College Students
Use your summer or winter break to learn what classroom teaching feels like — perfect for education, social work, and liberal-arts majors.
Volunteer with MyPragati
Build Communities,
Build Communities,
Build Your Career: Summer in the Himalayas
2 to 8 week immersive programs in education and community development, based in Lower Aloo Bari Busty, Darjeeling.
In the village
What you'll do
A real, hands-on rotation across teaching, treks, storytelling, and community projects — not a passive observation trip.
Teach in our classrooms
Lead daily lessons in English, math, science, or arts for students in Class II–X alongside our local tutors.
Support YodaTreks
Help guide students on local nature walks and weekend treks that build confidence and connection to the land.
Storytelling & content
Capture photos, write field notes, and tell the stories of the village to help us reach more supporters worldwide.
Infrastructure projects
Pitch in on small build projects — classroom paint days, a new bookshelf, the community kitchen, solar repairs.
Weekend Himalayan treks
Every weekend, explore the Eastern Himalayas with your cohort — Sandakphu, Tiger Hill, monastery walks, and more.
Live with the community
Share meals, festivals, and chai with host families — the most transformative part of the program.
Is this you?
Who should apply
No prior teaching or development experience needed. We just look for curious, kind, dependable people.
Gap-Year Travellers
Slow down between school and university with a structured immersion that combines purpose, mountains, and people.
Early-Career Professionals
Take a meaningful sabbatical, sharpen your leadership and communication skills, and reset in the hills.
Social-Impact Enthusiasts
Get hands-on with grassroots development — fundraising, programs, monitoring — and see how a small NGO actually runs.
Pick your length
Program options
Three program lengths — same village, same family, same purpose. Pick what fits your schedule.
2-Week Sprint
A focused taste of village life
₹ 28,000
all-inclusive in Darjeeling
14 days
What's included
- Shared accommodation
- Three meals a day
- Local transport
- One weekend trek
- Completion certificate
What's not included
- Travel to/from Darjeeling
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
4-Week Immersion
The classic MyPragati experience
₹ 48,000
all-inclusive in Darjeeling
28 days
What's included
- Shared accommodation
- Three meals a day
- Local transport
- Two weekend treks
- Completion certificate
- Letter of Recommendation*
What's not included
- Travel to/from Darjeeling
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
8-Week Fellowship
Lead a project end-to-end
₹ 80,000
all-inclusive in Darjeeling
56 days
What's included
- Shared accommodation
- Three meals a day
- Local transport
- Four weekend treks
- Completion certificate
- Letter of Recommendation*
- Personal project ownership
What's not included
- Travel to/from Darjeeling
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
No surprises
What's included & what's not
Included in the program fee
- Shared accommodation in Darjeeling
- Three meals a day, prepared locally
- Local transport during program activities
- One weekend Himalayan trek
- Completion certificate
- Letter of Recommendation (conditional, 4-week+)
× What's not covered
- Travel to and from Darjeeling
- Personal expenses (laundry, snacks, souvenirs)
- Travel insurance (mandatory — purchase your own)
- Visa fees (international applicants)
How it works
Application process
From the moment you apply to landing in Darjeeling, here is what to expect.
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1
Apply
Fill the form below — takes about 15 minutes.
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2
Interview
20-minute video call within 7 days of applying.
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3
Acceptance
We'll confirm your spot within 3 days of the call.
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4
Deposit
A 25% refundable deposit holds your seat.
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5
Pre-arrival
Onboarding pack, packing list, and your host family details.
Common questions
FAQ
Can't find your question? Email volunteer@mypragati.in and we'll get back within two days.
Is Darjeeling safe for international volunteers?
Yes — Darjeeling is one of the safer hill regions in India and our village is well-known to local authorities. We provide 24/7 emergency contacts and host families look out for you like family.
What does the accommodation look like?
Shared rooms (typically 2 to 4 volunteers per room), clean attached bathrooms, hot water, electricity, and Wi-Fi for a couple of hours each evening. Linens and basic toiletries are provided.
What kind of food can I expect?
Three home-cooked meals a day — primarily Indian and Nepali cuisine (rice, dal, vegetables, momos, thukpa). Vegetarian by default; vegan and gluten-free can be arranged with notice.
Do I need a visa?
International volunteers should travel on a tourist visa for stays up to 60 days. We provide an invitation letter on request to support your application.
What is the refund policy?
Cancel 30+ days before your start date for a full refund of your deposit minus a small admin fee. Cancellations within 30 days are non-refundable, but the deposit can be transferred to a future cohort.
What should I pack?
Layered clothing (it gets chilly even in summer at 2,000m), good walking shoes, a rain jacket, a refillable water bottle, a power bank, and any prescription medication. We send a full packing list once you are accepted.
How fit do I need to be for the treks?
Moderately fit — you should be comfortable walking 4–6 hours over hilly terrain. Treks are optional and we always offer easier alternatives.
Do I need teaching experience?
Not at all. We pair you with our local tutors and give you orientation in your first week. Enthusiasm matters more than credentials.
Will I get a Letter of Recommendation?
Volunteers on the 4-week and 8-week programs receive a personalised LOR on completing the program and submitting a short reflection report.
Can I extend my stay?
Yes — subject to cohort capacity and visa validity. Let us know in your interview and we'll work it out.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes. Please purchase a policy that covers medical evacuation in remote areas before you arrive — we will ask to see it on day one.
Are there age restrictions?
Volunteers must be 18 or older. There is no upper age limit — our oldest volunteer so far was 67!
Ready?
Apply now
It takes about 15 minutes. We read every application and reply within a week.