South Asia

South Asia is a top destination for career breakers who are into travelling and backpacking. There are a wealth of volunteer opportunities in the region, particularly in the fields of conservation and community development. If you want to do paid work in South Asia, teaching English as a foreign language is your best bet.

• What?
• Why?
• How?
• Facts for the career breaker
• Top South Asia tip

What?

• India (the largest country in the region)
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• Sri Lanka
• Maldives
• Bhutan
• British Indian Ocean Territory

The area is also known as Southern Asia or the Indian subcontinent.

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Why?

• South Asia is a world away from the UK so it's a good destination for career breakers who are looking for a complete change of scene
• The region's people are known for their friendliness and hospitality
• It's a great destination if you're into beautifully embroidered clothes and fabulous textiles
• Volunteer opportunities in South Asia tend to focus on community projects. This enables you to get a real feel for the country, as you will be living and working amongst the locals.
• There are also many volunteer opportunities involving children, particularly teaching Indian primary school children.
• The food!

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How?

Round-the-world flight destinations include Mumbai (Bombay), Calcutta and Dehli in India, Colombo in Sri Lanka, and Kathmandu in Nepal. Mumbai and Dehli are the most viable destinations. From there, you can get connecting flights to other international or regional airports - your volunteer organisation or adventure tour company can help you with this. If you're travelling independently, overland travel between destinations is possible, but it's essential you check with the Foreign Office website first, to ensure you're not going through any dangerous areas, as you could invalidate your insurance.

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Facts for the career breaker

• Most volunteer opportunities in the region are in India, although there are also placements available in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
• Trekking in Nepal is a fantastic experience. Pay attention to, and respect, your sherpas and sirdar (the leader) for a safe and fulfilling trek.
• Paid work is not very easy to come by in South Asia. For career breakers, teaching English is by far the most viable option.
• Large parts of South Asia are safe; however, some areas are not. Civil unrest, terrorism and fighting are common in certain regions. Kashmir and parts of Sri Lanka are known for being dangerous, and the Foreign Office can give you detailed advice on other areas you are advised not to travel to (in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka).
• In case you don't already know - don't give sweets to the children. As well as being unhealthy, it can encourage begging.
• As with all destinations, being polite, respectful and responsible will result in a more fulfilling career break experience.

Top South Asia tip

• Pay attention to the calendar if you want to experience festivals (or avoid monsoons!).

Now where?

• Show me a list of South Asia career break opportunities
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