Lattitude placements suit individuals with a can-do attitude who are willing to make the most of their placement and above all enjoy it. We especially look for volunteers with interests in extra-curricular activities such as sports or music.

For applicants from the UK, we have a number of bursary schemes available for volunteers from a variety of backgrounds.

Our bursary scheme and funded placement projects reduce the barrier of cost for young people experiencing financial problems. They are designed to help young people who would not otherwise be able to afford to go.

Almost every adjective you care to use applies to India. It is both unpredictable and full of contradictions. Visitors come to relish its complex variety. India is a country that can both fascinate and frustrate. Those patient and ready to listen will learn a lot from this ancient civilisation and make many new friends. Volunteers find it a landmark in their lives, an opportunity to rethink many of their ideas and beliefs and plans for the future.
Schools/teaching assistant placements

Schools placements vary enormously: ranging from a few boarding schools to poorly resourced community schools; from large secondary schools to small primary schools; from Hindu ashrams to Christian missions; and from relatively remote rural areas to city centres. Education is greatly valued in India and the children are generally enthusiastic and affectionate.

The standard of English varies and volunteers may work with colleagues who speak little or none though the Principals are usually fluent. In all classroom teaching much is left to the volunteer teacher’s initiative. Volunteers must be ready to use their own enthusiasm and skills, produce their own teaching aids and have the confidence to work with often large groups of children. The Teaching Skills course will help you prepare.
When can I go?

January, February, March and August.
Locations

Throughout India

Host organisations generally provide board and lodgings either in a separate room on the premises or in a flat or nearby guesthouse. Living conditions vary, though are often very basic - a bucket shower and squat toilets are the norm and if indeed available hot water is often unreliable.
Qualities / skills required

Volunteers should enjoy communicating. Some placements may be fairly unstructured, as activities can take second place to prayers and rituals. Volunteers need to be self-starters and well motivated. Friendliness, enthusiasm and resourcefulness are essential qualities. In addition to most doing a one-week TEFL/Teaching Skills Course, experience of working with children helps. You will need to be committed with a caring attitude, with ‘stickability’ and a keen sense of humour!

0845 344 7500

Lattitude Global Volunteering has placed over 25,000 17- 25 year olds in volunteer projects since 1977. We are passionately concerned about the issues facing us all in the world and about the positive impact on the communities in which we volunteer. Lattitude is an organisation with attitude. Responsible, exciting, different...