Call US/CAN (Toll Free): 1- 888-790-3096 Phone Number
info@volunteeringsolutions.com Email us at

2 Weeks Special Volunteer Programs - Palampur, 2012 - 2013

Volunteering Solutions offers an exciting opportunity to do a 2 week volunteer trip along with weekend excursions for the volunteers with a combination of volunteer programs and weekend excursions to Dharamsala and the world famous Golden Temple in Amritsar.
 
This program is especially suitable for volunteers who do not have time to commit to a month or more of volunteering abroad but would like to make some contribution and also travel along with other volunteers on the weekends to one of the most spectacular places in northern India.
Program InfoProgram Details Cost & DatesProgram Cost & Dates PhotosProgram Photos FAQ'sCommon Q and A's ReviewsVolunteer Feedbacks Apply Now

Volunteer Program Schedule

Duration: 2 weeks 
Dates: Any 1st and 3rd Monday of the month
Working Days: Monday – Friday – 5 days a week
Weekends: Travel / Sightseeing included in Cost
 

Program details

Volunteers at child care center in PalampurVolunteers in this program work in local day care centers or “Anganwadis” as they are locally called, located in and around Palampur. Since the area is a semi rural area, there are not many qualified and well trained caretakers for the children. Our volunteers play a significant role by providing the children with the much needed attention, love and care. Volunteers provide one on one attention to each and every child and help in the overall holistic development of the children. Volunteers also help the day care centre staff by helping in daily jobs, such as feeding, cleaning, clothing, teaching and playing games with the children.
 
Since the inception of this volunteer program, we have seen a gradual change and development in the working of the day care centers in the area of Palampur. Volunteers have played a big role in their development by lending a helping and caring hand.
 
Typical volunteer activities include:
 
» Help, prepare and, serve nutritious meals for the children every day with the help of a local worker.
» Create a fun, colorful, “Play Way” environment for the children through games, stories and other creative activities.
» Decorating and painting the day care center with charts, colors , papers to make it look attractive and inviting for more children to join these centers.
 

Weekend Trips

 
Golden Temple , AmritsarA) Trip to Amritsar (Golden Temple) – On the first weekend, volunteers will be going to Amritsar to visit the world famous Golden Temple, which is also the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion. It is considered to be the holiest shrine by Sikhs. An active place of worship for Sikhs, the Golden Temple is also one of India's major tourist destinations. 
 
Other places that will be visited include :-
 
Wagah Border – The Wagah border, often called the "Berlin wall of Asia", is a ceremonial border on the India–Pakistan Border where each evening there is a retreat ceremony called 'lowering of the flags'. At that time there is an energetic parade by the Border Security Force (B. S. F) of India and the soldiers. Troops of each country put on a show in their uniforms with their colorful turbans. Border officials from the two countries sometimes walk over to the offices on the other side for day to day affairs. 
 
Volunteers will be returning to Palampur on Sunday evening after touring Amritsar.
 
B) Day Trip to Dharamshala / Mcleodganj - On the second weekend, you will be visiting Dharamshala and Mcleodganj which is also the home of the Dalai Lama and the exiled Tibetan government .Dharamshala is located at a distance of 40 kms from Palampur and is surrounded by dense forests.
 
Places to Visit –
Bhagsunath Temple
McLeodganj Market
Tibetan Monastery
Waterfalls
 
c) Sightseeing Trip in Palampur (Half day trip)
Sightseeing includes local visits at art gallery, old Shiva temple as well as Buddhist monastery. This trip will be conducted on a weekday.
 

Accommodation & Food

Volunteers will be staying in the volunteer home base during the program. During the weekend trip to Amritsar accommodation will be provided in a hotel. All bed linens are provided and the house is fully equipped with all the comforts of home. The rooms are spacious with attached bathroom and basic amenities such as hot water, in house kitchen to make your stay as comfortable as possible. A local cook prepares delicious Indian food daily.

Start Date

Volunteers can begin their project placement on 1st or 3rd Monday of the month. Volunteers need to arrive one day prior to their program start date.
 

Program Costs

Volunteering Solutions strives hard to keep costs low and offers one of the most affordable volunteer abroad programs. Compare our prices and services to other organizations and you would be surprised to see the difference.
USD GBP EUR
2 Weeks
$649
Please Note: -An application fee of $200 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
2 Weeks
£455
Please Note: -An application fee of £140 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
2 Weeks
€520
Please Note: -An application fee of €160 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

    What are you Paying For ?

    • Pre departure information and support
    • Airport Pickup and drop from Dharamshala airport or Bus station
    • Orientation 
    • Three meals a day
    • Welcome dinner
    • Accommodation in a home stay 
    • Local market tour
    • Visit to Tea garden and Tea factory
    • Weekend Tour to Amritsar and Dharamshala
    • Yoga and meditation class once a week 
    • 24*7 staff support

    What's NOT Included ?

    • Airfare 
    • Visa and Visa extension fee 
    • Local transportation 
    • Vaccinations
    • Any personal expenses (You would need around $30 per week for your personal expenses)

What are the project locations in India ?

Our volunteer programs are located in and around Delhi , South India, Palampur/Dharamsala in Himalayas and in Kolkata.

People from which country can join the Volunteering Solutions program ?

We welcome people from any part of the world to join our program regardless of which country he or she may belong too.

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?

Receiving a tourist visa for tourism purpose is the volunteer's responsibility. Volunteering Solutions strongly recommends all volunteers to apply and get a tourist visa before departing for India. If needed, Volunteering Solutions do provide with written document which would help volunteers in getting the Visa.

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in India?

We are able to offer placements from any Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply in advance to secure their spots.

How long does it take to process my application?

Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 4-7 working days.

When do I need to arrive in India for my program? What will happen once I arrive in India?

All volunteers need to arrive one day before their program start date. Our local coordinator or representative will pick volunteers from the respective Airport/Railway Station/Bus Station depending upon the arrival details provided by the volunteers. Those volunteers who are arriving overland or are already in India will be picked up from the bus station or at a meeting point decided beforehand.

How do I get to the program location?

Your country coordinator will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.

I want to know more about accommodation arrangements?

We provide you with accommodation from your start date to the end of the program. Accommodation will either be in the volunteer’s home or with a host family. Accommodation is shared along with other volunteers. You need to bring your own toiletries, mosquito net and sleeping bag.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the India-based volunteer programs?

The only qualifications are: -
 
-- Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the beginning of the program
-- Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
-- The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
-- Be in good health.

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

We recommend you speak to your doctor before coming. The following are recommended vaccinations: -
  1. Hepatitis A and B
  2. Typhoid

Are there more expenses once I arrive in India?

Your program fee covers you for food, accommodation, airport pick up, Orientation, Pre departure information and in country staff support. You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as traveling, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. However you should carry around $40 - $50 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as water, local transport, phone etc.

Is there phone and internet available on projects?

Yes there is usually a phone at every placement we provide. You’ll have easy access to e-mail, telephone etc. Public telephone booths & cyber cafes are located practically everywhere. You can choose to carry your mobile phone if you want better connectivity with people back home.

What hours will I volunteer every day?

Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdays as well.

Where can I change my money in India? Are there ATM’s in India?

You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. There are ATM's located all around the city (Delhi, Palampur, Kolkata and South India).

Can couples or families join the volunteer program?

Yes, couples and families are welcome to join our programs. We make special provisions for families joining our volunteering programs; we will be able to provide them with program placements and accommodations together.

What will be the food arrangement?

The host family provides two or three meals per day which consists of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. The meals consist of Chicken, Rice, Beans, Fish, Salads and Fruits. Traditional Indian food will be provided to volunteers.

Do I need to buy health insurance?

Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

What sorts of clothes are required for India?

Lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings (light jacket and/or light sweaters). A pair of walking shoes is highly recommended as well.

What should I do in case of an emergency during my trip?

You’ll be provided with a pre-departure manual after you’ve signed up with us for our program. It’ll have the entire phone no’s and addresses of our country coordinators whom you may contact in case of any emergency.

Do you recommend any cheap airlines flying into India?

We would recommend you to visit, http://www.kayak.com, http://www.orbitz.com to have more details on cheap airlines to India.

Robin Steedman (Canada)
Robin Steedman-Childcare Program I learned a lot about how to work with people despite language barriers, both from directing the kids activities and working in tandem with the teacher and assistant. ..... read more
Joselis Padilla (USA)
Joselis Padilla-Volunteer Childcare Program I worked at the Day Care Center of Palampur ,where the kids received me with a huge smile. That let me know that they are happy and very well taken care of. They are very smart and eager to learn. ..... read more
Rebeka Lauks (Canada)
Rebeka Lauks-Volunteer Childcare Program Our weekend trip to Manali with the team was fun and everyday time spent with the kids was very rewarding...... read more
Sara Griena (USA)
Sara Griena-Volunteer Teaching Program I really enjoyed working in the school .The kids were really great and I was very happy there. I wish I could have had more freedom with techniques on how to teach the kids. They wanted me to just follow along in the books and do the questions at the end...... read more
Emily Bradley (USA)
Emily Bradley-Volunteer Teaching Program I loved the tea plantation and hope it continues to grow as a program. The childcare was great too though I was surprised with the amount of responsibility at the day care, since the teachers followed my lead...... read more
Anne-Katrin Feigl (Germany)
Anne-Katrin Feigl-Summer Program I enjoyed everyday in my placement because my kids were open from the beginning. The trekking trip was the best weekend trip. I think this program is a great opportunity for people who do volunteering for the first time and for the people who want to combine volunteering and holidays...... read more
Sophia Brelvi (USA)
Sophia Brelvi-Summer Program The highlight was definitely meeting so many people at home and at the school. The relationships that I have made are worth holding to and the people have made a difference to me...... read more