Winter is a great time to go abroad, especially if you’re from a colder climate and need to take a break from the cold and dark of winter. World Endeavors provides excellent opportunities to travel to warm, beautiful countries during the long winter. This way, you can put your vacation to good use by volunteering in communities in need or studying abroad in a historically significant country.
World Endeavors Winter Break Programs are available in the following countries: Germany, India, and Thailand.
India is a vibrant country full of contrasts. Its dynamic topography is comprised of the snow-clad Himalayas, the bustling metropolises of Delhi and Mumbai, and the palm-lined beaches of Goa. The country’s population is a fascinating mixture, too—with six major religions, dozens of major languages, and numerous racial and ethnic groups, it would seem that India is more like several distinct countries instead of the second most populous nation in the world. Its vastness defies easy categorization, but one thing is for sure: India is an experience like no other. Volunteers in India immerse themselves completely in India’s culture, working side by side with local community members to help build a stronger future for themselves and their country.
Winter is an ideal time to travel to India; the temperatures are mild and the sunshine is lovely. Migratory birds flock to the country during this time, and the tourists do as well. Visitors delight in all that India has to offer along the lines of culture, education, and entertainment. This might include watching local performances or Bollywood movies, shopping at street markets, learning traditional Indian dance, visiting museums, sampling local cuisine, or sipping homemade chai while relaxing with new friends. Volunteers may also take advantage of India’s affordable and efficient train system to explore other parts of northern India. The opportunities to experience new and exciting things are endless in India.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
While India boasts a burgeoning economy and is a major religious and cultural birthplace, the country still suffers from poverty and inequity, and volunteers can lend a helping hand and make a difference where it is needed the most. Participants volunteering in India live and work in Jaipur, which is located in India’s Rajasthan region.
WINTER BREAK PROGRAMS IN INDIA
- Childcare Assistance
The World Endeavors Childcare Assistance in India program connects dedicated volunteers with underprivileged or impoverished. Childcare Assistance volunteers provide support to both the children and the children’s centers that take care of them. Volunteers may be placed at a hospital for children battling HIV/AIDS, or they may work with children at local community centers or nonprofit organizations. Volunteers with a true desire to help can leave a lasting impact on both the children and the organizations that care for them.
- Teaching
Teaching volunteers in India help to provide greater educational opportunities to a local community. Many volunteers teach elementary school children between the ages of 4 and 12, but some may teach adults or children in non-traditional settings. While English is widely spoken in India, learning English from a native or fluent speaker can provide a significant boost to a child’s educational development and future economic opportunities. In addition to the standard curriculum, volunteers are encouraged to use tools such as music, sports, dancing, or drama to teach the children in a fun and dynamic way. Volunteers who work with adults may also have the opportunity to teach computer skills.
- Special Education
Many children with special needs in India have very limited access to care facilities or schools, and the facilities that do exist often lack the resources to provide the children with the care and assistance they need. World Endeavors Special Education volunteers in India contribute in meaningful ways to the children and staff at these special education facilities. Volunteers help children with a wide range of needs and abilities, whether they face learning challenges or physical challenges such as vision, hearing, or speech impairments. Special education volunteers are involved in a variety of tasks, including teaching English or general mathematics, assisting teachers with individualized lesson plans, organizing group excursions and activities, or sharing their skills in music, art, or other creative outlets. Children with special needs benefit from the attentive care of volunteers who show them patience, compassion, and a broader perspective on their world.
- Women’s Development
Women in India have held some of the country’s highest political offices, yet the rights of women in many communities are still denied or threatened due to outdated cultural practices, poverty, and a lack of education. The World Endeavors Women’s Development projects in India connect committed volunteers with women’s organizations in various communities with the goal of empowering and educating women. Volunteers immerse themselves in their host community, learning about the difficulties and challenges faced by the community and how those challenges impact the role of women there. They partner with local organizations to provide computer skills training, English lessons, handicraft classes, and other services with the goal of empowering women in need.
PROGRAM FEATURES
• Dedicated Program Advisor who is accessible and experienced
• Individualized volunteer program
• Local Onsite Coordinator and 24/7 support
• Pre and post arrival orientation; re-entry guidance
• Airport reception and welcome
• Home stay accommodations with 3 meals per day included
• Comprehensive travel medical insurance
• Travel visa guidance and support
• Advice on how to get a local phone number
PROGRAM DATES
The Winter Break Volunteer program in India lasts for 2-3 weeks and is open during the months of December and January. It is offered on a rolling schedule, so volunteers can choose the weeks they want to go based on their personal schedule.
Thailand has long been a popular destination for tourists. Visitors are drawn to its friendly people, stunning scenery, and world-renowned cuisine. Beyond the Thailand that most tourists experience, however, there are many social and environmental challenges plaguing the country. World Endeavors volunteers in Thailand can make a meaningful contribution to Thai society through a community-focused volunteer project, all while experiencing immersion in authentic Thai culture.
Winter is an excellent time to experience Thailand; the weather is mild, unlike during the monsoon season when it is hot and humid. Thailand is an experience not easily forgotten; from the floating markets, intricate temples, and buzzing nightlife of Bangkok to the fascinating hill tribes in the north or the sparkling turquoise beaches in the south, the country has a way of exceeding visitors’ expectations and making them long for even more.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Although Thailand is abundant in friendly people and beautiful scenery, there are still social challenges that the country faces. World Endeavors volunteers in Thailand make a direct impact on the lives of the people that they assist, lending a helping hand where it is needed the most. Winter Break volunteers offer much-appreciated support in schools, children’s homes, and hospitals. Participants volunteering in Thailand live and work in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand and its largest city.
WINTER PROGRAMS IN THAILAND
- Childcare Assistance
The World Endeavors Childcare Assistance program in Thailand helps underprivileged children empower themselves to challenge a life of poverty and exploitation. Volunteers help impart education and positive life skills to these underprivileged children while engaging with them through health education, English language lessons, occupational skill training, homework assistance, games, drawing, painting, and other positive and life-affirming activities. Childcare Assistance volunteers also provide support for local staff at the children’s centers where they volunteer helping with meals, cleaning, or laundry. World Endeavors Childcare Assistance volunteers in Thailand have the opportunity to make a direct difference in the lives of vulnerable children, supporting them in their journey of building a more stable and productive future.
- Health Education
World Endeavors Health Education volunteers work to promote public health initiatives in Thailand. Volunteers partner with local public health organizations, hospitals, clinics, or schools to increase awareness of various public health issues and to promote healthy habits.
- Teaching
Many schools in Thailand lack the funding and resources to provide a full range of educational opportunities to their students. World Endeavors Teaching volunteers help shape young lives in Thailand by supporting local schools and sharing their enthusiasm and expertise, particularly in English classes. The Thai government has recently implemented new policies placing greater emphasis on English teaching, and there is a great need for volunteers in schools in Bangkok and across the country. Volunteers teach courses in collaboration with local teachers, and, in some cases, take responsibility for a lesson or a whole class. Volunteers are also encouraged to contribute to extracurricular activities such as sports, art, music, or health education. Most Teaching volunteers work with children, but opportunities may also be available to teach English to adults.
PROGRAM FEATURES
• Dedicated Program Advisor who is accessible and experienced
• Individualized volunteer program
• Local Onsite Coordinator and 24/7 support
• Pre and post arrival orientation; re-entry guidance
• Airport reception and welcome
• Hosted volunteer accommodations with 2 meals per day included
• Comprehensive travel medical insurance
• Travel visa guidance and support
• Advice on how to get a local phone number
PROGRAM DATES
The Winter Break Volunteer program in Thailand lasts for 2-3 weeks and is open during the months of December and January. It is offered on a rolling schedule, so volunteers can choose the weeks they want to go based on their personal schedule.
APPLY TO VOLUNTEER IN THAILAND
