CMS College is geographically situated in the center of Kerala. Its close proximity to the railway and bus stations contribute to the college’s diverse mix of students, many of whom travel from rural villages to participate in their education.

The college’s campus is one of the most naturally beautiful campuses in Kerala. Its 35 acres include not only administrative buildings and classrooms, but also an 8-acre forested area that is home to a large variety of plants and animals.

Alex Papp, a Young Adult Volunteer from the Evangelical Lutheran Church, spent a year in CMS College during 2005-06. This is what he has to say about his time at CMS College:

CMS College’s location in the heart of Kottayam provided me a wide range of opportunities during my year of service. The primary duty of a volunteer at the site is to engage the students in English conversation, this takes place in a formal classroom setting as well as informal interactions. Outside of the campus, a myriad of opportunities are available that can be tailored to suit each individual volunteer. I spent many hours each week at a nearby primary school and an orphanage.

An afternoon walk with the boys from Bala Bhavan

Any volunteer will quickly find that their “duties” make up only a small part of the year’s experience. The most valuable memories I have taken from the experience are of simply being with the many friends who helped make CMS College my home for the year.”

Students at Baker Memorial School