There are some opportunities to volunteer whilst in Dharamsala. For longer term options such as 1 month or more ask at the LHA office in the middle of the town. Staff there are very friendly and always welcoming if people wish to teach, tutor or get involved in conversational classes.

• Lha Social Work[. Lha is one of the largest charitable social work organizations in Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj and aims to provide vital resources and services for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population, and people from the Himalayan regions. Volunteers are needed for English, French, and Chinese classes, IT classes, vocational training, health and environmental awareness education, distribution of clothes and medicine, a community kitchen and many other programs and activities.

• Mountain Cleaners. Mountain Cleaners is an environmental non-governmental organisation (NGO) involved in waste management activities for businesses, locals and tourists in the Dharamsala area. The organisation also arranges clean-up treks, and children’s days that volunteers can participate in.

• Tesi Environmental Awareness Movement. If you are an environmental expert, then contact this non-profit Tibetan group.

• Rogpa Cafe, Jogibara Rd, is always looking for volunteers to work in the cafe or to look after children at the Day Care centre. This is a 2 week commitment. All proceeds go to the Rogpa Day Care centre that provides free services for local children.

• Volunteer Tibet. Teaching English and computer skills are common options. This organisation may likely pass you over to LHA or other organisations. There are also a few institutions that provide for the benefit of exiled Tibetans and local Indians. There are also ads on billboards and in the free local magazine “Contact”.

You may also approach Tibetans in social circles to help them improve their English whilst getting to know each others’ culture and personal story. Be mindful of accepting requests for private tutorage from monks on the streets. After a few days they may subject you to demands for sponsorship, however stories of this are rare. It may be best to go through a credible and well established organisation if you want to provide assistance in this way.

In general most monks and lay people are incredibly grateful to have you help them with their English and it is a great way to get to know Tibetan people on a more personal level. The easiest way to help out is to drop into LHA on Temple Rd, or LIT on Jogibara Rd and sign up for tutoring. A commitment of one month is preferred.