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Brilliant 4.72rating (219)
  • Sustainable Cities And Communities
  • Quality Education

Rural School Teaching and Development

location
4 - 16 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Genuine Humanitarian Work. Bihar, India is one of the poorest regions in India with genuine needs
  • Incredible local staff and amazing support
  • Life changing experience! The culture of India is incredible

Highlights

  • Genuine Humanitarian Work. Bihar, India is one of the poorest regions in India with genuine needs
  • Incredible local staff and amazing support
  • Life changing experience! The culture of India is incredible
  • Provide opportunity to underprivileged kids

    • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Bodhgaya radiates the culture and spirit of compassion and enlightenment. Volunteers seeking a truly unique and real Indian experience are encouraged to apply.

    Background Information

    Bodhgaya, the most fascinating and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centre in the world is the site where Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, the Enlightened One in approx 525 BC. Bodhgaya, is famous for Mahabodhi temple which stands above the Bodhi Tree. Its ...

    About the program

    Background Information

    Bodhgaya, the most fascinating and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centre in the world is the site where Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, the Enlightened One in approx 525 BC. Bodhgaya, is famous for Mahabodhi temple which stands above the Bodhi Tree. Its architectural effect is mesmerizing.Inside the temple, there is a colossal image of the Buddha in sitting posture touching the earth by his righthand.  Within the temple grounds you will be witness to thousands of devout Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world in colourful burgundy and saffron robes, congregated to worship at the feet of Buddha.

    Outside the temple, you will see a crazy, buzzing mish mash of diversity, colours, culture, food stalls, rick-shaws, wild dogs and of course, severe poverty.   Venture further out from the city centre, into the local villages, and this is where you will experience the true heart of India.  This is where the IVI placement operates.

    Overview

    This placement is centered around a rural school just outside of Bodghaya.   The school is an educational institution that truly caters to the most vulnerable communities.

    The students come from the surrounding villages (approx 600 population) which lack basic infrastructure and without this school, would have virtually no access to education.  For these agricultural driven communities, the reality of unjust social hierarchy simply does not allow children of poor families to receive an education.

    The school is the first of it’s kind in this area as such it has faced incredible resistance from the village elites with a lack of understanding of the community benefits associated with ‘new’ knowledge systems and formal education opportunities.

    Slowly but surely, the pupil base has grown exponentially over the years harnessing a powerful spirit of pride, acceptance and opportunity.

    As a volunteer guest you will receive truly incredible Indian hospitality, as you are welcomed by hundreds of intrigued and appreciative smiling faces.   There are a myriad of inspiring activities you can get involved with that will make a lasting difference to the school and community.

    School Projects
    -Teaching English & Other Subjects
    -Essential Children’s Nutrition
    -Maternal & Health Education
    -Safe Birthing Kits
    -Community Gardening
    -Basic Vocational Training
    -Develop Fundraising strategies
    -Draft grant applications
    -Resume Development
    Tribal Community Projects
    -Primary skills development
    -Inter-cultural Dialogue program
    -Basic nutritional care
    -Ground water provisioning
    -Vocational training such as computer training, carpentry, plumbing, sewing and clothing, diesel engine repair, organic gardening etc

    Who Can Participate

    Anyone seeking to experience first hand the richness of Indian community spirit while offering services to those in need.  Knowledge of the Hindi language is a major advantage.  Many do speak some English, however it is very scarce in the rural areas.

    Yoga
    We immensely appreciate yoga as one of our intrinsic approaches to inculcate internal faculties of volunteers.   Yoga is provided for volunteers by a trained yoga instructors where possible.

    Typical day

    What to Expect in India

    What you will experience is the most incredible welcome, warmth, friendliness, acceptance, and Indian hospitality.  Be prepared for a celebration where children shower you with flower petals and then performed a series of native hindu and Indian songs and greetings.

    Day to ...

    Typical day

    What to Expect in India

    What you will experience is the most incredible welcome, warmth, friendliness, acceptance, and Indian hospitality.  Be prepared for a celebration where children shower you with flower petals and then performed a series of native hindu and Indian songs and greetings.

    Day to day experience
    You will travel to the rural school by bicycle daily from the volunteer center which is approx 10-15 min bike.   Depending on the project chosen you may be transferred by car to relevant project site.   You will be given an orientation during the first few days which you can use to help tailor your desired involvement in the various projects available.   This is a varied placement in which volunteers will have alot of options and opportunity to be creative and truly help make a difference in the lives of children and families living in poverty.   This area is very poor and so any assistance from volunteers is met with incredible gratitude from the local people.  

    Free-time activities

    1. Visit Mahabodhi Temple: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. It's a sacred site for Buddhists and a place of deep historical and spiritual significance.

    2.  

    3. Explore Bodhi Tree: Located within the Mahabodhi Temple complex, this ancient tree is believed ...

    Free-time activities

    1. Visit Mahabodhi Temple: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. It's a sacred site for Buddhists and a place of deep historical and spiritual significance.

    2.  

    3. Explore Bodhi Tree: Located within the Mahabodhi Temple complex, this ancient tree is believed to be the direct descendant of the original tree under which Buddha meditated.

    4.  

    5. Visit Great Buddha Statue: The 80-feet tall statue of Buddha is a prominent landmark in Bodhgaya. It's located near the Mahabodhi Temple and is an impressive sight to behold.

    6.  

    7. Attend Meditation Sessions: Bodhgaya is a hub for meditation and spiritual practices. Many centers and monasteries offer meditation sessions and retreats for visitors.

    8.  

    9. Visit Monasteries and Temples: Bodhgaya is home to various monasteries and temples representing different Buddhist traditions. Explore these to gain insight into the diverse Buddhist culture.

    10.  

    11. Take a Walk around Sujata Village: This nearby village is where Buddha received his first meal after his ascetic practices. It's a serene place to explore and learn about Buddha's early life.

    12.  

    13. Participate in Puja Ceremonies: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of traditional Buddhist rituals by attending puja ceremonies at the Mahabodhi Temple or other monasteries.

    14.  

    15. Shop for Souvenirs: Bodhgaya has markets selling a variety of Buddhist artifacts, handicrafts, and religious items. It's a great place to buy souvenirs or gifts.

    16.  

    17. Enjoy Local Cuisine: Explore the local food scene and try traditional Indian and Tibetan dishes available in Bodhgaya's restaurants and street stalls.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    at High School level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 13:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Involvement Volunteers IVI

    • Arrival  airport transfer
    • 3 Meals p/day weekdays, 2 meals p/day weekends
    • Accommodation (Volunteer Centers – shared dorm style rooms)
    • Daily ground transportation (to/from project)
    • Training & supervision as required
    • Use of necessary equipment incl program materials
    • 24/7 emergency assistance, volunteer support, local guiding and advice
    • Touring & excursions as per itinerary
    • Certificate of Completion 

    Airport Pickup at Gaya Airport

    Pickup from Gaya included

    Accommodation

    The volunteer center is safe, clean and comfortable.  We have eight rooms with living hall and separate kitchen. Each room has double beds and attached western toilets.  It is very close to world heritage Mahabodhi Temple.

    Volunteers can choose from basic single, double or dorm style rooms depending on availability.  All standard amenities are included such as beds, mattresses, sheets, pillows, towels, water purifier, fans & coolers, mosquito netting, western toilet, cleaning supplies, chairs and  tables.

    Food & Beverages

    Three vegetarian meals a day.  We provide fruits, bread and butter with tea or coffee for breakfast.  For lunch, we offer non spicy or spicy Vegetarian meals (Rice pulses and green vegetables, Soup and Salad) for dinner, we again provide non spicy or spicy authentic Indian vegetarian food

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Internet Access

    Sorry, no access at the project site

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Gaya Airport (GAY) in Gaya. We assist you to find cheap flights to India. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for India provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in India you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for India. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The project is available year round and is flexible for arrival times.   Preferably volunteers will arrive on either Saturday or Sunday, but we can accommodate other times within the same volunteers fees. 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 1,048€
    8 weeks 1,603€
    12 weeks 2,208€
    16 weeks (max. stay) 2,712€
    Average fees 215€/week

    Program fees

    215€ per week 4 - 16 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 16 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Involvement Volunteers IVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    4.7
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2025
    Very well organised, had no problem checking in. The work was so nice and the people were wonderful. Staff is also there to help out with ...
    Sarah Damaschin

    School Construction

    Location

    Asia > Southern Asia > India > Bodhgaya

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    219
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Community  >  Social Work in India
    Contact Lauren
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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