Language exchange and exploring local culture in Jodhpur, India

Details

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  Description

  Namaste!
  My name is Sumer, and I live with my family of six in Khathsar (near Osian), close to Jodhpur in Rajasthan, northern India. We run a small homestay with traditional Rajasthani mud huts and an organic farm where we grow millet and other crops. We also have five cows, two goats, five camels, and two cats. Our home is located in a rural area of the Thar Desert, surrounded by sand dunes and a wildlife.
  
  In addition to our homestay, we operate a school for local village children in our home. We currently have around 20 students, aged 5-15, who are learning English and computer skills. We are looking for volunteers to help teach these skills to the children.
  
  We love welcoming guests from all over the world to stay with our family and experience authentic rural Rajasthani life. This is a chance to connect with the beautiful nature around us and make a real difference in the lives of local children, who would not have access to these opportunities without your help.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Teaching

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Hospitality/Tourism

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Interests

  

  Videography

  

  Technology

  

  Farming

  

  Writing

  

  Performing arts

  

  Photography

  

  Languages

  

  History

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Art & design

  

  Architecture

  

  Animals

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Nature

  

  Hiking

  

  Dancing

  

  Camping

  

  Adventure sports
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Experience Authentic Rajasthani Life in the Thar Desert!
  
  Come stay with us and discover the true spirit of Rajasthan. Our village is small, with just around 200 people, and you’ll be treated like part of our family.
  
  During your stay, you’ll have the chance to try many traditional activities, including:
  
  Cooking over an open fire and learning how to prepare local dishes
  Using local farming techniques and helping with daily farm tasks
  Working with camels, including feeding and guiding them on walks
  Making chai from fresh cow milk
  Playing traditional Rajasthani music and games
  The Thar Desert is a special place, with beautiful sand dunes, unique wildlife, and stunning flowers during the rainy season.
  
  We speak Marwadi and Hindi, and we’d love to teach you some of our favorite sayings and phrases.
  
  Join us for a truly authentic Rajasthani experience in a peaceful, welcoming village. We can’t wait to share our culture with you!

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  Volunteers Needed for Unique Desert Homestay Experience!
  
  Are you looking for a rewarding and unique volunteering experience in a beautiful desert setting? Our homestay project offers a great opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture, work with animals, learn new skills, and make a real difference in a community-driven environment.
  
  We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic volunteers to help in various areas around our desert homestay. Whether you're passionate about animals, arts, web development, teaching, or general maintenance, there’s something for everyone. In exchange for your help, you will receive food, accommodation, and the chance to experience life in a desert oasis while contributing to our project.
  
  Areas We Need Help With:
  
  1. General Maintenance:
  -Changing bed sheets
  -Sweeping floors and cleaning bathrooms
  -Keeping the homestay clean and tidy
  
  2. Farmwork:
  -Helping with various tasks related with farming.
  
  3. Arts & Decorations:
  -Creating beautiful wall art and decorations for our homestay
  -Helping us design and bring artistic touches to our space
  
  4. Web Development & Social Media:
  -Helping us develop and maintain our website
  -Promoting the homestay through social media, and helping with online content creation
  -If you have experience with graphic design or video editing, that’s a bonus!
  
  5. Cooking & Cleaning:
  -Helping with meal preparation (traditional local dishes or new ideas are welcome!)
  -Washing dishes and assisting with general kitchen duties
  
  6. Teaching & Working with Children:
  -Helping children improve their English for 1 hour a day (no formal teaching experience required)
  -Engaging in weekend activities with the children (sports, games, and fun learning experiences)
  
  If you have any other skills that are not listed above but you think that they can help us, please drop us a message.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Hindi: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  Accommodation:
  
  As a volunteer, you’ll have the chance to experience life in the heart of the desert. Stay in one of our traditional mud huts or inside our cozy home, where simple comforts meet authentic Rajasthani charm. Our rooms are basic but inviting, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of desert adventures.
  
  For those who prefer a truly unique experience, you can sleep under the stars—whether on the roof or in our tranquil garden. Enjoy the fresh desert air and the quiet beauty of the surroundings in a safe and peaceful environment.
  
  To ensure your comfort, we provide a modern, western-style toilet and shower, so you can enjoy a blend of traditional desert living with the convenience of home.
  
  Meals:
  
  Home-cooked meals are available.
  
  We serve delicious vegetarian meals made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Expect hearty, flavorful dishes like chapati/roti, rice, vegetables, dal, and yogurt—simple, healthy, and nourishing. As vegetarians, we take great pride in preparing wholesome meals that bring out the best of local flavors and traditions.

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  What else ...

  Our village is a beautiful place to explore and in your free time you can go trekking, play with the local children, and visit nearby sunset and sunrise spots. We can help to arrange transport into Osian town (~13kms) for more city life. From Osian, there are also local busses every 30 minutes into Jodhpur and a train connecting to other cities in the state such as Jaisalmer.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

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