A Career Break in India

A career break or sabbatical means taking an extended period of time off work. It's taking a step off the treadmill and using that time to devote to improving your life either professionally or personally.

Taking a "grown up gap year" is becoming increasingly popular for people mid-career or at retirement age. People are realising that travel isn't just for students and that there is more to life than working 9-5!

Having a career break can help you change your life for the better! There are a wealth of activities to do on a career break, for many it is the opportunity to achieve their "bucket list"; here we are going to explore the possibilities for a career break trip to India.

I am taking a career break in the Autumn and India is one of the places I want to explore and learn more about. I travelled to India last year and when I stepped off the plane from rainy cold England, the heat and humidity hit me like 100 stampeding holy cows! India does not say hello gently! I fell head over heels in love with India straight away and knew that I had to go back as I have really only scratched the surface of this vast and diverse country.

I have researched and planned extensively with what I am going to do with my sabbatical. This page brings together all the many travel options that are out there to try to help myself make a decision. I have discovered that you can volunteer with children, do vital conservation work, learn a new skill, take an adventure tour, embark on an expeditition and much much more!

Volunteering is not just good karma!

Working with people from different countries will change you for the better or at the very least open your eyes to different lives and cultures.

You can volunteer helping out in schools, working with vulnerable people, conservation work, building work - the list is huge!

A good volunteering program will offer you:

• Training and preparation advice before departing.
• Transfers and welcome on arrival.
• Orientation on arrival.
• Accommodation - basic accommodation probably sharing with others or at a home stay.
• Meals - some meals are usually provided.
• Excursions - a volunteer program will usually offer some sightseeing trips as part of the package.
• Support throughout your stay from the booking company.

Below are 5 excellent volunteering organisations that will ensure that you put some good back into the world and learn a lot too.

To teach English as foreign language you must have a TEFL/TESL qualification plus experience. You can study for one of these qualifications anywhere in the world, or by distance learning at home.

Teaching can either take place with teaching a class of children in a school or as a private tutor to one or a small group of children or adults. Teaching abroad opens up many doors to rich new experiences, paid or voluntary.

Learning or improving on a skill during your break could lead you to a new direction in your career or a complete career change!

There are thousands and thousands of adventure tours, this is my pick of the most interesting!

Throw a backpack over your shoulder and travel around India under your own steam! The feeling of utter freedom in not knowing where you will be tomorrow is strange, exciting and thrilling! Travelling by yourself doesn't mean you will be lonely; you will meet other travellers and make new friends as you go. You have to be brave, but it's worth it! Here are some good websites that will help you plan your trip.