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Teaching English projects involve teaching Tibetan refugees in Schools, monasteries and Nunneries. Encouraging students to practice conversational English is a major element of the work, volunteers will be expected to help out with a range of subjects. Classes can be big and ages are varied. Often pupils are in a class according to their abilities rather than their age.
Volunteers will need to be motivated self-starters, as English classes, whilst still valued, often take second place to prayer and ritual. Kindness is the most important quality in Tibetan Buddhism and both adults and children are delightful to work with and teach.
Teaching projects are as teacher’s assistants at primary and secondary schools. The schools range from English-style, relatively wealthy schools to very poorly resourced community schools. Volunteers will teach English as well as other subjects. The ages of students vary from the very young (pre- primary) to adult.
Community projects also involve an element of teaching. There are projects at orphanages and day centres for children with mental and physical disabilities, as well as centres for adults with disabilities. Volunteers will help out with caring duties, as well as teaching subjects such as art, music, drama, sports, sewing, cooking, and supervising sport.
Working hours vary between 10 and 20 per week. Friendliness, enthusiasm and resourcefulness are essential qualities. Because most projects in India have some religious connection and because the Tibetan community is keen to preserve its distinctive culture and identity, decorous behaviour is expected.
Tibetans and Indians, like most Asians, hold teachers in very high regard and see them as role models. Dress and appearance should be tidy, decent and conventional. Volunteers should be versatile, adaptable, and above averagely self-sufficient. You will need to be able to accept the challenge of a very different environment/culture.
Is it for me?
By volunteering in India you can offer direct assistance to those in need. Your work may involve teaching English to Tibetan monks or nuns, or helping disabled young people live a more independent life. India is not for the faint hearted and you must be mature, self sufficient, open minded and willing to forgo some of your creature comforts.
Qualities required
Volunteers will certainly find it a challenge and it will take time to adjust to the new culture and environment. You will need initiative (some schools are better organised than others and guidance may be lacking), a committed and caring attitude, patience, sensitivity, tenacity, adaptability and ‘stickability’ (a willingness to learn from mistakes), a keen sense of humour and above average self-sufficiency!
Locations
Lattitude has projects in the north of India.
Climate
India has hot tropical weather with variations occurring region to region. While the coolest months are from November to mid-March, hottest are from April to June. Most of the North India remains dry, dusty, and unpleasant during the summer months.
Accommodation
Mainly at the host institution.
Allowances
You are unlikely to receive anything. Some placements may require the volunteers to pay an additional contribution towards food – this will be minimal.
Travel Opportunities
Puja (worship) takes priority over lessons at Tibetan institutions and there may be unexpected free days.
India has many religious holidays so make sure you check the calendar for days off that might lead to some travel opportunities! Some placements are happy to give you days off but only if you have been working quite hard and ask well in advance. However, do this respectfully and sparingly.
In addition to this volunteers will get between a month and 6 weeks holidays, usually taken at the end of their stay.
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PREREQS & COSTS
MINIMUM AGE: 18
DEPARTS: Jan, Feb, Mar, Aug
LENGTH: 4-6 Months
WHAT'S INCLUDED
• Interview (face-to-face or
by phone)
• Pre-departure briefing
• Teaching Skills Course
• Food & accommodation
• Airport pickup
• In-country Orientation
• In-country support
• 24/7 emergency support
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
• Return airfare
• Travel insurance
• VISA
• Police check
• Additional travel money
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