Volunteer in India with International Volunteer HQ today. IVHQ’s local staff in India require volunteers NOW! IVHQ has a wide range of volunteering projects in the bustling region of Delhi, surrounding rural suburbs and Dharamsala, including Teaching English, Orphanage Work, Street Children Work and Health.
LOCATION OF INDIA VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
IVHQ has volunteer placements located in Delhi NCR and Dharamsala (Indian home to the Dalai Lama). It is important to note that the Delhi placements are not located in central New Delhi. This is the CBD of Delhi NCR which is a large sprawling region of nine cities. The poorer communities where our volunteers work are located on the outskirts of Delhi NCR mainly in the city of Faridabad. Similarly, Dharamsala is a region that has placements located predominantly in the town McLeod Ganj with some additional placements in Palampur while most of the Dharamsala Health projects are located in the town of Bir. All of these communities have many projects that are in desperate need of volunteers.
DELHI OR DHARAMSALA?
One decision volunteers must make before they apply online is whether they wish to volunteer in Delhi or Dharamsala. Both have their benefits and their drawbacks, but generally we find that both programs are equal in popularity. The Delhi program has a wider range of program options and slightly lower fees. However the heat, hustle bustle and size of the city mean some people prefer the Dharamsala program. The Dharamsala program is based at the foot of the Himalayas in extremely picturesque settings (probably the most beautiful of all of the IVHQ programs) in the town of McLeod Ganj. This program has higher fees and a lower range of programs, however volunteers find the climate to be more suitable (especially those that do not enjoy the heat so much). Furthermore, while safety is fine in both locations and we have never had any issues on either program, volunteers who have done both placements have felt that due to its smaller size, Dharamsala was safer than Delhi. Regardless of where you to choose go, the program will be fantastic, our local staff will look after you, there will be other volunteers to keep you company and you will have an amazing time.
VOLUNTEERING IN SUMMER
If you are going to be volunteering in summer (May to August), it is important to consider the climate. Past Delhi volunteers will tell you that in summer time, the heat is so extreme that it can often become unbearable. Accommodation generally has fans, however with power cuts not unusual (recent summers have been extremely bad for this), these become ineffectual. In recent years we have had some of the hottest summers in the last 100 years. Placements during the day where volunteers work generally do not have air conditioning or fans. Therefore, our recommendation is if you are indifferent between the two programs, the India - Dharamsala program will be more pleasant from May through to September. The Dharamsala program is at a higher altitude which means it is much cooler and more pleasant for volunteers. If you are not adverse to the heat then you will be fine on the Delhi program but it is important you keep climate in mind when planning your trip. During these months Delhi is by far our hottest program.
START AND DURATION OF INDIA VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Programs begin on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Volunteers can choose to volunteer for periods ranging from 1 week to 6 months. Please note, Dharamsala placements have a two week minimum time frame.
INDIA VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program and have at least a high school education. All volunteers must provide a criminal background check to IVHQ partner staff on arrival in India.
HOW MANY OTHER VOLUNTEERS WILL THERE BE?
INDIA VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIALS
INDIA VOLUNTEER PROJECTDESCRIPTIONS
ORPHANAGE WORK (Delhi)
Orphanages and day care centres in India are often extremely full with children due to a lack of appropriate facilities. Due to the high incidences of poverty and illness orphanages in India can host 50-300 children at any one time and there is always a high demand for more volunteer assistance. These orphanages and day care centres (who care for children from very poor families whose parents have to work during the day) face many problems such as a lack of funding, lack of resources and help. Volunteers who work in an orphanage help with general work and daily chores. This work ranges from cooking and cleaning to farm work, assisting with feeding programs, caring for children and babies and teaching. Volunteers also assist the children with their education, through taking extracurricular lessons, assisting with homework and helping with general education on life skills such as personal hygiene. We work with ten different orphanage projects, six of these are located in Faridabad, Delhi, two are in Noida, Delhi and one is located in Delhi centre. In many of the orphanage placements, volunteers will live on site at the orphanage with the children (not at home stays).
TEACHING ENGLISH (Delhi and Dharamsala)
Teaching English in India gives you the great opportunity to share your knowledge with others and experience a new culture from within. It is one of the best ways to truly catch a glimpse of the soul of a place. You’ll have a lot of fun and gain valuable skills while your students practice their skills with you learning English in a whole new way. Volunteers will teach for approximately 4 hours per day five days a week. In this program, volunteers can work by themselves or alongside other teachers and volunteers. Volunteers for this program are encouraged to work with local teachers to develop new teaching practices and help with their personal conversational English to enable them to teach English in the future. We work with seven schools (rural schools and slum schools) in Delhi; six are located in Faridabad, Delhi and one is in Noida. On the Dharamsala program, the schools are located in and around the towns of Palampur and Dharamsala. NB Volunteers DO NOT need to be a qualified or experienced teacher.
SLUM TEACHING (Delhi only)
For many children in India, school is simply not an option as they work the streets with their parents to help stay alive (it is estimated there are 100 million street children in India). Every day, 365 days of the year these children work the streets of Delhi with their parents, selling goods, foraging and performing to make a living. The Slum Teaching program in India focuses on giving these children an education. This program is popular with the children and their families as it gives them opportunities and perspectives on life they would never have otherwise been provided with. Work consists of taking basic school lessons in a makeshift classroom within the slums, playing with the children after school, providing medical support for them and introducing them to activities (such as painting) that they would never otherwise have a chance to do. We have five different Slum Teaching projects in India; four are located in Faridabad, Delhi and one is in Noida, Delhi.
CHILDCARE (Dharamsala Only)
In McLeod Ganj, this program works mainly in day care centres with children of very poor families who struggle for food and money and is more based working in child care centres than with street children as such. These centres provide a place for very poor families to leave their children for the day while the parents work. The main tasks for the volunteers at these childcare centres include teaching, food preparation and serving to the children, lessons on personal hygiene, ensuring children attend and do not loiter on the streets and creating activities for the children to participate. It is very similar to the orphanage program based in Delhi, except the children go home at nights.
HEALTH (Delhi and Dharamsala)
Volunteers working on the healthcare program are provided the opportunity to gain an insight into the healthcare system of one of the world’s fastest growing countries. Volunteers on this program will be shadowing well-respected physicians in clinics and hospitals who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and expertise with volunteers. In Delhi NCR, we work with seven hospitals and one mobile clinic. On the Dharamsala program we work with one hospital and one clinic which are both located in Bir. Whilst hospitals are under resourced and equipment is basic, these institutions are bound by government regulations and cannot afford to have international volunteers perform tasks independently. The role of pre-medical students is primarily to observe and learn about prevalent diseases and the related practices of various healthcare environments in India. Volunteers generally assist nurses and doctors with their routine jobs, such as taking height, weight and blood pressure measurements of the patients. During routine check ups, volunteers can provide advice regarding nutrition, health, and sanitation. Volunteers can also treat minor injuries and perform tasks such as, cleaning and bandaging wounds. Qualified volunteers may request to work in their area of expertise or training and it is important to note that volunteers are only able to perform tasks relevant to their skills and qualifications. Longer-term volunteers (3+ months) will have more scope to assist with hands on tasks and occasionally fully qualified volunteers can assist with surgical procedures.
NB: Pre-medical students are able to participate on our Delhi health program. Naturally, volunteers are required to present a copy of their qualifications and/or certificates of any qualifications/experience to our program staff on arrival in India.
NB: For the Health placements in Dharamsala, volunteers need to be training or qualified in a relevant medical field (having completed at least 2 full years of medical training or still a medical student). Naturally, volunteers are required to present a copy of their qualifications and certificates to our program partner on arrival in India.
INDIA PROGRAM COSTS
One of the strengths of IVHQ is our extremely affordable fees. Click here to see the program cost to volunteer in India and what you receive in exchange for your fees. It is important to note that Delhi and Dharamsala have different fees.
ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
Volunteers are accommodated in either a home-stay or in the orphanage for those who are working on the orphanage program. Volunteers who are accommodated in a home- stay will live with a local family and other volunteers. We give the local family money from your fee for support, food and board. It is exciting to stay with a family; that way you will learn the Indian way of life, meet local people, eat local food, speak the local language (predominantly Hindi) and engage in local customs and traditions. Living is comfortable and all home stays have electricity and running water. Volunteers can expect to share a room with other volunteers but in some home stays volunteers get their own rooms. Volunteers should carry their sleeping bags during the months of November to February for Delhi. The orphanage accommodation is safe and secure and volunteers are accommodated in a separate room. Indian food is tasty, diverse and volunteers can expect to experience a myriad of flavours and meals during their home stay experience. If volunteers wish to eat out, there are a large numbers of restaurants and diners to suit all tastes and budgets. If you have special eating needs, please let us know ahead of time so that we can make arrangements for you. However, we need to stress the point that you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home. We will do our best to see that you are well taken care of, but also as a volunteer, there is a need to be flexible.
ORIENTATION
Orientation will begin on the first and third Monday of each month and last for approximately half a day. Orientation will be conducted by staff in Delhi for volunteers on placement in Delhi and for volunteers on placement in Dharamsala you will travel to Dharamsala from Delhi as a group, where you will be collected from the bus station (our local staff will organise this for you when you register). For all volunteers electing for the one week orientation (whether volunteering in Delhi or Dharamsala) this will take place in Delhi and then Dharamsala volunteers can proceed onto Dharamsala after the conclusion of this orientation week. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteering placement in Delhi – Introduction to India, Indian Customs, Rules and Expectations, Safety, Basic Hindi lesson, Travel Opportunities in India and Introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing. Once orientation is complete, volunteers will be transported to their home stay and introduced to all relevant parties – home stay family members and program placement staff.
The second option is a one week language and cultural orientation in Delhi. This orientation week begins on your selected start date (1st and 3rd Monday of the month) and your volunteer program will continue the following week. Your total stay will be increased by one week and your end date will be shifted a week later. You must specify you wish to do the orientation week with your program coordinator when you register. Orientation week is very popular amongst volunteers, as they find it is a great way to help settle into the "culture shock" that is India. It is highly recommend by past volunteers and important in helping volunteers settle into India.
Details & Itinerary of One week Orientation Program in India
- Day 1: Welcome to India, introduction to the program help in Delhi, safety issues, basic culture and history about India. Also learn about your orientation week program and details about your volunteering program in India to follow after this week. Hindi language introduction.
- Day 2: Hindi language class for approximately 3 hours. Learn basic letters and words of welcoming, greeting, short expressions, as well as learn about important and handy words which would help you while at work in your placement. You will get a chance to explore by yourself around Delhi in the afternoon and evening. Visit local markets, internet cafes, coffee shops and practice Hindi.
- Day 3: New Delhi Sightseeing: Lotus Baha’i Temple, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar - All entrance fees included.
- Day 4: Old Delhi Sightseeing: India Gate, Red Fort, Jama Mosque and Raj Ghat (Gandhi Samadhi) - All entrance fees included.
- Day 5: Hindi language classes during the day time covering more words and vocabulary to help you in daily use. In the evening explore the local markets, visit internet cafes, practice your new Hindi or visit restaurants with other volunteers.
- Day 6: Hindi language classes in the morning. In the afternoon go to see a new Bollywood Hindi movie. Entrance to the Hindi movie is included in your fees.
- Day 7: Optional extra: The Taj Mahal tour (NB: This tour includes A/C Car Delhi to Agra return, state insurance, driver, parking and toll taxes, breakfast and lunch and guide but NOT the entrance fees to the Taj Mahal, these are extra). For those not doing the Taj tour, you will depart for your project and have your briefing with local staff and introduction to accommodation and project. Those doing the Taj tour will do this the next day.
Cost $220 for this 1 week program (accommodation and 3 meals per day covered during this time). Upgrade to see Taj Mahal on the 7th day for an extra $100.
VOLUNTEER WEEK
The following is a basic guide to what a typical volunteer schedule can look like. However, it is important to note that with such a wide variety of accommodation options and placements, this can vary widely.
- First Day: On the first day of the volunteering placement, the volunteers will be escorted to the project and introduced to the staff at the project you will be working with.
- Weekdays: While our programs are flexible and can be fitted to your requirements, an example of a typical day is as follows.
- 7.30AM Breakfast with the host family or at volunteer house
- 8.00AM Volunteer leaves home and travels to the project; The volunteer joins with the local staff. You will be given a duty roster and a plan for your work. There is usually a tea break and a lunch break. Work and hours is dependent on the project and location that the volunteer is participating in.
- 2.00PM-5.00PM Work at the project usually ends. The volunteer at this point is free to visit and see places or do shopping. Usually we will have a guide to take you around. You may also want to hang out with the kids up to around 6.00PM.
- 8.30PM Dinner with the host family.
- Weekends: During the weekend, volunteers have spare time and usually just relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of their local town and India. Long weekends can be taken to travel further afield such as Agra or Jaipur. If volunteers wish to volunteer over the weekends they can join local teams and visit other orphanages (or other children helping organizations) to spend time simply playing with and entertaining the children.
India - Delhi Volunteer Fees
| Volunteer Period | Program Fee US$ | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | 250 | ||
| 2 Weeks | 300 | ||
| 3 Weeks | 400 | ||
| 1 Month (4 weeks) | 500 | ||
| 6 weeks | 700 | ||
| 2 Months (8 weeks) | 900 | ||
| 10 Weeks | 1100 | ||
| 3 Months (12 weeks) | 1300 | ||
| 4 Months (16 weeks) | 1700 | ||
| 5 Months (20 weeks) | 2100 | ||
| 6 Months (24 weeks) | 2500 | ||
| Orientation Week | NB This is optional | 220 | |
| To convert these prices to your local currency click here. Please note: All programs attract a Registration Fee of $249 USD on top of the Program Fee. |
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What do my fees pay for?
Registration Fee (Refundable if you choose not to go*) – 24/7 support from IVHQ staff, program marketing costs, information pack, administration costs, travel costs to inspect programs and communication costs with volunteers.
Program Fee – Airport pick up, orientation, program supervision, accommodation and meals during volunteer placement period, In-country 24/7 volunteer support and In-country administration costs.
What additional costs will I have?
Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), transfer back to the airport at conclusion of program, vaccinations, souvenirs, orientation week (optional and adds an extra week to your time - $220), spending money (volunteers in India generally find US$30 to be sufficient for basic weekly expenses).
India - Dharamsala Volunteer Fees
| Volunteer Period | Program Fee US$ | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | N/A | ||
| 2 Weeks | 400 | ||
| 3 Weeks | 530 | ||
| 1 Month (4 weeks) | 640 | ||
| 6 weeks | 900 | ||
| 2 Months (8 weeks) | 1160 | ||
| 10 Weeks | 1420 | ||
| 3 Months (12 weeks) | 1680 | ||
| 4 Months (16 weeks) | 2200 | ||
| 5 Months (20 weeks) | 2720 | ||
| 6 Months (24 weeks) | 3240 | ||
| Orientation Week | NB This is optional | 220 | |
| To convert these prices to your local currency click here. Please note: All programs attract a Registration Fee of $249 USD on top of the Program Fee. |
|||
What do my fees pay for?
Registration Fee (Refundable if you choose not to go*) – 24/7 support from IVHQ staff, program marketing costs, information pack, administration costs, travel costs to inspect programs and communication costs with volunteers.
Program Fee – Airport pick up, orientation, program supervision, accommodation and meals during volunteer placement period, In-country 24/7 volunteer support and In-country administration costs.
What additional costs will I have?
Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), transport to Dharamsala from Delhi (flights are approximately US$200), transfer back to the airport at conclusion of program, vaccinations, souvenirs, orientation week (optional and adds an extra week to your time - $220), approximately US$20 for transportation from Delhi to Dharamsala, spending money (volunteers in India generally find US$30 to be sufficient for basic weekly expenses).
