Quick Links
- Volunteer India - Home
- Orphanage Project
(Delhi or Jaipur) - Teaching English
(Delhi or Jaipur) - Healthcare Project
(Delhi or Jaipur) - HIV/AIDS Project
(Delhi or Jaipur) - Women's Group Project
(Jaipur) - Teaching in slum
(Delhi) - Hands on Medical Volunteer Abroad
- Internship India
- Culture and Language
- Travel Program India
Volunteering projects in India are currently unavailable
Volunteering in India!
Would you like to travel and volunteer in India? Do the mystery and charm of this ancient country enthrall you?
Become a global citizen and discover your deep love of humanity when you join one of Global Crossroad's volunteer programs in India.
India has been a spiritual destination for decades, with many opportunities to learn yoga or meditation and also deepen your existing practice.
World famous food, hospitality, and shopping contrast with amazing natural wonders including mountains, caves, lakes, and beaches.
You can go on a desert safari and experience diverse wildlife, or explore the country's fascinating architecture, including the Taj Mahal.
Despite a growing economy and strides made in combating poverty, India is still a desperately poor country, especially in rural areas. Thirty percent of Indians are impoverished. Inadequate education and lack of access lead to high illiteracy. Poor sanitation causes high infant mortality and shortened life expectancy. Natural disasters are common, hurting agriculture and damaging existing infrastructure.
Today, many organizations working to help children and poor communities need volunteers more than ever.
There are many ways to help. Choose from several, highly affordable volunteering opportunities in India. You can work with street and other at-risk children; in orphanages; by teaching English; in medicine and health care, including HIV/AIDS projects; in women's empowerment.; and more.
Immerse yourself in the irresistible culture of India while working with underprivileged, deserving people who will light your spirit and fill you with inspiration.
Request information about volunteer in India and change your life forever!
Volunteering in India : Volunteer Projects
Are you interested in volunteering, but need to find a program that really suits you best? Global Crossroad has a variety to choose from. Have look at what we offer, and find the perfect volunteer opportunity for you.
India is a country of stark contrasts. Unfortunately, this applies to the division of classes and wealth, where the disparity between the rich and the poor can be extreme. India’s poverty stricken families are often unable to raise their kids in the kind of safe and healthy environment that they would like. Too often, the children are abandoned, and are forced to live in orphanages. India’s orphanages endeavor to feed, educate and shelter these children, but due to a chronic shortage of resources, they invariably fall short. Hence Global Crossroad’s orphanage volunteer project aims to provide assistance in the quest to meet this great need.
While working in this volunteer orphanage project in India, you will help the children with their day-to-day activities. You will play a part in building their confidence, and helping them to develop life skills. In addition, you will be involved in teaching English, as well as other subjects. You will be helping the kids with their daily needs, such as the task of getting ready for school.
Besides, you will help to teach them the importance of personal hygiene and keeping their rooms clean. At times you may be asked to help prepare daily meals, at other times you will help us to improve the center facilities and building. Our tasks are endless, and we ask that you come here with an open mind and a willingness to help. There are no specific qualifications needed to take part in orphanage volunteer work in India.
Do you want to help orphans have a brighter future? Go to the project page for more details
English is spoken and understood all over India, yet the majority of its population is unable to read or write. Due to extreme poverty and poor distribution of resources, these children simply don’t have access to quality education. The schools in which they study are either underfunded or under resourced. Therefore, through our English teaching volunteer program, we connect with local schools to offset this need as best we can.
As part of our teaching English volunteer program in India, you will be working in schools in rural areas. Your role here is to teach English and share this gift with children who need it. You will also organize creative and extracurricular activities, leading the children in various educational tours and field trips.
At times, you may be asked to help the students with homework or hold debates and discussions to improve their confidence and conversational skills. If necessary, you will help raise funds for educational programs. No teaching experience is required, though native English speakers are preferred. Your timely help and support will help these children to develop skills for a better life.
Are you looking to share your skills and time with disadvantaged children in India? Do you dream of touring India to experience their rich and diverse culture while teaching children? Then this teaching in slum volunteer project is tailor-made just for you.
While taking part in medical volunteering program in India, you shadow doctors and nurses in local hospitals or clinics. This is a great opportunity for you to learn about the current healthcare system in India. Your role is to prevent, harmful addictions, eating disorders, along with promoting health maintenance within families and communities.
As a volunteer, you will participate in training; helping with physical therapy and rehabilitation. Beyond that you will distribute medicines, and give basic first aid treatment when necessary. You should possess healthcare certification, or midwifery or physician’s credentials for health care volunteering.
India has the third largest HIV/AIDS epidemic in the world. Sadly, at the same time, India’s people have very limited information and understanding about HIV/AIDS, and its perils. This is especially true for the people that live in rural areas. Due to lack of education, and adequate health facilities, there is a great deal of ignorance about its causes and transmission. Global Crossroads HIV /AIDS volunteer program aims to join the fight to stop the spread of this virus in India.
In joining volunteering in HIV/AIDS program in India, you will be providing care to patients infected with this disease. Further, you will be engaging the community in educational and training activities.
Your role requires counseling of infected patients, educating locals, and helping in clinics or hospitals. Similarly you will involve yourself in outreach programs, provide friendship to patients, promoting human rights, and discouraging discrimination wherever possible. There are no specific skills needed to join HIV/AIDS treatment project.
Do you want to give hope to the HIV Victims in India? See the program page for more details.
For decades, gender discrimination has been one of the biggest social problems in India. Poverty and superstitious beliefs have always victimized women and young girls at the societal and village level. This scenario can only be changed by empowering these women and making them self-reliant. Global Crossroad’s volunteer women group opportunities program helps these women to develop the necessary skills to live a more empowered life.
While joining women empowerment India volunteering project, you will support the local women in various ways, depending on your skills and experience. Your role here is to provide support and assistance to disadvantaged women. Simultaneously, you will provide educational and practical skill guidance, assistance in micro-finance development, and/or provide necessary training in social skills.
There are no specific qualifications needed to be a part of women group project in India. Your invaluable contribution will build self-esteem; giving them the skills to lead a productive life in a male dominate society.
Do you want to empower the impoverished women in India? See the program page for more details.
From the vast Indian plain where the sacred river Ganges crisscrosses the land to the mighty Himalayas that form the country's northern border, India is a country of splendid scenery and great geographical diversity. Alongside this staggering topographical range also like India's cultural diversity - a mix of numerous religions and ancient traditions flowing into one melting pot.
Do you want to embark on a journey abroad where you will also have the opportunity to make a grand difference in the lives of those who are struggling? Global Crossroad’s Mini Volunteer and Travel Escape in India is a meaningful way to explore the diverse cultural and natural beauty of India, while giving back to a community of people in need
India's natural beauty is unmistakable, but there are still many more factors that separate this country from all others. In reference to biodiversity, India is the second largest country in the world and contains an almost unmatched amount of wildlife, cultures, and geography. India is made of numerous low-lying, fertile, coastal regions with islands - all amongst slightly ascending coastal plain and a dry region filled with Rajasthan.
In addition to the above projects, we also offer family Volunteering, alternative spring break, high school volunteering, college/university volunteering and many other programs. Contact Global Crossroad for further information.
Volunteering in India: Dates and Prices
Start Dates:
Global Crossroad’s programs always begin on Monday of every week of the year. If you have some travel constraints, we can of course let you start on any day that fits.
Fees:
Global Crossroad has been a trusted and reputable leader for volunteering abroad since 2003. Our goal is to provide the highest quality volunteer experiences with the lowest fees, making these opportunities available to everyone, including students. Anyone can be part of our programs, and have a positive impact without paying high fees.
We are always fully transparent with our costs, which we divide into two parts:
Registration fee of $299. This money goes directly to paying our daily running costs, or our overhead costs for running an organization.
Nepal volunteering projects’ weekly fee- this part is paid directly to your host family (via the country coordinator) in order to cover food and accommodations. These payments are direct, and involve no ‘middlemen’, or third parties.
| Weeks | Delhi | Jaipur |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | $250 | $250 |
| 2 Weeks | $300 | $300 |
| 3 Weeks | $400 | $400 |
| 4 Weeks | $500 | $500 |
| 5 Weeks | $600 | $600 |
| 6 Weeks | $700 | $700 |
| 7 Weeks | $800 | $800 |
| 8 Weeks | $900 | $900 |
| 9 Weeks | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| 10 Weeks | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| 11 Weeks | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| 12 Weeks | $1,300 | $1,300 |
Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3.49/day ( below 28 years) and $4.49/day ( above 28 years) »
Language and Culture Program fee $250
Airport Pick up & Transfer (Jaipur) - $45
Airport Pick up & Transfer (Dharamsala- 9 hours) $100
Program Fees Cover:
- Accommodation (volunteers house or host family)
- Food (local food 3 times a day)
- Airport pick up/Transfer
- In-country support
- Program Orientation
- Personalized project
- Pre-departure information
- Certificate of completion
- Fundraising ideas and letters
- Discount for returning volunteers
Program Fees Exclude:
- Visas
- Airfare
- Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods
- Daily transportation
- Airport return transfer
The India volunteer experience program fees will cover expenses that will begin on the first day of the program (usually the first or third Monday of the month) to the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the program or you decide you stay beyond your program’s last day, you will be responsible for the additional expenses, which would typically be around $30 a day for room and meals at a hostel.
Travel and Weekend
India is a feast for the eyes, and we’re sure you won’t want to miss out. Global Crossroad makes sure that it’s volunteers never miss the opportunity to see the local sites, and experience what it has to offer. Work days are 4-6 hours long, and weekends are completely free for touring and adventure.
Accommodations and Meals
Are you curious about where you might stay, and what you might eat while travelling in India? At Global Crossroad we take your comfort under consideration to the best of our ability. We make sure our volunteers are comfortable and safe, and have plenty of good food choices.
Global Crossroad's weekly fees includes management of volunteers' meal plans and accommodations throughout projects.
When you join volunteer program in India, you will stay with a host family. You will usually have a single bedroom, but may occasionally share a room with another volunteer of the same-gender. Our host families are chosen carefully and are esteemed community members who have experience in the realm of hosting international travelers. Host family residences are in comfortable, clean and safe neighborhoods and rooms are simply furnished and tidy.
During your India volunteering work, Staying with a host family can offer a support system to really enhance their experience. It is a great way to learn about a host country's culture and customs.
As a part of program, three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will be provided that consist of local ingredients and feature traditional cuisine choices for India.
Our meal program can accommodate vegetarian needs; however, we are not able to provide for other dietary restrictions. Food and drinks outside of mealtimes are the volunteer's responsibility. In most cases, there are restaurants and markets nearby the homes in which our volunteers stay with many affordable options.
Volunteers working in orphanage project will have the option to stay at the orphanage. Staying at the orphanage hostel provides you with the unlimited opportunity to assist needy kids.
Volunteering in India: FAQ
Have you got some more questions about volunteering abroad in India? Please take a look through our answers to frequently asked questions, where you can learn more about this exciting opportunity.
Where are the projects located?
Global Crossroad’s volunteer programs in India are located in Delhi and Jaipur.
Delhi is one of the most populated cities in India. It is a melting pot of many different cultures. One of the best ways to discover the irresistible vivacity of New Delhi is by getting lost in its bazaars. Don’t forget to indulge in street favorites like jaleeb, chaat papdi, golgappas, samosas and chai while you are in Delhi.
Jaipur will never disappoint anyone stepping foot inside. Jaipur is a popular with both local and foreign tourists alike. It is the capital and largest city of Rajasthan. Amidst the architectural structures, you can find lakes filled with migration birds, shops filled with souvenirs, walkways filled with cultural elements, and much more. Given its location, there are so many things to do and places to see that it is possible to spend several days here and not see it all.
Is there any minimum and maximum stay?
Yes, there is a minimum and maximum time period of stay for our volunteer programs in India. You can stay for a minimum of 1 week to 12 weeks in India. To extend this while volunteering in India; you have to acquire an additional tourist visa.
Can I extend my stay if I choose to?
Yes, you can extend you stay in India if you wish. Our volunteers who have joined our volunteer work experience project can extend their volunteer projects from 1 week to 12 weeks. Our in-country staff can help you to organize an extension of your visa if necessary.
Will I have enough time to travel after work and in weekend?
Yes, you along with all of our volunteers in other projects will have enough free time to travel and explore the magical sites of India. There are no restriction set by Global Crossroad to limit your ability to travel around during your free time.
Who will guide or support me in the project?
When you join volunteer program in India, our in-country coordinator will support and supervise you throughout your volunteer work project. Likewise, our local staff will also stay in contact with volunteers, either with timely field visits or via email/telephone. You can expect our field staff to visit you every 2-4 weeks to make sure that all things are going smoothly.
Can I change project if I do not like?
There is no rule set in place to stop you from changing your India volunteer program. You simply need to get in contact with our in-country coordinator and let them know about your issues with the initial volunteer project. The in-country coordinator will assist you in finding another volunteer program to join. Please keep in mind that there needs to be an open volunteer project for you join in order for this to happen.
Can I work in more than one volunteer project?
Yes, our volunteers can work in more than one project if desired. Having said that, you do have to understand that it won’t be quite easy as it sounds to work in two different volunteer projects at once. You have to work for at least 4 to 5 hours a day in one single project alone and when you add another project in that daily routine, it really starts to get tough. For this reason it is advisable to complete one volunteer project before commencing another.
What age ranges take part in these projects?
You do need to be at lea 18 years of age to be eligible for our India volunteer work programs. If you are below 18 years of age then you have to provide us with a proof of parental consent.
Who manages the volunteer projects in Nepal?
Our volunteer projects are all managed by an experienced country coordinator who has an expert knowledge of handling volunteer projects and volunteers. The country coordinator is there to provide you with a timely support on a day to day basis. He/she will even come to visit you frequently during your volunteer trip to check if you are doing well. Please feel free to direct all your important questions to this person.
Will I receive training before the start of the project?
Yes, when you join India volunteering program, you do receive training before the start of their projects. You will receive proper training and guidelines for the successful completion of your volunteer project during orientation. After your arrival, our in-country coordinator will engage you in an orientation class in which you will learn about important safety measures, cultural do’s and don’ts, the details of your programs, and your daily schedules.
Is there dress code in the project?
There is no dress code set in place for our volunteers. You do have to understand that you must wear decent and modest clothes while volunteering in India, in keeping with local customs. If you are participating in our medical volunteer program then you will have to wear a white apron as a medical volunteer.
Why pay to volunteer abroad?
Payments made by volunteers for the participation in our volunteer projects help support the operating and managerial cost of our organization. We are a non-profit volunteer organization, which does not focus on earning profits from our volunteer programs. The fees paid by our volunteers in India are essential for us to pay the salary of our staff, advertisement, utility, and rent bills. Also keep in mind that your fees cover all field supervision, food and accommodation for your volunteer programs.
Can I get help to raise fund?
Yes, Global Crossroad can provide help to raise funds for your volunteer trip to India. You can get in touch with our office staffs members and ask them for help regarding this issue. We will certainly help you in your endeavor to raise funds.
For more readings
Cost/Money Matter
Why do I need to pay to volunteer?
Program fee
Is it safe to travel and volunteer in India?
Yes, India is a safe country in which to travel. Safety is always a matter of concern and of paramount importance while traveling for volunteer work in India programs. We do advise that all the participating volunteers review the safety information provided by your home country’s advisory groups before you leave.
What are safety measures you take for the volunteers?We pick up volunteers from the airport and transfer them to the hostel. Once you are with us, we provide an orientation to give you full information about any and all safety information and precautions necessary for a successful trip. During orientation we inform you about safety measures, project sites, local etiquette and culture, and various do's and don’ts to make your volunteering stay comfortable and productive.
Why must I get travel insurance before beginning my volunteer trip?
Getting insured prior to your volunteer project gives you a safety cushion should something happen to you. We advise you to purchase adequate travel insurance in advance of your trip.
What Vaccination Do I need to take prior to my volunteer trip?
Vaccination is highly advisable while joining volunteering program in in India. The main recommended vaccinations for India are Adult diphtheria and tetanus vaccine, Hepatitis A vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine, Oral polio vaccine (OPV), Typhoid vaccine, Varicella vaccine, Japanese encephalitis vaccine, Meningococcal vaccine, Rabies vaccine, and Yellow fever (YF) vaccine. For your personal health precautions and extra safety, you should consider consulting your doctor for further vaccine recommendations. You can learn more about these vaccinations here:
Which airport do I need to fly in?
You will fly into Indira Gandi International Airport in New Delhi for your volunteer project.
Do you organize airport pick up?
Yes, Global Crossroad does organize airport pick-uu services.
What happens if I missed flight or arrived late?
The first thing you should do is contact the country coordinator and let them know that you have missed your flight and will arrive late. Please provide your new flight details so that he/she can rearrange the airport pick up for you prior to your arrival to join India volunteering programs.
How can I get to my accommodations from the airport, if I did not connect with Global Crossroad’s local representative in the airport?
We always provide our location and address details. Therefore, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you are not in touch with Global Crossroad’s local representative then you can simply hire a taxi and tell the driver to go to the address given by us.
Who will come to pick up me? How do I recognize the person at the airport?
Our local representative will come to pick you up at the airport. He/she will be carrying a board with your name on it so you should be able to recognize the person at the airport.
If my assignment begins on Monday, when should I arrive? If I want to arrive earlier than then my assignment begins, where do I stay and who will organize the accommodations? Does it cost me extra?
You should arrive on Sunday and take a rest for the day before actually beginning your volunteer program in India the next day. And if you decide to arrive earlier before the start of your India volunteering work opportunities then you should inform your country coordinator in advance. Please be aware that you will have to pay additional $20 per night.
Who will bring me to the airport for my departure?
Global Crossroad offers airport transport services to its volunteers in India. Volunteers who have finished their volunteer work in India can take the transport vehicle back to the airport for their departure.
What do I need prior to departure from my home country?
Prior to your departure, you need to make sure that you have packed all the important items for your volunteer trip in India. That includes your passport, medicines, clothing, tickets, credit card, and other important documents which you might need while volunteering in India programs such as your medical ID card (if you are taking part in Global Crossroad’s healthcare volunteer program in India).
Do I need visa to volunteer and travel in India?
Yes, you do need a visa to travel and volunteer in India.
How do I apply for the visa?
You can apply for tourist visa by visiting the Indian Embassy in your home country, or you can go online and get a tourist visa by clicking here
Can I extend my visa while I am in the country? Can you help me on this?
No, you cannot extend your visa while you are still inside India. If you want to extend your visa and stay a little bit longer for your India volunteer program then you have to leave India and then reapply for entry.
How do I contact with Global Crossroad’s local coordinator?
You can contact Global Crossroad’s local coordinator through your mobile phone. Or you can go online and email them your inquiry. We will provide you with the personal contact details of our local coordinators before the start of the volunteer project.
How can I communicate with my family from India?
There won’t be much trouble communicating with your family from India. You will get access to telephone and internet, which is widespread in India, and you can use the various forms of communication you are already used to.
Can I use my phone?
Yes, you can use your personal mobile phone during your volunteer trip in India.
Can I buy SIM card in Inida?
Yes, you can buy a SIM card while volunteering in India.
How can I get/purchase internet services?
You first need to buy an Airtel SIM card and use it on your mobile phone to activate it. You can buy an internet data pack for a price of $6, which remains valid for 28 days.
Is there internet available everywhere?
Yes, there are internet services available in the location where you will be doing all of your volunteer work in India.
What I need to bring?
You need to bring clothes, backpack, first aid supplies and medicine, hand sanitizer, insect repellent, passport, flash light, sunscreen cream, laptop, camera, cell phone, books, masks, pair of flip flops, towel and toiletries for your volunteer project.
NOTE: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is generic information and should not be used as a definitive travel guide. Travel information and situations abroad change constantly. Participants should consult Global Crossroad or travel advisors to verify this information.
Page updated: 28th July, 2019