Volunteering India is one of the oldest and most reputable volunteer organization in India, which started its first services in India in 2004. Since then we have provided unforgettable volunteering experience to over 4500 volunteers from across the world. We strive hard to provide excellent service to all our volunteers from the moment we receive your application. Below we have tried to explain, what you can expect once you join our programs in India.
Once we have received your application along with your resume, photo and application fee we would send you your placement details within 10 working days. At this time you make your final payment and then we would send you your Pre Departure Booklet. This booklet is a comprehensive guide to your trip in India, it includes things to do, things to pack, basic Indian culture, culture shock, terms and conditions, accommodation and coordinator details as well as information about India in general. This booklet is very helpful in preparing you for your trip to India and generally answers all questions you might have prior to coming.
Airport pickup/bus station/train station pickup is included in your program fee that you pay to Volunteering India. Our staff/coordinator would be waiting for you at the arrival lounge in Delhi, Palampur/Dharamshala and Bangalore airports, depending on which destination you have chosen to volunteer at. He/She would be holding a placard with your name on it. Once picked up you would be driven to the accommodation.
Volunteering India provides accommodation to volunteers who join our programs in all location in India. Type of accommodation varies from location to location, below we have outlined the type of accommodation available in different locations:
Accommodation in Delhi - Dharamshala Palampur - South India
Volunteering India has its own volunteers home in the heart of Delhi. It has a capacity to host upto 16 volunteers at the same time. The home is managed by our local coordinator in Delhi. The accommodation is shared type and volunteers share the rooms with other fellow volunteers. Volunteers living here would also be served freshly cooked Breakfast and Dinner everyday for their entire stay in Delhi. Volunteers working in Street Children, Orphanage, Women Empowerment would be hosted here.
Volunteering India provides two kind of accommodation options in Palampur for individuals and groups. The first is the host family accommodation. The accommodation is provided in a large house in Palampur which can accommodate upto 12 volunteers at any given point of time. The house has three floors and the first and second floors are dedicted to volunteers accommodation and common area. Volunteers are provided with beds/bedding, freshly cooked meals, television and modern toilets. The house is maintained by our coordinator and his family in Palampur.
The other accommodation option is for groups and the accommodation is provide in a hut/cottage type guest house. This offers accommodation for upto 30 volunteers at the same time and is used for maily groups and school trips. The accommodation also has modern facilities and serves freshly cooked food to volunteers.
Volunteers are provided with onsite accommodation in these cities. The volunteers live in seperate rooms provided for them by the projects and basic facilities are also provided. Two or three meals are provided to the volunteers depending on the project they are staying in.
Photos of Volunteering India Accommodation
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Program Orientation
All volunteers are provided with basic orientation on the first day of program start date. The orientation aims to provide the basic knowledge of Indian history, culture and customs. Volunteers are also given information on safety and give the code of conduct before commencing the program in India. The coordinators also take them around the local areas and show the them the local markets, ATM's, banks, restaurants, shopping areas. They are also show how to use public transport in the city they are working in.
Volunteers who would like to have an extended orientation can join our one week Language and Culture week in Delhi prior to starting their
volunteer program in India. to know more about the week please click here.
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Weekend Excursions
Volunteering India arranges trips to many destinations in India. Volunteers joining the Delhi program can go to Taj Mahal and Jaipur. Volunteers joining the Palampur program can go to Manali, Amritsar and McLeod Ganj on trips provided by us. Those interested in travelling can also look at our Mini Break programs which have combined volunteering and travelling. We also have travelling and volunteering options in our Summer Programs in India.
Safety of Volunteers
Volunteering India takes safety very seriously. We make sure all our programs and accommodations are safe and provide a safe environment for all our volunteers. Host Families and coordinators are carefully selected. Safety guidelines are given to volunteers in the Pre Departure information and also during orientation of all volunteers. Volunteers are told what to do and what not to do.
All our staff and coordinators have mobile phones and are contactable 24 x 7 in case of any emergency. Volunteers would also be provided with all contact numbers. It is strongly advised you to carry your mobile phones with you while you come to India to volunteer. Volunteers can easily buy a local SIM card on arrival at the airport.
Arrival in India