Enrolment form Tibet
Enrolment form please CLICK HERE.

In collaboration with “Asia Horizon”, EXIS arranges language, culture- and volunteer work stays in Tibet. Volunteering is a unique way to discover a country, its culture and people while doing a meaningful job.

You must be at least 18 years old, independent, outgoing, and have the desire to work as a volunteer.

The program starts every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, with arrival in Lhasa Sunday prior to start dates.

Participation may not be possible from December until February because of the low temperatures. You can stay maximum 3 weeks.

The country and culture
Tibet was once a very powerful part of Central Asia, and the Tibetans controlled the silk routes for a long time. Tibet was almost constantly at war with China.

During the 15th century, the name of Dalai Lama was given to the head of state. During the 19th century, Tibet isolated itself from the rest of the world.
After the communist party gained power, China invaded Tibet. Since 1951 Tibet has had to accept being part of China.

In July 2006, the third and most important border between India and China finally reopened. At the beginning of the 20th century, 80 percent of border crossings between China and India took place at an altitude of 4545 m and connected the two countries on the ”silk route”. In July 2006, the world’s highest train track connecting China and Tibet opened. The 1,140 km track passes at altitudes of 5000 m with permafrost.

Link to a map:
http://www.tibet.dk/dalaihis/tibkort.htm

Climate
Varied, dry and cool in the northeast, warm and humid in the southeast.
Link to the weather:
http://www.wunderground.com/global/TB.html

Lhasa temperatures

Work and culture program
This program gives you an opportunity to do voluntary work and to visit unforgettable sights.
Voluntary work takes place in an orphanage near the famous Potala palace on the outskirts of Lhasa, the capital.

Volunteers are picked up at the airport, then briefed by the Tibetan coordinator and accommodated with a local host family or in a hotel.

Following weeks
From their second week, volunteers begin work in a home for orphans, disabled and poor children on the outskirts of Lhasa. Volunteers mainly teach English, but creative classes such as art, music, sports, dance etc are also part of the job.

All sorts of activities that can brighten the childrens’ day and break the monotony of their life are appreciated. Tibet has been isolated from the rest of the world for a long time, and English lessons are much needed. The children know either very little or no English at all.

The teachers make a work schedule and show volunteers how to teach in the Tibetan way. The children are between 6 and 13 years old. Teaching lasts 2 -3 hours per day, 5 days per week. In addition to teaching, volunteers help in the orphanage with daily tasks. Working hours are 20 – 30 hours per week.  

Accomodation
Volunteers are accommodated in single or shared rooms in a hotel and get two meals a day (breakfast and lunch).

Program prices
in Euros, including a week language and culture lessons.

Included in the price

• Pick-up at Lhasa airport.
• Orientation.
• Help and guidance by our coordinator during the entire stay.
• Work in an orphanage.
• Accommodation with a host family or at a hotel with two meals a day.
• Excursions as described.
• Handbook before departure.
• Certificate of participation
  

Not included in the price

• Flight to and from Lhasa.
• Visa fees.
• Pocket money.
• Insurance fees.
• Additional fees for excursions by bus or by train and entrance to museums.
• Extra accommodation in case of early arrival or late departure. (30 USD per night).
• Personal expenses such as extra drinks like bottled water, gifts for host families, souvenirs etc.
• Insurance

Living and working in Tibet is a huge challenge and you will need to adapt. It may seem overwhelming at first to adapt to a completely different way of living, another language and point of view. Things are not as you are used to and people react differently. During work, you will confront a harsh social reality and experience things most tourists cannot even imagine.

Do not expect to find a finished program all prepared when you start working. It helps if you already know how to occupy children with manual work, sports, games, art and music. Use your imagination, be creative and have fun.

Enrolment
You enrol by sending the enrolment form to info@exis.org. Here you tell us when you wish to start and how long you wish to work.

Please add a letter of motivation in English, in which you explain why you wish to work as a volunteer and describe yourself. When we receive your enrolment, we will send confirmation and more details.

Enrolment form Tibet
Enrolment form please CLICK HERE.

Visa
In order to participate, a tourist visa for China is needed. It is unfortunately no longer possible to travel to Nepal and obtain a visa in Katmandu. Volunteers will have to fly to Chengdu in China, where they will receive help with accommodation, visa application and travel to Lhasa. You will receive more information after enrolment.
ŠEXIS ApS June 2009