Volunteer Abroad in India for 1–12 weeks
Location
India: Dharamsala, New Delhi
Description
Cross-Cultural Solutions is a nonprofit working to address critical global issues by providing meaningful volunteer service to communities abroad, and contributing responsibly to local economies. As a leader in the field of international volunteer travel since 1995, we know that the best approach to international volunteering—the only approach—is one designed by the community. In every community in which we work, we have long-standing relationships with local organizations who communicate real-time needs and objectives to the CCS team so that our volunteers can work alongside local people and make a sustainable impact. We’ve made the volunteer abroad experience of a lifetime possible over 30,000 international adventurers just like you. And with our staff of 300+ in 10 countries around the globe, along with our 99.5% volunteer satisfaction record, you can rest assured that we'll provide you with the full experience—a safe, immersive, and impactful adventure of a lifetime.
The India experience begins the moment you step off the plane and stays with you long after you depart. The mixture of languages, religions, spectacular architecture, and distinctive cuisine will rattle you and leave you wanting more. India has a buzz about it, a pace and a national character all its own. The complexity that you'll find in both of our India locations offers you an experience of incomparable historical and cultural depth, and you'll live out this amazing adventure against the backdrop of some of the most incredible landscapes and cityscapes you've ever encountered.
One thing that you'll notice as you wander the city, is the stark socio-economic contrast among New Delhi's neighborhoods, indicating the city's rapid and unequal growth. As part of your volunteer service work in New Delhi, India, you'll work alongside one of a variety of progressive local organizations to support efforts to address those discrepancies. The work that you do will help pave the road to economic independence for countless members of the local community.
Home to the Dalai Lama, a vibrant Indian community, and several thousand Tibetan refugees, the misty highlands of Dharamsala are a stark contrast to the buzzing cities found elsewhere in India. Dharamsala's mountainside perch among the clouds gives this rural locale a moving and mysterial quality.
Our impact areas in India are:
• Improve education for children
• Assist with the care of infants and children
• Improve health and the sense of dignity among the elderly
• Improve the quality of care for people with disabilities
• Enhance the quality of healthcare
**Dharamsala only available during summer months.**
Highlights
Here at CCS, we know that a chance to learn about the culture of the community in which you're volunteering is what truly makes the experience unique and complete. This is why we include plenty of immersive Cultural Activities to complement your volunteer efforts. As a volunteer, it isn't only the work that you do that will leave a lasting impact on the local community, but the cultural exchange and understanding in which you openly participate as well. Whether you're engaging in guided discussions on relevant local issues, or find yourself elbow deep in rice flour and learning how to cook a local specialty, every organized Cultural Activity will offer you a deeper understanding of the local community and all of its beautiful complexities.
During the summer in Dharamsala, India, there is no shortage of incredible guest lecturers. You'll have a chance to talk with a local professor and talented storyteller on the politics, history, and culture of India. You'll also have have the unique opportunity to learn about the history of CCS in India from one of our founding staffers – Bela Singh, the CCS India Director. With CCS lectures and conversations, it's all fair game. While staying in New Delhi, India, take the chance to jam on a sitar! You'll have that chance when you're visited by a local family and classical folk music group for a performance you'll not soon forget. They’ll perform beautiful renditions of popular songs, discuss the music's origin and meaning, introduce you to their instruments, and even give you a chance to jam!
Institution Affiliates:
