Women's Empowerment Programs

  India

Chennai (Madras)

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Throughout the year

Description: Women's empowerment is a major social issue in India. ELI works with several organizations in Chennai devoted to empowering marginalized women. The organizations have evolved from relief/welfare organizations to organizations emphasizing empowerment through development and capacity building. Interns can get involved in projects in their particular field of interest. Participants will learn about the processes of mobilizing self help groups, fieldwork, documentation, and the challenges many women face everyday. The organizations also operate shelters for abused women. Interns and volunteers are encouraged to spend time with the women in the shelters in order to gain a more personal understanding of the women.

Highlights: All ELI programs are set up on a completely individual basis and tailored to the individual skills and requests of each participant.

The ELI programs in India are all in South India. These programs are a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultures of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Cost in US$: Two week programs start at US $925

Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Chennai and provided with transportation to the hostel where orientation takes place

In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a two to three day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Chile. Spanish classes are also provided.

In-country Staff Support: ELI's India coordinator has years of experience working with visitors to India. He is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

Accommodations: Participants stay in housing associated with the organization and are provided with three vegetarian meals a day

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range: 18 and up

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to India Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2001