Volunteer with Tibetan refugees in Dharamsala

Lha offers you the opportunity to share your knowledge and skills with the Tibetan refugee, local Indian and people from Himalayan community, and gain hands on experience working with a non-profit, community social work organization.

Whilst taking part as a volunteer with Lha, you will be immersed in the fascinating culture of the people you are serving, develop friendships, learn about issues currently facing the Tibetan refugee community, and create positive change in someone else’s life.

At Lha we aim to connect volunteers with opportunities for a valuable experience.  We offer relevant services and comprehensive courses and programs, working within the wider network of other non profit and government organisations in the local area.

Lha's office is located in central McLeod Ganj, Upper Dharamsala – a town nestled in the ridges and foothills of the Himalaya, Northern India.  Mcleod Ganj is a hub of Tibetan life since the influx of Tibetan refugees following the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959 and since Dharamsala became the new home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile the following year. There are over 8,000 resident Tibetans in Dharamsala, and this town is home numerous organisations, monasteries and nunneries and schools.

Lha has been established for over ten years, in that time working within a wider network of local member organizations, and providing a vital and welcoming resource centre to the community.  At Lha if necessary we are happy to redirect your enquiry to other local organizations where your skills will be of most benefit.

Lha is staffed by 7 full time Tibetan employees and assisted by the valuable contribution of volunteers from around the world.  Wider social services, courses and vocational training on offer at Lha are designed with the understanding and insight required to understand and respond to the challenges faced by the Tibetan refugee community, and to also provide long term assistance in rehabilitation and transition into the Indian community. With the assistance of volunteers, there is an ever increasing variety of services on offer to the Tibetan refugee and local community including the daily English language conversation classes, graded language classes (English, Chinese, Tibetan, French, and Spanish) and computer training. (See more volunteering Opportunities) Lha also maintains partnerships with many international volunteer organizations.

At Lha we have been fortunate to have increasing numbers of volunteers each year!  In 2008, 429 volunteers and 2009, 645 volunteers from 39 different countries volunteered with Lha.  During winter, each day we have an average of 15-25 volunteers and in summer an average of 25-50 volunteers per day.

At Lha we welcome both drop-in volunteers with no previous communication or planning and also options for those wanting to plan ahead and receive supported services before arrival in India, upon arrival and during their stay in Dharamsala (See Pre-arranged Volunteers).

What length of time do you want to volunteer with Lha?

1-4 weeks

If you have one month or less available in which to volunteer, and are not in need of any of our supportive services on offer, we encourage you to drop in to our centre and see where your skills can be of most benefit (See Drop In Volunteers)

Note:  There are no fees associated with this option.

One month +

If you are able to contribute your skills for one to three months we encourage you to fill out an application and register your interest and background.  This will ensure we can match your skills to a suitable position (See Apply Now)

If you would like to do some preliminary planning, receive assistance with travel arrangements and take advantage of our cultural orientation program, please see ‘Pre-Arranged Volunteers’ * See more Reception and Orientation

Whether you are skilled or unskilled; or only have one day available or six months, there is always a way that you can participate. Please contact us if you are interested in volunteering and your particular skill area is not listed here – we will always try to provide avenues in which you can use your expertise to benefit others.

Familiarize yourself with the website; take a look at the courses and programs on offer. Also read the Volunteer Responsibilities to ensure you have realistic expectations and understand how to get the most out of your volunteering experience.

Lha also offers a cultural immersion program where will be paired with a Tibetan refugee, assisting with language skills, and who will offer you valuable insights into the community (see Cultural Immersion)

Homestay with Tibetan Family

Lha arranges homestay of one month with Tibetan refugee families.  By sharing meals and day to day life with a Tibetan family, your cultural experience will be intensified and if you are interested in the Tibetan language – you will be able to practice your language skills in the home.  This homestay program can give you unforgettable insights into ritual, family and life “behind closed doors” in the Tibetan refugee community – and hopefully help you make friends for life. (See more Homestay and apply)

* Note – all profits received for services go directly into the social service programs supported by Lha.

A wonderful opportunity is waiting for you, so come and join our friendly team of staff and volunteers at Lha!

See Related Information: Advice for Volunteers, Guide for Volunteers, About Dharamshala