Location: Dharamsala - Palampur, India

Date:  22nd - 29th December 2017

fees: $999*

*Vaccinations, Visa fees and Air fair are NOT included

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expenses

Q) How much does the program cost? Are there other expenses?

The program fees (999 USD) cover airport transfer, hotel accommodation, 2 meals, orientation & briefing, local market/area tour, 24/7 coordinator support, 5 days dental checkup camp with full supervision by local team, pickup and transfer to dental camp and return to hotel every day during working days, tea plantations and factory tour, and a certificate of participation.

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Therefore, volunteers will need to provide their own international and domestic air ticket, insurance, and lunch. Disposable diagnostic kits as well as masks and gloves can be supplied by GDSA upon request and will be charged extra.

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An Additional 35 USD could be added to cover:

-Travel Insurance

-Diagnostic kit, gloves, masks etc, provided by the GDSA

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Q) How can I make the payment?

If you are are in the UAE: You can contact your university’s GDSA ambassador and pay them directly. If you don’t know who your ambassador is or how to contact them please DM us on Instagram, Facebook, or through email. 

If you are Outside UAE: You can contact us or pay online using the Paypal button!

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Visa 

Q) Can I get help with visa?

All enrolled participants are provided information on the appropriate Visa requirements for India in the pre-departure manual. You can also contact your pre-departure point of contact to know more about the Visa requirements.

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Q) Will I get a refund if my visa application is rejected?

Yes, of course.

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safety & health

Q) I heard India isn’t safe. Is the location we’re volunteering in safe?

India is a country of diverse cultures and practices. Like in any new foreign country, participants are advised to follow the guidelines specified by the project coordinator to enjoy their Indian experience fully. The program coordinators are always ready to help and give helpful safety tips.During the first day of the orientation, you will be given safety guidelines and will be informed about do's and dont's.

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Q)What vaccines do I need?

Once you’ve registered and made the payment, you will be informed of the immunization steps you need to take.

 

Q)Do I need health insurance?

Yes, for all participants, it is mandatory to have a valid travel medical insurance for their trip. Volunteers have the option to purchase travel and medical insurance at a nominal extra cost from the GDSA. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider.

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If you already have a valid travel and medical insurance, you can email us a copy of the same. It is also advised to bring along the insurance documents during your trip.

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Trip & Arrival

​Q)How long is the trip?

8 days. We plan on arriving in Palampur on the 22nd of December and leaving on the 29th.

 

Q) How can I get to Palampur?

Your flight should take you to Delhi first. From Delhi, you can take a connecting flight to Dharamsala Airport (Airport Code: DHM). Air India and Spice Jet have daily flights between the two cities. You’ll be picked up by the local project coordinator from Dharamsala Airport.

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Volunteers can also choose the option to take the direct overnight bus from Delhi to Palampur. Overnight air-conditioned bus service operates between the two cities. You will be picked up from Palampur bus station and transferred to the hotel.

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Q)What will we do once we arrive?

You’ll be informed of the full itinerary once you register and pay, but the general outline is: rest on the first day followed by visits to hospitals and clinics on the following days.

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Accommodation  & Meals

Q) Where will we be staying?

The GDSA has arranged for hotel accommodation at the RS Sarovar Portico Hotel, set in the heart of the hill station offering magnificent views of the Dhauladhar mountain ranges. Each volunteer will be rooming with another of the same sex and you can choose your roommate if you’re joining with a friend.

 

Q) Are meals provided?

2 meals will be provided at the hotel (lunch and dinner on the day of arrival, and breakfast and dinner on other days)

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free time

Q) Would we have free time to sightsee while we’re there?

Depending on your project placement, you may get evenings and weekends free to travel and explore the place.

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Palampur is a great location for volunteering since you also have ample options for quick weekend getaways. Hill stations like Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, and Manali are nearby which can be visited over the weekend.  Adventure activities like trekking and paragliding can be taken up during weekends. Billing, which is a few kilometers away from Palampur, is a world famous site for paragliding.

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Certificates

Q) Will I get a certificate upon completion of the trip?

Yes, the GDSA will provide you with a certificate after successful completion of the program.