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The Global Volunteer Network currently has opportunities to work with disadvantaged communities in Kolkata, India. Volunteers can work in a variety of projects around the city.
Program Location
The program is located in Kolkata, India. You will be met at the airport by a member of our partner organization and taken to the volunteer guest house. Volunteers are accommodated in shared rooms and will need to use public transport to get to the various placement sites.
India Program
Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located in eastern India on the east bank of the River Hooghly. The city has a population of almost 5 million, with an extended metropolitan population of over 14 million, making it the third-largest urban agglomeration and the fourth-largest city in India.
There is a one month minimum period for this program, which starts on the first of each month (you will need to arrive in Kolkata before this date). Due to the nature of the projects there are different start and end at different times. This means you will receive general guidelines about your project until your volunteer placement begins. An orientation and training will take place upon arrival and you will be placed according to the current needs and requirements, with consideration of your skills and background.
The types of programs you could be involved with include:
Children: Working in a local slum school, assisting teachers, developing new lessons and strategies, working one-on-one with students in a tutoring type setting, etc. Additionally, there is another school which is specifically for disabled children where you would be working one-on-one with high need youth. Another option is to work in a tutoring program focussing mainly on English instruction.
Women: Volunteers are needed to work on various projects with women from the red-light district. Volunteers can either volunteer through teaching English to the women as well as their children, in computer training, or teaching business skills to small women's groups forming their own businesses. Additionally volunteers with web design, photography, or jewelry making skills are needed to work with women in the fair-trade market.
About India
Full country name: Republic of India
Area: 3.28 million sq km
Population: 1 billion
Capital City: New Delhi
People: 72% Indo-Aryan, 25% Dravidian, 3% other
Language: Hindi, Gujarati, Urdu, Telugu, Marathi, Malayalam, Kashmiri, Bengali, Tamil, English
Religion: 80% Hindu, 14% Muslim, 2.4% Christian, 2% Sikh, 0.7% Buddhist, 0.5% Jains, 0.4% other
Government: federal republic
Head of State: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Major Industries: Textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, rice, wheat, oilseed, cotton, jute, tea, sugarcane, potatoes, cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats, poultry, fish
Major Trading Partners: US, Hong Kong, UK, Japan, Germany, Belgium, Saudi Arabia
© Copyright 2008 Lonely Planet Publications. All rights reserved. Used with permission. www.lonelyplanet.com
Program Requirements
As a volunteer in India you must:
- be at least 18 years of age - the upper age limit is 65
- be in good health
- be a native speaker of English (fluent)
- be enthusiastic
- have cultural sensitivity and respect
- be able to work with minimal supervision
* You will need to be proactive and able to work independently as your work schedules and projects will not be planned for you.
The Application Process
Your application process is free and seamless, and if you are successful we will provide you with a choice of application fee payment options that include a secure online service. We also are one of the few organisations that allow you to transfer your application fee to another program at no extra cost.
Communication & Support:
Throughout the process, we are committed to working with you to answer any of your questions or concerns. During your placement we are also available as a form of support to you as a volunteer and will email you while in country to discuss how the program is going.
Program Schedule
Volunteers will begin their program on the 1st of the month.
Volunteers can participate in this program for 4 weeks to 3 months.
We recommend arriving a day early so that you are prepared to start the orientation and training program the next day. Please note that it can take up to one week before you settle into a regular work schedule.
The program is closed for the month of October as this is when the major festivals take place and volunteer work is limited.
Apply Now
Program Cost
A US$350 application fee (fully transferable) will secure your place on the program, with your program fee due for payment eight weeks before you begin your placement. You only pay your application fee once and then you can access any of GVN's volunteer programs over the next 5 years.
Your application fee includes the following benefits:
- Personal Staff Support
- Your Program Guide
- Your Fundraising Guide and Software
- Access to Your Own Online Journal
- Online Video - Preparing For Your Trip
- Opportunities for Discounts on Airfares
Once your application fee is paid the remainder of the cost for your time in the program is:
- Cost for 4 weeks - US $747
- Cost for 6 weeks - US $1022
- Cost for 8 weeks - US $1297
- Cost for 10 weeks - US $1572
- Cost for 12 weeks - US $1847
The in-country fee covers your daily breakfast, accommodation, orientation program, placement arrangement, and supervision. The other costs you will need to meet are your flights, tourist visa, travel to/from the airport to the placement, lunches and dinners, travel to work each day, vaccinations, travel insurance and departure tax. You will also need to cater for other expenses like bottled water, personal costs, beverages, and entertainment.
Apply NowWe have compiled a list of frequently asked questions which we receive at the GVN inbox. This is a great place to start if you have questions about Global Volunteer Network and our placement process. This information should answer the majority of questions you may have.
What is the climate like in Kolkata?
What kind of volunteer work is available?
Is there any time of the year when I can’t volunteer?
When will I know specific details on the placement?
Tell me more about flying into Kolkata?
When do I need to arrive in Kolkata?
Tell me more about the accommodation
Do you make provision for vegetarians?
Are there holidays or festivals I should be aware of when traveling?
What age do you have to be to volunteer?
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?
Do I need to speak English to volunteer?
How will I communicate with the local people?
Can I bring my own family with me to the program?
Are there more expenses once I arrive?
How safe is it to volunteer in India?
How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?
What is the course content of the training?
What hours am I expected to take part in the program?
Are we able to do any sightseeing?
What clothing is appropriate for the program?
What resources will be available?
Can you tell me more about your partner in Kolkota?
Who organises my Visa for my volunteer placement?
How does GVN choose volunteers for this program?
What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program?
Do I have to be from New Zealand to volunteer through the Global Volunteer Network?
Question not covered here?
Please check the generic FAQ, and if still unanswered, please ask us a question here. (We aim to answer all email within 48 hours).
Don't just take our word for it, hear what previous volunteers have to say out the program.
Volunteer Feedback
Sarah
“India was FANTASTIC! I could not have had a better experience. Vishal and Jan and Alan were wonderful and I met some other Indian friends who made my trip very special. I will definitely be back and would reccomend GVN to anyone. Thanks for all your help!”
Deborah Ash
“Global Volunteer Network has been great helping me prepare for this endeavor. They have even given me tools to raise money for this trip. I’m currently unemployed and every penny counts. I have received some money and it is greatly appreciated. “
Adriana
The information provided me with all the information needed at the time of arrival. The partner organisation was extremely helpful and inviting. LOVED EVERY ASPECT OF IT!
Adriana
Volunteer Journals
The time is coming?.
Wednesday, December 02nd, 2009
December 11th I close on my home and fly out that evening arriving in Kolkata on December 13th. I am set up at a guest house with a private room until I find an apartment. I have met some lovely people online that have helped me more than I can ever thank. I’m working on the banking situation. India requires more background checks than the USA to open an account. I opened an account in the New York Branch but it appears I have to do all the paperwork again in India.
Once I arrive, I will meet Susan a volunteer [...]
Click here to read the full blog entry
Going back to India
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
My trip to India in August changed my life. I sold my condo and I”m moving back to Kolkata. A huge leap of faith. All I know is I want to continue to help the people of India improve their lives and bring smiles to their faces.
I am also going to China March – June 2010 to teach English. I am truly blessed by having found GVN. This is a great NPO and I recommend them to everyone I talk to.
More to come…
Click here to read the full blog entry
2nd week in Kolkata
Saturday, November 14th, 2009
So I ended up choosing the first slum school we visited last week and so far im happy with my choice. The teachers are really sweet(some are a bit intimidating to start with but after a while you realise that they dont mean any harm)and the children are adorable, it is however a bit hard with the youngest ones just because they dont really speak or understand any english but I think it will get easier with time. Its funny how different everything is here and how some things that are obvious to the people here just make me stop [...]
Click here to read the full blog entry
Please visit volunteerjournals.org for more journals and feedback from past volunteers
Articles
Smiles and Suffering Amongst India's Poorest Children
This article has been published at The Funky Traveller, Hackwriters,
