|
We've compiled some helpful information to give you a
better idea of what to expect as a volunteer and to give
you some tips if you're coming from abroad.
What to Expect as a Volunteer
Generally, volunteer opportunities fall into two different
categories — Long Term (2-3 months or more) and Short Term
(less than 2 months). Many organizations require Long Term volunteers for opportunities that require special skills or experience. Short Term opportunities are usually language instruction or tutoring or small projects. Either way, you'll find
the Tibetan people very receptive of your efforts!
Short Term Opportunities
While many government offices and larger non-government
offices (NGOs) have a minimum time commitment of three months,
there are still many smaller organizations that are happy
to take volunteers for shorter periods. If you have
a special skill, particularly technology or computer-related,
there are many short term projects or training opportunities
available.
A good number of short term opportunities arise from the
desire many local Tibetans have to learn English. Many of
these placements require no teaching experience and can be very flexible with scheduling. Tutoring English is one of our most popular volunteer opportunities. Tutors have a chance to meet with their students individually and have a personal exchange with a local member of the community, developing lasting friendships and providing a personal insight into the Tibetan culture.
(Try clicking on the "Tutoring/Teaching" category on our search page.)
Long Term Opportunities
If you find a longer term opportunity that suits your
interests and skills, chances are it will be with a
Tibetan Government-In-Exile office, an offical NGO
(Nongovernment Organization), or with one of the
larger Tibetan organizations.
Compared to the short term opportunities,
the long term are usually more important positions in
the organizations, and require a full-time commitment.
Many volunteers are expected to work 9-5 M-F and every
other Saturday. Most of the organizations are not able
to provide compensation for these positions.
You will find some, however, that do offer free room and
board for special situations.
Coming from Abroad
If you haven't visited India
before, it's best to get a guide book such as the Lonely
Planet or Rough Guide to get a better idea of what the culture, climate,
customs, and cost of living is. You can also find some
pretty good information online at
http://www.lonelyplanet.com
or
http://www.roughguide.com.
Getting There
There is a major international airport in Delhi (about
12 hours by bus from Dharamsala). Visas for 6 months to a year (or
longer) are easy to apply for at your country's Indian
Embassy. There is more information about getting to
Dharamsala in our
local guide.
What to Bring
Climate can vary substantially in this part of the world,
so it's important to keep in mind when you are planning
on volunteering. Monsoons move through India and into the
Himalayan foothills (where Dharamsala is) primarily in
July and August, and snow can fall in the colder months
of January and February. See more about
what to bring.
Living Costs
You'll be happy to hear that the cost of living in
this part of the world is dramatically cheaper than in
western countries. In Dharamsala, you can live
comfortably on as little as $150 US a month for lodging
and meals (with more typical budgets running from
$200-300).
|
