Where
Goa, India
When
Departures every week, all year round (excluding holiday closures)
Duration
From 1 week
Accommodation
Shared or private rooms in the volunteer house, with meals included
Language
Basic English is enough
Ideal for
Anyone who's curious to try teaching in different settings and live alongside a real local community
Project details
In Goa, the project supports a community kindergarten and an outreach programme, giving the kids what they often go without: attention, things to do and time to grow
In Goa, many families live in tough conditions and aren't always able to give their children steady schooling or a structured place to learn. To respond to that, a community kindergarten and afternoon activities run in the low-income neighbourhoods, welcoming the youngest kids with play, music, sport and basic teaching.
The project meets a real need, creating chances to learn and to be part of something. As a volunteer, you'll work alongside the local staff at the kindergarten in the mornings and join the outreach work in the neighbourhoods in the afternoons, bringing energy, creativity and shared time.
That way the kids get to grow with curiosity and confidence, while you get one of the most grounded cultural experiences India has to offer.
The project meets a real need, creating chances to learn and to be part of something. As a volunteer, you'll work alongside the local staff at the kindergarten in the mornings and join the outreach work in the neighbourhoods in the afternoons, bringing energy, creativity and shared time.
That way the kids get to grow with curiosity and confidence, while you get one of the most grounded cultural experiences India has to offer.
Teach and play with kids in Goa
In Goa, the project supports a community kindergarten and an outreach programme, giving the kids what they often go without: attention, things to do and time to grow
In Goa, many families live in tough conditions and aren't always able to give their children steady schooling or a structured place to learn. To respond to that, a community kindergarten and afternoon activities run in the low-income neighbourhoods, welcoming the youngest kids with play, music, sport and basic teaching.
The project meets a real need, creating chances to learn and to be part of something. As a volunteer, you'll work alongside the local staff at the kindergarten in the mornings and join the outreach work in the neighbourhoods in the afternoons, bringing energy, creativity and shared time.
That way the kids get to grow with curiosity and confidence, while you get one of the most grounded cultural experiences India has to offer.
The project meets a real need, creating chances to learn and to be part of something. As a volunteer, you'll work alongside the local staff at the kindergarten in the mornings and join the outreach work in the neighbourhoods in the afternoons, bringing energy, creativity and shared time.
That way the kids get to grow with curiosity and confidence, while you get one of the most grounded cultural experiences India has to offer.
Why participate
Help kids on their way
Support the youngest kids with games, creative play and basic lessons that add something to their daily routine.
Why participate
Help kids on their way
Support the youngest kids with games, creative play and basic lessons that add something to their daily routine.
See India up close
It's not just beaches and tourism: you'll experience Goa from the inside, getting to know daily life and the traditions of a local community.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
Monday to Friday, mornings are at the kindergarten, with games, English, music and creative activities with the youngest kids.
Afternoons are for outreach in the neighbourhoods, with educational games and informal lessons. Evenings leave space to relax, chat or plan the next day's activities together with the other volunteers.
07:30Breakfast and getting ready for the day
09:00Kindergarten activities: English, games, music and creative play
12:00Break and lunch at the centre with the other volunteers
14:00Neighbourhood outreach: educational activities and group games with the kids
18:30Back at the centre, shower, shared dinner and free time
21:00Lounge time, chats or prepping the next day's activities
Weekend
Weekends are free of set activities. You can explore the area, plan a short trip, or just take it easy with the other volunteers.
Beach time at Agonda or Arambol
Stretch out in the sun or swim in the calm waters of some of Goa's prettiest, quietest beaches.
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FAQs
🌴 Your home in Goa
You'll stay at the volunteer centre, a simple but welcoming place in a quiet area, not far from the beaches and local villages. It's a meeting point for people from all over, where you'll live, cook and grow together.
🛏️ Rooms and comfort
• Shared rooms (2–4 people), separated by gender
• En-suite bathroom with hot shower
• Beds with linen provided and fan in the room
• No air conditioning or mosquito nets, bring a good repellent and a travel mosquito net if you like
• Rooms aren't lockable: use a personal padlock or a money belt for your valuables
🍽️ Meals
• 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at weekends
• Vegetarian Indian cooking: rice, vegetables, spices and local flavours
• Occasional simple Western dishes
• Filtered water, tea, coffee and milk always available
• You can use the kitchen if you fancy making something of your own
🌿 Common spaces
• Dining room and lounge for shared moments
• Small library and a garden with palms, for reading or relaxing
• An international, easy-going feel: the heart of community travel
💬 Living the community
The centre isn't a resort: it's a shared home for travellers. Between dinners together and evening chats under the stars, Goa becomes more than a destination, it becomes a memory you'll keep 🌺
You'll stay at the volunteer centre, a simple but welcoming place in a quiet area, not far from the beaches and local villages. It's a meeting point for people from all over, where you'll live, cook and grow together.
🛏️ Rooms and comfort
• Shared rooms (2–4 people), separated by gender
• En-suite bathroom with hot shower
• Beds with linen provided and fan in the room
• No air conditioning or mosquito nets, bring a good repellent and a travel mosquito net if you like
• Rooms aren't lockable: use a personal padlock or a money belt for your valuables
🍽️ Meals
• 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at weekends
• Vegetarian Indian cooking: rice, vegetables, spices and local flavours
• Occasional simple Western dishes
• Filtered water, tea, coffee and milk always available
• You can use the kitchen if you fancy making something of your own
🌿 Common spaces
• Dining room and lounge for shared moments
• Small library and a garden with palms, for reading or relaxing
• An international, easy-going feel: the heart of community travel
💬 Living the community
The centre isn't a resort: it's a shared home for travellers. Between dinners together and evening chats under the stars, Goa becomes more than a destination, it becomes a memory you'll keep 🌺
🛡️ Safety and support
In Goa the watchword is calm 🌴 Each programme is selected and looked after carefully, so you can settle into a safe, welcoming, well-run setting, both at the centres and at the volunteer house.
🔹 Background checks
All volunteers need to provide a criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) before travelling. We'll send the instructions for getting it: a small step that gives everyone peace of mind.
🔹 Strong safety standards
• Centres and schools with long experience hosting volunteers
• Quiet, safe areas
• Controlled access with local staff on hand
• Partners that host volunteers from all over the world properly
🔹 24/7 support
From the moment you arrive in Goa to your trip home, you'll have local team support, evenings and weekends included. And if you need it, our UK team is always reachable on WhatsApp 🌐
🔹 Briefing and orientation
Before you travel, we'll send a full guide with practical tips on safety and local life. On day one, you'll join an orientation day to pick up the culture and the basics of community living.
🔹 A few sensible habits
✔ Avoid going out on your own at night
✔ Plan trips out with the other volunteers
✔ Always follow the local coordinators' advice
💡 Our aim
A safe, positive setting, so you can focus on what really matters: spending time, learning and growing through the experience in India 🇮🇳
In Goa the watchword is calm 🌴 Each programme is selected and looked after carefully, so you can settle into a safe, welcoming, well-run setting, both at the centres and at the volunteer house.
🔹 Background checks
All volunteers need to provide a criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) before travelling. We'll send the instructions for getting it: a small step that gives everyone peace of mind.
🔹 Strong safety standards
• Centres and schools with long experience hosting volunteers
• Quiet, safe areas
• Controlled access with local staff on hand
• Partners that host volunteers from all over the world properly
🔹 24/7 support
From the moment you arrive in Goa to your trip home, you'll have local team support, evenings and weekends included. And if you need it, our UK team is always reachable on WhatsApp 🌐
🔹 Briefing and orientation
Before you travel, we'll send a full guide with practical tips on safety and local life. On day one, you'll join an orientation day to pick up the culture and the basics of community living.
🔹 A few sensible habits
✔ Avoid going out on your own at night
✔ Plan trips out with the other volunteers
✔ Always follow the local coordinators' advice
💡 Our aim
A safe, positive setting, so you can focus on what really matters: spending time, learning and growing through the experience in India 🇮🇳
🧭 Orientation day
Your time in Goa starts with a special Monday: a day full of new things, smiles and local moments to welcome you to India 🇮🇳
During orientation, the local team will show you around and share everything you need to settle in:
• Welcome meeting and intro to the programme and house rules
• Practical advice on health, safety and Indian cultural habits
• Intro to Goa, between Portuguese influences and local traditions
• Visit to a spice plantation and your project placement along the way
• Tour of Old Goa with its UNESCO churches and colonial feel
• Evening walk through the market for your first bits of shopping and a feel of local life
• Tech tip: you can pick up an eSIM before you travel through Airalo, so you're online from day one!
Orientation is also the right moment to meet the group, swap motivations and start to feel part of a small new family.
📌 After orientation
From Tuesday morning you'll be into the placement activities, already with confidence and the right dose of enthusiasm.
Your time in Goa starts with a special Monday: a day full of new things, smiles and local moments to welcome you to India 🇮🇳
During orientation, the local team will show you around and share everything you need to settle in:
• Welcome meeting and intro to the programme and house rules
• Practical advice on health, safety and Indian cultural habits
• Intro to Goa, between Portuguese influences and local traditions
• Visit to a spice plantation and your project placement along the way
• Tour of Old Goa with its UNESCO churches and colonial feel
• Evening walk through the market for your first bits of shopping and a feel of local life
• Tech tip: you can pick up an eSIM before you travel through Airalo, so you're online from day one!
Orientation is also the right moment to meet the group, swap motivations and start to feel part of a small new family.
📌 After orientation
From Tuesday morning you'll be into the placement activities, already with confidence and the right dose of enthusiasm.
✈️ Recommended arrival
For an easy start, we'd recommend booking a flight into one of Goa's two airports: Dabolim International Airport (GOI) or Mopa Airport (GOX). Our pickup runs every Sunday between 06:00 and 24:00, so a member of the local team will be at the meeting point waiting for you.
📍 Meeting point
Dabolim (GOI): after passport control and customs, stay on the same level and head to ENTRANCE 2. Our coordinator will be there with a sign. Don't move, they'll stay put at that spot.
Mopa (GOX): we'll send you up-to-date instructions by email after you confirm your booking.
Arriving by land: you can also arrange to meet at Mapusa bus station, again on Sunday (06:00 to 24:00).
🕒 Transfer time
Airport to centre: about 45 minutes by car.
Mapusa station to centre: about 15 minutes by car.
💡 Arriving outside the set hours
If you arrive too early (before 06:00 on Sunday), you can book an extra night with a paid pickup, or make your own way to the meeting point.
If you arrive late (after 24:00): not ideal, but possible on request with a special pickup (extra cost), or by making your own way in a prepaid taxi (around 1500 INR or under, agreed before you travel). In that case, our staff will refund the taxi cost when you arrive.
🧭 If you can't spot our staff straight away
Don't leave the meeting point. Call or WhatsApp the emergency numbers in your confirmation email.
🚖 Heading home: return tips
Check-out from the Goa centre is by 12:00 on Saturday. The return transfer isn't included, but our staff can help you book a taxi or point you to the nearest bus station.
We'd recommend booking your return flight from Saturday afternoon onwards, so you can leave the centre at your own pace and get to the airport without stress.
🗓️ Carrying on with your travels?
If you're thinking of travelling on around India, let us know in advance and we'll happily share useful tips on transport, places nearby and practical bits.
💡 Once your booking is confirmed
We'll email you a detailed pack with all the up-to-date info, contacts for the local team and step-by-step instructions for your arrival.
For an easy start, we'd recommend booking a flight into one of Goa's two airports: Dabolim International Airport (GOI) or Mopa Airport (GOX). Our pickup runs every Sunday between 06:00 and 24:00, so a member of the local team will be at the meeting point waiting for you.
📍 Meeting point
Dabolim (GOI): after passport control and customs, stay on the same level and head to ENTRANCE 2. Our coordinator will be there with a sign. Don't move, they'll stay put at that spot.
Mopa (GOX): we'll send you up-to-date instructions by email after you confirm your booking.
Arriving by land: you can also arrange to meet at Mapusa bus station, again on Sunday (06:00 to 24:00).
🕒 Transfer time
Airport to centre: about 45 minutes by car.
Mapusa station to centre: about 15 minutes by car.
💡 Arriving outside the set hours
If you arrive too early (before 06:00 on Sunday), you can book an extra night with a paid pickup, or make your own way to the meeting point.
If you arrive late (after 24:00): not ideal, but possible on request with a special pickup (extra cost), or by making your own way in a prepaid taxi (around 1500 INR or under, agreed before you travel). In that case, our staff will refund the taxi cost when you arrive.
🧭 If you can't spot our staff straight away
Don't leave the meeting point. Call or WhatsApp the emergency numbers in your confirmation email.
🚖 Heading home: return tips
Check-out from the Goa centre is by 12:00 on Saturday. The return transfer isn't included, but our staff can help you book a taxi or point you to the nearest bus station.
We'd recommend booking your return flight from Saturday afternoon onwards, so you can leave the centre at your own pace and get to the airport without stress.
🗓️ Carrying on with your travels?
If you're thinking of travelling on around India, let us know in advance and we'll happily share useful tips on transport, places nearby and practical bits.
💡 Once your booking is confirmed
We'll email you a detailed pack with all the up-to-date info, contacts for the local team and step-by-step instructions for your arrival.
Book your spot
1
Send your application (free)
Pick the project you like the look of and tell us when you'd like to travel. No commitment, the application is free and non-binding.
2
Meet your coordinator
After your application, we'll put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They'll walk you through everything and answer your questions.
3
Confirm your spot
When you're ready, pay the deposit to lock in your spot. You'll get everything you need: local contacts, a visa guide and your pre-trip pack.
4
Off you go
Pack your bag and travel. On arrival you'll find other travellers like you, a welcoming local team, and a trip you'll be talking about for a while.
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