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.
Caring and Schools/Caring placements

Caring placements are very varied: they include orphanages and day centres for children with mental and physical disabilities and a psychiatric hospital for adults. In some ways caring is more difficult than teaching, because there can be a lack of a firm timetable, and the tasks are less obvious. Lots of initiative will be needed.

You may spend the first weeks wondering what you can do. Get to know your hosts, and try to absorb the much slower pace of life! Try to be sensitive and understanding and work out a timetable which suits you and your host. Most caring placements that involve children include some teaching (the teaching skills course is advisable). Extra curricular skills such as art, music, drama, sports, sewing, cooking, supervising sport are also good to have.
When can I go?

January, February and August/September
Locations

Throughout India
Accommodation

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...