India has a population exceeding 1 billion, over 25% of the population is living in poverty. We have links with projects where volunteers can make a real contribution to the people that really need the help - those that are being left behind as India develops economically into a world power.A Gap Year in India presents a great opportunity for you to make a difference to a few peoples lives, and also gives you a great base for travelling around the country and beyond after your placement.All of our placements are based in Madurai which is in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Oyster offers two types of placement that volunteers can choose to work on:

• Teaching: the projects are based in nursery, primary or secondary schools. The schools we use are desperate for volunteers and make good use of you from Day One. Most of the schools operate a system whereby all lessons are taught in English. This is great for the students and also for the volunteers. The students need English to stand a better chance of getting a job that pays well after their final exams. For the volunteers, it means that you can teach other subjects that you have an interest in. As well as English, you could teach IT, Drama, Arts and Crafts, Maths and even French or German! Read our blog for more information.
• Medical Work Experience: This project of ideal for people wanting to gain some medical work experience before starting medical school. Whilst you don't need any prior experience, you do need to be enthusiastic and well motivated.Volunteers shadow a doctor or nurse from a specific hospital department. The type of work that you are allocated will depend on your experience and interests. If you have any interest in a particular department, please do let us know at the earliest possible point. In the past, volunteers have sat in on operations ranging from brain surgery to keyhole surgery! Read our blog for more information.

Whats Included?

• Informal interview and briefing
• Help and advice from our UK office before departure and whilst in India
• Food (3 meals a day) provided by your host family or through a food allowance.
• Advice on obtaining a visa
• Accommodation with a local family (and possibly other volunteers) or in a volunteer flat
• (Optional) flight with flexible return date (modest fee levied by airline for date changes). Approx £800 extra.
• ATOL protection (as long as we book your flights)
• In country induction course on arrival to brief you on local matters and orientate you.
• Airport pick up and transfer to your accommodation
• 24/7 country support and backup
• Full induction to your chosen project - you are not thrown in completely at the deep end!
• Daily transport to your chosen project

What is Excluded?

• All flights (Oyster can book these for you)
• A passport valid for 6 months beyond the end of your placement
• Insurance – we can recommend you a policy (approx £161 for 4 months)
• Visas
• Vaccinations
• Independent travel costs and return to the airport at the end of your stay
• Personal spending money - snacks, drinks, gifts, independent travel     
• All UK travel costs (to the interview, briefing and airport)

No skills or qualifications are required.The volunteer must be friendly and should  have good communication skills.

There are two accommodation options available. We do our best to place volunteers in their preferred choice but during busy times accommodation can be assigned based on availability. The two options are:

• Living in a volunteer flat in Madurai with other volunteers. The flat is comfortable but basic and you should expect to share a room. You will be self catering in the flat but we give you a food allowance which is enough for you to have 3 meals a day.
• Living with a local family that hosts volunteers as their guests; the family will very quickly help you to settle in as part of the family. We find that by living with families volunteers come away with a far greater understanding of the local culture and customs. You should expect to share a room with another volunteer and you will have a western style bathroom. Every household has electricity and running water and there is mobile reception. Wholesome local food will be provided while you are with your host family. Expect lots of exciting and delicious Indian dishes and exotic fruit. Volunteers also have access to the kitchen if you want to make your own drinks and snack

Contact the Organization http://www.oysterworldwide.com/apply.php?applymode=1

Madurai has its own airport that you will fly into (airport code IXM) from either, Mumbai, Chennai or Bangalore. Oyster can book flights for you or you may prefer to book them yourself. You will be met at Madurai airport by one of our representatives, Pradeep Kumar, or Karen Herring.