian embassy in your home country before you leave. Visas are no longer issued at the airport. Since a voluntary work visa does not exist, you must apply for a tourist visa. It takes about 5 working days to obtain it. You must pay cash. The embassy does not accept credit cards.

Extending your visa after your arrival in India, it is very difficult and rarely accepted.
Find the Indian embassy in your country on this page and see if you can download the application form:

http://www.embassyworld.com/dev/result.php?guest=94&host=%25&count=0&menu=1

Vaccinations
It is generally advised to get vaccines for typhus, diphtheria, hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis, and meningitis as well as malaria pills.

Vaccinations
Make sure that you have your vaccinations up to date. For more information on which vaccinations could be necessary please contact your family doctor or insurance company.

Cancellation insurance
It's advised to underwrite a cancellation insurance.

Enrolment - deposit
Upon receipt of your enrolment form, EXIS will send you a confirmation and invoice. A deposit of 200 € is to be paid upon receipt of this confirmation. The remaining amount is to be paid six weeks prior to your arrival. If you enrol less that six weeks before arrival, the entire program price will be payable upon enrolment.

Cancellation
If you cancel your application before receiving information about your host family you will be able to have your deposit refunded less a deduction of 200 € for administration expenses.
If your application is cancelled after receiving the address of your host family, your deposit will not be refunded whilst the balance will be refunded in full. Once the language course has commenced, no refunds will be made.

Travel expenses
All prices are excluding travel expenses. Mail to info@exis.org for package price.

Prices
All prices are mentioned in Euros.

Price changes
EXIS reserve the right for changing the prices without further notice, in case of changed foreign currency or other circumstances, that are beyond our control.