Hop on to this exhilarating experience of knowing and understanding the customs, culture, surroundings and more of this rich and colorful country. Experience the beauty and culture of Goa which is a fusion of Portuguese and Indian culture, get to know the people, explore its natural treasures, relax on its pristine beaches, visit local markets, historic forts and churches and learn about Goan history and heritage. Learn to cook an Indian meal and take home with you an unforgettable experience.

This program lets you explore the life and style of the Goan people. This is a very important step that will prepare you for your stay in India. Loads of new things will be introduced to you and give you an insight to the vast diversity of culture.

This program drives you into learning the local language, cooking Indian cuisine, daily yoga sessions, history, and many more…,

This program also promotes the local flora and fauna wherein you will visit one of the famous bird sanctuaries, take part in pottery workshops, and visit historic monuments of importance.

A local market visit and visit to the spice plantation will equip you with all the knowledge during your hands-on cooking lessons.

All these encompasses to bring you into the groove of a Goan life. So, be ready to immerse yourself in Goan rich culture and history and experience its hidden beauty and make memorable experiences. Besides that, you may also have the best time throughout your stay as you will engage in fun, relaxing and recreational activities held after a long day of your program alongside other participants.

During your outdoor activities, In order to make sure of your safety and security, you need to keep the following considerations and requirements while taking this spectacular experience. You are expected to be on time, follow all the instructions of your local coordinator and local tour guides, be attentive of your personal belongings and valuables, be more mindful of the marine environment and use environmentally friendly sunblocks and sunscreen.

It is also advised to bring extra cash and your bottled water at all times. In addition, if you have medical conditions, just inform us in advance in order to take necessary precautions and measures. However, alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited during your program schedules particularly during the outdoor activities. Finally, enjoy and make the most of your stay and make memorable learning experiences.

Highlights

• Orientation on history and culture
• Local language lessons
• 5-day beginners yoga course
• Visit to local markets
• Visit Spice plantation
• Pottery workshop
• Beach visits
• Ayurvedic massage
• Henna hand painting with local children

Aims & Objectives

The aim and objectives of this program is to introduce every true traveler to the rich culture, lifestyle, and also provide an enriching experience of local surroundings through cultural immersion.

Schedule

Monday
Begin your journey with a welcome orientation, paperwork, and a basic Hindi language lesson which will help you interact with locals and understand their culture throughout your stay. In the afternoon, explore the historical Fort Aguada, a Portuguese marvel with stunning sea views and witness a breathtaking sunset at Sinquerim Beach. Conclude the day with a delicious dinner at Green Lion Centre.

Tuesday
Your Yoga Journey Begins – Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga session, followed by an insightful session on Indian history and culture. Learn the art of making traditional Indian chai (Tea) and embark on a tour of the Old city of Goa, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site, Basilica of Bom Jesus. Immerse yourself in the world of spices at a spice plantation tour and stroll through the colorful Latin Quarter of Fontainhas. End the day with another delightful dinner at Green Lion Centre.

Wednesday
Begin the day with a yoga session and indulge in a relaxing Ayurvedic head massage. Spend the afternoon exploring the famous Anjuna Beach, shopping at the flea market. Return to Green Lion Centre for dinner.

Thursday
A Serene End to Your Yoga Retreat – Start your day with a yoga session and learn the art of pottery-making with a local potter. Interact with the local community and get a henna tattoo at the slum outreach project. Conclude the day with a Bollywood movie night at your home.

Friday
Begin the day with a final yoga session and embark on a birdwatching expedition at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Explore the bustling Mapusa Market and learn to cook traditional Goan dishes.

* This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances

Embark on a journey into Goa to assist in teaching at a local kindergarten school and at the migrant workers camp. The kindergarten school teaches various educational subjects to children from underprivileged backgrounds. At the migrant camp, you will have the opportunity to teach children, hygiene and sanitation knowledge as well as organize educational workshops on various need-based aspects such as sports, arts, health awareness, and environment.

In this program, you will be working on 2 different projects every day from Monday to Friday.

1. Teaching at local Kindergarten School
This kindergarten is run by a local Goan family and provides education for happy and energetic children from underprivileged families who cannot afford fees at regular kindergartens or are unable to send their children to school. The kindergarten hosts more than 100 children and also receives local interns who are trained as kindergarten teachers.

As a participant at the kindergarten, you will have ample opportunities to engage in creative teaching and learn teaching skills from experienced local staff. This project also provides opportunities for young, aspiring kindergarten teachers.

You can teach a variety of subjects to the children, including English, music, arts and crafts, and sports.

Timings: 9:30 am to 12 noon (Age group 3 years to 8 years)

2. Slum Outreach
This project is mainly conducted for children in the age group of 4-14 years belonging to migrant families living in slums located on the periphery of the city. The Slum Outreach program takes place in the evening with a duration of 3 hours where the participants interact with the children using games and activities to teach them and help them understand the importance of education, skill development, and behavioral and personality development other than teaching them English.

In addition, during the teaching activities at the kindergarten school, always be on time and be mindful of class schedules and come to school prepared, be creative in preparing lessons in fun and engaging ways, smile, and have lots of patience as you are working with children with various personalities and wear a dress that covers your shoulders and knees. Men must wear trousers, T-shirts, and shoes and strictly follow the dress code policy. You are also expected to actively join other activities and of course, enjoy and make the most of your stay and make memorable learning experiences.

So, grab this opportunity to be part of the learning journey with these amazing children and young adults of Goa and help them build a brighter future. Besides that, you may also have the best time throughout your stay as you will engage in fun, relaxing, and recreational activities held after a long day of your program alongside other participants.

Timings: 3 pm to 6 pm (Age group 4 years to 14 years)

Finally, you can not miss every single weekend experiencing nearby scenic views and historic places. Thus, we will make sure to assist you in organizing your weekend getaways and enjoy every bit of your time.

Aims & Objectives

To provide access to quality coaching, education, and literature for the community at large. We also aim to continue to improve the children’s prospects by teaching them English. On the other hand, you will also gain teaching experience and invaluable life skills!

Schedule

Monday
Welcome session and introduction to India.
Visit a spice plantation, visit the local market, and a few supermarkets located close to our center. You can also utilize this time of the day to exchange your currency or purchase any of the essential items you might need during your stay.
Lunch
Visit Slum Outreach School & join the education program for migrant slum children of all ages (This activity is optional).
Dinner

Tuesday to Friday
Breakfast at the centre
Teaching at the shelter
Lunch at the accommodation
Teaching at the slum outreach
Return to the accommodation
Prepare lessons for the next day along with your partners
Dinner at the centre

* This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances

This noble program gives each and every individual the opportunity to share their time and support to the special community which needs care and support in various institutions in Goa. Participate in our endeavor to assist at a disability care home, elderly care home, and at a school for the blind. Join us on this program to inspire this community at large by providing your support in the daily activities.

There are 3 projects, and you can choose in which project you will be volunteering!

PROJECT 1: ELDERLY CARE
With modernization, people are in a race for achievements which puts the concept of the nuclear family in focus. When the grown children in the family are pursuing their dream jobs and leaving their families behind, there is no one to look after their parents. Therefore, they are placed in an Elders’ care home.

In this program, you would visit an old age home and spend time with its residents as they need someone to listen or talk to and it is all that they need sometimes. Your visits would make them feel happier and less lonely. You will spend time as a companion to the residents where you can talk to them, play games, do reading, coloring and various other exercises with them.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.

Your role: To engage the residents at the Old Age Home in different activities, Play games and entertain them, Talk to them and listen to what they have to say, Read to them, Organize recreational and entertainment evenings for the elderly, Arrange sharing and discussion sessions on interesting topics, Teach the residents skills such as how to use their mobile phones better to store numbers, send text messages, take pictures, etc, Take the residents to museums and other places of interest, Celebrate festivals and birthdays with the elderly and Cleaning in and around the placement.

PROJECT 2: SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT AND CARE FOR ADULTS
It is a home for adults with different levels of abilities. This Home was born out of a need to create an inclusive place where adults with intellectual disabilities feel welcome. With your help, we hope to create a healthier society for these differently-abled individuals.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m

Your role: Assist the members to learn and improve their skills as per their abilities and interests, Share moments of happiness and love with the young and old, Assist them physically with basic tasks like walking them to the garden, having lunch or helping out at the work table, Give them a sense of value in their lives and the attention they seek, Teach them simple singalong songs and Assist the residents with physical exercises

In addition, you may have the best time throughout your stay as you will engage in fun, relaxing and recreational activities held after a long day of your program alongside other participants.

Your activities will be assigned depending on the daily tasks at the placement and you will be assigned work accordingly.

PROJECT 2: SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND BLIND
This program aims to provide comprehensive support for children and young adults with dual sensory impairment and multiple disabilities, including cerebral palsy.

As a participant, you will assist in educational, therapeutic and vocational activities to rehabilitate, enhance the quality of life and promote independence for these individuals. This program also seeks to promote community awareness and engagement in disability issues.

Activities include educational support, rehabilitation activities, vocational and functional training, other optional activities such as community engagement and awareness (skill based).

Aims & Objectives

The aim and objective of the project is to inspire, care, and support those who are in need by enhancing the quality of life and promote independence while ensuring an enriching experience thereby providing a meaningful impact in their lives.

Schedule

Monday to Friday

You can choose to join either the Elderly Care program or the Special Needs Education and Care program.

Elderly Women Care program
Working Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m
After lunch you can prepare your work for the next day.
Dinner will be served at the accommodation.

Special Needs Education and Care program for Adults
Working Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m for Special Needs Care and Support

School for the Deaf and Blind
Working Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m

You will have the option to join the slum outreach program in the afternoons between 4 pm to 6 pm!

* This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances

Get your hands dirty and help the underprivileged communities and their schools in Goa with renovation and beautification projects. The renovation, beautification, and construction project takes place at a site which is carefully chosen by us where infrastructure development assistance is needed. While assisting the community through this project, you will gain valuable experiences by joining hands with the local communities.

In this project, we will be mainly cleaning in and around various buildings which are allocated by the community. Heavy building construction will not be included in this program and the work will be allocated based on the requirements that the community will have at the time of your arrival.

This project also involves enhancing the standards of the schools, community areas, etc by drawing and painting motivating educational murals, gardening, painting old walls, and at times painting old furniture based on the requirement of the community. The participants who are creative and have an interest in arts should not miss this opportunity of making a village or a school more beautiful just by putting creativity into place.

Our objective is to make a difference by helping the local community in and around Goa by improving the conditions and the standards of the facilities and also making the community and the area more pleasant.

In addition, during the construction activities, please be careful and mindful when using construction equipment and material, ask assistance from your local coordinators for heavy tasks and of course to enjoy and make the most of your stay and make memorable learning experiences.

So, be ready to get your hands dirty and help this community build a safe and better place for everyone. Besides that, you may also have the best time throughout your stay as you will engage in fun, relaxing and recreational activities held after a long day of your program alongside other participants.

Finally, you can not miss every single weekend experiencing nearby scenic views and historic places. Thus, we will make sure to assist you in organizing your weekend getaways and enjoy every bit of your time.

Aims & Objectives

This project aims to improve the quality of life for underprivileged citizens in and around Goa.It will also aim to create cultural exchange opportunities through our efforts with the locals and further aim to give you some practical experience in light construction and renovation work in the benefits of the community in general.

Schedule

Monday to Friday
06:45 – 07:15 Breakfast
07:30 Placement Orientation and leave for the project
08:00 – 13:30 Work at the site/Placement.
13:30 Leave for the accommodation
14:15 Lunch at the accommodation.
18:00 Dinner at the Accommodation.

* This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances

Join our program in Goa and make a meaningful impact by dedicating your time and skills to a community hospital that serves patients from diverse backgrounds. You will work alongside the local doctor, assisting with various day-to-day activities at the hospital.

Depending on your level of experience, you will be assigned a specific role that matches your skills and expertise. This placement is particularly suitable for experienced doctors who wish to contribute to a foreign country in an authentic and fulfilling manner.

This placement offers an excellent opportunity for experienced doctors and nurses to contribute their skills. Depending on your experience and confidence level, you will be assigned a specific role at the hospital, with English-speaking staff available for support. This program is open to doctors, nurses, and medical students, providing a comprehensive experience for individuals in the medical field.

Upon arrival, there will be a formal introduction where you will learn about the hospital’s history and discuss your specific role during the program. In the initial days, you will shadow a local doctor (English-speaking) to familiarize yourself with the hospital’s operations. After this orientation period, you will become an integral part of the staff, with real responsibilities and duties. Medical students will receive guidance from local doctors and will have the opportunity to shadow assigned doctors throughout the program.

The hospital is well-equipped with facilities including an x-ray room, operating theater, A&E room, adult and child patient rooms, and a critical ward.

After completing your observational experience, you will be awarded a certificate to reflect your learning accomplishments!

On the other hand, undoubtedly the best thing about working in healthcare or in the medical field is the fact that you’ll be helping the local people of this amazing city every single day, while making an impact in their lives even in just a short period of time. Regardless of an exhausting work and role you may have, working in the medical field allows you to nurture your desire to help others and give back to the community as well. In this program, you will need endless patience, energy and a sense of responsibility and accountability as you will work with patients with health problems and concerns.

Moreover, your general duties will include the following:

• Shadowing, observing and assisting at the Hospital daily operations.
• Assists Patients/residents in their health concerns with the close monitoring of the doctor / nurses in charge.
• Observe Local Doctors/nurses on duty on operations and other medical procedures.
• Observe in diagnosing and treating patients’ illnesses performed by the doctors/nurse on duty.
• Participate in basic triage, wound care, blood pressure measurement and medication preparation.
• Join healthcare campaigns (if there are any) for children at local schools or communities to increase their health awareness.
• Partaking in the day-to-day activities of the hospital.

Please not that your activities during your time in the hospital may vary depending on your background and experience.

Meanwhile, remember that you are exploring this place differently from the corner of your home, thus, throughout your stay, you are expected to adhere and follow all the stated rules and regulations set and to keep in mind the following considerations.. This is however implemented and advised for your utmost safety while staying with us.

You will be requested to wear a scrub during working time, you must bring a scrub with you or rent one at the accommodation when you arrive, if possible wear a proper medical uniform.

You can not miss every single weekend experiencing nearby scenic views and historic places. Thus, we will make sure to assist you in organizing your weekend getaways and enjoy every bit of your time!

Aims & Objectives

The project aims to cater to the needs of the local community of Goa. This is done by offering the most effective treatment possible, within the restraints of the low resources and financial capacity of the hospital. The hospital also has the objective of improving the health issues of the local community. Further, it will help you broaden your perspective of international medical care and treatment and glimpse of the medical system and approaches around India.

On your first day after breakfast at the accommodation, you will leave for the hospital. If this is your first week, there will be a full introduction with all the staff. At this point, you will also discuss your upcoming direct role at the project. You will be introduced to the equipment and the current operating procedures present at the hospital.

If it is not your first week, you will get straight to work in your general tasks and other duties, depending on the needs of the hospital at the time. You will have your packed lunch at the hospital and continue work.

You are required to provide your specialized support to the local hospital from 7.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. as a doctor. You will have your packed lunch at the hospital and continue work.

This medical project is for a minimum of 2 weeks.

Requirements

This project is available to those who have enrolled in a university course in any of the medical fields, and for medical professionals.
You would be required to give us your CV and a letter of motivation before being accepted into this placement.
Also you need a reference letter authorized by your university, the hospital, or the clinic you are presently working at.

Contact us to see if we can accept you to this medical project.

* This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances

It is best to apply as early as possible as we have limited placements available in our programs, especially during summer. You can apply up to 1 year in the future to guarantee your placement. We do however accept late applications up to 2 weeks before the start date, let us know and we will check the availability for you!

Very fast with us! You fill out the application form, and we go to work for you within hours! For most placements, you will get an answer within 1-2 days.

Our family volunteer programs are available year-round and most programs can start every Monday, so you have the flexibility to travel at any time of year that best suits your family’s schedule. You can volunteer for anywhere between 1 week and 8 weeks.