GROUP PROGRAM

A transformative journey in Dharamshala/India that combines educational service, cultural exchange, and personal growth. Participants will work closely with special education centers and underserved schools, offering classroom support, interactive lessons, and inclusive learning activities. Visits to both private and government schools will provide a deeper understanding of India’s diverse education system, while hands-on volunteering fosters empathy, creativity, and global awareness.

Beyond service, this program offers rich cultural immersion—featuring yoga, henna art, traditional attire, and a visit to a Tibetan NGO to explore refugee history and resilience. With a full-day Triund Trek and an optional 2-day extension to Amritsar (home to the Golden Temple and Partition Museum), this experience blends purpose, adventure, and connection in one unforgettable mission.

Education, Special Education, ESL, Psychology, Social Work and similar

Location:

Dharamshala, India

Duration (in days):

7 days, extendable to 9 days

• Educational & Volunteering Activities

  • Visit to a private school – classroom observations and interaction

  • Visit to a government school – understand resource gaps and local teaching styles

  • Volunteer at special education centers – assist with inclusive learning, art, and motor skills activities

  • Teach or assist in small community schools – support English, math, or creative classes

  • Create educational materials (charts, visuals, posters)

  • Participate in group reflections and debrief sessions

• Cultural Immersion & Workshops

  • Yoga & Meditation session with a local instructor

  • Henna (Mehndi) art workshop

  • Traditional attire day – saree/kurta dress-up and photo session

  • Tibetan cooking class (optional)

  • Visit to a Tibetan NGO or cultural institute – learn about Tibetan refugee history and education efforts

• Exploration & Adventure

  • Triund Trek – full-day hike with Himalayan views and picnic

  • Dharamshala sightseeing:

    • Dalai Lama Temple

    • Tibetan Museum

    • Bhagsu Waterfall

    • Tibetan market & local cafés

• Optional Amritsar Extension (2 Days)

  • Wagah Border Ceremony – India-Pakistan flag ceremony

  • Visit to the Golden Temple – spiritual center of Sikhism

  • Tour of the Partition Museum and Jallianwala Bagh

  • Explore Punjabi street food and local markets

Local Coordinator will be guiding the group

High School Students, College Students, University Students, Professionals

8-20 PAX

Throughout the year, arrival on Sunday is preferred

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation

• Arrival in Dharamshala & check-in at guesthouse

• Welcome & team introductions

• Orientation Session:

  • Indian education system & special education landscape

  • Cultural immersion guidelines

• Group dinner

Day 2: School Exposure Visits

• Morning: Visit to a Private Hospital

  • Classroom observations and teacher Q&A

• Afternoon: Visit to a Government School

  • Identify challenges and teaching approaches in low-resource settings

• Evening: Debrief and cultural discussion

Day 3-5: Volunteer Service in Education

• Special Education Center Volunteering

  • Assist with structured activities for children with disabilities

  • Engage in sensory play, motor skill activities, and art

• Small School Support

  • Co-teach or conduct creative sessions (English, Math, Art)

  • Prepare visual learning aids and classroom materials

• Cultural Workshops (Evenings)

  • Henna Art Workshop

  • Traditional Saree & Kurta Dress-Up with photo session

  • Yoga & Meditation with local instructor

  • Tibetan Cooking Class (optional)

Day 6: Local Sightseeing & Tibetan Community Visit

• Morning:

  • Visit to the Dalai Lama Temple Complex

  • Explore the Tibetan Museum (history of exile and resettlement)

• Afternoon:

  • Visit to a Tibetan NGO or Cultural Institute:
    - Learn about refugee life, education, and preservation of culture
    - Discussion on challenges faced by the Tibetan diaspora

  • Collaborate with local health workers (ASHAs)

  • Mini-clinics or wellness workshops

• Evening: Stroll through Bhagsu Waterfall, local cafes, and Tibetan market

Day 7: Triund Trek (Full-Day Adventure)

• Early morning departure for Triund Trek (moderate, ~6-7 hrs round trip)

• Packed lunch and rest at the summit with panoramic mountain views

• Group photos, nature journaling

• Return in evening for bonfire & farewell dinner

• Final reflection circle and certificate distribution

• Optional Extension: Amritsar (2 Days)

Day 8: Travel to Amritsar

• Drive or train to Amritsar

• Evening: Wagah Border Flag Ceremony

• Explore Amritsar's vibrant bazaars

Day 9: Golden Temple & History Tour

• Early morning visit to Golden Temple & langar kitchen

• Tour Partition Museum and Jallianwala Bagh

• Departure to Dharamshala

3★ guesthouse (twin rooms)

All the meals are included. Veg Indian dishes like chapati, rice, veggies, daal (lentil soup)

Private taxis or vans depending on group size

Kangra Airport (Dharamshala)

• 7 days’ program: 920 Euro per person

• 9 days’ program: 1085 Euro per person

Included: all program activities; private transport; translation support of coordinators, accommodation as described; vegetarian Indian meals, Dharamshala sightseeing entry tickets, guide fees, if extension is added then a 3* hotel in Amritsar, tour guide, transfer and local transport, transfers from and to airport in Dharamshala.

Not included: insurance, personal expenses, other entry tickets not mentioned, any food that isn’t part of the planned meal (non-veg meal for example).

International flight to Kangra Airport. You can opt for arrival to Delhi International Airport with a bus transfer to Dharamshala (extra cost). We can organise pick up from the train station or bus stand.

A comprehensive risk assessment and emergency management plan is available. Coordinators will be accompanying the team in the field and all the sightseeing will be conducted with a professional guide.

That sounds great, but what about my carbon footprint?

Your long-haul flight in economy class emits CO2 into the atmosphere, roughly in the following quantities (according to myclimate.org):