Volunteer in Goa, India

The state of Goa is India’s most famous beach destination. This former Portuguese colony, with its fabulous shoreline offers a distinct cultural experience with its own regional music, food and climate. Despite the visual benefits of large scale tourism, Goa remains a stark reminder of the many social issues - like poor education, infrastructure and HIV/AIDS - that still face the Indian society in general, making it an ideal region for community outreach.

Program Details

There are currently two program options for the 4 and 8 week Goa program. On the full program option, you will start in Mumbai, spending one week in Mumbai and Lonavla and enjoying adventure/trekking excursions and yoga/meditation courses before you begin your travel to Goa.  At the end of the full program, you will return to Mumbai. The basic program option begins with your arrival in Goa and does not include the additional excursions or courses. 

You’ll spend your first week in Goa undergoing orientation and training, as well as participating in various adventure activities (including trekking) and an Ashram stay. Your volunteer work will encompass 2.5 weeks of your total stay in India, with weekends off.

Volunteer placements include:

  • Teaching English, mathematics or computer education
  • Working in an HIV/AIDS shelter
  • Working with special education children
  • Assisting in special education camps
  • Teaching courses for children of low-income immigrant workers
  • Working in daycare centers

As a Volunteer in Goa, India, you’ll receive:

Full & basic programs:

  • Airport pick-up and hotel stay for the first night
  • All program-related transfers
  • Two-day orientation
  • Shared housing at volunteer site
  • All meals during work and orientation days
  • English-speaking translator for first 4 weeks
  • All required materials
  • Extensive information and training
  • ISE card - International Student & Youth Exchange Identification Card

Full program only:

  • Hotel stay in Mumbai for the first night
  • Two-day yoga and meditation course at an ashram
  • Two-day adventure trek with stay in a village
  • Overnight train journeys from Mumbai to Goa and return

Program Length

4 or 8 weeks

Program Start Dates for 2011

November 14, December 12

Program Start Dates for 2012

January 9 February 6 March 5
April 2 & 30 May 28 June 25
July 23 August 20 September 17
October 15 November 12 December 10

 

 
Program Fee

Full program:

  • $1,795 for 4 weeks
  • $2,595 for 8 weeks

Basic program:

  • $1,195.00 for 2 weeks
  • $1,595.00 for 4 weeks
  • $2,295.00 for 8 weeks

Accommodation Type

Dormitory style (shared)

Participant Requirements

To Volunteer in Goa, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age with at least a high school diploma
  • Be in good health
  • Have an independent, flexible, open-minded attitude
  • Be able to live and work in rural communities where conditions are basic
  • Meet the India Visa requirements

Interested? Request Information

Ready to Get Started? Apply Now