[Lexiconic]

Hello!

First post here, so a little nervous o.O. I am looking at taking another year out (drama school waiting game is fuuun) and was hoping to do some teaching in India, specifically in Darjeeling. I went there a few years ago on a family holiday and would love to return for an extended time. Im also a vegetarian with coeliac disease (gluten intolerance) and the Indian diet is far better than most other countries for me.

I had a look at this: http://www.aventure.co.uk/India-Darjeeling-Venture.html

But it is very expensive and does not include much, could anyone give me any advice of where to look or which companies to go with?

Thanks

Lex

[Origami Bullets]

If you're feeling adventurous, then perhaps you could think about going it alone? English is quite widely spoken in India, but native English speakers are in demand. You might have some luck if you simply email some schools and ask them if they would allow you to volunteer as a language assistant.

Although flights to India aren't cheap, the cost of living there is incredibly low, and you wouldn't spend £28 a week there, never mind £28 a day. All you are paying for with a company such as the above is the convenience of them organising it for you, and the reassurance of being able to phone someone for help. If you lived in a backpacker's hostel (obviously you'd have to establish the location of those before trying to contact schools), then you'd also be able to make friends with Westerners, and hostel staff are always happy to point you in the right direction if you need something.

India is a beautiful place, and despite the sometimes unusual shopping experiences (I once went to a shop where you had to visit four desks when purchasing an item - if I remember rightly, one to select the item, another to have it ticked off the inventory, another to pay, and another to have it wrapped!! Sanitary items are also seen as something to blush over, and often hidden away under the counter!) you can have a great time. Be aware that some sexual harassment is common (it's called 'eve teasing'), and remember to cover up suitably.

Edit: if you're going to neg, then at least say why...

[Origami Bullets]

PS forgot to mention that if you were to decide to go the independent route, then a TEFL certificate would help substantially.

[Lexiconic]

Thanks so much for the reply! I am still quite young and I'm not sure I would feel safe going it alone. I have had a further look at the places on offer and now think that either India or Nepal would be amazing.

Thanks again for the advice

[Aaron_xyz]

Are you white?

[Lexiconic]

Yes I am white.

[sunny103]

(Original post by Lexiconic)
Thanks so much for the reply! I am still quite young and I'm not sure I would feel safe going it alone. I have had a further look at the places on offer and now think that either India or Nepal would be amazing.

Thanks again for the advice

I plan on going too!! When are you going??

[Lexiconic]

Hoping to go in Feb of next year! Thinking of teaching English in a monastery in Nepal

[Aaron_xyz]

(Original post by Lexiconic)
Yes I am white.

Then you will have no problems getting teaching jobs, good luck.

[sunny103]

(Original post by Lexiconic)
Hoping to go in Feb of next year! Thinking of teaching English in a monastery in Nepal

Yeah I'm stuck between that or India- ah no ideaaa what to do.

[J.Nalbandian14]

India is cool


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App