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Slum Teaching Volunteer Program in India - Delhi

Slum Teaching Volunteer Program in India - Delhi

Purpose
Improve access to quality education
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 1-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Accommodation
Volunteer house or homestay
Apply for free
On this page:
  • Overview
  • Requirements
  • Gallery
  • Arrival & Orientation
  • Volunteer Schedule
  • Accommodation & Meals
  • Pricing
  • Add-ons & Experiences
  • Entry & Visa Requirements
  • Reviews
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    Who is going?
    Group video calls

    Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

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    This program is ideal for:

    Volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of marginalized children through education. Because volunteers will be leading large classes independently, having some relevant training or experience is recommended.

    Project details

    Interested in being a volunteer Slum Teacher in India - Delhi? International Volunteer HQ’s Slum Teaching project empowers volunteers to provide education to vulnerable children who would usually be working on the streets of Delhi. Volunteers gain teaching experience while helping these disadvantaged children gain basic education, expand their horizons and develop life and social skills that can have a meaningful, positive impact on their lives and futures.

    What to expect and how you'll make an impact

    For many children in India, school is not an option. It is estimated that there are more than 11 million marginalized and vulnerable street children in India. Many of these children work on the streets with their parents selling goods, foraging and performing to make a living.

    Slum Teaching volunteers play an important role in providing these children with access to basic education along with new opportunities they would otherwise have missed out on. This project is greatly valued by the local community, due to the new perspectives and lessons that international volunteers bring.

    As a Slum Teacher, you’ll be leading classes of around 30 students generally aged between 5 and 11 years old. You will teach independently with limited supervision from local staff. Slum Teaching duties will include:

    • Taking English or other lessons
    • Facilitating games and entertainment
    • Introducing the children to new activities
    • Planning lessons

    While on the Slum Teaching project, volunteers need to ensure they are flexible as there generally is not much structure within these placements - this is because the number of students is constantly changing.

    Volunteers are provided with books and resources, and they will get the chance to interact with the students to see where they are at with their learning. Volunteers will then need to use this information to make a lesson plan.

    Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

    Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

    More than half of all children and teens do not meet minimum proficiency standards in reading and mathematics. Quality education provides an opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment and is key to preventing poverty, securing long-term employment and improving quality of life.

    Why do Slum Teaching volunteering in Delhi with IVHQ?

    When you volunteer to teach in slums in India, you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

    • Improving access to education for marginalized children
    • Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
    • Learning Hindi
    • Developing your communication skills
    • Gaining teaching experience
    • Immersing yourself in Indian culture
    • Discovering the neighbourhoods of Delhi

    Volunteer requirements

    • Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
    • All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
    • All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
    • All volunteers must speak fluent English.
    Are you eligible to volunteer?

    Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

    Apply for free

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    'Who is going' users image
    Who is going?
    Group video calls

    Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

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    Academic course credit

    Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

    Academic course credit

    Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

    Learn about course credit

    Location

    Volunteer Abroad in New Delhi, India with IVHQ

    Location

    Delhi is home to India’s capital city, New Delhi. The city and surrounding National Capital Region are home to 46 million people in a number of cities and towns. One of these is Faridabad, where many of IVHQ’s India - Delhi projects are based. With more than 1.4 million people, Faridabad is the biggest city in the state of Haryana and part of one of the fastest growing places in the world. This means lower-income communities and slums are becoming more overcrowded and resources more stretched. Volunteers can help local initiatives that aim to address some of these issues, making life better for the people who live there.

    If you’re planning to volunteer in India over the summer between April and July, it is important to consider the climate in Delhi. You’ll be in your element if you like it hot, but some past volunteers have found the heat and humidity were more extreme than they were expecting and often there is no air conditioning at placements. If you are looking for a more temperate destination, the IVHQ India - Kerala volunteer program is a great option. Located in southern India, volunteers can expect a more tropical climate throughout the year.

    Arrival and orientation

    The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month, and volunteers need to arrive in Delhi on the Sunday before orientation.

    After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the New Delhi International Airport (DEL). Your airport pick-up is included in your program fee.

    When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Faridabad, on the southern outskirts of Delhi. Your accommodation is covered by your program fee and includes the night before your program orientation.

    If you are traveling in India prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Delhi on the day before your program orientation.

    There are two options for orientation in India:

    Half-day Orientation:

    This covers everything you need to know for your volunteer project and stay in India. You will have an introduction to the IVHQ India - Delhi program, your project and the local staff, Indian customs, rules, expectations, and safety.

    1-week Language and Introduction Week:

    A week-long orientation which not only teaches you everything you need to know for your volunteer project, but also gives you detailed information about life in India, basic Hindi language lessons, tours, entertainment and sightseeing including the chance to visit the Taj Mahal. This week is popular with volunteers and is a great way to settle the culture shock you can face when arriving in India.

    The fee for this longer orientation is CA$366 and takes place in the first week of your program. Accommodation and three meals per day are covered during this time. The Taj Mahal Tour costs an extra CA$178. If you want to join the 1-week Language and Introduction Week, please indicate this on your application form.

    Volunteer schedule example

    First day

    On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.

    Weekdays

    Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that the volunteer is working at, but a typical volunteer day would be:

    7:00 AM Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation
    8:00 AM Volunteers leave home and travel to their placements.
    12:00 - 2:00 PM Lunch break either at the placement or the volunteer accommodation.
    2:00 - 4:00 PM Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to the volunteer accommodation, go sightseeing, or do some shopping.
    7:00 - 9:00 PM Dinner at the volunteer accommodation.

    Weekends

    During the weekends, volunteers have spare time to relax or take the opportunity to explore Delhi’s numerous street markets, malls and museums, or discover ancient temples, important religious sites and beautifully curated gardens. You can also travel further afield to destinations such as Agra, where you can see the Taj Mahal; or admire the rose-hued buildings in the Pink City of Jaipur. Volunteers can make travel arrangements after arriving in Delhi, however if you are planning a long weekend trip during your time in India, it is a good idea to look into train tickets in advance and visit a travel agent to discuss travel options.

    Accommodation and WiFi

    You’ll stay in a volunteer house outside of central Delhi, in Faridabad, where you can expect to share a room with one to three other volunteers of the same gender. While bedding is provided, it is recommended that volunteers bring their own sleeping bag for the winter months of November through February.

    Living is comfortable and all accommodation has electricity, WiFi, fans, shared western toilets and running water. The volunteer house has heated water for showers, a dining area and kitchen facilities. It is located in a gated apartment block within Faridabad and volunteers are provided with transport to and from their placement and accommodation each day.

    Volunteers may request homestay accommodation or a private room within the volunteer house and both options are dependent on availability at the time. There is an additional fee of US$93 (approximately CA$135) per week for a private room which can be booked and paid for via your Pre-departure Checklist once you have registered. Families will typically be accommodated in homestays, and on some placements on the Medical project volunteers may also be in a homestay.

    Meals

    Volunteers on the India - Delhi program are provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner, which are all served at the volunteer accommodation.

    Toast, eggs, spreads, fruit and tea are served for breakfast. Typical Indian food served for lunch and dinner include chapati, a flat wheat bread; dahl, a lentil soup; curry; paneer; vegetables and salads. Meat is rarely eaten in India, except on festive occasions so you can expect all meals to be vegetarian.

    India is home to a great variety of teas and you are sure to be served an authentic home brew of chai tea during your stay. Bottled water is readily available in India and volunteers should budget approximately CA$7 per week for 2 liters per day.

    If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply so as we can discuss this with you further. As you will be living and volunteering abroad, you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home; however, the local team will do their best to ensure you are well taken care of. It’s important that you come to India with an open mind and understand that there is a need to be flexible when it comes to meals. If you wish to supplement some of your meals with home comforts, there are basic kitchen facilities available to use.

    Pricing

    • USD
      • United States Dollars - $
      • Australian Dollars - AU$
      • Brazilian Reals - R$
      • British Pound Sterling - £
      • Canadian Dollars - CA$
      • Chinese Yuan - CN¥
      • Euros - €
      • Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
      • Mexican Pesos - MX$
      • New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
      • Singapore Dollars - SG$
      • Swiss Francs - CHF
      • UAE Dirhams - AED

    Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$437) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.

    You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.

    Duration
    Program Fee
    Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
    • USD
      • United States Dollars - $
      • Australian Dollars - AU$
      • Brazilian Reals - R$
      • British Pound Sterling - £
      • Canadian Dollars - CA$
      • Chinese Yuan - CN¥
      • Euros - €
      • Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
      • Mexican Pesos - MX$
      • New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
      • Singapore Dollars - SG$
      • Swiss Francs - CHF
      • UAE Dirhams - AED
    1 week $340 Equivalent to $49/day
    2 weeks $425 Equivalent to $30/day
    3 weeks $560 Equivalent to $27/day
    4 weeks $695 Equivalent to $25/day
    5 weeks $830 Equivalent to $24/day
    6 weeks $965 Equivalent to $23/day
    8 weeks $1,255 Equivalent to $22/day
    10 weeks $1,525 Equivalent to $22/day
    12 weeks $1,795 Equivalent to $21/day
    16 weeks $2,335 Equivalent to $21/day
    20 weeks $2,875 Equivalent to $21/day
    24 weeks $3,415 Equivalent to $20/day
    • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$437) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
    • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
    • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Delhi generally find US$100 per week sufficient for additional transport and miscellaneous expenses.
    • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    • Transportation to and from placement and accommodation each day
    • Airport pick-up
    • Accommodation
    • 24/7 in-country emergency support
    • In-country program orientation
    • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
    • Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
    • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
    • Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
    • Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
    • Certificate of International Volunteer Service

    Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

    • Return to the airport when your program finishes
    • Flights
    • Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
    • Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.

    Popular add-ons & experiences in Delhi

    Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Delhi program.

    Airport Drop-off
    Airport Drop-off

    Experience a hassle-free journey from your volunteer placement in Delhi to New Delhi International Airport (DEL) with the convenience of our local team’s coordination.

    CA$51

    Airport Drop-off

    Airport Drop-off
    Looking for a seamless airport drop-off as you conclude your IVHQ Delhi adventure? Let us take care of it for you by arranging a cost-effective airport transfer from your volunteer accommodation to New Delhi International Airport (DEL).

    Navigating the uncertain pricing landscape for airport transfers in Delhi can lead to overpayment or a lengthy search for reliable transportation. Trust in a stress-free ride back to the airport, thoughtfully organized by our local team.

    We'll pick you up from your chosen volunteer accommodation at your preferred time, ensuring a direct and timely journey to New Delhi International Airport (DEL). If your travel plans extend beyond this destination, we can also facilitate transfers to other locations as needed.
    ...
    CA$51
    • USD
      • United States Dollars - $
      • Australian Dollars - AU$
      • Brazilian Reals - R$
      • British Pound Sterling - £
      • Canadian Dollars - CA$
      • Chinese Yuan - CN¥
      • Euros - €
      • Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
      • Mexican Pesos - MX$
      • New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
      • Singapore Dollars - SG$
      • Swiss Francs - CHF
      • UAE Dirhams - AED
    What's included
    • Door-to-door transfer from volunteer accommodation at your chosen time
    • Arrive at New Delhi International Airport (DEL) with plenty of time to spare
    • Affordable price at local’s rates
    • Organized for you & hassle free
    • Reliable, safe and trusted transport by our local team’s drivers
    How to book?
    1. Apply and register for an IVHQ volunteer program.
    2. Once you have paid your Registration Fee to secure your place on your chosen IVHQ volunteer program, you'll be able to book your add-ons, experiences, and tours in your MyIVHQ account.
    Apply to volunteer Log in
    Taj Mahal Visit (1 day)
    Taj Mahal Visit (1 day)

    If seeing the iconic Taj Mahal is on your bucket list, this visit is your dream come true.

    CA$178

    Taj Mahal Visit (1 day)

    Taj Mahal Visit (1 day)
    Discover the wonders of India's capital and the iconic Taj Mahal with our exclusive day tour. As a volunteer on the IVHQ India - Delhi program, you can elevate your journey by adding this unforgettable experience to your adventure.

    Delve into the heart of Delhi, where history and modernity seamlessly coexist. Your day will be filled with awe-inspiring moments, from the ancient charm of Old Delhi to the contemporary marvels of New Delhi.

    You will be responsible for:

    1. Entrance fees to the mesmerizing Taj Mahal.
    2. Any personal expenses or drinks you may choose to enjoy.

    Here's a glimpse of your incredible itinerary:

    Begin your day by departing from the volunteer program and embarking on a journey to Agra, a city boasting three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a rich history as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from 1526 to 1628. Enjoy breakfast en route.

    Upon arrival in Agra, your enchanting tour of the Taj Mahal commences, guided by an English-speaking expert who will unveil the rich history of this iconic monument.

    After your visit, savor a delectable lunch at a restaurant in Agra. Then, you'll have some free time to explore the vibrant markets of Agra, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture.

    As the day draws to a close, we'll transport you back to the volunteer program, ensuring you return by 7pm, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. Embrace the spirit of India, its history, and the beauty of the Taj Mahal – an experience that transcends your bucket list.
    ...
    CA$178
    • USD
      • United States Dollars - $
      • Australian Dollars - AU$
      • Brazilian Reals - R$
      • British Pound Sterling - £
      • Canadian Dollars - CA$
      • Chinese Yuan - CN¥
      • Euros - €
      • Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
      • Mexican Pesos - MX$
      • New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
      • Singapore Dollars - SG$
      • Swiss Francs - CHF
      • UAE Dirhams - AED
    What's included
    • Sightseeing as per itinerary below
    • English speaking guide
    • All transport in a private vehicle with chauffeur and AC
    • Breakfast and lunch
    • All government and local taxes
    How to book?
    1. Apply and register for an IVHQ volunteer program.
    2. Once you have paid your Registration Fee to secure your place on your chosen IVHQ volunteer program, you'll be able to book your add-ons, experiences, and tours in your MyIVHQ account.
    Apply to volunteer Log in
    Extra Night of Accommodation
    Extra Night of Accommodation

    Planning to arrive ahead of schedule or extend your stay after your program ends? Book your additional nights of lodging.

    From CA$32

    Extra Night of Accommodation

    Extra Night of Accommodation
    IVHQ provides the flexibility you need for your arrival and departure dates, allowing you to pre-arrange extra nights of accommodation before your trip.

    Rest assured, you'll stay in the same volunteer hostel throughout your program.

    Please keep in mind that you can choose a maximum of 3 extra nights.
    ...
    From CA$32
    • USD
      • United States Dollars - $
      • Australian Dollars - AU$
      • Brazilian Reals - R$
      • British Pound Sterling - £
      • Canadian Dollars - CA$
      • Chinese Yuan - CN¥
      • Euros - €
      • Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
      • Mexican Pesos - MX$
      • New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
      • Singapore Dollars - SG$
      • Swiss Francs - CHF
      • UAE Dirhams - AED
    What's included
    • Single bed
    • Meals
    • Shared room with up to 4 other volunteers of the same gender
    • Western toilets
    • Hot water
    • Fan
    • WiFi
    • Bedding
    • Metro and Mall within 5 minute walking distance of accommodation
    How to book?
    1. Apply and register for an IVHQ volunteer program.
    2. Once you have paid your Registration Fee to secure your place on your chosen IVHQ volunteer program, you'll be able to book your add-ons, experiences, and tours in your MyIVHQ account.
    Apply to volunteer Log in
    View all add-ons & experiences

    Check what's required to visit India

    Safety and support

    A smiling volunteer traveller wearing a traditional Andean poncho stands in front of the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain in Peru. The landscape features vibrant red, yellow, and green hues across the mountains, with a small lake visible in the background.

    Safety and support

    IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

    • All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
    • All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
    • All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
    • All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
    Learn more about IVHQ's safety

    Essential country information

    Essential country information

    Capital New Delhi
    Population 1.366 billion
    Languages Hindi, English
    Currency Indian Rupee (INR)
    Time zone UTC+05:30

    Weather and climate

    India is subject to six different climates and can be loosely characterized by four seasons; winter, summer, monsoon, and a post-monsoon period. Delhi experiences intense heat during the summer months (April to June) and temperatures can reach 45°C (114°F) during heat waves from the south. Dust storms are common during summer months. Following the dry summer, there is a period of monsoon weather from late June until September bringing heavy rain and average temperatures of 29°C (85°F). As winds from the Himalayas descend from November, winter in Delhi begins and average temperatures will sit around 12°C to 13°C (54°F to 55°F) until February. Heavy fog is typical during the winter.

    What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

    HL
    Holly Lavin

    The Local Team were all so lovely. All meals were amazing and they were so welcoming, nice and helpful towards us and especially wanted to make sure I was safe when I went out and about considering I’m only 14.

    I feel I have gained so much from this trip, and will forever be grateful for it. At such a young age, it has really opened my eyes to the big wide world and what other children similar ages to me have to deal with and what their daily lives are. It has made me so much more grateful for what I have at home and in my life, and has really made me think about the way I act and my attitude to things that I thought used to be really big to me, but really these children that we were teaching have way bigger things going on in there lives and to worry about. It has also giving me a taster into a teaching career and whether that would be something I wanted to do when I’m older. It has been one of the best if not the best experience of my life and my advice to someone who would want to do it but is too scared is to “just go for it”. If a 14 year old girl can go around the world with her mum then I really think there isn’t anything stopping anyone else. It was an amazing experience and I would love to do something like this again in the (near) future. Thank you to the Local Team, our Tuk Tuk driver everyday, our tour guides and to everyone who made this a memorable trip for us.

    ...
    Profile: Channel Islander, 14 Volunteer trip: Slum Teaching in India
    JL
    Jane Lavin

    My IVHQ Program Manager was always happy to help and replied to our queries on a timely basis. We had a super experience. Teaching wise the children’s English was not as advanced as my previous placement in Ghana.

    ...
    Profile: British, 51 Volunteer trip: Slum Teaching in India
    TT
    Tammy Trainor

    The local team was excellent! I loved where we stayed, the family, our cook, the meals, the volunteer program with the children in the school. They run a great volunteering program. I loved it! Do it! This was one of the most incredible experiences in my life. It is life changing, rewarding, and priceless!

    ...
    Profile: American, 51 Volunteer trip: Slum Teaching in India
    LG
    Lukas Greyson

    I have been extremely happy with the ease of scheduling, booking and correspondence with IVHQ and the local team. They were beyond accommodating, friendly and helpful. The intro week also gave me a sense of comfort and understanding of India. The means were the absolute best Indian food I’ve ever had! All 3 meals were delicious and traditional - I will miss those meals greatly! I miss everything about my program and miss India immensely!

    ...
    Profile: American, 47 Volunteer trip: Slum Teaching in India

    To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

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