Family-Friendly Teaching and Community Work in Goa

Join one of GoEco’s most-loved programs with your family! Explore the Goa region of India through sightseeing and cultural activities, and lend a hand at two teaching programs.

Program Highlights:

A family-friendly version of one of GoEco’s most-loved programs
Experience authentic Indian culture with an orientation, tours and afternoon activities
Volunteer in meaningful teaching projects with migrant children
Enjoy private accommodations especially for families
Enjoy a Hindi language lesson, cooking lesson, scenic boat ride, Bollywood movie experience and so much more!
One of GoEco’s top 10 choices for family volunteering abroad

Your Schedule at a Glance (One-week commitment):

Arrival Day, Sunday: Welcome to the vibrant shores of Goa! Upon your arrival at Goa International Airport (GOI), our local team will greet you warmly. You’ll be transferred to your family accommodations nestled in the heart of Goa, allowing you some time to relax and feel at home in this tropical paradise.

Days 1 – 5, Monday – Friday: Each day begins with a breakfast, then you’ll dive into our volunteer program. You’ll be working closely with the spirited children of the local community. The day is structured into two shifts—morning and afternoon— with a lunch break in between. Your work will focus on group activities, bringing joy through a variety of sports and games that not only entertain but also foster teamwork and personal growth among the kids.

Your evenings include cultural immersion activities to deepen your connection with Goa’s rich heritage. From language lessons to explorative tours of bustling local markets to visits to the serene beaches nearby, each experience is designed to be fun for families with an appreciation of the local culture.

Day 6, Saturday: Reserve this day for an exclusive family outing. The itinerary includes a morning exploration of the historical treasures within Old Goa City. In the afternoon, a dedicated beach outing to the golden sands of Goa’s famed beaches await you, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and fun under the sun.

Day 7, Sunday: After a week of unforgettable experiences and new friendships, it’s time to bid farewell to Goa. Post-breakfast, our team will ensure your smooth transition from the accommodation to the airport, leaving you with a heart full of memories and a promise of return to this enchanting land.

Location of the Project: Goa, India

Project length: Min 1 week – Max 4 weeks

Arrival Airport: Goa International Airport (GOI)

Volunteer Work: Teaching and community work

Age: This program welcomes families with children of all ages

Number of Volunteers: Up to 10 international volunteers

Important Note: A tourist visa is required to enter India and most volunteers apply online. A visa cannot be obtained for a stay exceeding 180 days.

What’s Included

Accommodations: Private room for families

Food: Three meals per day during the week; two meals per day on the weekend.

Airport Transfers: Airport pickup is provided upon arrival

Orientation: Volunteers will receive a walking tour of Goa and be trained before beginning volunteer work.

Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.

What’s not Included

Flights, visa (required), travel health insurance, some weekend meals, personal expenses.

Location

Goa is the ideal place for first-time travelers, families, and adventurers alike to immerse themselves in a vibrant new culture. Located on India‘s western coast, Goa has long been renowned for its natural beauty and warm, humid climate throughout the year. It’s no mystery why Goa is consistently ranked among India’s top tourist destinations, with its golden sandy beaches, coconut groves, vibrant green paddy fields and dense forests. The mountain ranges and spice plantations further enhance the beauty of this glorious state. Apart from its natural charm, Goa, the former capital of Portuguese India, is home to various UNESCO World Heritage sites, offering a rich tapestry of architectural wonders, including churches, cathedrals, and forts. This volunteer project is in North Goa, in a small countryside village called Saligao, which is about 20 minutes away from the coast.

Volunteer Work

While volunteering as a family on the teaching program in Goa, the local coordinator will tailor an itinerary to suit your family’s interests and schedule. Your activities may include teaching at the Kindergarten School throughout the day and/or participating in the Slum Outreach program for two hours in the evening.

1. Kindergarten School Teaching

Operated by a local Goan family, this kindergarten provides education to over 100 children who cannot afford regular school fees. As a participant, you will engage in creative teaching methods and have the opportunity to learn from experienced staff. This program is ideal for aspiring educators, offering opportunities to teach subjects such as English, music, arts and crafts, and sports.

2. Slum Outreach Program

Dedicated to children aged 3-16 from migrant families living in slums on the city’s outskirts, the Slum Outreach program runs for two hours in the evening. Volunteers interact with the children through games, sports and activities, emphasizing the importance of education and imparting new skills beyond English.

Please note: Summer camps are organized for the children during the months of April and May.

Example of a 1-Week Family Volunteer Itinerary

Meals: B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner

Day	Meals	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Day 1: Sunday	D	Arrival pickup and transfer to the accommodation	Arrival pickup and transfer to the accommodation	Family Accommodation
Day 2: Monday	B/L/D	Volunteering and sports with local kids	Volunteering and sports with local kids	City tour
Day 3: Tuesday	B/L/D	Volunteering and sports with local kids	Volunteering and sports with local kids	Language lesson 1
Day 4: Wednesday	B/L/D	Volunteering and sports with local kids	Volunteering and sports with local kids	Cooking lesson
Day 5: Thursday	B/L/D	Volunteering and sports with local kids	Volunteering and sports with local kids	Language lesson 2
Day 6: Friday	B/L/D	Volunteering and sports with local kids	Volunteering and sports with local kids	Visit to the local market
Day 7: Saturday	B/L/D	Visit to old Goa city	Beach visit	Beach visit
Day 8: Sunday	B	Departure

Please note that the schedule is flexible and may be subject to change. Children are welcome to assist their parents in the class or take part in activities alongside students. Family volunteers can also engage in cultural exchanges and play with the children, fostering a fun and enriching experience for everyone.

Holidays: During school holidays such as Christmas in December, summer break around May/June, Ganesh Festival around Sep, and Diwali around Oct/Nov, the children will be out of school and the Teaching Project will not run. During this time, volunteers will be primarily involved in repairs and renovations and other outreach programs. The Monsoon season may also affect the projects between the months of June and October. Volunteer work also does not take place during national holidays, but you are always welcome to join in the local celebration. We can look at these dates during your application interview and adjust your volunteer program as needed.

Living Arrangements

Internet icon Internet: Wi-Fi is available at the volunteer center.

Laundry icon Laundry: There are laundry services available for an additional fee.

Accommodations icon Accommodations: As a family, you will be accommodated in private double or triple rooms, each equipped with fans or air conditioning and an attached bathroom. Accommodation will be provided in either the volunteer house or a nearby private apartment, depending on availability.

Food icon Food: At the volunteer center, we primarily offer a mix of Western and Indian cuisine, focusing on vegetarian dishes like rice and vegetables. We also provide safe, filtered drinking water. While vegetarian meals are the norm, there may be occasions when non-vegetarian food is served. You also have the option of using the kitchen facilities to cook for yourself or dine at local restaurants. Your family will receive three meals a day, with brunch and dinner provided during weekends, unless otherwise stated in your pre-departure information pack. We understand children can sometimes be picky eaters, and we will do our best to accommodate their preferences. During your application, please inform us of any allergies or dietary requirements you or your children may have. This way, our team leaders and coordinators can make the preparations and special arrangements for you.

Travel Highlights

Culture Week (Highly Recommended): Before your volunteer placement begins, you will enjoy an exciting orientation week designed to familiarize you with the rich Indian art, culture, climate and customs. During this week, you will take part in yoga, language and cooking lessons, join two self-defense classes, as well as travel to many of Goa’s cultural and historical sites, including Old Goa, local temples, a spice plantation and traditional markets. This introduction week covers issues such as adapting to a new culture and culture shock and helps volunteers ease into Indian culture. This is also a great opportunity for you to bond with your fellow volunteers and get to know your surroundings. The orientation program runs from Monday through Friday, giving you the weekend to relax or explore the area on your own before you volunteer at your project. Please note that there is an additional fee for this week.

Program Add-Ons: Consider joining this special program (at an additional fee) before or after your volunteer placement to add another dimension to your experience in India.

Body and Mind Week: Learn about yoga, meditation practices and Ayurveda treatments to improve your health and well-being. Please note that there is an additional fee for this program.