Destination: India

Your career can be an adventure: Discover India

This is your great adventure, and we want it to be perfect. You can make selections from any of the activities described in the following tabs to create your ideal schedule. We recommend a four-week trip that looks something like this:

Week 1: Cultural Immersion

We currently run several immersion weeks in various locations across India. Depending on which one is closest to your other projects, you could be located in Goa, Mysore, Bangalore, or the Himalayas.

This week focusses on introducing you to the region, culture, and language of India; it’s designed to make you feel welcome, and to help reduce the feeling of “culture shock.” We want to do everything we can to make your adventure comfortable, and memorable.

*For more on Cultural Immersion click the Culture tab.

Weeks 2 and 3: Choose your project

During these two weeks, your adventure truly becomes your own. We can offer you a huge variety of projects and trips to get involved with; all you have to do it choose which ones appeal to your sense of adventure.

People interested in education, teaching, and childcare could choose to spend their time helping children in local schools; or volunteering in an Indian orphanage. We recommend spending at least two weeks on a project like this, but you can extend your stay for as long as you want.

For those looking for a more personal, spiritual experience, our Yoga training program is just for you. We’re offering the chance to learn from the Yoga masters in Mysore, and spend two weeks studying techniques that will soothe your body and mind. Again, we recommend two weeks for this program, but you can choose to say longer if you wish to reach a higher level of skill and understanding; perhaps you’ll even become a master!

*For more information on any of these experiences click the tabs above.

Week 4: Adventure

Spend your final week trekking across Southern India’s stunning countryside. This is a unique way to explore this wonderful country and its rich history. If you feel like relaxing in your final week, you could choose instead to chill out on the spectacular beaches in Goa; the choice really is yours.

*For more a more detailed itinerary click the Adventure tab above.

Cultural Immersion Weeks: Mysore, Goa, and Shimla.

Global Nomadic has a large number of projects in India, and in each location our co-ordinators have organised an action-packed schedule to help you settle into your first week in India.

The aim of the Cultural Immersion week is to make you feel welcome, and to help you get to know a little more about the language, culture, and people of India. We want to do everything we can to make your trip rewarding, and exciting.

Below is a schedule intended to give you a taste of some of the activities that will be available to you during your first week. When you arrive at your destination, you’ll be given a detailed itinerary for your particular immersion week.

The Cultural Immersion Week in Mysore is designed to last for two weeks.

Cost

€175 per week - all inclusive

Schedule

You’ll arrive on Sunday, and we’ll arrange to collect you from the airport. There’ll be an opportunity for you to explore the city while we wait for other Global Nomads to arrive. Once we get back to the guest house, you’ll have a chance to relax, and meet some of the other visitors.

Day One
You’ll start with breakfast, and a briefing about the details of your trip. We’ll give you your schedule, and help answer any questions you might have.

In the afternoon, you’ll go on a walking tour of nearby villages, where you’ll stop for lunch. Your first day is dedicated to learning your way around the towns, and understanding where to go in cases of emergency. You’ll return to the guest house in the evening to relax, and have dinner.

Day Two
If you’re staying in Goa, your second day will involve some cookery lessons, where you’ll try some local food, and learn some words to help you buy ingredients, and understand menus. There’ll be afternoon sessions on local customs, and appropriate behaviour during your stay. You’ll be free in the evening to relax, or explore.

Day Three
Your day is likely to begin at dawn with a Yoga, and meditation session. You’ll visit a Hindu temple and have a presentation about religion in Indian society. There’ll be a language class in the afternoon, where you’ll learn some important phrases to help you communicate with the people you’ll meet during your stay.

Day Four
If you stay in Mysore, you’ll be going on a day trip into Mysore Town. You’ll explore the beautiful grounds of the Mysore Palace; and visit a temple in the Chamundi hills, where the locals worship a statue of a bull. You can walk around the spectacular scenery, before returning to the guest house in the evening.

Day Five
A day trip to the stunning Abbey waterfall is followed by a session on Indian history, and religion. We’ll spend the evening relaxing at the guest house, and watching a typical Bollywood movie. This will be a great chance to socialise with other adventurers, and have some fun.

Day Six, and Seven
You’ll be free to enjoy your weekend however you choose.

Accommodation

You’ll stay in a guest house in either Mysore, Goa, or Shimla, depending on where you choose to travel to. Typically, you’ll share a room, and bathroom with two or three other adventurers. Hot water, and meals will be provided for you, but laundry facilities may vary’ you should expect to wash your clothes by hand for parts of your trip.

Quick links

• Teaching
• Orphanage
   

Teaching Careerships: Helping the Children of India

Whether you are a teacher, or just enjoy working with children, you should consider including this project in your adventure plans.

Our teaching placements are designed to give people who are interested in pursuing a career in a specific field their first taste of what it might be like. We also want them to provide professionals who’ve already chosen their career path a unique experience that will help them to develop new skills, and present new opportunities.

The Project

Global Nomadic is working with a number of schools across India; we can offer you the chance to teach children in Bangalore, Goa, the Himalayas, and Mysore.

You’re invited to teach English, and Special Education; which might include other subjects like arts and crafts, sports, athletics, and even computing. Our schools encourage a non-formal approach to teaching, so you can deliver lessons however you choose; the methods of teaching are less important to us than your attitude to working with children. Our aim is to motivate children to learn, and teach them about good social and moral behaviour.

You should have good levels of spoken and written English, and enjoy working with children. Previous teaching experience will be appreciated, but it’s not necessary to be involved with this project.

Some of our placements are only looking for unpaid volunteers, but the experiences that they offer are unique and invaluable to your career progression. New projects are cropping up all the time, so bookmark us to keep track of all future projects.

Check out our paid internships here.

Cost

€175 Euros per week - all inclusive

Schedule

We’ll arrange your schedule when you arrive at the school placement. You should expect to be teaching around 3 hours a day, from Monday to Friday. There’ll be plenty of time in your timetable to plan your lessons and resources, and evaluate the lessons you’ve delivered so far.

You’ll have free time during the weekends, which you can spend however you choose.

Accommodation

You’ll be staying in guesthouses during your stay, but the facilities each one provides might vary, depending on where your placement is. Typically, you’ll be sharing a room with two or three other adventurers, and have access to hot water 24 hours a day. All your meals will be provided during your trip, and will be local dishes.

Laundry facilities vary between our guesthouses, and you should expect to wash your clothes by hand during your stay. All our guest are expected to keep their rooms clean, and use resources like water, paper, and electricity sparingly.
 

Childcare Placements: Volunteer at an Orphanage

People interested in following a career in social work or childcare might want to consider a placement at an Indian orphanage. Working with children can be a challenging, but hugely rewarding job. Volunteering at an orphanage offers you the chance to make a difference to the lives of children who’ve lost their parents, and who desperately need support and guidance. It’s a fantastic way to offer valuable help to people who need it, while still moving forward in your chosen profession.

The Project

You can choose to work with any of our orphanage projects in Bangalore, Goa, the Himalayas, or Mysore; or even move between them if you wish.

Orphanages in India have very few resources to share between staff and children, and help from volunteers can make a huge difference. You’ll be expected to get involved with many activities during your stay; teaching English, playing games, and even basic construction work. You don’t need previous experience, just bring plenty of energy, and a positive attitude.

Cost

€175 Euros per week - all inclusive

Schedule

You’ll work closely with our coordinators to design a schedule that suits your skills and needs during your stay. We want to do everything we can to make sure your placement is as rewarding for you as it will be for the children at the orphanage.

Your day will start around 8 a.m., when you’ll be expected to arrive at the orphanage. Your work will be finished by late afternoon, and you’ll go back to the guesthouse and enjoy some free time.

Accommodation

You’ll be staying in guesthouses during your stay, but the facilities each one provides might vary, depending on where your placement is. Typically, you’ll be sharing a room with two or three other adventurers, and have access to hot water 24 hours a day. All your meals will be provided during your trip, and will be local dishes.

Laundry facilities vary between our guesthouses, and you should expect to wash your clothes by hand during your stay. All our guest are expected to keep their rooms clean, and use resources like water, paper, and electricity sparingly.

Quick Links

• Mysore Trekking
• Beach chilling in Goa
   

Trekking Tour: Explore Mysore on Foot

You might choose to add a more adventurous week to your itinerary, during which you’ll get to explore more of the country you have been falling in love with. Trekking is a great way to see more secluded parts of the region around Mysore; and to experience the people and culture firsthand.

This week will be spent trekking in the forests, and hilly regions of Coorg, a lush green landscape not often visited by other tourists. Coorg is located on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats.

Trekking can be tough at times, that’s why we call it an adventure. Although you don’t need previous experience, you will need to be in good physical shape, and be prepared to tackle some rugged terrain. We recommend that you bring hiking boots, a sleeping bag, and some insect repellent. Adventures may not be easy, but they’re guaranteed to be rewarding.

The schedule below is intended to give you an idea about what to expect, but please note the it may be subject to change, depending on the weather.

Cost

€350 per week, all inclusive.

Schedule

Day One
We’ll have a briefing to discuss our itinerary, and to answer any questions you might have about the trip. We’ll make our way to the starting point, stopping off to buy supplies for the next few days camping. The afternoon trek will be an easy one, and, depending on the weather, we’ll stay overnight at a guest house in the village, or in tents.

Days Two and Three
We’ll trek through the stunning region of Coorg, where you’ll see some spectacular waterfalls, and take some beautiful photos. We’ll set up camp in the evening, and cook dinner by the campfire.

Day Four
By this point, we’ll have trekked a long way, and it’ll be time to start making our way back to Mysore. We’ll visit the elephant camp in Dubare, where you’ll spend your final day. There’s a hotel near the camp, and you’ll spend the night here in luxury. You’ll be able to watch TV, and relax in the bar.

Day Five
Your final day will be spent enjoying the activities the elephant camp has to offer. You can take a ride into the forest on an elephant, and join the team in bathing and feeding the animals. We’ll go on a boat ride in the afternoon, before returning to the guest house in Mysore in the evening.

Days Six, and Seven
In the morning, you’ll meet with your guides and trip co-ordinators to evaluate your trekking week. After some groups discussions, you will enjoy two days of free time before starting the next part of your trip, or returning home.
 

Beach Week: Rest and Recover

You might choose to end your trip resting and recovering on the sand. You’ll have the chance to enjoy the spectacular beaches of Goa while reading; swimming; doing water sports; or anything else you wish. You’ll get to see another side of the country you’ve been getting to know during the past month. You can also spend time evaluating your trip and sharing your experiences with other participants, and travellers.

The Tour

During the next few days, we’ll show you some of the most beautiful beaches Goa has to offer. You’ll have the chance to go on boat ride to see dolphins; and explore the beautiful towns, and countryside in this region. You’ll have time to relax, and top-up your tan; and there’ll be plenty of fabulous food to enjoy.

Just bring lots of sunscreen, and a hat.

Cost

€350 per week, all inclusive.

Accommodation

You’ll stay in a comfortable guest house near the beach during Beach Week. Rooms are typically shared between two, or three other guests, but you can hire a separate room at an extra cost.

You’ll be provided with three meals every day during the week, and two at weekends. The food will be local dishes, but there’ll be plenty to choose from.

We expect all our guests to be respectful of the environment, and to use resources like water, paper, and electricity with restraint.

Yoga: Experience the power of Yoga and Ayurveda

There is more to yoga than physical exercises. The word “Yoga” is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning “union.” It translates into English to mean “union of mind and body,” and incorporates physical exercises with meditation techniques to improve the health of the whole person.

The Experience

You’ll learn about the different paths of yoga, and come to recognise good technique from bad. You’ll learn how different postures, and breathing techniques combine with meditation to help free you from stress, anxiety and physical ailments.

Meditation will help you to focus your mind; you’ll learn to look deeper into your thoughts and feelings to find the causes of stress, and release them. Yoga can provide its students with a clearer understanding of their purpose in life; as well as offering other physical and mental health benefits.

Depending on your own level of skill, you’ll have the opportunity to complete a range of classes from a basic beginners class, to advanced studies of Pranayama (yogic breathing).

You’ll be offered a range of Ayurvedic treatments including herbal massage, and body scrubs. You may choose to experience a Dhara treatment, in which warm oils are used to soothe your forehead; and help clear your sinuses, and other mental obstructions.

Cost

€350 per week, all inclusive.

Schedule

Each day begins at sunrise with guided meditation, and a Yoga lesson. The afternoons are mostly dedicated to learning about Ayurveda techniques, and experiencing detox treatments. In the evenings, you’ll have more guided meditation sessions.

You’ll also have plenty of free time to walk in the gardens, and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Your meals will be provided, according to a vegetarian diet of fresh fruit and vegetables. The menu is designed to help you feel refreshed and energised. You’ll also be encouraged to refrain from smoking; and drinking alcohol, and soft drinks.

Accommodation

You’ll stay at a guest house in Mysore during your visit. Typically, rooms are shared between two and three people, and hot water is available 24 hours a day.

Facilities at the guest houses vary, but you should expect to have to wash your clothes by hand. All meals will be provided for you, and will be local Indian dishes.

What to bring
 you should wear loose, cotton trousers and shirts; and bring a cotton mattress, or yoga mat to spread on the floor.

Fee:

Volunteer / Culture - €175 per week
Adventure / Yoga - €350 per week

* Places are secured with a 20% deposit. Balance is due 4 weeks prior to your departure.

What's Included:

Project Fee includes all food, accommodation, orientation, 24 hour support and project activities.
 

What's not included: 

Flights, transport between locations (if applicable), insurance, visas  and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged.

Airport (or nearest city) pickup can be arranged for an extra €25. Alternatively, detailed instructions on how to arrive can be provided.

* 50% discount available for 5-14 year olds. Under 5's are free. Under 18 year olds can attend with letter of permission from your guardian.