INDIA GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP PROGRAM
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: Kangra Airport
Transfer: ~2 hours by Private Bus
Accommodation: Local guest house
Location: Palampur
Touch down in India! Here the pace, colour, and energy are felt from the very first moment From busy streets to the scent of spices in the air, everything feels new and alive. After being welcomed at the airport by your group mentor, transfer to nearby Palampur and settle into your accommodation
As the evening sets in, gather for your Welcome Dinner - your first taste of North 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!
Palampur
New Delhi
Amritsar
Week 1: Community Engagement
Days 2-3
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 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 This is where the real impact of your journey starts to take shape
Days 4-7
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: Discover Dharamshala
8
Discover Dharamshala
Travel Time: ~3 hours return
Accommodation: Local guest house Day
After the jam-packed days of your community project, enjoy a change of pace exploring Dharamshala - with fresh mountain air, breathtaking views, and a unique fusion of Indian and Tibetan culture Wander through 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
Did You Know?
Known as the “Mini Tibet of India,” Dharamshala is home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Governmentin-Exile.
Day 9
Explore Palampur
Accommodation: Local guest house
Today you’ll spend time exploring Palampur - enjoy a guided tea tasting experience, learning about the journey from leaf to cup while sampling vibrant flavours and locally grown blends Share authentic meals as a team and take in the slower pace of mountain life, surrounded by fresh air, rolling hills, and stunning views. Sunday afternoon will be an opportunity to come together and start getting ready for another impactful week ahead
Week 2: India Cultural Adventure
Days 10-11
Exploring Amritsar
Travel: ~5 hours by private bus
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Hotel
Leave the cool mountain air behind as you travel to the vibrant city of Amritsar Arrive with time to explore before tonight’s highlight: the Wagah Border ceremony Just 30km away, this is where India and Pakistan meet, and each evening at sunset, soldiers perform an elaborate flag-lowering ritual full of precision, energy, and national pride - a truly memorable experience.
The following day, you visit the stunning Golden Temple - the heart of Sikhism (and yes, that dome really is covered in actual gold!)
Surrounded by water and glowing in the sunlight, it's one of those places that feels instantly calm the moment you step inside and walk the marble pathways.
Day 12
Amritsar > Delhi
Travel: 8 hours by private bus
Accommodation: Guesthouse or Hotel
After breakfast, start your journey to India’s vibrant capital Kick back and relax, share stories and highlights with new friends, and soaking in India’s incredible landscape as you travel to Delhi! Once you arrive, there will be time to settle in and explore as you get ready for your final few days and the ultimate bucket list moment.
A Bucket List Moment
Day 13 Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel or Hostel
Welcome to India’s vibrant capital, where the city’s energy is immediate - bustling streets, colourful markets, and layers of history Spend the day exploring landmarks and local flavours of this city.
Day 14
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 your final evening. where you can reflect on the incredible experiences that have shaped your adventure.
Day 15 Departure
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport Transfer: ~1 Hour
Did You Know?
The iconic Taj Mahal actually appears to change colour throughout the day - soft pink in the morning, bright white in the afternoon, and a glowing golden hue at sunset, thanks to the way sunlight reflects off its white marble.
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
