from 1,038€

Excellent 4.8rating (147)

Rural School Teaching and Development

location
4 - 16 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

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 suitable

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) 1,038€
8 weeks 1,620€
12 weeks 2,255€
16 weeks (max. stay) 2,784€
Average fees 216€/week

Program fees

216€ 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.


Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers IVI

Excellent 4.8 rating (147 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 1989

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Lauren

Spoken languages: English

About the project

IVI are a non profit org with 28 years experience providing responsible volunteer placements in 15 countries worldwide. We help you connect with inspiring opportunities

Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers International delivers positive social change to developing communities and vulnerable populations through local, national & international volunteering.  Our projects empower the skilled & un-skilled to catalyse the efforts of local partners in creating a better world.


WHO WE ARE

Founded in 1989, IVI is a pioneer of overseas volunteering.  Back when there was no internet and phones were a luxury in many parts of the world, we traveled to developing countries in search of credible NGO's in need of manpower and global volunteer resources.  Some of the many relationships we forged are utilized to this day. 

We are passionate about volunteering and giving back to society and in particular developing communities which are less fortunate than us.  In this way, we combine travelling with volunteering to help people make a positive impact overseas.

SOCIAL EXPERIENCES
All of IVI’s projects have a strong social element at the core.  With more manpower (& womanpower!) we can truly catalyse the efforts of our local partners.  This means you're sure to meet loads of like-minded people from all parts of the world.   This type of experience truly broadens your understanding of the world and yourself, opening your heart to new enlightened ways of thinking .   With your new found travel companions, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore and have fun!  

Our projects create a unique platform to experience the true heart and soul of a destination rather than simply the tourist areas.   We'll involve you in meaningful & responsible volunteer work that really benefits the local communities.

AFFORDABLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL
As a non profit org, we are not motivated by shareholder profits.  Our fee structure is fully transparent to ensure volunteers hard earned money is going directly to the areas where it is most needed.  It is vitally important to us that the presence of volunteers has a positive and sustainable impact on the local communities we work with.   

We charge a one off US$275 application fee per volunteer to cover the running of IVI including administration overheads, project inspection costs, marketing, and salaries.

The program fee starts at $150 p/week and goes straight to the in country management to cover arrival airport transfers, on the ground coordination, orientation, accommodation, meals, in country 24/7 project support, project development, donations and related administration costs.   

In comparison to many of our competitors, our programs are incredible value.

SAFETY & RESPONSIBLE PROGRAMS
With approx 80-90% of our volunteers being single young female travelers, volunteer safety is of the utmost importance.  All of our projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management support contact as well as a dedicated placement manager pre/post journey.  This ensures you will be cared for every step of the way.    The local teams are highly experienced and qualified to manage emergency situations.

All IVI projects have been personally inspected to ensure the standards meet necessary guidelines for quality and safety.  In addition, we monitor and maintain communication with local embassies to oversee potential issues in order to notify volunteers and their families accordingly.   

Our Australian team are available 24/7 and only a phone call away.

Our responsibility also extends to the local people which is why volunteers working in childcare related fields must provide a criminal background check before they travel.   Our ultimate goal is the long term development of the communities we work with, hence we work closely with our local partners to ensure that projects are needs driven and sustainable. 

SUPPORT

From your very first inquiry, right through to your welcome home, you'll have the same dedicated volunteer manager at every stage.  We are experts in the field and will provide you in depth insights about what to expect and how to prepare to ensure you have an amazing experience overseas.  Every project includes a detailed welcome pack which provides all aspects needed such as in country contacts, what to pack, cultural values, basic language guides and much much more.   

On arrival at your destination, you'll be greeted by one of our in-country team and in many cases 1 week orientation is provided to help ease you into the way of life and ensure you're equipped with the right customs to ensure a successful volunteer abroad experience.  

FUN!
Volunteering abroad is quite possibly the most rewarding experience you will have in your life!   We know this not only through our own experiences, but through the testimonies from thousands of volunteers we have successfully placed worldwide over 27+ years in operation.  Volunteering overseas is not only rewarding.   It's fun!   You're meeting new people, you're seeing new sights, and you're expanding your understanding of yourself and the world.  You're experiencing something real and life changing in many ways...  

GET INVOLVED WITH IVI TODAY!

147 reviews · rating4.8

ANNA RATTERO rating4.2

2024 at Kindergarten Teaching Assistant

È stata una bellissima esperienza, stare con i bambini è stato magnifico! Loro non parlano bene inglese quindi ho comunicato con loro usando soprattutto sguardi e gesti. Si ha la possibilità di conoscere persone del posto, conoscere una nuova cultura e offrire il proprio contributo nel fare ...
Errol S rating5

2024 at Turtle Conservation Assistance

It was an amazing week working with a diverse group of volunteers from around the world. We got to experience working with turtles from nearly hatched to around 8 months old. They were extremely cute and you could really see the impact of the volunteering when we released them into the wild. It ...
Gabriele Heumann rating4.8

2024 at Nutrition & Public Health Outreach Assistant

Vielen Dank für die tolle Erfahrung. Ein besonderes Lob für Carrun, ich würde es gerne immer wieder machen. Dankeschön auch am Marie und Masi tolle Gastfamilie. Ich kann sie nur weiterempfehlen ...
Michael rating4.8

2023 at Construction & Renovation Assist

I was doing the building and constraction program in Stone Town Zanzibar. The work was in Binguin school with carpainting, laying bricks and painting with local people. The local team with coordinators was very helpful. The accomodation with staff and food was excellent. ..
Had the most amazing time helping children learn English during daily lessons. I will definitely do it again, as I also met the most amazing people. The staff were so welcoming and created a safe space for everyone. Imporvements... Longer hours to ...
The month I spent in dog shelter Abaj Tacalik in Antigua, Guatemala was amazing! I got to really bond with the people and the dogs at my placement and loved going there everyday. We helped out with walking the dogs, cleaning and just giving them love. Next to that, with fundraised money, I was also ...

Location

Asia > Southern Asia > India > Bodhgaya

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