“My experience was amazing. From start to finish, I felt so warmly welcomed into the culture as a visitor from when I landed to being in a couple hotels and traveling with drivers. Everyone was wonderful and curious and kind. The school was overwhelmingly heartfelt and captivating. The students there have my heart. I would do this again, but my time there was not long enough. I would not recommend less than 8 weeks (as indicated on the website), but it was all I could do. It took me weeks to adjust and feel like I finally had a grip on all of it, and then I was planning to leave. Maybe a 2nd trip for that length of time would be ok since I already know what to expect. I recommend it for anyone who has the passion to do this!

Anything Else?
Just.. thank you, HELP, for providing the opportunity and the guidance. I am so thrilled that I had this experience.

HELP Assessment
How helpful were your briefing materials?
Very helpful! Very informative.

How helpful was the TEFL starter pack?
Pretty good, especially if the volunteer is a new teacher, I think.

What do you think of HELP?
I chose HELP after searching for a very long time for the right opportunity for myself. Nothing ever seemed to feel just right, until I came to HELP’s page and read about the opportunity to volunteer. I immediately felt how genuine and true this organization is to the value and well-being of the schools and communities that are supported. I felt like I was joining a very ethical and true organization that was founded on true passion for people and education. I have felt supported and encouraged from the start, and I’m just grateful for the opportunity through HELP.”

Kathleen Kressly: West Bengal, 2019

HELP is rare for an organisation offering volunteer teaching in that it puts the needs of the local people before the desires of the western person wanting ‘the experience’.
Alastair SkeffingtonSaraswatimata Yumahangma English School