Our Real Taster Encounter package includes our top three gap year destinations of Sri Lanka, India and Bali. We have provided a program that combines our three most popular destinations. More specifically, they are the countries that regularly receive top feedback from our trip participants for the overall experience they provide. As a result, this itinerary is perfect if you are a first-time solo traveller looking to sample your first trip of a lifetime! Alternatively, if you simply want to experience three amazing cultures and well-structured programs then this Real Taster Encounter is for you too!
Your 6-12 week adventure travel Real Taster Encounter will begin in the idyllic island and natural beauty of Sri Lanka. You will then move on to experience the culture of India and iconic sites such as Taj Mahal and Jaipur. Finally, you will finish your Real Taster Encounter in the beauty of Bali and its temples, volcanoes and island hopping beaches. The volunteer programs in each of Sri Lanka, India and Bali are based off the beaten track in local communities where positive impact can be maximised. Participants on this once in a lifetime trip choose the trip duration, volunteer projects and travel experiences that are right for you. Enjoy some of the best volunteer abroad programs on the Real Taster Encounter.
HOW IT WORKS
The Real Taster Encounter has start dates all year round. Moreover, participants can choose the trip duration that is right for them when completing the program. There are 6,9 and 12 week encounter options to choose from on the online application. All programs commence on the first Saturday of each month, but alternate start dates can be considered on request.
Should you choose the 6-week option you will spend 2 weeks volunteering in each of Sri Lanka, India and Bali. In the same vein, should you choose a 9-week Real Taster Encounter, you will spend 3 weeks volunteering in each destination. Likewise, the 12 week program will see you join us for 4 weeks in each of the three countries.
Volunteers will need to plan their flight schedules to match their country-specific trip dates. Therefore, you will need to arrange your inbound flight to arrive in Sri Lanka for the beginning of the Real Taster Encounter. Your outbound flight will need to depart out of Bali once your time on the program is completed.
In addition, you will need to budget and plan your intermediary flights for your Real Taster Encounter. More specifically, you will need to book flights from Sri Lanka to India and then India into Bali matching your specific trip dates. This may sound a little complicated, but rest assured, the team are on-hand for assistance.
Across your Real Taster Encounter, you will meet plenty of other travellers and volunteers along the way! The numbers and types of people you will encounter will change as you move from country to country. This will allow you to make many friendships and share experiences with a range of people on your Real Taster Encounter journey!
You can choose any of the standard volunteer programs in each country during the online application process. Please note, some volunteer projects may be subject to availability and you should only select one project to each destination. Additionally, there may be an additional cost associated with some projects. Any additional costs will be made clear next to the volunteer project option during the online application. You can explore your volunteer options in each destination below. It will be an unforgettable 6-12 weeks!
VOLUNTEER IN SRI LANKA (2, 3 OR 4 WEEKS)
Your first stop will be Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka may be small but it has 2,000-plus years of culture! Furthermore, the country is home to 8 (yes 8!) Unesco World Heritage Sites as well as endless beaches and lush rainforests! Embrace everything the country represents with its welcoming people, beautiful beaches and oodles of elephants. Finally, get ready for those taste-buds to be tickled as you enjoy some wonderful food and the infamous Sri Lankan tea. Sri Lanka is spectacular, affordable and still uncrowded so now is the time to go!
Your time on this largely undiscovered little island will give you the chance to explore its length and breadth. In addition, you will be able to make a positive impact when volunteering at local projects. Our development work in Ambalangoda runs throughout the year. There is something for everyone in Sri Lanka. For example, you can teach in our community volunteer project or support on our childcare projects in the afternoons.
In contrast, choose your volunteer project to learn about the Sri Lankan medical system. You can even choose your gap year programs in Sri Lanka to be wildlife based with dog rescue and sea turtle conservation opportunities. You will be able to select your volunteer in Sri Lanka project during the online application.
VOLUNTEER IN INDIA (2, 3 OR 4 WEEKS)
Your second stop is India. Architectural splendours, chaotic street life, tranquil havens and culture shocks are all guaranteed during your time in India. Consequently, there will be lots for you to experience in this vast, endlessly diverse and hugely inspiring country. India’s Golden Triangle comprises the three most visited cities in the country’s north-west – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. All of these three bustling cities are accessible from our project location.
Jaipur, the capital of the largely desert state of Rajasthan, is home to the iconic Amber Fort. In addition, it boasts some of Asia’s best bazaars. You could spend weeks in Delhi and not see it all! The sprawling, fascinating Indian capital has so much to offer! Agra, once the heart of the Moghul empire, boasts the unparalleled beauty of the Taj Mahal.
Your volunteering choices are very varied. You can choose to teach English to help children reach their full potential. In the same vein, you can choose to gain practical medical experience and insight on elective programs. Finally, during your gap year travel in India, choose your volunteer project to support in the lives of disadvantaged children. You will be able to select your volunteer in India project during the online application.
VOLUNTEER IN BALI (2, 3 OR 4 WEEKS)
Your final stop is Bali. With a population of less than four million, Bali is an island of soft white sands. In addition, the country also boasts crystal clear waters, lush tropical forests and ancient temples. Many say that Bali is not so much a place but a state of mind. In the same vein, people talk of Bali being a feeling of wonder and a mood of serenity.
Our programs in Bali aim to provide a true insight into the Balinese way of life. Most noteworthy, all international volunteers can experience Bali’s famous beauty and white sand beaches whilst also giving back. By volunteering in a local community of Bali, you will get the opportunity to see a side of the country the tourists don’t see.
Stay in the rice bowl of Bali in the traditional town of Tabanan. Use your volunteer experience to give the most precious commodity of all, your time. The children in the community projects will be desperate to learn from you. Teach English set amongst rice paddies, steep ravines and forests. Invest your time in Bali’s children and help to ensure their future is bright! Alternatively, choose to help out on our wildlife rescue and environment conservation program. You will be able to select your volunteer in Bali project during the online application.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER ON ENCOUNTER TRIPS
Different Experiences Across Different Destinations - Encounter programs are designed to provide a varied experience across some fascinating and unique destinations. Although we try and design our program set ups in the same way your volunteer experience in each destination is very varied. For example, some destinations provide a more basic accommodation set up but a high impact volunteer role, others are more touristy and therefore your role at the project is more limited, teams have different safety policies depending on the local environment etc. Therefore, please remain open-minded when joining our program across different destinations as each country offers a completely individual experience.
Flights Not Included - None of the flights the itinerary are included within the Program Fee for this itinerary. You should therefore budget accordingly for the main international flights from/to your home location and then the relevant internal flights across the Encounter destinations.
