About Teaching in India

While India boasts a burgeoning economy and is a major religious and cultural birthplace, the country still suffers from poverty and inequity. Teaching volunteers in India help to balance the injustices by providing greater educational opportunities for a local community. Many volunteers teach elementary school children between the ages of 4 and 12, but some may teach adults or teach children in non-traditional settings. While English is widely spoken in India, learning English from a native or fluent speaker can provide a significant boost to a child’s educational development and future economic opportunities. In addition to the standard curriculum, volunteers are encouraged to use tools such as music, sports, dancing, or drama to teach the children in a fun and dynamic way. Volunteers who work with adults may also have the opportunity to teach computer skills.

A Typical Day in the Life of a Volunteer in India

World Endeavors volunteers in India can expect their days to be a combination of meaningful volunteer work, cultural experiences, and free time for relaxation and reflection.  The sample schedule below represents a typical day for a volunteer in India.  Keep in mind that when volunteering abroad, a typical day can be anything but typical!

7:30 am – 8:30 am: Breakfast at the volunteer house.  Nashta (breakfast) in India often consists of porridge, toast with jam, eggs, fresh fruit, and tea or coffee.

8:45 am: Travel by city bus or walk to your volunteer placement.

9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Work at volunteer placement.

12:15 pm – 2:00 pm:  Free time and lunch.  Lunch in Jaipur usually includes chapatti (Indian bread), beans and rice or chole (a dish with chickpeas, onions, and tomatoes), salad, and fruit.

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Work at volunteer placement.

4:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Free time to explore the city, hang out with new friends, go shopping, visit Jaipur’s beautiful gardens, or attend a sporting event.

7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Dinner with fellow volunteers at the volunteer house.  Dinner in India often consists of chapatti, soup, salad, beans, rice, and curry.

8:00 pm – 10:00 pm: relax at home with your fellow volunteers, watch a Bollywood movie at the cinema, plan for the next day’s volunteering, or plan a weekend excursion to go on a tiger or camel safari, visit the Taj Mahal, or to visit Ranthambore National Park or Sariska National Park to see wildlife and historic monuments.

Project and class schedules, meals, and free time activities may vary depending on the details of your placement.

Eligibility

Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Successful volunteers are hardworking, flexible, and open to truly immersing themselves in Indian culture.