Construction and renovation in South Goa

The project helps maintain and improve schools and community spaces in South Goa. Work starts with needs identified locally: areas to clean or paint, furniture to repair and outdoor spaces to care for.

Activities may include painting, educational murals, gardening and small repairs. Staff choose work and assign tasks around current needs, available materials and participants’ abilities. This is light renovation. A technical trade is not required, and building an entire structure is not guaranteed.

Work together, follow the supervisor’s instructions and ask for help when a task is new. Be ready to get dirty, work in the heat and help with simpler jobs too. The first week begins with Monday orientation. Activities normally run 09:00–12:00, with lunch back at the centre. Weather and local priorities can change the plan.

Afternoons leave time to recover, spend time with fellow participants or explore the coast. Ask the team about outings that interest you. Optional activities and personal transport cost extra.

🏡 Stay at the participant centre in South Goa, sharing everyday life with people joining the programmes. Rooms are shared, separated by gender and usually sleep 2–4 people. The bathroom is shared by the room’s occupants. It is a common base for coming home after activities, eating together and getting to know people.

Bedding, air conditioning, a fan and hot showers are provided. Wi-Fi is in communal areas, with a dining room, lounge and shared fridge. Rooms are lockable and a safe is available. Bring a towel, padlock and protection against mosquitoes. Laundry costs extra.

The fee includes three meals on weekdays and brunch and dinner at weekends, plus filtered water, tea, coffee and milk. Food is mainly vegetarian, with Indian and Western dishes and occasional non-vegetarian options. Tell us about allergies or dietary needs before booking so we can check what is possible.

Meals and shared spaces offer time to talk about the project and make afternoon plans. Return by 22:30; alcohol and outside visitors are not allowed at the centre. The number and backgrounds of other participants vary throughout the year.

🛡️ Your local coordinator introduces the programme, house rules and guidance for your stay. During orientation, learn about transport and who to contact if difficulties arise. Keep the instructions and numbers available offline.

The programme is open from age 18, with basic English. Qualifications and construction experience are not required. For HeyLocals’ criminal record screening, complete a self-declaration in your personal account. A passport copy is also required at registration. Participants over 65 also need a medical fitness certificate.

Tasks can be physical and take place in the heat. Bring sturdy closed shoes and clothes you can get dirty. Take breaks and ask for a demonstration before using unfamiliar tools. Staff assign work around abilities and conditions. Report tiredness, difficulties or damaged tools, and do not take on heavy or unfamiliar work alone.

Speak to a doctor or travel clinic about your personal needs before departure. Insurance covering medical care, emergencies, planned activities and repatriation is required. Choose reliable transport for outings, respect the house’s return time and ask the team for advice. Raise questions with the coordinator whenever something is unclear.

🧭 Your first Monday is for compulsory orientation. Meet the team and fellow participants, and get to know the routine before project activities normally begin on Tuesday of your first week.

The coordinator covers house rules, the code of conduct, safety, transport and everyday arrangements. Ask practical questions and clarify documents and responsibilities. An introduction to local language and customs gives you a few words and a little more familiarity.

A walk around the neighbourhood helps you locate services and landmarks near the new South Goa base. The day may also include an introduction to local culture and time to discover the coast; the order of activities may change.

Talk to staff about your experience and what you would like to learn. The project follows local needs and organisation. Listening, asking questions and agreeing your role are part of the experience from the start.

✈️ Arrive at Goa Dabolim (GOI) or Manohar (GOX). Sunday pickup is included between 06:00 and 24:00 and takes you to the accommodation. Agree your dates with the HeyLocals team before buying tickets, then send your flight number, airline and arrival time.

Before travelling, you will receive instructions for meeting your representative after collecting your bags. Save them offline along with the operational contacts. If your flight changes or you cannot find the representative, stay at the specified point and contact the team. Transfers may be shared when participants arrive at similar times.

Allow approximately 45 minutes from GOI and one hour and 45 minutes from GOX, depending on traffic. Arrivals on other days or outside the standard window need advance agreement and may cost extra. If arriving overland, agree meeting arrangements in the Margao area beforehand.

Your stay ends on Saturday morning, with checkout by 11:00. The return airport transfer is separate: arrange the time and transport with the team. Request any extra nights in advance.