Aims and Objectives

RIAES offers alternative break programs for universities or groups of students who are interested in spending one-two weeks of their winter, spring, or summer breaks volunteering in a developing country. We offer four programs designed to give you an opportunity to make a significant impact in impoverished Indian communities, gain experience in a developing country, and take in the rich and magical cultural experience offered by Indian people, food, and traditions.

Alternative Break programs are designed for groups of 10-15 students and can be customized to suit the needs of your group. Each trip begins with an orientation including cultural dos/don'ts, basic Hindi phrases, and a tour of the local area. We also offer to help provide further issue education by coordinating lectures by local university professors and issue experts.

Medical / Dental: (Designed for students pursuing degrees in health-related fields) There is a great need for both treatment and education on community health and medical issues in Palampur and around India. Volunteers will participate in community education programs, tour local private and government hospitals, assist with dental and medical camps at local government schools, and volunteer with local community based doctors.

Environmental Awareness: In this region of India, the views are stunning-majestic mountains, sweeping fields and lush forests. However, environmental degradation poses a major threat, as the result of deforestation by local hillside tribes, and a general lack of waste management options, leading to widespread littering. Volunteers will provide much needed assistance by participating in environmental clean-ups, planting trees in deforested mountainous regions, and providing environmental education to local school children and community members.

Education & Youth Development: As India continues to make efforts to raise the standard of living of its residents, educational disparity is still one of the most prevalent obstacles to advancing. Volunteers will tutor at a school for mentally handicapped children, help teach English classes at a local school, and work on special projects at the school depending on the time of the visit.

Housing & Food: We will arrange housing for our volunteers either at our volunteer house or in other local accommodations dependant upon the timing of the trip. A cook will make three meals each day and is able to accommodate both vegetarian and nonvegetarian food.

Transportation: The trip from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi will either be by plane to Dharamshala (approximately 1 hour drive from Palampur) or by train/bus (10 hour journey), depending upon the time of arrival and air/train schedules. RIAES will provide local transportation to and from volunteer sites and for local excursions.

Flights to India: If you require assistance, we can help arrange flights from any major US/European city into IGI Airport in Delhi.

Excursions: The group will have at least one “day off” to explore the beautiful local area. We are happy to organize trekking, shopping, sightseeing and visits to any number of local attractions. RIAES will also provide local guides for the group who speak Hindi and know the area well.

Cost: The approximate per person cost for a 10 day trip is between $200 and $300, not inclusive of airfare from your location to India. This covers transportation from IGI airport, housing, food, local transportation, and some recreational excursions. We are able to offer the name of travel agents who can assist in booking your international flights, which are usually range (round trip) from $900 to $1400, for major US/European cities to New Delhi.
For more information about coordinating an alternative break trip for your group, email info@riaes.org.in
Include your name and contact information, approximate dates you would like to volunteer, the size of your group, where you will be coming from, and the issues that interest you most so we can do our best to meet your needs.

We look forward to hearing from you!