India Group Quest - Summer 2008!

  India

Bangalore

Term: Summer 
Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Saturday, July 5, 2008 - Saturday, July 19, 2008

Description: Volunteers on this unique and culturally fascinating Group Quest will have the opportunity to visit many exotic spiritual destinations in South India, including the second largest Tibetan Sanctuary outside of Tibet, a unique spiritual town near Pondicherry, an exotic temple, and a beautiful cathedral. The volunteers will be given a guided tour of Bangalore and excursions to Pondicherry (a former French colony with beautiful French villas and a world-famous Ashram) and Mysore (a neighboring city with an exotic palace and garden).

Highlights: Work: Volunteers will work with children at an orphanage during the day and attend seminars and presentations on the multifaceted aspects of Indian culture.

Activities: Volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in exciting activities including singing, dancing, and volleyball during the evenings. Time will be allotted for shopping in Bangalore and Pondicherry.

Excursions:
- Pondicherry - world-famous for its fascinating Aurobinado Ashram and beautiful french villas
- Bylekuppe - well-known for its Tibetan Settlement and Tibetan Handicraft Center
- Mysore - a popular tourist destination with a beautiful palace and well laid-out gardens
- Chamundi Hills - a well-known 335 meter high landmark with a 12th century temple at its summit and a panoramic view of Mysore's lakes, parks and palaces

Qualifications: Volunteer requirements:
-Willingness to work, learn and share in cultural exchange
-Flexibility & openness

Program fee: $2,095

The fee includes:
- Pre-departure support and orientation
- Accommodation and all meals
- Coordination of all volunteer work and cultural activities
- Travel insurance
- Local transportation during Quest dates
- Airport transfers on the days designated for arrival and departure
- Entrance fees for planned activities and excursions

The fee does NOT include:
- International airfare to Bangalore, India
- Any vaccinations that may be needed
- Personal spending money
- Visa fee

Cost in US$: $2,095

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A typical United Planet volunteer is someone who is excited about supporting communities in need worldwide. UP Volunteers come from all over the world, and range from high school and college students to 50+. Volunteers are interesed in expanding their language skills, immersing in a foreign culture and working to make an impact in-country.

Age Range: 18 and older; minors may come with guardians

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to India Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of up to 10

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

United Planet's Mission Statement: United Planet (UP) is a leading international, educational, humanitarian, and peace-building non-profit organization with members and volunteers in over 150 countries devoted to fostering cross-cultural understanding and friendship and supporting communities in need in order to unite the world in a community beyond borders. United Planet utilizes a wide range of local, online, and international programs to achieve this essential mission. The underlying principle of our programs is the concept of Relational Diplomacy, in which we recognize that the relationship between two people of diverse backgrounds is the basic building block for uniting the world in a community beyond borders. United Planets innovative programs are designed to expose our common human bonds and foster respect and appreciation for our cultural, racial, and religious diversity, while improving and enriching lives worldwide. All the people of the world are invited to join United Planet's membership in "a community beyond borders."

Year Founded: 2001