Volunteer Rules and Regulations

Before you book your flight there are a few things you need to sort out. The first and most important is a recent clear police check.

In order to assist us,  we ask you to comply with the following policies:

Confidentiality

You will be privy to sensitive information during your time with ETI and we therefore ask you to sign a confidentiality form as part of your induction.

Dress Code

Please always wear suitable clothing whilst around our staff and children. We will provide two orange ETI t-shirts; these must be worn at all times while on duty,  with either three quarter or long trousers or skirts (not miniskirts). No very short shorts or vest tops are allowed whilst on duty.  Please see the Packing section of this guide for further guidance on clothing. When on beach duty, ladies should wear either a one piece swimsuit or a suitable top over your bikini with shorts. Men should wear swimming shorts and not trunks. Please remove your shoes when entering our schools.

Holidays

We know that some volunteers spend time with us as part of a longer trip to India and that they often wish to visit other parts of Goa whilst they are with us. If that is the case and you wish to take a break and then return to ETI,  please complete a holiday form in order to assist us with planning, scheduling and local legalities.

Duration

Duration of volunteer placements are becoming more important as the work we do becomes more structured. Currently the minimum duration for volunteering is 2 months (8 weeks). The reason for this is that we aim to give a greater continuity for the children. We have also found that the volunteers themselves get more out of the experience when the duration is longer.

Insurance

Please ensure that you have relevant travel and medical insurance arranged to cover your entire time in India;  you will be asked to provide a copy of your insurance schedule/certificate as part of the volunteer member registration process.

Smoking and/or drinking of alcohol

NOT ALLOWED when on duty, in our school or when wearing your ETI uniform and identity pass.

Visas and immigration

Most volunteer members travel to India as part of a longer holiday and then volunteer with us as part of that experience. It is forbidden to work in India if you are travelling under a tourist visa,  so please ensure that, if asked at Immigration as to the purpose of your trip and when completing the arrivals form, you are very clear that you are in India on HOLIDAY and not to WORK (or volunteer).

Finally …

We are always ready to listen to new ideas. Should you have any suggestions, queries or problems during your stay, please let us know.