volunteering dharamsala

poppetty · Jun 9th, 2009, 23:45

hello..
i need some leads about how to land a volunteering position in dharamsala,am able to possibly stay for longer than a month.. i understand i would need to find my own accomodation.. my husband is a little wary about my going alone..anyone with any tips on safety issues for single women volunteers. any leads would help, i could teach english/ computers and speak hindi as well.
thanks in advance,
cheers and peace

backseatbrat · Jun 11th, 2009, 21:23

Hi,
Dont worry about safety issues in Dharamsala area, because people are known to be minding their own business most of the time and do not create trouble.General precautions like safety of belongings and staying in a place not too far away from the town applies here too as it does everywhere else.
Try not to carry too many expensive belongings.

On the Volunteering part visit here and try calling them, they need English and computer skills from time to time
http://www.volunteertibet.org/

ciao

Brisso · Jun 15th, 2009, 05:59

Search the site - quite a few threads on safety for women.

McLeodgang is a gentle and quite regular town - no more issues than you would experience at home and perhaps well less.

pinkyparker · Jun 15th, 2009, 06:05

A friend of mine has volunteered in the Pin Vally (Himachel Pradesh) for several summers teaching English to Buddhist nuns. She goes for a month each time. The Jamyang Foundation (www.jamyang.org) has literacy projects going in various places in Northern India. If you can't find a spot to volunteer in Dharamshala, you might look into this worthwhile organization.

Cardinal Divide · Jun 26th, 2009, 10:29

Volunteer Tibet has a new web site www.volunteertibet.org.in

mrsunshine · Jul 5th, 2009, 13:07

poppetty,

I plan to travel to Dharamsala and do some volunteering as well- I am in the US now but will be flying into the Delhi on the 15th- If you would like a travel buddy let me know.

I have not decided on train or bus...
peace.
Mike

poppetty · Jul 5th, 2009, 19:06

hey mike..
i am not sure what month- i need to be in DS by the 4th of september..
thanks

al-jahafi · Jul 5th, 2009, 20:23

Hi Popetty, my best advice is to sort something out when you get there. Volunteer Tibet are notorious for not getting back to people who contact via the website. It's best to go and bang on their door (off Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj)and they'll sort you something out. For teaching, pop in to the LHA office (Temple Road), there's also Rogpa; if you're staying for 2wks+ you can volunteer at the baby centre or cafe, enquire with a lady called Pema at Rogpa Cafe, Jogiwara Road. Also pick up a free copy of Contact Magazine when you get to McLeod, there's loads of info in there too.
With regards to your husband's concerns, I went as a 23 year old single female and was fine. Just the obvious like don't walk alone at night. There's a good community there so make some friends and you'll feel much safer. When I was there, the people I met were really good about walking eachother home at night and looking out for one another.

Astanton · Jul 17th, 2009, 07:30

I was wondering about the average age of volunteers. I am 20 years old (21 in December, and taking a year off from college to travel, and I am curious if if volunteering in Dharamsala would be right for me, in addition to the age question, has anyone had any experiences volunteering that could be useful?

al-jahafi · Jul 17th, 2009, 14:47

The age thing shouldn't be a problem at all, probably no one will even ask your age, everything's very informal. So long as you're keen and are happy to commit a couple of weeks or more (depending on what sort of thing you want to do.

Here are a few of the things you can get involved with:
Clean up Dharamsala (environmental)
Caring for animals - especially local dogs
Teaching English - you can take your own class at LHA, have a one on one student, or even just do conversation classes for an hour a day (so Tibetans can practice their conversational English with you).
Working at the Rogpa baby centre
Working in Rogpa cafe
Writing / proofreading etc for local publications (Tibet post/Tibtean Tribune/Contact magazine...)
Volunteering at the monestary

I was really keen to arrange a volunteering placement before I arrived in McLeod, but didn't have much luck, but it's just because they're so laid back they don't seem to bother with arranging things! it's better just to turn up, speak to a few people, check in Contact magazine for volunteer opportunities, it's really easy, there's so much going on to get involved with, especially for fluent English speakers!

Cardinal Divide · Jul 18th, 2009, 00:58

Astanton, People of all ages volunteer and visit Dharamsala.
LHA has a website. http://www.lhasocialwork.org They offer some services for volunteers for a fee or you can make all of your own arrangements and volunteer for free.
Mcleod Ganj/Dharamsala is a really easy place for westerners. There are tons of guest houses to suit every budget. You can find furnished rooms to rent by the day, week and month. If you are planning to stay a while you can get a room with a small kitchen. There are shops selling everything from necessities to imported goods. You can eat in restaurants geared towards locals or dine out on a variety of international cuisines. There is also a small yet very good local hospital.
If you are a single female staying for a long time be aware that you may be courted by Tibetan guys. This is not a bad thing but if you do consider a relationship take your time and get to know him and his friends. Some guys are just looking for a ticket to the West and others are very sincere. More men escape from Tibet than women so there are a lot of single guys looking for love!
Tibetans are very friendly and easy going in general so it is easy to make platonic friends both male and female. Most Tibetan women don’t drink alcohol but it is fine for western women to do so. If you are invited for a meal in a home bring some big bottles of juice or pop/soda just as we might bring a bottle of wine in the west, as a gift for your host. If it is going to be a drinking party whiskey and beer are popular. If you invite locals out for a meal expect to pay unless they have a very good job. They should reciprocate by inviting you for a meal in their home. Don’t blow your nose or fart in front of Tibetans especially indoors as it is considered bad manners. Even the guys don’t fart in front of others! Wear jeans, trousers and skirts that reach your ankles. Shorter skirts with leggings or tights are not really a good idea. It is a good idea to avoid tank tops and showing cleavage if you want older and more conservative people to feel comfortable in your presence. I always bring fairly nice clothes as most locals are stylish even if they only can afford a few changes of clothing. If you want to wear Tibetan or Indian dress have a local friend help you choose an outfit that fits properly, is age appropriate, and is made of the right fabric. Cotton chuba’s and chuba skirts (Tibetan national costume), which are often for sale in tourist shops, and are often referred to as “cotton silk” have a tendency to shrink and look awful after one washing so synthetic or silk is a better choice. Tibetan aprons are only worn by married women. It’s ok to wear one if you have a boyfriend back home. People will notice and find it strange if you only wear an apron sometimes or if you are married and choose not to wear one. Don’t touch monks because they have taken a vow of celibacy and are not supposed to touch or be touched by women. For men the same applies to nuns. I often forget and shake hands. A good monk will have a lousy hand shake when shaking hands with women. I do have good monk friends who have given a firm hand shake or even a hug when I am leaving to go back to the West. When visiting temples follow the prayer wheels in a clockwise direction. Non Tibetan visitors are not expected or encouraged to do prostrations unless they are practicing Buddhists. Prostrations resemble push ups!
I think that covers the basics. I found it very easy and comfortable to adjust to the cultural differences because there really aren’t that many. When in doubt good western manners go a long way.
Female or male avoid walking alone on paths and quiet roads outside of town for reasons of personal safety. Muggings don’t happen very often but they do occur. Usually the culprits are not locals. Often they are migrants who have been unable to find work.
Be sure to take in the many Indian historic and cultural attractions in the Kangra Valley. There are some great suggestions on http://www.mcllo.com and internet searches will bring up more detailed information on specific places and history.
If you are arriving in Delhi for the first time it is a really good idea to arrange airport pick up through the guest house where you will be staying.

poppetty · Jul 20th, 2009, 19:07

Hey cardinal!
wow, that was pretty extensive and so very informative!
thanks!

linkety · Aug 3rd, 2009, 17:57

Hi Cardinal and al-jahafi, thank you for that information. I too plan to head up to Dharamsala in late Sept/early Oct and this information will be very helpful to me. I am also a solo female traveller and 22; perhaps I will meet some people of my age up there

Jessica

Ajan Provocateur · Aug 27th, 2009, 18:38

Upper Dharamsala, also called McLeod Ganj, the home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in exile.

I was an teacher, course developer, and photographer for Tibet Charity, probably the best funded and organised charity in the town.

Check them out on

Code:

www.tibetcharity.com

They need English teachers, computer teachers, and vets.

Descriptions of the volunteer posts available are on the website.

There are also pictures of the town and a guide to living in McLeod that I helped to develop.

The website is about the charity, which operates in many places in India, yet I honestly think that it still provides the best current online guide to living in McLeod, we did a lot of work.

You can apply for volunteering work online at the website, or email them or contact them once in the town.

I would not recommend Volunteer Tibet, since they have no resources and can't really support you.

There is a daily need for English speaking travellers to provide conversation partners at LHA on Jogibara Road. And other opportunities too.

You will always have to pay for your own accomodation and food. The cheapest decent hotel accomodation in town is at the bottom of the Jongling school steps on the Jogibara road. But those are hotels.
If you know that you will be there at least a month then give the hotels a miss and rent a room instead. There are rooms all over (the kind the Tibetans live in). It will be much cheaper than renting a hotel on a daily basis and will have a kitchen, though you'll have to buy your own calor gas. Tibet Charity has contacts for volunteers who wish to live like that. It is extremely cheap, cooking for yourself reduces costs even further.

So, if you establish yourself in a room you can then offer your services at various charities and even get involved in new initiatives, maybe even ones you set up yourself. But you may want a more substantial gig, a regular teaching post or such like.

in Mc Leod there's a TCV (Tibetan School) in McLeod Ganj you may be able to get involved in as well as Tibet Charity itself, the Tibetan Hospital, the Government in exile etc. The point is that if you really want to volunteer, then go there, get set up in accommodation then find your niche (even some of the monasteries are looking for english teachers for Rimpoches - everyone wants free English!). I know for sure that you coulod teach one to one in people's homes 24 hours a day if you wanted!

Ask around at the local cafes for informnation on long stay rooms or wander down small alleyways off the main road. There are rooms everywhere! The ones in the town are most expensive, 10 minutes walk outside town can see prices halved!

Hutchism · Sep 4th, 2009, 22:36

Hey all.

Should be in Dharamsala about the same time as you. Planning on spending a few months there. Would have PM'd to say hi but can't send PM's yet as I've only made a few posts. Your welcome to PM me First time out of Europe so will be an experience for me. My plans to spend some time in Dharamsala volunteering and then travel around the north on an Enfield. Not sure what it'll be like in the Winter months but I've heard that accommodation is even cheaper during this time which is always a +.

Anyway, hope your trip goes well and maybe I'll see you out there.
Oh yeah I'm 26 and from the UK on a long overdue walkabout.

Jun 9th, 2009, 23:45	#1
poppetty Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: pune, maharashtra, india Posts: 27	volunteering dharamsala hello.. i need some leads about how to land a volunteering position in dharamsala,am able to possibly stay for longer than a month.. i understand i would need to find my own accomodation.. my husband is a little wary about my going alone..anyone with any tips on safety issues for single women volunteers. any leads would help, i could teach english/ computers and speak hindi as well. thanks in advance, cheers and peace

Jun 11th, 2009, 21:23	#2
backseatbrat Rookie Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: "where traffic lights are always Green" Posts: 21	Hi, Dont worry about safety issues in Dharamsala area, because people are known to be minding their own business most of the time and do not create trouble.General precautions like safety of belongings and staying in a place not too far away from the town applies here too as it does everywhere else. Try not to carry too many expensive belongings. On the Volunteering part visit here and try calling them, they need English and computer skills from time to time http://www.volunteertibet.org/ ciao __________________ "Not everyone who wanders is lost"

Jun 15th, 2009, 06:05	#4
pinkyparker Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chicago area Posts: 55	Teaching English at a Buddhist Nunnery A friend of mine has volunteered in the Pin Vally (Himachel Pradesh) for several summers teaching English to Buddhist nuns. She goes for a month each time. The Jamyang Foundation (www.jamyang.org) has literacy projects going in various places in Northern India. If you can't find a spot to volunteer in Dharamshala, you might look into this worthwhile organization. __________________ Journey far..... Walk in Peace.

Aug 27th, 2009, 18:38	#14
Ajan Provocateur Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Latvia Posts: 5	I was a volunteer in McLeod Ganj for 10 months Upper Dharamsala, also called McLeod Ganj, the home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in exile. I was an teacher, course developer, and photographer for Tibet Charity, probably the best funded and organised charity in the town. Check them out on Code: www.tibetcharity.com They need English teachers, computer teachers, and vets. Descriptions of the volunteer posts available are on the website. There are also pictures of the town and a guide to living in McLeod that I helped to develop. The website is about the charity, which operates in many places in India, yet I honestly think that it still provides the best current online guide to living in McLeod, we did a lot of work. You can apply for volunteering work online at the website, or email them or contact them once in the town. I would not recommend Volunteer Tibet, since they have no resources and can't really support you. There is a daily need for English speaking travellers to provide conversation partners at LHA on Jogibara Road. And other opportunities too. You will always have to pay for your own accomodation and food. The cheapest decent hotel accomodation in town is at the bottom of the Jongling school steps on the Jogibara road. But those are hotels. If you know that you will be there at least a month then give the hotels a miss and rent a room instead. There are rooms all over (the kind the Tibetans live in). It will be much cheaper than renting a hotel on a daily basis and will have a kitchen, though you'll have to buy your own calor gas. Tibet Charity has contacts for volunteers who wish to live like that. It is extremely cheap, cooking for yourself reduces costs even further. So, if you establish yourself in a room you can then offer your services at various charities and even get involved in new initiatives, maybe even ones you set up yourself. But you may want a more substantial gig, a regular teaching post or such like. in Mc Leod there's a TCV (Tibetan School) in McLeod Ganj you may be able to get involved in as well as Tibet Charity itself, the Tibetan Hospital, the Government in exile etc. The point is that if you really want to volunteer, then go there, get set up in accommodation then find your niche (even some of the monasteries are looking for english teachers for Rimpoches - everyone wants free English!). I know for sure that you coulod teach one to one in people's homes 24 hours a day if you wanted! Ask around at the local cafes for informnation on long stay rooms or wander down small alleyways off the main road. There are rooms everywhere! The ones in the town are most expensive, 10 minutes walk outside town can see prices halved!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Jun 15th, 2009, 05:59	#3
Brisso Specialist muddler Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Brisbane Posts: 1,084	Search the site - quite a few threads on safety for women. McLeodgang is a gentle and quite regular town - no more issues than you would experience at home and perhaps well less.

Jun 26th, 2009, 10:29	#5
Cardinal Divide Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 202	Volunteer Tibet has a new web site www.volunteertibet.org.in

Jul 5th, 2009, 13:07	#6
mrsunshine Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Canandaigua, New York, -Earth Posts: 21	poppetty, I plan to travel to Dharamsala and do some volunteering as well- I am in the US now but will be flying into the Delhi on the 15th- If you would like a travel buddy let me know. I have not decided on train or bus... peace. Mike

Jul 5th, 2009, 19:06	#7
poppetty Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: pune, maharashtra, india Posts: 27	hey mike.. i am not sure what month- i need to be in DS by the 4th of september.. thanks

Jul 5th, 2009, 20:23	#8
al-jahafi Holly Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: London Posts: 15	Hi Popetty, my best advice is to sort something out when you get there. Volunteer Tibet are notorious for not getting back to people who contact via the website. It's best to go and bang on their door (off Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj)and they'll sort you something out. For teaching, pop in to the LHA office (Temple Road), there's also Rogpa; if you're staying for 2wks+ you can volunteer at the baby centre or cafe, enquire with a lady called Pema at Rogpa Cafe, Jogiwara Road. Also pick up a free copy of Contact Magazine when you get to McLeod, there's loads of info in there too. With regards to your husband's concerns, I went as a 23 year old single female and was fine. Just the obvious like don't walk alone at night. There's a good community there so make some friends and you'll feel much safer. When I was there, the people I met were really good about walking eachother home at night and looking out for one another.

Jul 17th, 2009, 07:30	#9
Astanton Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Boston, USA Posts: 1	I was wondering about the average age of volunteers. I am 20 years old (21 in December, and taking a year off from college to travel, and I am curious if if volunteering in Dharamsala would be right for me, in addition to the age question, has anyone had any experiences volunteering that could be useful?

Jul 17th, 2009, 14:47	#10
al-jahafi Holly Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: London Posts: 15	The age thing shouldn't be a problem at all, probably no one will even ask your age, everything's very informal. So long as you're keen and are happy to commit a couple of weeks or more (depending on what sort of thing you want to do. Here are a few of the things you can get involved with: Clean up Dharamsala (environmental) Caring for animals - especially local dogs Teaching English - you can take your own class at LHA, have a one on one student, or even just do conversation classes for an hour a day (so Tibetans can practice their conversational English with you). Working at the Rogpa baby centre Working in Rogpa cafe Writing / proofreading etc for local publications (Tibet post/Tibtean Tribune/Contact magazine...) Volunteering at the monestary I was really keen to arrange a volunteering placement before I arrived in McLeod, but didn't have much luck, but it's just because they're so laid back they don't seem to bother with arranging things! it's better just to turn up, speak to a few people, check in Contact magazine for volunteer opportunities, it's really easy, there's so much going on to get involved with, especially for fluent English speakers!

Jul 18th, 2009, 00:58	#11
Cardinal Divide Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 202	Astanton, People of all ages volunteer and visit Dharamsala. LHA has a website. http://www.lhasocialwork.org They offer some services for volunteers for a fee or you can make all of your own arrangements and volunteer for free. Mcleod Ganj/Dharamsala is a really easy place for westerners. There are tons of guest houses to suit every budget. You can find furnished rooms to rent by the day, week and month. If you are planning to stay a while you can get a room with a small kitchen. There are shops selling everything from necessities to imported goods. You can eat in restaurants geared towards locals or dine out on a variety of international cuisines. There is also a small yet very good local hospital. If you are a single female staying for a long time be aware that you may be courted by Tibetan guys. This is not a bad thing but if you do consider a relationship take your time and get to know him and his friends. Some guys are just looking for a ticket to the West and others are very sincere. More men escape from Tibet than women so there are a lot of single guys looking for love! Tibetans are very friendly and easy going in general so it is easy to make platonic friends both male and female. Most Tibetan women don’t drink alcohol but it is fine for western women to do so. If you are invited for a meal in a home bring some big bottles of juice or pop/soda just as we might bring a bottle of wine in the west, as a gift for your host. If it is going to be a drinking party whiskey and beer are popular. If you invite locals out for a meal expect to pay unless they have a very good job. They should reciprocate by inviting you for a meal in their home. Don’t blow your nose or fart in front of Tibetans especially indoors as it is considered bad manners. Even the guys don’t fart in front of others! Wear jeans, trousers and skirts that reach your ankles. Shorter skirts with leggings or tights are not really a good idea. It is a good idea to avoid tank tops and showing cleavage if you want older and more conservative people to feel comfortable in your presence. I always bring fairly nice clothes as most locals are stylish even if they only can afford a few changes of clothing. If you want to wear Tibetan or Indian dress have a local friend help you choose an outfit that fits properly, is age appropriate, and is made of the right fabric. Cotton chuba’s and chuba skirts (Tibetan national costume), which are often for sale in tourist shops, and are often referred to as “cotton silk” have a tendency to shrink and look awful after one washing so synthetic or silk is a better choice. Tibetan aprons are only worn by married women. It’s ok to wear one if you have a boyfriend back home. People will notice and find it strange if you only wear an apron sometimes or if you are married and choose not to wear one. Don’t touch monks because they have taken a vow of celibacy and are not supposed to touch or be touched by women. For men the same applies to nuns. I often forget and shake hands. A good monk will have a lousy hand shake when shaking hands with women. I do have good monk friends who have given a firm hand shake or even a hug when I am leaving to go back to the West. When visiting temples follow the prayer wheels in a clockwise direction. Non Tibetan visitors are not expected or encouraged to do prostrations unless they are practicing Buddhists. Prostrations resemble push ups! I think that covers the basics. I found it very easy and comfortable to adjust to the cultural differences because there really aren’t that many. When in doubt good western manners go a long way. Female or male avoid walking alone on paths and quiet roads outside of town for reasons of personal safety. Muggings don’t happen very often but they do occur. Usually the culprits are not locals. Often they are migrants who have been unable to find work. Be sure to take in the many Indian historic and cultural attractions in the Kangra Valley. There are some great suggestions on http://www.mcllo.com and internet searches will bring up more detailed information on specific places and history. If you are arriving in Delhi for the first time it is a really good idea to arrange airport pick up through the guest house where you will be staying.

Jul 20th, 2009, 19:07	#12
poppetty Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: pune, maharashtra, india Posts: 27	Hey cardinal! wow, that was pretty extensive and so very informative! thanks!

Aug 3rd, 2009, 17:57	#13
linkety Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 29	Hi Cardinal and al-jahafi, thank you for that information. I too plan to head up to Dharamsala in late Sept/early Oct and this information will be very helpful to me. I am also a solo female traveller and 22; perhaps I will meet some people of my age up there Jessica

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Anyone who will be in Dharamsala for at least a month.....volunteering ?	Jxlot	Volunteering and Charitable Causes in India	9	Dec 6th, 2003 10:11

Sep 4th, 2009, 22:36	#15
Hutchism Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Shrewsbury UK Posts: 12	Hey all. Should be in Dharamsala about the same time as you. Planning on spending a few months there. Would have PM'd to say hi but can't send PM's yet as I've only made a few posts. Your welcome to PM me First time out of Europe so will be an experience for me. My plans to spend some time in Dharamsala volunteering and then travel around the north on an Enfield. Not sure what it'll be like in the Winter months but I've heard that accommodation is even cheaper during this time which is always a +. Anyway, hope your trip goes well and maybe I'll see you out there. Oh yeah I'm 26 and from the UK on a long overdue walkabout.