Teach Underprivileged Children in Indian Schools and Orphanages

  India

• Other Cities in India: 
Madurai

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Available all year round

Description: Do you love children and want to make a real difference to their lives? Then teaching English, Music, Drama, Sports or other subjects to children in Madurai, Southern India, is the perfect project for you...

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
* An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Indian culture.
* The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them
* New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
* An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market.
* And maybe best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

PROJECT OVERVIEW:
All of our schools are set in and around the small temple town of Madurai - some of them in incredibly scenic areas. Some schools are very poor and lack facilities, so your presence will make a real impact. Nearly all schools have basic facilities (including some general teaching aids and equipment) and others even have sports fields for football and cricket.

You may work in either primary or secondary schools and you will normally help out with all age groups. You can teach a variety of subjects, although English is needed the most, but any subject that you have some knowledge or expertise in is warmly appreciated. A sense of fun is essential! We provide you with a Teaching Guide and suggestions on inexpensive resources to take with you (e.g. tapes/CDs, magazines, etc., which are very popular with Indian children). The school Principal will discuss your teaching programme with you before you start and will try to incorporate your own interests and specialities into your teaching schedule. Both staff and children genuinely appreciate your help. Indians are very friendly and hospitable.

Your teaching will help the children in so many ways, and they want to learn because they know that the end result will be greater opportunities in life for them, whether career-wise or, for the luckier ones, possibly getting into a better university. Travellers also makes donations to most of our poorer schools (and also some that we don't work directly with). Sometimes we sponsor the children's education by paying their school fees, or we provide money directly to the school. We also buy necessities, such as food, books, uniforms, computers and other teaching aids for the kids.

SUMMER CAMPS:
During the school holidays, we hold classes for about 60 to 80 children in Summer Camps. These are informal classes where you can use your imagination to get your English learning across - in drama lessons, or music or sports.

Summer camps take place during the holiday period, so you have a greater freedom in how you conduct your classes! Teaching is not available during the Examination Periods, which are generally just a few days in length. Most volunteers use these days to take a break and do some exploring and sightseeing.
India is a combination of experiences in one place - it's vast and exotic and frenetic and beautiful and peaceful and very, very different - you'll love it! Indians are very friendly and hospitable and you'll be overwhelmed with invitations to people's homes and on sightseeing trips.

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD
Food and accommodation are provided on the placement. You'll either stay with an Indian host family or will most likely share a Travellers house with other volunteers and you may share a room with up to three other volunteers. The house is very nice, with marble tiled floors, verandahs back and front and a rooftop patio/garden. It has mod cons and facilities, including some en-suite bathrooms, showers and Western toilets. There is a communal lounge with TV.

Your food will be prepared for you, but there may be occasional days when you'll need to prepare your own meals (on the cook's day off, for example). Food is a mixture of Western and local meals and includes fruit, fruit juice, etc. You'll also have access to the kitchen if you want to make snacks or drinks.
Travellers' placements are very flexible and you can combine this project with any other Travellers project, either in the same country or in different countries.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen! If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you'd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen. It's as easy as that.

"I am gaining immeasurable amounts of experience over a whole spectrum of issues and primarily, excellent experience of teaching which will aid my PGCE application. I feel that I am gaining experience of another culture first hand, experience of life and learning a lot about myself too.

The placement in India has challenged me in so many ways. I have a much deeper sense of gratitude for my life at home now. It is very unique to live in another country for a protracted period and embrace a different way of life. After all, you don't learn about a country just through a textbook! The best thing about the about the placement is the children, their enthusiasm and energy has been delightful. I would most definitely recommend this placement. I abhor clichés but this really is an experience of a lifetime, miss at your peril!" Catherine Williams, Travellers Volunteer

Highlights: Our teaching program in India will be a memorable adventure for you! India is an attack on all of your senses, from the chaotic cities to the spiritual Puga festivals on the banks of the Ganges River. A wonderful mix of culture and traditions that is completely different to the Western world. The way to best enjoy India is to absorb it - the warmth of the people, the beauty, the smells, the food, and the wonderful hospitality!
Our projects are situated in and around the town of Madurai, some of them in incredibly scenic areas. The famous, awe-inspiring temples in the town should not be missed, and for a bit of cool relief, you can catch 'toy trains' to different hill stations such as Kodaikanal, which are dotted around this region. You can also go further afield and explore quaint waterways, beautiful sandy beaches, and meander through forests and coconut groves.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:
Add to your travel experience in India by doing some additional exciting activities.
* For example, you could take a 2-hour basic Tamil Course (only 10 USD). You'll learn some basic phrases to kick-start your placement
* Alternatively, you could do a One-Month Tamil Course (75 USD) at the same time as doing your main project. Lessons are conducted by a retired lady Professor who was Head of the Department of Tamil at one of the leading ladies colleges in Madurai. You'll very much appreciate the benefits of having some Tamil during your placement ... and the locals will love you for trying to speak their language.

This project can also be combined with any of our other projects in India, such as Sports, an Internship or Work Experience, or Care for Orphans at a local Orphanage Centre, giving you a varied and broad experience of life in India.

Qualifications: No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit Sports enthusiasts who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative.

Cost in US$: Varies depending on length, but starts at 1,200 USD

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range: From 17 years old up to 70+

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to India Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement: Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded: 1995