Volunteer in India - It Will Change You Forever...

Volunteer Programs

Working in an Orphanage (Delhi and Jaipur)

Take a journey to a stunning country and change the lives of orphans in a multitude of ways: educationally, emotionally and physically! Mournfully, hundreds of impoverished children in India become orphans due to destitution, disease, cruelty, unrest or simple abandonment. These children depend on orphanages because without their help, many are vulnerably thrown into frightening, detrimental and harsh environments. While orphanages are trying their best to provide orphans with shelter, food, education, healthcare and basic necessities, many orphanages lack human and financial resources. Helping Abroad invites you to volunteer in an orphanage in India to improve the lives and futures of orphans by acting as a companion, caregiver, buddy and teacher. As you help local orphanage staff to manage routine, educational and recreational activities, you will help the children grow, put smiles of their faces and expand their future opportunities. Helping Abroad invites you to volunteer in an orphanage in India and help these destitute children. You will have an unforgettable experience as you share your time and passion.

Project Skills and Education Requirements

No specific skills, qualifications or experiences are required. You're expected to have a basic knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and local people. You should have a passion for teaching and caring for children. Volunteers must be hardworking, patient, confident, enthusiastic and good with children. You should bring energy and enthusiasm to the orphanage and your projects.

Responsibilities and Roles of Volunteers

As a volunteer working in an orphanage in India, you will help to enhance the quality of life for underprivileged orphans. Depending on individual skills and interests and the needs of the orphanage, volunteer roles and responsibilities may include:

• Teaching basic English
• Teaching other subjects such as math and science
• Teaching children life skills such as gardening, painting, building, sewing, etc
• Carrying out extracurricular activities such as games, sports, art, music, dancing, etc
• Teaching health and personal hygiene
• Providing care and friendship to children
• Planning events and field trips
• Taking children to and from school
• Cooking and serving food for the children
• Helping children with their homework and school assignments
• Simply playing with the children
• Making the children smile
• Giving the children confidence

Please Note:The activities above are mere examples of volunteers’ daily activities, but this may change due to requests from local staff members. You will receive your work schedule from local orphanage staff. You are only required to work 3 to 4 hours a day, 5 to 6 days a week, therefore, you will have ample time to relax and explore India’s natural beauty and culture.

Teaching English in a Rural School (Delhi and Jaipur) in India

Gain teaching experience, explore India and open doors for the futures of your Indian students! The demand for English is constantly on the rise with tourism and trade and many Indian students are eager to learn English. Sadly, many cannot afford private lessons and public schools lack resources and qualified teachers, making student goals difficult to attain. Helping Abroad is currently partnering with schools in Delhi and Jaipur to increase opportunities for students from low-income families who would not otherwise have the chance to learn the increasingly important language. As a volunteer in India teaching English, you will allow your students to communicate in the global market, brightening their futures and expanding their career possibilities. Your time and effort can without a doubt change the lives of the children you help. What are you waiting for? Take a leap, travel to India, engage in cultural exchange and most importantly, improve the lives and futures of these children.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

No specific skills, qualifications or experiences are required. You're expected to have a basic knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and local people. You should have a passion for teaching and caring for children. Volunteers must be hardworking, patient, confident, enthusiastic and good with children. You should bring energy and enthusiasm to your projects.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

The Helping Abroad volunteer teaching English in India project offers an array of formal and informal educational programs for children. The primary responsibility for volunteers is teaching conversational English while making the language fun and interactive. Here are some examples of volunteer activities in India:

• Teaching English
• Working with local teachers to plan lessons
• Planning and leading extracurricular activities such as dancing, games, music, sports, art, etc.
• Helping children successfully finish their homework
• Singing songs and playing music/instruments
• Helping children with art projects and drawing
• Teaching children personal hygiene
• Reinforcing life skills and chores such as cleaning and cooking
• Teaching children to how to garden
• Working on maintenance such as painting, building, and other activities to improve the facilities
• Providing assistance to school administrations to help with operational tasks and curriculum development
• Fundraising

Please Note:The activities above are mere examples of volunteers' daily activities, but this may change due to requests from local staff members and teachers. You will receive your work schedule from the school administration. In addition, you will work with a school supervisor that will provide guidance and assist you develop your teaching lessons. You are only required to work only 3 to 4 hours a day, Monday through Friday, therefore, you will have ample time to relax and explore India.

Work with a Women's Cooperative (Jaipur)

In India, many women from low-income families are victimized with severe poverty, gender inequality, superstitious beliefs and cultural restrictions. As a volunteer in the women support project in India, you will have the power to support these women by becoming a friend, teacher and advisor. Helping Abroad is partnering with a nonprofit organization working to help protect poor and deprived women and children so they can break the cycle of poverty and become strongholds in Indian society. Volunteers will help to educate women and children with formal and informal education projects aiming to expand their knowledge with a variety of valuable skills. The women and children will learn how to read, speak English, create arts and crafts, sew, cook, create a business, manufacturing skills, marketing, etc. Volunteer time and efforts provide the women with confidence, capacity and hope. You have the chance to truly chance the lives of these women, all while learning about a new and fascinating culture and growing as a responsible tourist.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

No specific skills, qualifications or experiences are required. You're expected to have a basic knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and local people. You should have a passion for gender equality. Volunteers must be hardworking, patient, confident and enthusiastic. You should bring energy and enthusiasm to your projects.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

As a volunteer working with a women’s cooperative in India, you will work with a local women and children in a variety of projects. Depending on individual skills and interests and the needs and goals of local organizations, volunteer roles and responsibilities may include:

• Improving self-esteem and confidence
• Creating extracurricular activities such as singing, dancing, sports, art, etc.
• Teaching the women life skills such as painting, cooking, sewing, computer lessons, etc.
• Promoting public relations and marketing for the women’s local products
• Teaching women basic business skills
• Teaching women about brainstorming creative ideas
• Promoting effective production and distribution methods of their products
• Teaching basic English
• Promoting women’s health and sanitation
• Fundraising
• Helping cooperatives with information technology and web design
• Aiding cooperatives with administration
• Helping with organizational tasks
• Befriending the women

Please Note:The activities above are mere examples of volunteers’ daily activities, but this may change due to requests from the local cooperative. You will receive your work schedule from local staff. You are only required to work 3 to 4 hours a day, 5 to 6 days a week, therefore, you will have ample time to relax and explore India’s natural beauty and culture.

HIV/AIDS Awareness Project (Delhi and Jaipur)

Imagine this: over 2 million people in India are infected and living with HIV/AIDS. Stand up and make a difference in their lives by helping them live happy and productive lives while simultaneously preventing this horrific disease from spreading. As a volunteer in the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project in India you can immensely help Indian communities in and around Delhi by educating them about the causes, effects and preventions of the heartbreaking endemic and incorporating infected individuals into society. HIV/AIDS is cruel and grave in India as it weakens families, communities and economies. Helping Abroad is partnering with local organizations to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and comfort HIV/AIDS-infected Indians. Volunteers help to provide care, comfort and capacity-building activities and bring hope, confidence and strength to patients. As a volunteer in the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project in India, you can potentially save lives through HIV/AIDS education. While exploring India, you will have a life-changing experience while literally, changing lives.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

No specific qualifications or prior experiences are required to volunteer in the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project in India. You're expected to have a basic knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and local people. You should have qualities such as love & passion for helping others, a genuine interest in disease prevention, patience, compassion, endurance and so on. You should also be flexible and have the desire to learn and serve people of a new culture and religion.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

Each volunteer in India working in the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project will participate in a wide range of activities, depending on individual skills and interests and the needs of local organizations. Activities may include:

• Counseling infected patients
• Preparing materials for educating communities about HIV/AIDS
• Educating locals about the causes, effects and preventions of HIV/AIDS
• Taking care of infected Indians
• Helping to provide medication to fight health concerns such as fevers, coughing, diarrhea, etc.
• Leading and participating in support groups
• Supporting infected families with basic necessities
• Maintaining and constructing clinics
• Helping local organizations with administrative and organizational tasks
• Fundraising

Please Note: The work is very flexible. You will receive your work schedule from the local project staff or coordinator in charge of your project. You are expected to work 3 to 4 hours a day from Monday to Friday. You will always have time for tourism and holidays. Your work schedule can always be adjusted to suit your needs. Remember, the activities mentioned above are just an outline. Your project coordinator might also request your assistance in other projects or related activities.

Healthcare and Medical Project (Delhi)

Are you looking to improve international healthcare, gain professional experience and explore an effervescent country? Look no further. As a volunteer in India in the Healthcare/Medical Project, you will have the chance to observe and help local doctors and nurses and you educate local Indian communities about basic healthcare concerns and provide essential treatment. There are many Indians who struggle to receive proper healthcare and with your help, more patients who need attention can be reached. Therefore, Helping Abroad is working together with clinics and hospitals in Delhi to send volunteers to educate locals about the imperative value of general health, nutrition, personal hygiene, sanitation, disease prevention, basic care, family planning and much more. At the same time, volunteers have the valuable opportunity to gain experience in their field by working with local doctors and nurses and caring for in-need and low-income patients. Volunteers assist clinics and hospitals to treat as many patients as possible so that more people can live healthy and productive lives. As a medical volunteer in India working in the medical/healthcare project, you can directly educate people, prevent diseases and enrich lives while discovering the magical beauty behind India.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

To be a medical volunteer in India and work in clinics and hospitals, you must submit proof of a medical certification such as a medical ID, EMT, paramedic, nursing, etc. You're expected to have a basic knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and local people. You must be flexible when dealing with organizations, doctors, curses and patients. For this project, volunteers must be open minded, patient, enthusiastic, hardworking, resourceful and willing to learn. Helping Abroad will require a copy of volunteer’s credentials, resume and qualifications. Depending on your host organization, additional application materials may be required.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

As a medical and healthcare volunteer in India, you will act as an assistant to local doctors and nurses. Activities will range widely depending on individual skills, interests and medical qualifications. Volunteers are not be allowed to perform major exams or surgeries. You will mostly observe and learn from local doctors. Volunteer duties may include:

• Promoting disease prevention through education
• Planning and leading educational workshops
• Planning and leading trainings
• Shadowing local medical professionals
• Helping local doctors provide basic care to patients
• Taking and recording vital statistics such as height, weight, blood pressure, etc.
• Helping clinics and hospitals with administrative tasks
• Assisting with vaccinations and basic care
• Observing basic functions of clinics and hospitals

Please Note: The above examples of activities may vary depending on individual skills and interests and the needs of the hospital and/or clinic. You will be provided with a very flexible schedule from local teachers, doctors or nurses so that you can adjust in the new environment. Along with Helping Abroad in-country staff, these counterparts will support you throughout your project. You will normally work for 3-4 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. All other time you are free to relax and explore the beautiful country of India.

Volunteer with Disadvantaged/Street Children (Delhi)

In India, many children are either left on the streets alone or their parents cannot afford to provide proper care. In both cases, these children are left without basic necessities such as food, education and companionship. Many must live in dangerous and unhealthy environments and are thrown into child labor without the chance of a normal childhood or time in school. Helping Abroad is urgently trying to provide aid to these children by partnering with local communities, municipalities and nonprofit organizations to provide disadvantaged/street children with crucial necessities. Sadly, many childcare programs lack human and financial resources and immediately need the help of international volunteers. As a volunteer in India working in the Disadvantaged/Street Children Project, you will help children struggling on the streets or children from incredibly low-income families by helping to provide essential needs, education and support. Volunteers help children with routine, educational and recreational activities, providing them with an outlet to develop, study and enjoy life. Each volunteer working in the Disadvantaged/Street Children Project acts as a role model, buddy and teacher and constantly puts smiles on their little faces. These children truly deserve your time and dedication and without a doubt, you will gain as much from your time in India as them.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

No specific skills, qualifications or experiences are required. You're expected to have a basic knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and local people. You should have a passion for teaching and be caring towards children. Volunteers must be hardworking, patient, confident, enthusiastic and good with children. You should bring energy and enthusiasm to your projects.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

As a volunteer working in the Disadvantaged/Street Children Project in India, you will help to enhance the quality of life for disadvantaged children. Depending on individual skills and interests, volunteer roles and responsibilities may include:

• Teaching basic English
• Teaching other subjects such as math and science
• Teaching health and personal hygiene
• Providing care and companionship to children
• Cooking and serving food for children
• Teaching children life skills such as gardening, painting, building, sewing, etc
• Carrying out extracurricular activities such as games, sports, art, music, dancing, etc
• Fundraising
• Helping local organizations with administrative tasks
• Planning events and field trips
• Providing low-income families with assistance
• Helping medical and health staff with child healthcare

Please Note: The activities above are mere examples of volunteers’ daily activities, but this may change due to requests from local staff members and teachers. You will receive your work schedule from local staff. You are only required to work 3 to 4 hours a day, 5 to 6 days a week, therefore, you will have ample time to relax and explore India’s natural beauty and culture.

Teaching English in a Rural School (Palampur, Dharamsala)

Gain teaching experience, explore the Himalayas and assist children learn an increasingly important language. The demand for English is constantly on the rise with tourism, trade and globalization. Helping Abroad is currently partnering with schools in Palmapur and Dharamsala to increase opportunities for students from low-income families and villages. As a volunteer in the Himalaya region of India teaching English, you will allow your students to communicate in the global market, brightening their futures and expanding their career possibilities. Travel to India, surround yourself my beautiful mountains, engage in cultural exchange and most importantly, improve the lives and futures of these children. Your time and efforts will without a doubt change the lives of the children you help.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

No specific skills, qualifications or experiences are required. You're expected to have a basic knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and local people. You should have a passion for teaching and caring for children. Volunteers must be hardworking, patient, confident, enthusiastic and good with children. You should bring energy and enthusiasm to your projects.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

The Helping Abroad volunteer teaching English in India—Himalaya project offers an array of formal and informal educational programs for children. The primary responsibility for volunteers is teaching conversational English while making the language fun and interactive. Here are some examples of volunteer activities in India:

• Teaching English
• Working with local teachers to plan lessons
• Planning and leading extracurricular activities such as dancing, games, music, sports, art, etc.
• Helping children successfully finish their homework
• Singing songs and playing music/instruments
• Helping children with art projects and drawing
• Teaching children personal hygiene
• Reinforcing life skills and chores such as cleaning and cooking
• Teaching children to how to garden
• Working on maintenance such as painting, building, and other activities to improve the facilities
• Providing assistance to school administrations to help with operational tasks and curriculum development
• Fundraising

Please Note: The activities above are mere examples of volunteers’ daily activities, but this may change due to requests from local staff members and teachers. You will receive your work schedule from the school administration. In addition, you will work with a school supervisor that will provide guidance and assist you develop your teaching lessons. You are only required to work only 3 to 4 hours a day, Monday through Friday, therefore, you will have ample time to relax and explore India.

At-risk/Street Children Project (Palampur, Dharmasala)

In the Himalayas, many children are left in dangerous and unhealthy environments without basic necessities, as 60% of the local population lives under the poverty line. Helping Abroad is immediately trying to enrich the lives of these children by partnering with local communities, municipalities and nonprofit organizations to provide at-risk/street children with fundamental necessities. As a volunteer in India working in the At-risk/Street Children Project, you will help children struggling on the streets or children from incredibly low-income families by helping to provide basic needs, education and love. Volunteers help children with schoolwork, daily life activities and extracurricular activities, helping them to grow and develop in a healthy and safe environment. As a volunteer working in the At-risk/Street Children Project in the India Himalaya region, you will act as a role model, teacher and friend and truly make a difference in these children’s lives.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

No specific skills, qualifications or experiences are required. You're expected to have a basic knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and local people. You should have a passion for teaching and be caring towards children. Volunteers must be hardworking, patient, confident, enthusiastic and good with children. You should bring energy and enthusiasm to your projects.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

As a volunteer working in the At-risk/Street Children Project in India, you will help to enhance the quality of life for disadvantaged children. Depending on individual skills and interests, volunteer roles and responsibilities may include:

• Teaching basic English
• Teaching other subjects such as math and science
• Teaching health and personal hygiene
• Providing care and companionship to children
• Cooking and serving food for children
• Teaching children life skills such as gardening, painting, building, sewing, etc
• Carrying out extracurricular activities such as games, sports, art, music, dancing, etc
• Fundraising
• Helping local organizations with administrative tasks
• Planning events and field trips
• Providing low-income families with assistance
• Making the children smile

Please Note: The activities above are mere examples of volunteers’ daily activities, but this may change due to requests from local staff members and teachers. You will receive your work schedule from local staff. You are only required to work 3 to 4 hours a day, 5 to 6 days a week, therefore, you will have ample time to relax and explore India’s natural beauty and culture.

Major FAQ's

• Who will meet me at the airport? What should I do if I am delayed or miss my flight? When should I arrive?

Please book your flight to arrive to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. The Helping Abroad country coordinator will be waiting for you at the “arrival” gate. Please look for a person with both the Global Volunteer Solution’s company logo and your name on a sign card. In case your contact person is not there, please contact the Helping Abroad office and we will immediately follow up on your contact person whereabouts. Coordinators’ contact details are available in the pre-departure handbook. If your flight is delayed, immediately contact Helping Abroad so we can make adjustments to your program. Helping Abroad will be responsible for creating the necessary changes in your program.

The program fee covers expenses from the first day of the program to the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the program and/or stay beyond the last day of the program, you will be responsible for these expenses.

• What are the visa requirements to volunteer in India?

It is the volunteer’s responsibility to acquire a tourist visa. Please contact either our office or the local Indian embassy to learn more about the process for obtaining a visa, timelines, visa fees and visa extensions.

• What do I need to know about health and safety in India?

VVolunteers should be aware of all health and safety information before traveling to India. You can read about health and safety in India on the website listed below:

• WHO India (http://www.who.int/countries/en/)
• What immunizations/vaccinations are recommended before arriving in India?

We strongly recommend that volunteers obtain vaccinations before arriving in India. You can speak with your health-care provider to determine which vaccinations you will need. Please read CDC recommendations about vaccinations and preventive medicine: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/India.htm#sthash.K9mJIqc5.dpuf

• What is the local currency and exchange rate?

India's local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). You can exchange money when you arrive to the New Delhi Airport. ATM cards are the best way to get money and Visa, MasterCard and American Express are also accepted in larger cities, large stores and large hotels. It is a good idea to carry a credit card for large purchases and emergencies. Make sure you notify your bank that you will be out of the country and give them your expected arrival/departure dates. This will prevent your account from being locked and you will be advised about any fraudulent charges. Please always be aware of your situation and keep all valuables and money concealed at all times. It is always best to go to the ATM machine in groups.

Please visit XE, a privately held online foreign exchange tool for rates. XE.com

• How can I communicate with my family/friends while I am abroad? Is there internet access?

If you have an unlocked cell phone that contains a SIM card, we recommend that you bring it because you can buy a SIM card upon arrival in India. Phones are important to have for safety and communication with family and Helping Abroad staff. Internet cafes are widely available in India.

• How is the climate in India?

India’s climate includes three seasons: winter, summer and the monsoon season. From November to March is the colder season, whereas April to June is India’s summer. After the summer season marks the arrival of the monsoon season which lasts until August. For more information regarding the climate and weather, please visit:
ACCU Weather (http://www.accuweather.com)

• What should I bring?

You can purchase basic necessities in India at reasonable prices, but we suggest bringing the following:

• An unlocked mobile phone (you can use it after buying a sim card)
• Camera
• Sleeping bag
• Mosquito repellent
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Books about India
• Map of India
• Toiletries
• First aid kit
• Flash light
• Electricity adapter/converter
• Sun glasses
• Good shoes (for work and travel)
• Towel
• Should I bring gifts for my host family?

You are not required to bring a gift, but it is common courtesy as a token of appreciation for hosting you. Gifts can be as simple as postcards or pictures from home, chocolates, t-shirts, or something that represents where you are from. In addition, you can bring gifts for your projects. If you are working in orphanages or schools, you can bring items such as school supplies and games. Remember that many children will desire what you bring, so you may want to bring a large amount of one item (pencils, pens, notebooks, games, art supplies, etc).

NOTE: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is derived from generic information about the country, and should not be used as a definitive travel guide. Travel information and situations abroad change constantly, and the information contained here may not be up to date. Participants should consult Helping Abroad staff or travel advisors to verify this information.