VOLUNTEER
INFORMATION BOOKLET
|
If
you are considering applying for Yearoutindia Voluntary Programs,
the following topics should answer any questions you have
about applying and deciding which program to be a part of.
 Easy
Steps To Volunteering
|
Select
the type of program that you feel you can play a positive
and active role in. |
|
Check
your calendar. Select the volunteering program dates
most convenient for you. |
|
|
Submit
your application by: Calling a volunteer coordinator
via our free UK call back service by calling
0845 463 1571 and leaving a message along
with your contact number, or fill out a secure online
application or contact a volunteer
coordinator. |
|
We
will send you all the documents you need to complete
the registration process. Return the forms in the
envelope provided or fax/email it back to us. Upon
receiving the requested information and your profile,
we will accept and process your application. |
| |
Renew your passport, if required, and make your travel
arrangements. You can use your own travel agency,
or we can refer you to a travel agent. |
|
Pay
the balance of your program fee 30 days (4 Weeks) prior
to placement start date. |
|
Choosing the
right program for you: |
| Yearoutindia
website has been designed to provide a detailed description
of our volunteering programs, philosophy and work ethics. Please
take time to read through the website before you choose any
of our programs. |
Choosing the
Type of Volunteering: |
| Yearoutindia
has five main types of programs.
These include Reach and Teach programs, Caring for the orphans,
Community development programs, Medical Volunteering and conservation
programs. These programs have been developed with close cooperation
and assistance of the local NGO’s, local bodies, local
charitable and service organisations. All volunteering programs
provide information about the critical need for volunteer services,
the type of work, and any special skills that may be required. |
|
No particular skills are necessary in the majority of our service
programs. Everyone can be of service. Additional information
is available by filling out our contact
form or by calling a volunteer coordinator at
0845 463 1571. |
Choosing the
right Yearoutindia program |
Our program
particulars give a brief description of the community, our host,
work projects, food, lodging and travel, and possible free-time
activities in each area.
Our programs
are scheduled throughout the year and run for 2-4 weeks, 5-8
weeks, 9-12 weeks and more depending on the individual program
and location. For details on our
programs, please follow this link to upcoming volunteering
program dates. Additional information is available by filling
out our contact form
or by calling a Yearoutindia volunteer coordinator at
0845 463 1571 (UK). |
Choosing the
right Program Conditions |
The activities,
facilities, and geography vary widely from program site to site.
For example, at some locations volunteers stay in very comfortable
hotels, while at other sites the lodging is Spartan and physically
challenging. Please read through the individual program carefully
for details program condition. Please note that each site is
unique and conditions sometimes change. If you have any questions
at all, call a Yearoutindia volunteer coordinator at
0845 463 1571 (UK) or fill out our contact
form.
|
| Choosing
program duration |
| Yearoutindia
programs fees range from £580 (GPB) for 4 weeks to £1350
(GPB) ALL INCLUSIVE for 12 weeks and accommodates nearly everyone's
budget. The volunteering program fees are listed on the corresponding
program pages of this web site. Airfare is not included in the
service program fee. Due to currency fluctuations, fees are
subject to minor changes. See "What's
Included" for a thorough description of what's
included in the program fees. |
Travel options
and Travel Finance |
You make
your own travel arrangements to the designated airport. We will
refer you to a travel agency if you so indicate on your application.
Once you have chosen a program, please inform us of your travel
details so as to enable us to make the necessary arrangements
for you pickup and local conveyances. Our coordinator will meet
and greet you on arrival and take you to the YOI Office at Kochi.
Managing your travel finance is crucial when planning your volunteer
placement. The Finance Travel website should be your first point
of call if you are planning a trip or taking a holiday. This
site will give accurate and relevant information on how you
can save money while abroad. Most trips are planned in advance
and the same careful planning should be used with your travel
finances. Please visit Finance
Travel for more info. |
Travel alone,
as couples or in groups |
| Volunteers
can travel alone or as couples or small groups. Those traveling
independently find that it gives them certain freedoms and its
fun and a fulfilling way to travel. Couples are accommodated
in most of our programs. Some sites' accommodations will provide
more privacy than others. Please contact a Yearoutindia volunteer
coordinator at 0845 463 1571 (UK) or fill out
our contact form for
further clarification. |
In most cases,
no special skills are necessary to be a volunteer |
| Volunteering
only requires a big heart, compassion, willingness to contribute
and the desire make a difference. Please do not second-guess
your ability to be of genuine service. While people with special
skills are always needed, host communities do not generally
request individuals with specific academic or professional backgrounds.
The service project is a vehicle by which the volunteers and
local people can get to know each other and celebrate the differences
in personalities, cultures, lifestyle and ethnicity. Any flexible
and open-minded person can make a genuine contribution through
any of our programs. |
You do not
need to know the local language |
| It is not
necessary to speak the local language. Basic language instruction
in the form of simple greetings and questions is offered as
a part of every team at sites where English is not spoken. During
your application process we will ask you for a detailed skill
list. This will help our staff to select and allocate programs
that best use your skills. |
Groups : |
| We can
schedule dates according to your specialised needs for School,
College and University volunteering groups. This is an unmatched
opportunity to enrich the agenda of Universities and College
classes, professional associations and alumni groups. Yearoutindia
Volunteer programs provide a human development framework within
which participants can serve, learn, have fun and improve human
relations skills, including teamwork, problem-solving and consensus-building.
Added to this is the individual's opportunity to improve cultural
sensitivity and pursue personal discovery. |
Health/medical
and trip cancellation insurance |
| In case
of any medical emergency, volunteers will be moved to a one
of the best hospitals in Kochi. This hospital is internationally
renouned and has all the modern facilities and doctors to provide
all the care that is needed. Yearoutindia staff will help make
arrangements for you to be transported to this medical facility.
In addition, Yearoutindia strongly recommends that you purchase
separate health and medical insurance that will cover you during
the service program and trip cancellation insurance to cover
you in the event you must cancel on short notice.
|
