Deaf Aid Society Volunteer Project abroad
A volunteer project in India working with the Deaf Aid Society to offer great support to the deaf community in India. Gain work experience while living in India like a local, immersing yourself in cultural activities in the evenings and exploring the country on weekend trips.
Location: Bangalore, India
Duration: 6-12 weeks
This Internship is For: International Undergraduates, Recent Graduates, Sabbatical, GAP Year, Travelers Who Want to Make an Impactful Contribution to India, Those Looking to Learn from the Deaf World in India
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Volunteer Abroad in India with the Deaf Aid Society Day to Day Tasks
A 2 to 6 Week Deaf Aid Society Volunteer Project. India is home to a large population (estimated to be 60 million) of hard to hear and deaf children and adults with little resources to further their education. According to deafness.com, illiteracy, discrimination, and unemployment are all serious problems for the deaf community. Underfunded institutions do not always have the resources to invest in advanced hearing aids and other technology available in other countries. Volunteers offer an immense support system, knowledge sharing, as well as lots of hope for the children. EscapeTo has hosted deaf volunteers, those who know sign language, or those who simply want to learn more about deaf education and empowerment.
Through this internship you will get involved in
Teaching English/Sign Language
Helping at the diagnostic center
Creating visual based exercises and educational games
Fundraising and Deaf Awareness Projects
Sports and games
Interpreting (only if you have knowledge of ASL or BSL)
Uplifting children through art and dance
Teaching basic math or science
Organizing events such as “Skits” for deaf children
Assisting in operations of the center as needed
A Day in the Life of a Deaf Aid Society Volunteer in India
7:30 AM: Breakfast and Get Ready
8:30 AM: Catch a tuk-tuk, walk or metro to your internship
9:00 AM-12:30 PM: Arrive at your Internship and head over to a local farm to help teach organic farming methods
12:30 PM-1:15 PM: Go out for a South Indian lunch with other interns or coworkers
1:15 PM-3:30 PM: Create marketing campaigns for local eco-tourist destinations
3:30 PM: Catch a tuktuk to a local cafe to meet up with local friends or other international interns for coffee
5:30 PM: Watch a classical South Indian dance performance at the theater
7:30 PM: Dinner at a rooftop cafe in the city with other interns and local friends
10 PM: Sleep and rest for the next day at your internship
Program Fees
What’s Included:
Pre-Departure Support: health, culture, safety training and packing, flight and airport pickup guidance
Visa Invitation Letter to India (if needed)
Airport Pickup and Drop Off in India
Welcome Lunch with Community Manager and Other Interns
A Walking tour of immediate neighborhood and downtown Bangalore city
In-Country Orientation
Introductions to Project, and co-workers
24/7 support for health and safety
Guidance on Cultural Activities and Weekend Trips
Reference letter and resume review post internship completion
What’s Not Included:
Flights
Visa
Travel Insurance
Housing
Food
Transportation
All other expenses for shopping, activities or weekend trips
Housing, Food, Transport & Location
Housing
Our international volunteers and interns come from a variety of different backgrounds. Accordingly, we have identified a handful of great housing options during your time abroad. From coliving apartments where you share common spaces with young professionals to homestays and serviced apartments, we can help you choose a housing option that's close to your placement and according to your lifestyle.
Food
Your first welcome meal is on us! After that, depending on your housing arrangement, you may cook meals, eat out or have an in-house cook who prepares breakfast and dinner. Most volunteers/interns like to eat out with their co-workers during lunch as well as on the weekends when they are often traveling.
Transportation
Depending on where your placement is in relation to your housing, you may choose to walk, take an auto rickshaw, Uber or Ola app, or a bus to work everyday. We generally recommend volunteers stay no more than 30 minutes away from workplace in order to reduce commute times. Our team will help orient you to the transportation system in your first few days so that you feel comfortable to try it on your own.
Location
Our programs take place in southern India in a small tech city called Bangalore (Bengaluru). We love living and working here due to the ease of English, incredibly progressive attitude, tons of non-profits, amazing variety of restaurants and cultural activities and close proximity to weekend trips like Kerala, Goa, Hampi and Coorg.
After Work Cultural Activities for International Volunteers
Immerse yourself in the bustling city life and cultural heritage of india with the modern luxuries of a thriving metropolitan city.
Cooking classes to learn to make a variety of vegan Indian dishes
Language classes to learn the Bangalore Kannada vernacular dialect
Dance classes to learn classical Indian dances such as Odissi, Kathak and more
Yoga classes to learn an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety and improve health and fitness
Facts About the Deaf Community in India
About 7.5% of the Indian population suffers from a mental health disorder
There is a 70% treatment gap in India with only 30% being able to receive treatment
The WHO predicts that in 2020 over 20% of the Indian population will suffer from mental illnesses
Weekend Trips
We organize weekend trips for international volunteers around Southern India. You can go houseboating in Kerala, rickshaw through the ruins of Hampi, bask on the golden beaches of Goa, trek through the jungles of Coorg, cafe hop through the French Quarter of Pondicherry, or marvel at the palaces of Mysore.
Kerala
Pondicherry
Goa
Hampi
Coorg
Mysore