Have you just passed out of high school and wondering whether to take a gap year or not? Or maybe you’re already in college looking for a volunteering program that would widen your worldview and allow you to help the underprivileged while gaining valuable work experience.

India, of course, is a highly popular volunteering destination and there’s a myriad of volunteer opportunities in India to choose from, especially for college students on their gap year abroad.

Volunteering India has been coordinating with local organizations and offering placements to students and enthusiastic participants from all over the world, to be a part of the volunteering programs in India and serve the developing society through their active involvement. Over the last 16 years, we have hosted more than 4,500 volunteers in India who have effectively made a difference.

In case you are also keen to be a volunteer in India, then here’s a list of the best volunteering programs in India for college students:

1. Summer Volunteering Program in India

Undoubtedly, the Summer Volunteering Program is one of the most popular ones in India, and it’s curated for those who wish to explore the country’s heritage and culture, as well as contribute meaningfully towards the underprivileged communities.

As a volunteer for this program, you’ll be working at a shelter home in New Delhi, where you’ll spend valuable time with children and also, contribute to beautification and renovation projects in Jaipur. Additionally, you’ll get to explore the popular UNESCO Heritage Sites like Qutub Minar and Red Fort in Delhi, embrace the grandeur of the Taj Mahal in Agra, and soak in the royal vibes of Jaipur and Pushkar.

2. Street Children Volunteering Program in India

The Street Children Program is one of the most impactful volunteer projects in India, aiming to support the holistic development of vulnerable children living on the streets, many of whom have found shelter in care homes. These children are often orphaned, abandoned due to poverty, or forced into begging and street life due to circumstances beyond their control.

As a volunteer for this program, your role is to ensure these children receive ample love and care, teach them basic English and Maths lessons, and guide them toward a healthy and happy life. College students can also assist local staff at these organizations, contributing to smoother operations and enhanced development opportunities.

3. Short-Term Volunteering Program in India

Being a part of this program, you’ll be spending 2 weeks in New Delhi, teaching, playing & taking care of underprivileged children along with other enthusiastic volunteers from different parts of the world.

This program will give you a chance to explore India a little differently and bring smiles to the faces of underprivileged street children by helping to create an environment conducive to their holistic development, to enable them to become a part of mainstream society. As a volunteer, you can bring along pens, pencils, books, and other teaching materials that will help while teaching.

Apart from volunteering, explore the nooks and corners of Delhi, binge on delicious Indian cuisine, walk down the lanes of history, and get awed by the Mughal architecture. Before your trip ends, you will also get to spend a weekend in Agra, witnessing the beauty of the Taj Mahal.

4. Disabled Care Program in India

If you are looking for a more challenging role, then you can choose to be a part of the Disabled Care Program and work with organizations that particularly focus on taking care of these special people. You don’t need to be a professional in this, all you need is love and compassion to help people live a smooth life and provide vocational training to them like painting, clay modeling, candle making, bookbinding, etc.

Being with these people will make you feel blessed and probably you’ll learn to be more grateful towards life. You’ll know the fact that not everyone is born equal, yet we all deserve to live a good life.

5. Women Empowerment Volunteering Program in India

As a volunteer in the Women Empowerment program in India, you’ll work towards the welfare and social development of women from poor areas in the capital city of Delhi. These women come from disadvantaged backgrounds, face low or no education levels, and are in dire need of support. Your role as a volunteer is essential in making a difference in these women’s lives by providing them with love and warmth. The ultimate objective of this program is to raise awareness of global trends and help these women acquire skills that will enable them to become independent individuals.

If you’re passionate about uplifting women and making a positive impact in their lives, you’ll find this project fulfilling and rewarding.

Now, here are some benefits of volunteering in India as a college/university student:

• Volunteering in India offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the country, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of its people and customs.
• It will enhance your resume and future career prospects by demonstrating your commitment to social responsibility, leadership skills, and ability to work in diverse environments.
• It’s a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, develop new skills, and gain valuable life experiences that can contribute to personal growth and development.
• This will help you to strengthen your social network, as you’ll be working/volunteering with like-minded people from different parts of the world.
• Last, but not the least, you’ll get to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

So what are you waiting for? Drop us an email at [email protected] and let us know which of these programs intrigues you the most. As a college student, volunteering in India will endow you with a lot of life lessons and help you to grow as a better human being. It’ll be an immensely satisfying endeavor and you’ll cherish these memories forever.