INDIA GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP PROGRAM
A Transformative Service-Learning Experience
About Us
Greater Social Equality. A More Sustainable Environment. A More Secure World for Everyone.
Challenges Abroad is a social enterprise that provides impactful, customised overseas learning program for students. Our mission is to develop the next generation of Global Citizens, who as future leaders will help shape a better future for everyone.
Through our programs, we ensure that students not only develop a global mindset but gain vital life and employability skills, enabling them to have a positive impact on the world through their future endeavours
We are proud to be a Certified B Corporation!
It reinforces that together, we’re delivering programs that are not only transformative for students, but also beneficial for communities and respectful of the planet
The Challenges Abroad Difference
Student Impact
Developing the next generation of Global Citizens.
Community Impact
Delivering long-term development projects that support local communities.
Enviornmental Impact
We are working on becoming a carbon neutral organisation.
Short-Term Programs, Long-Term Impact.
Our Global Citizenship Program enables students to step out of their comfort zone whilst building their understanding of the wider world, learning about new cultures and fostering meaningful connections with the local community.
Global Citizenship:
Students broaden their perspectives, embrace cultural diversity, and ignite a lifelong drive to make a difference in the world
Cultural Immersion:
Discover, connect & experiencestudents dive into vibrant local cultures, learning through meaningful cross-cultural exchange
Community Engagement:
Lead, inspire & create changestudents deliver hands-on workshops, building skills and leaving a lasting impact on local schools.
Every Challenges Abroad program supports the goals and objectives of our international development charity, theFutureSenseFoundation
Participants on a Challenges Abroad programaretherefore, not only directly impacting the community through their project, but are part of a sustainable community development initiative that will have a long lasting, positive impact.
India: Land of a Thousand Cultures
India is unlike anywhere else in the world
From vibrant colours and lively streets to ancient temples, incredible food, and welcoming communities, every moment reveals something new India is more than just a destination - it offers an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, experience one of the world’s most diverse cultures, and create memories that will stay with you long after the journey ends
Day 1
Arrival
Arrival Airport: Indira Gandhi
International Airport
Transfer: 2 hours by Private Bus
Accommodation: Local guest house
Touch down in India! After being welcomed at the airport by your group mentor, transfer through Delhi's bustling streets to your hotel and settle in.
As the evening sets in, gather for your Welcome Dinner - your first taste of Indian cuisine and the first moment your team comes together, ready for the journey ahead
After a long journey, you'll be quite ready for a good night's sleep! Set your alarm early - tomorrow you ' re heading to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise!
Palampur
New Delhi
A Bucket List Moment
Day 2
The Taj Mahal!
Travel Time: ~6 hours return Accommodation: Hotel or Hostel
Rise early this morning and journey east to Agra - home to some of India’s most extraordinary Mughal architecture Here you’ll see one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the Taj Mahal The monument glows softly under the sun and reflects across the surrounding pools - a powerful moment and a fitting highlight for the start of your journey. You’ll have time to explore Agra’s bustling markets before returning to Delhi for the evening. Tomorrow you will head north to where the real impact of your journey will start to take shape!
Did You Know?
The Taj Mahal appears to change colour throughout the day - soft pink in the morning, bright white in the afternoon, and a glowing golden hue at sunset.
Day 3
Delhi > Palampur
Airport: Kangra Airport Transfer: 1 Hours
Fly north to Palampur as snow-capped peaks fill the windows, tracing the Himalayan range before you descend into the foothills. Here, you’ll start to settle in, spending time getting to know our Hub team who will support you throughout the journey, forming new friendships and understanding the community you will be working alongside.
Week 1: Community Engagement
Day 4
Program & Cultural Orientation
Accommodation: Local guest house
Palampur is surrounded year-round by snowcapped mountains of the Dauladhar Range, offering breath-taking panoramic views!
Wake up in Palampur surrounded by tea gardens and the snow-capped peaks You’ll continue diving deeper into Northern India’s diverse culture - learning some of the local language, exploring your new surroundings, and coming together as a team to start planning for your community project so that you feel confident and prepared for the days ahead
Days 5-8
Palampur
Accommodation: Local guest house
Spend four immersive days embedded in the local community, partnering with local schools to deliver educational workshops. With dedicated time to craft your sessions, you’ll step into the classroom ready to contribute in a meaningful way - learning just as much from the community as you share.
Beyond your workshops, experience the unique blend of Tibetan and North Indian culture that defines this region. Learn to cook traditional dishes and try your hand at saree and turban draping Wander through local markets, share tea with community members, and spend evenings reflecting on the day’s experiences with your group. By the final day, you’ll see the difference you ’ ve made and leave with new confidence and strengths you may not have known you had
Potential workshop topics: The goal: inspire creativity, spark curiosity and build aspirations.
Weekend: Creating Memories in Dharamshala
Explore Dharamshala
Accommodation: Local guest house Days 9-10
Enjoy a change of pace as you explore Dharamshala. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, this mountain town offers a refreshing blend of cool mountain air, breathtaking views, and a unique fusion of Indian and Tibetan culture.
Spend your weekend wandering through the vibrant streets of McLeod Ganj, where colourful markets and the scent of Tibetan cuisine fill the air. Browse handmade crafts, sip on traditional butter tea, and soak up the laid-back atmosphere A visit to the Tsuglagkhang Complex offers a deeper cultural experience, where you can learn about the Tibetan community in exile and witness monks in daily practice
Beyond the town, take in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, visit peaceful monasteries, and enjoy scenic walks through pine forests and hillside trails This will be the perfect blend of culutral immersion, connecting with the local community, and simply taking a moment to slow down and reflect on your journey so far
Did You Know?
Known as the “Mini Tibet of India,” Dharamshala is home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government-in-Exile.
Week 2: Community Engagement
Palampur
Accommodation: Local guest house Days 11-13
These three days follow a similar rhythm to the first - crafting sessions, leading workshops, and coming together as a team to reflect on the impact you ' re making The difference? You return with stronger skills, growing confidence, and deeper connections, stepping back into the classroom with a clearer sense of purpose. Somewhere between the first workshop and the last, you’ll begin to recognise your own growth as a Global Citizen reflected back in the students in front of you
You will also contribute to Climate Action initiatives by raising environmental awareness, leading community clean-ups and tree-planting!
Our programs are Carbon Neutral, as we work with a certified off-set provider to calculate and neutralise the emissions generated for everyone travelling.
Day 14
Departure
Airport: Delhi International Airport Transfer: ~4 Hours
The final day and journey home offer time to reflect on the skills you ’ ve developed, the experiences you ’ ve shared, and the perspectives you ’ ve gained, recognising how much you ’ ve grown as Global Citizens.
Global Citizenship Programs
Key Objectives:
Developing the Next Generation of Global Citizens
Providing a structured & reflective experience for students, as they apply their knowledge and skills in a practical, real-world setting.
Short-Term Programs, Long-Term Impact
Working towards achieving the UN Goals for Sustainable Development, supporting the FutureSense Foundation
Mutually Beneficial Programs
Ensuring that there is mutual benefit and learning for the local community and student participants.
of students think that their Global Citizenship journey was a lifechanging experience that has inspired them to experience the world more!
Global Citizen,Nadia
As the name suggests, of course there are challenges, but the problemsolving skills and confidence that come out of the experience are unmatched.
We measure the impact of our programs on student participants by evaluating the following 10 key skill areas:
Students will tackle real-world challenges hand-in-hand with local communities, seeing the direct impact of their contributions
Students will step into a different world, experiencing new cultures firsthand and building genuine connections that change how they see the world.
Students will strengthen emotional development and self-awareness through reflective and collaborative experiences
Students will push beyond their comfort zone, discovering resilience, confidence, and capabilities
Students will examine their own perspectives on privilege, equity, and global citizenship, developing empathy and a deeper sense of responsibility.
Students will build authentic skills through daily interactions, learning to communicate & work effectively across cultural differences
"I really had fun and enjoyed my time in India, especially working with the learners, getting to see them grow and become more confident with us "
Global Citizen, Kirsty
This program pushed me to be uncomfortable, which allowed me overcome my fears of failure - I was put into some many challenging situations that provoked growth. The connections I've made with everyone will last forever and have opened my eyes to the vast world.
We ensure that...
Every program activity has been risk assessed with safety audits conducted and can provide school with information required to complete pre trip processes
We have real-time safety management system with a robust emergency response process
All participants have 24/7 support from our in-country staff
Every participant has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance (mandatory)
We conduct a comprehensive program briefing process to ensure students are well prepared for their program
