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Gap Experience Darjeeling - Gap-Year-India - Africa and Asia Venture
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Gap Experience Darjeeling - Gap-Year-India - Africa and Asia Venture
Gap Experience Darjeeling
Darjeeling Gap Year Experience ‘Teaching English among the Tea Estates’. Live and work in the towns around the Darjeeling Tea Plantations
Where?
Darjeeling nestles between Nepal and Bhutan. (Map) The majority of people are Nepalese and the chief industry is tea cultivation, drying and mixing. Darjeeling, a large hilltop city, lies close to the border with Sikkim to the north. It is an area of great beauty, served by some pretty awful roads and the amazing, famous Darjeeling Hill Railway!
Outline Experience
| 1 week | 12 weeks | 8 days | 3 weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| getting there and orientation (5 days) | teaching English in small schools run by and for Nepalese in Mirik, Kalimpong and Rangbul in the Darjeeling area of West Bengal | safari in Sikkim, trekking and rafting | independent travel around India. See ancient civilisations, desert, mountains, forests and cities.... |
What and Why?
Since the British era, Darjeeling has been as famous for its schools as for its tea. Children from the hotter parts of India were sent to enjoy the cool of the hills. Although many of the British schools are a bit run down, many newer and smaller schools have sprung up.
We work with those who cater largely for the local Nepali population, as well as some boarders from Nepal, which is very close by. English is very important in India - many states do not speak Hindi - and you will help give these children a real start in life, as well as providing a window on the wider world.
Gap Year Living
You will live with about 5 other volunteers in a flat in the town in a reasonably secure spot (actually security is seldom an issue here). You cook and look after yourselves - we provide the house and food allowance. For a few lucky pairs we arrange a stay with a family, which gives them a fantastic window on Nepali life.
There is time at weekends to visit other parts of Darjeeling, ride the hill railway and watch the sunrise (or sunset!) on Kanchenjunga, the third tallest mountain IN THE WORLD!
Now that IS amazing!!
Gap Year Travel
When you leave you will have an 8-day safari in Sikkim. 6 days of trekking to the snows or sightseeing followed by 2 days of white water rafting before leaving to travel around India, with all its myriad sights and sounds, for 3 weeks.
We are sure that you will make lasting friends among the Nepali staff in the schools as well as among your fellow volunteers, and will want to return again and again!
Itinerary l Dates and Costs l Facts l Apply
