Undoubtedly the most diverse country in the world, India’s people, culture and landscapes change dramatically from one place to another making it very difficult to capture in words the magic of this exquisite country.
Ram-shackle rural villages, progressive metropolises, peaceful temples, booming festivals, snow capped mountains and tropical sun kissed coasts are just start! The list of attractions goes on and on. There is so much to see and do that sensory overload is common, however most visitors leave with real affection for its unique vibrancy.
Volunteering abroad, especially in India before, after or during university can not only add more meat to the CV and prepare a student for increasingly globalized work places but also produce a more rounded personality – compassionate and mature. Whether you are leaving school, looking for a break from work, or just want a holiday of a lifetime, apply today and get inspired by incredible India!
You can find structured, low cost and free volunteering opportunities in places like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmadabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Surat, Pune and Jaipur.
Why Volunteer in India
India is the second most populous country in the world with a population of 1.2 billion, 45% of which lives under the poverty line i.e living on a daily wage of less that $1.25 per day.
Though India has 74% literacy rate but still it has the largest illiterate population in the world. The government backed by a developing economy just doesn’t have the resources to provide adequate healthcare and education to the deprived communities. These communities are just neglected and spend their life in the vicious circle of poverty.
The lack of education is the core to all problems that India currently faces: Women Abuse/Inequality, Poverty, Overpopulation, and Inadequate Healthcare. All these problems are interrelated with root case been lack of education.
International volunteers have a chance to work with these deprived communities, provide necessary support and help required for bringing about the change.
Cultural Immersion
India, considered as one of the oldest living civilizations, with traditions dating back to back to 8000 BC and a continuous recorded history since the time of the Vedas for over 5,500 years, is the birthplace of the 4 majors religions of the world Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.
India is a land of contrasts where Language, food, dance, clothing, landscape, architecture change within a matter of few hundred miles, yet all combined to form the largest democracy in the world. No words can explain the cultural experience that India has to offer.
The diversity of Indian culture is evident from the fact that apart from Hindi and English as the main languages there 450 other languages out of which 22 are official and 14 are extinct.
Volunteering in India with one of our featured programs gives you the chance to experience the traditions, which have survived through centuries.
Volunteer Programs in India
These are some of the most popular ways to help:
• Community Development
• Wildlife Care
• Environmental Conservation
• Teaching
Community Work
India the second most populous country in the world is home to 1/6 of the world population and is ranked 119 on the Human development index, as a result of which 41.9% of the population is below the poverty line with limited access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities.
Many children in these unprivileged communities are mentally disabled to some extend and are in need of special education. Unfortunately, these children are often neglected by their families and communities due to lack of public resources, education and poverty. These children are deprived of support, health care and basic education to develop their skills to become self-reliant. They are often abandoned by their families or isolated and confined to their homes for the rest of their lives.
There are special education programs associated with organizations and NGO’s, which are dedicated to the development of these children by providing them necessary basic education. Volunteers work with staff to provide them assistance in overall management of the institution and teachers to provide them assistance in working one-to-one with the children. Volunteers help with teaching basic language skills, games, preparing sign charts, life skills, vocational skills, music, dance. Volunteers with education or previous experience in special education are encouraged to bring in new ideas, initiative to help create lessons and plan extra curricular activities.
Childcare & Orphanage Work
There are more than 11m abandoned children in India, where a growing number of newborn babies are being dumped anonymously in cots placed outside orphanages/Adoption centers in an initiative to deter infanticide. About 90% of those abandoned are girls whose poor young mothers cannot afford to keep them. They face a bleak future as beggars, prostitutes or menial laborers if families cannot be found for them. To prevent this many Non Government organizations have opened up orphanages across India.
Most orphanages are run by non government and charitable organizations. Teams work at these orphanages to make a difference in the lives of deprived and neglected children. You as a volunteer would work to assist the staff at the orphanage to help developing new extra curricular activities, supporting orphans by playing games, songs, dancing, drawing pictures, teaching English, computers, keep the premises clean and the children clean etc. Volunteers are especially encouraged to talk to kids about hygiene practices, safety, marriages, women issues, safe sex practices, importance of education, being self-dependent and self-esteem. Basically you help to prepare the kids for the world outside the walls of the Orphanage.
Women Support
Some organisations offer women support programs is aimed at empowering women in India, who due to the traditional patriarchal norms have always been given secondary status in the household and workplace, especially in small cities and rural India. A lot of work needs to be done at the grass root level to help the women tackle the issues they face in the daily lives, issues relating to poverty, female feticide, unequal rights, lack of education, child marriage, health, sexual harassment, dowry, domestic violent etc.
Volunteers work with local organizations, which are setup for women development. These organizations run centers which strive not only to provide women moral support but also help them learning vocational skills, which would help the women in income generation and be independent. Other areas where these organizations help are language skills, health education such as HIV/AIDS, child rearing, nutrition, and sanitation.
As a volunteer you would have a opportunity to help the women with social issues they face by giving them care and support and at the same the same help them achieve their aim to financial independence and social equality.
Educational Projects
Teaching programs in India can be associated with local Government and Charitable schools. 80% of all recognized schools at the Elementary Stage are government run or supported. Volunteers are generally placed with Primary and Pre-primary : Nursery, LKG and UKG ( Lower and Upper Kindergarten) classes as that would help to build a solid foundation for the children. Volunteers have the opportunity to teach whatever they like. Generally, English is highly valued, but feel free to teach Math, science, music, dance, geography or any other subject that suits you. Just remember, the children’s English skills are minimal so other subjects might be hard to understand.
Age group of the children is from 4 to 13 years of age. The teaching curriculum for each major subject is based on the students’ standard book. Volunteers spend a few days understand the subject to be taught before they start teaching. Indian education system is very different from what volunteers are used to, Volunteers are also encouraged to create their own lesson plans and implement new methods of teaching, which are not only helpful to the kids but also beneficial to the teachers. Depending on the subject, volunteers can bring along teaching materials such as picture books, instruments, flash cards, art supplies, and songs.
Institutions volunteers work with have their own permanent staff member who generally assists volunteers with their teaching and in communicating with the children and colleagues. Volunteers might also be asked to take up classes when regular staff members are on leave. Classes are generally in session six days a week, with volunteers working for 5 days a week and for three to six class periods each day and a break for lunch. Rishikesh program is an exception where the volunteers work in the after school hours when extra classes for the children are held.
Traditional Medicine
There are unique traditional medicine programs which involve working with a traditional practitioner of Ayurveda to treat patients and at the same time help in preserving this traditional science. Ayurveda is the traditional medicine of India, which originated there over 5,000 years ago and is considered to be one of the oldest organized systems of medicines in the world. Ayurveda emphasizes re-establishing balance in the body through diet, lifestyle, exercise, and body cleansing, and on the health of the mind, body, and spirit. In India up to 80% of the population living in rural areas rely on traditional medicine for their primary health care needs
Ayurveda stresses the use of plant-based medicines and treatments.
Hundreds of plant-based medicines are employed, including cardamom and cinnamon. Some animal products may also be used, for example milk, bones, and gallstones. Volunteers spend the first few days with the Ayurveda practitioner (or a Vadhiyar as he is called locally) learning the practices in Ayurveda, art of recognizing medicinal plants, medicine making, use of medicines, understanding learning the treatment process and helping the Vadiyar in treating patients. Once the volunteers gain more confidence they then directly get onto treating patients under the guidance of the Vadhiyar. Its a great program where volunteer get a chance to learn and experience the ancient science of healing and at the same time practice it for community service.
Volunteer Teaching
Volunteer in India at schools and help children with their primary and pre-school education. No experience is required and teaching is informally organised so you will not be faced with a class of 30 children sitting at desks in front of you. Instead, volunteers work with small groups of the younger children in the same space, sometimes sharing each group with the local teacher close by in the class.
Not taught before? You will be encouraged to observe current volunteers during your first week and start when you are settled in and ready so it could not be a more gentler start. The level of most teaching is elementary covering simple numbers and single words in English following the Indian national curriculum so you will not have to spend time in the evenings dreaming up what to teach the following day!
Volunteers are invited to help the teachers, perhaps by assisting or taking a small group when you are ready. Most volunteers taking classes work with the younger children teaching very simple arithmetic and spelling. Do not worry if Maths is not your strength, the timestables and simple adding and subtraction will be enough. No special educational background or work experience is needed in order to work successfully at this school and there are national curriculum books for you to follow.
Volunteering in India FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
Anyone between the ages of 18-65 is eligible to apply for this program. If you are under 18 and over 16, you will need permission from your parents. Whilst there is no formal qualifications needed as such to apply for the volunteer program a humble nature ,respect for other cultures and beliefs coupled with a passion to make a difference to those in need is greatly appreciated.
Do I need a visa to volunteer to India?
Yes you will need a tourist visa to travel to India. It generally takes about 7 working days in most Indian embassies to get the visa approved but it is best to apply at the earliest. Please check with your nearest embassy for more details.
Where are most of the volunteers from?
Currently mostly of the volunteers are from English speaking countries but we have volunteers from all across the globe: USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, China, Singapore, Turkey, South Africa etc.
Are there any restrictions on volunteers?
You must be eligible for a tourist visa to India. Essentially should be of good health and character to be granted a tourist visa to India. You must also be sensitive to eastern culture, respect for their traditions and have a keen interesting in learning from a culture different from yours.
Are there excursions?
Yes, weekend excursions and activities can be arranged.
Can I go on a program with a partner?
Yes of course. Couples and friends are welcome too. Infact, it’s a great way for couples and close friends or group of friends to experience life in another country. Volunteers in groups of 4 or more who want to volunteer together get group discounts on the program fee as well.
When are the projects available?
Most of the Projects run year round but some are seasonal because of the weather conditions. Some projects might be full at certain times however organisations will inform you if that is the case.
What is the accommodation like?
Accommodation is ether Homestay, Guesthouse or Hotel. Rooms are shared with other fellow volunteers. Rooms are very basic with basic modern amenities.
What is the food like?
Food is typical Indian Vegetarian: Indian Bread (Chappati or Roit made of wheat flour), Rice, Curry, Dal (Lentils).
What should I pack?
Phone, sun screen lotion minimum spf 25, a hat or a baseball cap, mosquito repellent, uv protection sun glasses, moisturizers, dietary supplements, comfortable walking shoes, electric socket convertor, medications and toiletries.
What do I need to wear?
Loose clothing covering the upper arms and legs is essential. Most female volunteers like to wear Punjabi dress, the same as the teachers which can be bought cheaply locally. Anything tight-fitting is regarded as virtual nudity so best to leave tight leggings and tight jeans at home or in your luggage for travelling afterwards. An alternative for Punjabi dress for female volunteers might be loose palazzo pants and a loose T-shirt which covers the upper arms. For guys, loose cargo pants or chinos and a long sleeved loose shirt is preferred.
What language is spoken?
The language spoken in Southern India is Tamil and quite different to Hindi which is spoken throughout much of the rest of India. An analogy would be like comparing Welsh to English. It is a very good idea to buy a phrasebook before travel and familiarise yourself with some basic expressions and greetings which you will need to communicate with the regular teachers who will in the classroom beside you, although the director speaks English. With local people it is preferable to speak in English. English is still the second language of India. Having good spoken English is a sign of a good education and many of the larger firms will expect all their staff to be fluent.
What jabs do I need?
Jabs will be needed for any trip to India. Please check online for advice on India travel preparation and what to look out for to stay safe.
What is the money?
The currency of India is the Rupee. British Pounds and American Dollars are accepted in most larger towns although it is hard to change more than British Pounds at any one time. Visa/credit cards are accepted.