Volunteer in Palampur and Dharamsala |
Legitimacy of RCDP and Why should I join RCDP volunteer program RCDP Volunteer Program in Nepal & Tibet Volunteers' Testimonies |
Surrounded by idyllic tea plantations and rolling the foothills of the Himalaya, this picturesque region has been the home-in-exile of the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetan refugees since the 1950’s. Volunteers stay in Palampur, a green hill station that serves as a hub for the surrounding areas, and are able to travel to many of the villages and towns in the area. Dharamsala is a short 36 km bus ride from Palampur. It is here, in a section of town known as McLeod Ganj, named after Sir Donald Friell McLeod, a Lieutenant Governor of Punjab in the 19th century, the Tibetan government in exile is stationed. For the more adventurous, Bir is only 35 km from Palampur and is famous for its hang gliding and paragliding. Bir is even home to the paragliding World Cup!
As a volunteer with RCDP in Palampur and Dharamsala, you will get a close-up view of both Tibetan and Indian life, while also helping to serve at-risk children in the area.
RCDP India volunteer programs start every 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month.
Every year, hundreds of volunteers arrive in India to volunteer from UK and USA based organizations and end up paying up to $2500 to volunteer for 2 weeks. Unfortunately, only a small portion of that money actually goes to host projects and host families. The local host projects (orphanages, school, and local NGOs) in India are resource poor and need external support to run their programs. In our model, you will pay your fee directly to the host families and projects upon arrival in India.
When you join our program, we will make sure that all of your money goes to the projects and host families. Part of your fees also helps us to cover our expenses. The program fee is divided in as registration fee ($259) and weekly fee ($80 per week for room, food, coordination, and project donation). Click to find the allocation of $259
Weekly fee is divided between room/3 local foods a day (50%) and project donation/support of local project staffs (50%). This allocation may be different depending up on location, project type etc. However, our coordinator will explain these issues before you pay the fee. Please find below the breakdown of cost in a weekly basis.
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* Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3 per day
* Additional fee: $75 - airport receive, transfer to host family/ hostel (40-60 KM), and orientation.
* Language and Cultural program fee: $250
* Please add $25 per each additional week for Internship program
The weekly Fee Does Not Include: Airfare, daily transportation, Visa or Visa extension fee, airport drop, airport taxes, any personal expenses on food and travel, mineral water and soft drinks, gifts to project staffs and host family, laundry, telephone, immunization.
RCDP will make appropriate provision for your food, room and supervision during the time you volunteer. During the first week of language and cultural immersion program, volunteers stay in RCDP's hostel in Delhi where cooks will prepare a variety of Indian food (Nan, curry, dal, chapatti, rice and pickle). During volunteering programs, volunteers stay with a host family. In the host family, you’ll be offered a clean, simple, and safe accommodation and served 3 local meals a day. While with a host family, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about local culture and you’ll find a warm and welcoming environment. RCDP's staffs will visit or call volunteers while volunteering in every two-four week to check your progress and inquire if you’re satisfied and happy.
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The mission of RCDP-Nepal is to encourage international volunteers to contribute in sustainable community development that benefits the underprivileged and extremely poor. By developing the places and the communities, the volunteers are also developing themselves and learning new perspectives and ideas that will ultimately change their lives.
