Goa

Goa

The state of Goa is attractive to tourists due to a range of fantastic beaches and its distinct culture. It’s been magnet to sun-seekers and boasts its own type of music, seafood and cultural activities (it was a Portuguese colony until the 1970s). Due to irresponsible, uncontrolled tourism, most of Goa suffers from serious social and economic woes that make it an area of acute need for development and intervention –this is why your volunteer participation will really make a difference.

Goa Project Work

• Child care work (4 week participants)
• Computer courses for the impoverished and slum dwelling children (4 week participants)
• Working with HIV/AIDS patients (8 week participants)
• Teaching in schools (8 week participants)
• Working with mentally disabled children (8 week participants)

Fun activities included in package price

• 2 days and 2 nights at an authentic Indian village and stay at an “Ashram” to practice yoga and meditation
• 2 day and 1 night adventure program which includes trekking through unexplored areas, climbing hills and rocks, valley crossing, rappelling, etc.

Orientation

2 days of teaching/training and visits to work areas in Goa.

What You Get

• Volunteer training
• Project work
• Room and board
• Transportation
• Local on-site translators/ supervisors
• Workshops on Indian Cooking and Yoga

Don’t worry! If you do not have your visa already, as soon as you book your program we will send you information on “how to apply”. We will give you a Visa Checklist, Visa Guide and Advice on How to Apply.

To be eligible for the program and visa:

• You must be a Canadian citizen and resident with a valid CANADIAN PASSPORT to be eligible for this program
• You must be at least 18 years old
• You must have a clear Police Record
• Must have intermediate level of English
• You will need a visa to India $62 CAD which will be valid for 6 months
• You must have Medical Insurance for the entire duration that you are in India.

Hot Tip: Your insurance needs to cover you for adventure activities like the 2 day adventure training activity (if you would like to purchase through us - we offer a great insurance policy and adventure coverage at a low premium)

Program Type

Volunteer & Travel in Goa

2 day yoga course and Adventure Training

Airport

Expected airport of arrival and departure: Mumbai International Airport (Airport code: BOM)

Services Included in Program

1. You will be picked up at the Mumbai International airport and will be provided with one night stay on arrival and before departure.
2. All transportation transfers are included in the package for:
   • your orientation program
   • all excursions/special activities included in the program
   • local transport at project locations
   • airport and train station transfers on arrival and departure
3. Overnight train journeys at the start and the end of the program.
4. Orientation and special lectures at the on-site facility camp for 2 days including a “Bollywood” film show and talks on various subjects of relevance to volunteers.
5. The following excursions will be provided as part of the program.
   • 2 days and 2 nights at an authentic Indian village and stay at an “Ashram” to practice yoga, meditation and to learn about ancient Indian spiritual practices. (Note: you are not allowed to smoke, drink alcohol and eat meat during these 2 days)
   • 2 day and 1 night adventure program which includes trekking through unexplored areas, climbing hills and rocks, valley crossing, rappelling, etc. This adventure program would also include one or more night’s stay in an Indian village.
6. Accommodation at the IDEX accommodation facility in Goa with 4 participants per room.
7. Transport during work days for local use throughout the program.
8. All meals during work days and orientation days.
9. Dedicated on-site assistance of an English speaking translator and helper for the first four weeks of the program.
   Note: In case of availability of a local English-speaking person at the project site (like teacher or doctor), the same may be engaged instead of an in-house translator from IDEX.
10. All materials that are needed for volunteer projects will be provided (eg: color pens, papers, sports equipment etc.)
11. Assistance in setting up local support for the volunteers’ activities in coordination with the local NGOs (FAQs).
12. Extensive pre-departure information, port-arrival printed material, regular training and support by partner in India.

Valley of Flowers

One of the most beautiful places on the planet, the Valley of Flowers is located high in West Himalaya and boasts over 500 varieties of flower. The park is also home to many types of animals - most notably the Himalayan black bear and the beautiful snow leopard.

Darjeeling Toy Train

Although it's universally nick-named the toy train, the Darjeeling-Himalayan railway is actually a narrow gauge train route traversing nearly 90 kilometres of the Himalayas. The toy train provides a romantic view of the Himalayas, and allows you to explore the different regions; taking is some outstanding views of the mountain peaks.

Sundarbans National Park

If you want to see Indian wildlife in its natural habitat, the Sundarbans National Park is a must. As well as being one of the largest reserves of the famous Bengal tiger, the park contains a huge selection of wildlife including fishing cats, macaques, wild boar, flying fox, pangolin, chital, olive ridley turtles, estuarian crocodiles and gangetic dolphins. Wildlife lovers looking to tour India should make the Sundarbans National Park a priority!

Taj Mahal

This is considered one of the finest monuments in India. A combination of independent structures, the Taj Mahal consists of tombs, gardens, fountains, mosques and gateways.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra

Astonishingly carved into hillside rock in the middle of nowhere are these amazing caves. Full of rich paintings and sculpture, these caves are renowned for their extraordinary architecture and design.

Pictures

4 Week Program

CAD $1,995.00 + HST

8 Week Program

CAD $3,095.00 + HST

You can choose either a 4 week program or 8 week program.

Note: Please note that there is a possibility of monsoon rains during June – mid-September. However, monsoon rain does not impact any part of your program and you will still be a part of volunteer projects and all fun activities that have been organized.