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INDIA
Humanitarian aid work In INDIA, Language study and Adventure tour
Come and truly immerse yourself in this fabulous country. We will teach you about the culture and customs plus learn the language too! Undertake vital humanitarian aid work in the schools and orphanages, plus a few days to explore all India has to offer in this complete five week program.
Arriving in Delhi, you will spend your first week sightseeing in both the ancient and modern parts of Delhi and having Hindi classes.
Moving out of the city you will join the Rural Communities Development Programme project in a rural part of the Jaipur province working in an orphanage. Here you will demonstrate your flexibility by working with these extraordinary children, in whatever situation is needed. Then its off to the Taj Mahal, Red Fort and a chance to explore Rajastan.
Week 1: Delhi - Language and explore
We collect you from Delhi airport and after your first night's rest the next day we undertake a full briefing at our office. Not only do we cover safety issues, but we find it is useful for you to know some background on India, its geography, its politics and the people from diverse backgrounds who make it up, including the caste system.
On your second full day we start your Hindi language lessons. Greetings and short expression, which we will then expand on over the first week. Typically you will have around 3 hours per day of formal lessons, plus you obviously have the opportunity to continue practicing this exciting language over meal times and when exploring.
Also included in your first week is one day in Old Delhi. We visit the Jama Masjid, the largest Mosque in India and the magnificent Red Fort. Also Rajget, where Mahatma Gandi was cremated following his assassination in 1948, plus we go to the colourful shopping bazaar, with is spices and silks.
In comparison we also take another day to visit New Delhi. Luteyn's Colonial centre, with the impressive Arch of Triumph - commemorating those Indian soldiers who died in the First World War, along with the Laksmi Temple and Qutab Minar tower.
A busy first week, but an ideal immersion into Indian culture. All this combined with the language lessons means you are now more at home here than most travelers ever hope for.
Week 2-3-4: ORPHANAGE
Now it is week two, and time to meet your school. As we have linked with both a school and orphanage, we will discuss with you, before you depart for India what area you prefer to work in. There are options on the physical side, on constructing programs and creating play areas for these children who literally have nothing.
There is also a big demand to help the teachers. In these positions you not only develop your own organisational and leadership skills but will assist in organising, games, singing and dancing using your new found Hindi! Along with helping children do their homework, monitoring skills training and even introducing them to computers and email.
Which ever area you decide to work in, you will not only create life long friends but also provide an opportunity to these children that they would not have had, if you had not volunteered.
Week 5: Rajasthan.
Red Fort, Taj Mahal, PalAce of Winds, Lotus Temple...
After one week of language lessons and three weeks at the orphanage it is now week five and time to travel.
Your time will pass all too quickly with your unforgettable new friends as you head off to discover India's Golden Triangle.
Traveling in Northern India the land of the lotus flower for 4 days/3 nights: Agra - Agra Fort, Sikandara, Taj Mahal. Jaipur - City Palace, Fatehphur Sirki, Oberservatory, Palace of Winds, Jantar Mantar all that the pink city of Rajasthan has to offer!
Then it is finally back to Delhi for a couple of days of sightseeing, last minute souvenir shopping or chilling out. Airport transfer on the project end date...or maybe continue to Nepal and Tibet!
INDIA ADVENTURE INCLUDES:
On receipt of your Booking Form, we will call to discuss any questions you may have. STA will also call you to discuss your flight options. You then receive briefing packs including medical, kit, FCO advice, country history and project information, as well as your Greenforce polo shirt. You will also be invited to your Meet Your Team briefing day and BBQ in Central London. We will fully prepare you before you go.
Airport collection from Delhi International. Accommodation and up to three meals per day throughout. Hindi language lessons. Cultural briefing. Old Delhi city tour. New Delhi city tour. Three week placement including food and accommodation. Golden Triangle tour including Agra; Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Jaipur, Sikandara, City Palace, Palace of Winds, Jantar Mantar, etc. (entrance fees not included). Emergency back up. Airport drop off.
Price: 5 weeks £1,200
Dates for 2007: The project starts on the first and third Sunday of each month.
Due to the orphanage size there is typically a maximum of three volunteers per orphanage, so this programs suits independent travelers. If you are a group of two people or more we can arrange an expedition for any time that suits you.
Can I stay for longer than 5 weeks?
With a short break between programmes you have sufficient time to travel to Kathmandu to start the next Nepal/Tibet project. If you do both programmes you will save 10% off the second expedition.
