Info

Volunteer in the bustling city of Madurai in Southern India, gain medical experience or work as an English Teacher - no experience required!

Take a Gap Year in India

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.
What will I do in India?

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 accounts written by oyster participants. Check out our 'more information page' for further details.

* 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 accounts written by oyster participants. Check out our 'more information page' for further details.

Getting there

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.

Duration

4 weeks + (ideally 12 weeks)

Start Dates

All year round

Costs / Benefits

Teaching: 4 weeks = £1195, 12 weeks = £1795 (excluding flights)
Medical: 4 weeks = £1295, 12 weeks = £1895 (excluding flights)

Both projects include support throughout including a UK preparation course. Also included is accommodation, food and pick-up from Madurai airport.