Volunteer in India

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Overview of Volunteer Programs in India

With the snow-clad Himalayas, the buzzing metropolis of Delhi, and the palm-lined beaches of Goa, India is a land of contrasts. This country’s six major religions, dozens of languages, and numerous ethnic groups make it a fascinating conglomeration of culture. World Endeavors volunteers in India immerse themselves in this vibrant country, working side by side with local community members to help them build a stronger future for themselves and their country.

WHY VOLUNTEER IN INDIA

Volunteering in India is like stepping into a kaleidoscope of experiences, where each moment is a vibrant blend of self-discovery and impact. From the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene banks of the Ganges, every corner of this diverse nation holds a new story waiting to unfold. By lending your heart and hands to volunteer work, you’ll become part of a tapestry that weaves together ancient traditions, modern challenges, and boundless compassion.

Imagine teaching a child to read beneath the shade of a banyan tree, or joining hands with local artisans to preserve age-old crafts. Through the prism of volunteering, you’ll immerse yourself in a symphony of cultures, savoring flavors that dance on your palate and witnessing colors that ignite your senses. Whether you find yourself participating in rural health camps or planting seeds of change in sustainable farming projects, the connections you forge and the lives you touch will paint a picture that’s uniquely yours.

HIGHLIGHTS OF VOLUNTEERING IN INDIA

Here are just a few of the best things about volunteer work in India:

Experience the contrasts between bustling cities and serene villages, gaining a comprehensive understanding of India’s socio-economic landscape and development challenges.
Improve your communication skills by interacting with locals and fellow volunteers, potentially learning basic phrases in Hindi or other local languages.
Collaborate with local artisans to learn about traditional crafts such as pottery, weaving, and block printing, contributing to the preservation of India’s artistic heritage.
Volunteering in India offers personal growth, broadening your horizons, enhancing your empathy, and providing a deeper appreciation for the complexities and beauty of Indian society and culture.

Our India Volunteer Projects

Browse all of our volunteer projects in India below. If you can’t find a suitable volunteer program, check out our main program finder to continue your search for volunteering beyond India.

Volunteer Abroad

India

Culture Week Volunteer in Goa, India

Spend your first week in India experiencing the beauty and culture of Goa, getting to know the people, exploring India's natural treasures, relaxing on the pristine beaches, visiting local markets, historic forts and churches, and learning about Goan history and heritage.

Volunteer Abroad India

Culture Week Volunteer in Goa, India

Learn to cook an Indian meal and take home with you an unforgettable experience. You will have the opportunity to participate in language lessons, cooking classes, yoga sessions, sightseeing, visits to authentic Indian homes, workshops that will introduce you to the culture, visits to our project locations and much more! Goa Culture Week highlights:

Visit to Old Goa and spice plantation
Mapusa city visit and local market
Self defense class, cooking class, Indian Chai tea-making session, yoga class and local language lesson
Visit Candolim, Sinquerim and Anjuna beaches
Sightseeing tour of Panjim to visit the markets, churches and other important sites in Goa’s state capital

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Volunteer Abroad

India

Kindergarten and Teaching Volunteer in Goa, India

Teach children from 3-16 years old from migrant families living in the periphery of the city. The population of migrant laborers has been increasing, which affects children who must leave their schools for 4-5 months every year when their families migrate to different locations every few months.

Volunteer Abroad India

Kindergarten and Teaching Volunteer in Goa, India

Our main concern is the realization of sustainable peace and development in which the children, youth, women, adults and elders are involved in positive activities that will ensure socio-economic welfare in this village. Volunteers participate in various activities depending on their interests, such as:

Providing regular basic education for migrant children
Developing infrastructure in the village, including better roads, constructing a rainwater harvesting system, and setting up libraries
Conducting workshops on general health, hygiene habits and nutrition
Running environmental camps to teach about household waste management
Teaching classes for kindergarten children during the day while t

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Volunteer Abroad

India

Construction & Renovation Volunteer in Goa, India

In this project, you will get your hands dirty with construction projects. Our main focus when constructing is working at the slum and migratory children schools allocated to the poor. Despite the previous efforts, the work here is far from done and we continue to renovate pathways, toilets, walls, etc.

Volunteer Abroad India

Construction & Renovation Volunteer in Goa, India

Moreover, those with artistic talents can help decorate the walls by creating images and sketches of their home countries and cultures. We have the feeling that this will be a nice way of reflecting the hard and good work that has been done by our participants over the past years.

Other construction efforts might be carried out in the local village (renovating and building houses and sanitation facilities) or working on construction projects at the local hospitals – this very much depends on the needs of any particular time and so our participants will be using their construction skills where they are most needed!

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REFINE YOUR SEARCH HOW TO APPLY

Location

About Goa

Consistently ranked among India’s top tourist destinations, Goa is the ideal place for first time travelers and adventurers alike to acclimatize to a different culture. From caves behind waterfalls to villages hidden in sandy coconut forests, there is always something more waiting to be rediscovered. The mountain ranges and spice plantations enhance the beauty of this glorious state. Apart from its natural beauty, this former capital of Portuguese India and home to various UNESCO World Heritage sites has a lot to offer in terms of architecture with churches, cathedrals and forts abounding. Put together, it is all of these aspects and more that make Goa the ultimate travel destination.

Dates & costs

The World Endeavors Volunteer in India program is flexible in duration and can be tailored to last between 2 to 12 weeks. If you have the time, we recommend a stay of at least 4 weeks. Due to holidays, traditional vacation schedules, and seasonal work availability, there might be better times than others to volunteer in a specific project.

When you are ready to start planning your volunteer trip to India, contact us. Our experienced advisors will help you sort through any timing considerations unique to your destination or your volunteer project.

Please wait until after you are accepted into the program and you have received the confirmed arrival and departure dates before you book your flight.

First Week: $2,085 | Each Additional Week: $300

Eligibility

Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, though exceptions to this age requirement may be made on a case-by-case basis.
Successful volunteers are hardworking, flexible, and open to truly immersing themselves in the culture.
Keep in mind that all countries have different visa restrictions for varying types of passports.

Housing

Volunteers in both Goa and Rajasthan stay in a shared volunteer house and stay in shared rooms by gender. Three meals a day on weekdays (two on weekends) are included during your stay. The meals are a mix of Western and Indian food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about twice per week.

Every World Endeavors Volunteer Project Includes

Our carefully designed international volunteer programs encompass everything necessary for your success and well-being while abroad.

YOUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Volunteer project customized to match your interests and goals and meet community needs
Year-round program availability
Flexible durations from 2 to 12 weeks

PEACE OF MIND

Comprehensive travel medical insurance
Mental Health First Aid-certified staff
24/7 emergency travel assistance

ACCOMMODATION

Host family or shared volunteer house, depending on destination
Vetted and hand-selected with quality and safety in mind
2 to 3 meals per day included

PREPARATION AND SUPPORT

Airport pickup
Pre-arrival and on-site orientation
24/7 local support

TEAM OF EXPERTS

Dedicated one-on-one advisor
Local on-site coordinator
Volunteer project supervisor

RE-ENTRY AND CAREER INTEGRATION

Re-entry handbook and support
Assistance with resume updates
World Endeavors Alumni Network

HEALTH & SAFETY

When you feel safe and respected abroad, you will flourish. World Endeavors participants are transformed through enriching, rewarding and safe experiences around the world. We meticulously monitor travel recommendations and will only facilitate programs where we can ensure our participants’ safety.

We take key steps to ensure our participants’ well-being, including providing a pre-trip success guide, 24/7 local support, in-country trained staff, pre and post-arrival orientation, comprehensive travel medical insurance, and Mental Health First Aid-certified staff. Please contact us if you have any specific questions or concerns.

WHAT TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME IN INDIA

In your spare time in India, there are countless activities and experiences to enjoy. Here are some suggestions:

Shop at Local Markets: Explore bustling local markets and bazaars, such as Chandni Chowk in Delhi or Colaba Causeway in Mumbai, to find traditional handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
Attend Cultural Performances: Watch classical dance performances like Kathak, Bharatanatyam, or traditional music concerts like Hindustani or Carnatic music to immerse yourself in India’s rich cultural heritage.
Embrace Yoga and Meditation: Engage in yoga and meditation practices at ashrams or wellness centers to experience the ancient traditions and embrace mental and physical well-being.
Try Indian Cuisine: Indulge in the diverse and flavorful Indian cuisine, sampling dishes like butter chicken, biryani, dosa, chaat, and a variety of street food.

Available Volunteer Project types

Here are the available Volunteer Abroad project types. Don’t panic if you don’t see your preferred project type listed! Our advisors are proud of their ability to find great volunteer projects in interesting locations and will be able to match you to the best project. Contact World Endeavors today to find out more.

CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE

Volunteering in Childcare Assistance is a great way to make a difference in the lives of children who lack the resources and opportunities of others.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Community Development programs connect volunteers with the most pressing needs of their host communities.

DEAF EDUCATION

Volunteers on Deaf Education projects empower deaf communities by increasing education, literacy, job skills, and economic self-sufficiency.

ELDERCARE

Eldercare volunteers provide day-to-day support for senior citizens at nursing homes and other eldercare facilities in communities around the world.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

Conservation volunteer programs match participants with local organizations that support biodiversity and the preservation of natural resources.

HEALTH EDUCATION

Health education volunteers partner with local nonprofits, government agencies, or healthcare providers to help community members become active agents in pursuit of their own health and the health of their families.

HEALTHCARE

Volunteer healthcare projects allow volunteers to assist in patient care and general facility upkeep in hospitals and clinics around the world.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Special Education volunteers contribute meaningfully to the lives of children and adults with special needs by assisting in schools and other settings in whatever capacity is needed.

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Sustainable Agriculture volunteer projects pair volunteers with farmers, cooperatives, and communities who practice environmentally-friendly farming methods.

TEACHING

Teaching volunteers on a World Endeavors program provide increased educational opportunities for children and adults in communities around the world.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Wildlife Conservation volunteer projects through World Endeavors help support and preserve populations of wildlife that may be endangered because of habitat loss, hunting, or other issues.

WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT

Women’s Development projects address the unique needs and challenges that women face every day in developing countries.

YOUTH SPORTS COACHING

Sports have the powerful ability to draw people together, even from across international borders. For many young people in underprivileged areas around the world, however, opportunities to participate in creative play and sporting events are rare

How to choose the best volunteer program

Choosing your volunteer program is easy when you evaluate your priorities. Follow these steps to guide you toward your ideal program.

Explore a New Career

Interning abroad offers a great opportunity to explore your professional and personal interests, and help define your career path. Peruse our internship fields and past examples to find the best fit.

Choose Your Dream Destination

Finding a meaningful way to combine interning and travel to your dream location is a big incentive. Carefully consider which destinations suit your interests and international internship goals.

Improve Language Skills

Immersing yourself in a language-rich environment is the ultimate method for developing fluency. If language-learning is your goal, favor destinations that use your language of choice.

Fit your budget

Explore scholarships and financial aid to determine if these may impact your destination options. Consider the overall cost of the program and cost of living in-country to identify the optimal match.

Try our program finder to filter based on your choices.

Recent India Testimonials

“
Sara PVoluter in India
“This summer I went to Jaipur, India, to work in a lower income neighborhood with women and children to better their conditions. The experience has been incredible both on the professional side and on the emotional one. The whole experience has fullfilled my soul with many memories and much more knowledge! Thanks to World Endeavors which has helped me with every single detail before, during and after my trip!”

“
Sydney WVolunteer in India
“I learned so much from my experience its hard to know where to begin. This trip completely changed my life and I really gained confidence and wisdom through this trip to India.”

“
Ana CVolunteer in India
“The program in India is going very well. I have developed an Impact Study Report for my organization, and got to see the centers the NGO I work with is operating. I enjoyed traveling and getting to know the people.”

“
Jordan WVolunteer in India
“Volunteering in India is going very well. I enjoy the work and the people are wonderful. I taught English and math to 6 - 12 year old children and in the afternoons I taught women skills to become more independent. I really enjoyed being on the ground and actually working with the children and women, teaching them and helping in any way possible. The people were wonderful, the project was great and the placement was awesome.I feel like I contributed immensely to my organization and project. It also gave my a lot of time to think about my future plans and I am now considering more volunteer abroad experiences to help people. This is what I am passionate about and I love the work.”

India FAQs

How Many People Live in India?

According to the latest estimates from the World Bank, India has a population of 1.4 billion people.

How Many Languages are Spoken in India?

India is a diverse country with more than 300 languages spoken in various parts of the nation. Of these, 22 are recognized as official languages, including Hindi, English, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, and Tamil.

What is the Main Religion of India?

The main religion in India is Hinduism. Other religions practiced in India include Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, and various tribal beliefs.

What is the currency for India?

The currency used in India is the Indian Rupee, often denoted as INR.

Where is India located?

India is located in South Asia, bordered by Pakistan to the west, China and Nepal to the north, Bhutan to the northeast, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. The Indian Ocean also bounds it to the south.

View all FAQs

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Our Top Volunteer Abroad Destinations

World Endeavors volunteers support communities in several destinations in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania. Our programs are located in a variety of sites, including urban and rural, economically developed and developing, and English-speaking and non-English speaking.

VOLUNTEER IN ARGENTINA

Volunteer in Argentina program takes place in and around the city of Buenos Aires. Argentina’s beautiful geography, colorful history, and welcoming people make this country a top destination for international volunteers.

VOLUNTEER IN CAMBODIA

Once known as the Khmer empire, Cambodia is perhaps best known for its monumental temples, especially that of Angkor Wat – finalist in the election of the new 7 wonders of the world in 2006.

VOLUNTEER IN COSTA RICA

Costa Rica’s renowned biodiversity, laid-back culture, and breathtaking landscapes make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Latin America.

VOLUNTEER IN ECUADOR

Ecuador’s stunning diversity of landscapes and cultures belies its relatively small size. From dense jungles to Andean highlands to the renowned biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador contains tremendous natural resources.

VOLUNTEER IN FIJI

Fiji is an archipelago of 333 sun-kissed, picture perfect islands tucked away in the South Pacific, close to Australia and New Zealand.

VOLUNTEER IN GHANA

Ghana is a gem on the coast of West Africa, a country that boasts a vibrant tribal culture, breathtaking natural beauty, a world-class capital city, and a powerful and moving history.

VOLUNTEER IN INDIA

With the snow-clad Himalayas, the buzzing metropolis of Delhi, and the palm-lined beaches of Goa, India is a land of contrasts.

VOLUNTEER IN INDONESIA

Indonesia, a Southeast Asian nation made up of thousands of volcanic islands, is home to hundreds of ethnic groups speaking many different languages.

VOLUNTEER IN KENYA

The first thing that might pop to mind when thinking of Kenya are lions, zebras and leopards. However, this vast country has much more to offer.

VOLUNTEER IN MADAGASCAR

Madagascar is an exotic country with a high concentration of endemic species, making it a jewel in terms of biodiversity.

VOLUNTEER IN NEPAL

Namaste and welcome to Nepal, a country of high Himalayan Mountains, artistic monuments, exotic wildlife, and diverse cultures.

VOLUNTEER IN PHILLIPPINES

The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands with less than a third being inhabited.

VOLUNTEER IN TANZANIA

Home to the towering snow-capped peaks of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the wildebeests and gazelles of the Serengeti, and the legendary spices of Zanzibar, it’s no wonder Tanzania has captured the imaginations of many.

VOLUNTEER IN THAILAND

As one of the largest, most populous, and most ecologically-diverse nations in Southeast Asia, Thailand has long been a popular destination for tourists.

VOLUNTEER IN VIETNAM

The Volunteer in Vietnam Program takes place in and around Ho Chi Minh City. Located on the South China Sea, Vietnam is a country rich with history, welcoming people, and stunning landscapes.

How to apply for a Volunteer Abroad Program

You’ve decided to volunteer abroad – congratulations! Applying for your World Endeavors program is easy and stress-free. We can’t wait to get you on your way!

STEP 1
EXPLORE & ASK
Research and compare. If you can’t decide on a program, we can guide you toward the best fit.

STEP 2
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Fill out our online application form to share all your relevant details with our team.

STEP 3
ENROLL & PREPARE
Receive your official acceptance and enroll. We’ll give you all the info you need to get ready!

STEP 4
START YOUR ADVENTURE!
You’ve researched, planned and saved. Now you’re ready. It’s time to PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE!

Volunteer in India

Overview of Volunteer Programs in India

Our India Volunteer Projects

Culture Week Volunteer in Goa, India

Culture Week Volunteer in Goa, India

Kindergarten and Teaching Volunteer in Goa, India

Kindergarten and Teaching Volunteer in Goa, India

Construction & Renovation Volunteer in Goa, India

Construction & Renovation Volunteer in Goa, India

Location

Dates & costs

Eligibility

Housing

Every World Endeavors Volunteer Project Includes

Available Volunteer Project types

CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

DEAF EDUCATION

ELDERCARE

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

HEALTH EDUCATION

HEALTHCARE

SPECIAL EDUCATION

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

TEACHING

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT

YOUTH SPORTS COACHING

How to choose the best volunteer program

Explore a New Career

Choose Your Dream Destination

Improve Language Skills

Fit your budget

Recent India Testimonials

India FAQs

How Many People Live in India?

How Many Languages are Spoken in India?

What is the Main Religion of India?

What is the currency for India?

Where is India located?

Recent blog posts

Creating the Best Volunteer Abroad Packing List

Why You Should Volunteer Abroad with World Endeavors

New Program: Intern and Volunteer in Argentina

Our Top Volunteer Abroad Destinations

VOLUNTEER IN ARGENTINA

VOLUNTEER IN CAMBODIA

VOLUNTEER IN COSTA RICA

VOLUNTEER IN ECUADOR

VOLUNTEER IN FIJI

VOLUNTEER IN GHANA

VOLUNTEER IN INDIA

VOLUNTEER IN INDONESIA

VOLUNTEER IN KENYA

VOLUNTEER IN MADAGASCAR

VOLUNTEER IN NEPAL

VOLUNTEER IN PHILLIPPINES

VOLUNTEER IN TANZANIA

VOLUNTEER IN THAILAND

VOLUNTEER IN VIETNAM

How to apply for a Volunteer Abroad Program

REVIEWS, AWARDS & AFFILIATIONS