You’ve caught the travel bug and have decided to head to one of the most popular places for volunteers: India! if you’re looking to make a difference in a region that can influence you in ways you never thought possible, volunteering in India is one of the best decisions you can make. A country with a deep history of mighty civilizations and colorful traditions, modern India is one of the world’s most diverse nations...meaning it’s difficult to really know what to expect and how to prepare!
One thing’s for sure — prepare to be challenged and amazed when you volunteer in India.
Lured by its iconic sites and cultural depth, India has a long history of attracting every type of traveler and volunteer. No matter how long your volunteer program in India is for — a week, a semester, or longer — you don’t want to come away without getting as immersed as possible and making the biggest difference. We want to help you make the most of your time while volunteering in India so you make a meaningful impact, and have awesome adventures while you’re at it!
How to make the most of your time while volunteering in India
India is a truly amazing, unique, and challenging country. Snippets are often splashed across the media of beautiful, historic landmarks or deeply impoverished areas, and rarely anything more. This region goes so much deeper than what the media shows, and when you come to volunteer in one of the oldest and richest cultures in the world, you’ll see this quickly. Consider the ideas below before your departure to help make the most of your time volunteering in India!
1. Get to know your organization
Your program provider is more than just a project coordinator! Volunteering abroad has become more and more popular over the years, which means that providers have to offer more than just a drop-off at your volunteer site. Before heading to volunteer in India, read up on what perks your organization has, such as historic temple excursions, curry cooking classes, adventures in the Himalayas, or traditional dance nights. India is a top destination to volunteer in, so there are a ton of excellent providers who offer really unique extras.
[Related: Top 10 Volunteer Programs in India]
2. Plan a budget
The more time you spend budgeting before volunteering in India, the less you’ll spend!
We know...no volunteer wants to think about money! But, it’s less painful to think about it before you leave than after your card gets declined in the middle of an Indian market! India is, for the most part, an affordable country for foreigners to volunteer in, but it’s always a good idea to plan a budget before you leave and to make sure you have some spending money.
Most program fees cover things like volunteer project costs, accommodations, meals, airport pick-up, orientation, in-country support, and other basic needs. Outside of airfare to and from India, the most you’ll probably have to budget for is entertainment, independent travel, some food, and souvenirs. If you’re doing a program that’s more a-la-carte and costs less than a traditional volunteer program, budget for anything that isn’t included.
3. Take a local language course
India is absolutely dripping with languages to learn. Despite popular belief, Hindi isn’t the official language (India doesn’t have one!), and this huge country is actually home to over 120 major languages and 1,500 other dialects.
That leaves a lot of room to pick up some new vocab! Depending on your location and type of volunteer program in India, your program provider might offer language courses as part of your orientation or throughout the program. Check with your program advisor, and if they don’t, then head to our directory of language schools in India.
4. Live with a local host family
When it comes to true immersion, there’s no better way than living with a host family! Most volunteer programs in India come with some type of housing, and if you have the choice, go with a local family.
If your program doesn’t include accommodations, look into booking your own stay with a local family. Be sure to talk to your program advisor for best places to find availability in family homes, and don’t be afraid to consult home-sharing sites like Airbnb for open rooms!
[Related: How Much Does it Cost to Volunteer in India?]
5. Be prepared for great economic and social diversity
India’s culture changes drastically throughout the country and within each city. You’ll never stop learning!
Home to about 1.3 billion people, India is the world’s second-most populous country. This is just a ridiculous amount of people in one area! With thousands of languages, religions, and walks of life, India has more diversity than almost any other area on Earth.
Every volunteer in India can have a vastly different experience depending on location, project type, and level of immersion, so try not to go into volunteering in India with any specific expectations...other than that it’ll be a life-changing experience!
6. Travel anywhere and everywhere
India is the seventh-largest country in the world, and surrounded by everything from the tallest mountains on Earth to Southeast Asian tropical paradises. When you have so much space to explore, it’s a sin to not make the most of your free time!
Whether you have a free evening or a free week, get out there and experience everything this great country has to offer. Don’t be afraid to also tack on some time before or after your volunteer program to travel around some neighboring countries!
7. Volunteer...more!
With so many people and such a massive amount of land, you can bet there are always a plethora of volunteer opportunities in India beyond what you’ve already signed up for. If you have some free time outside of your volunteer program, consider picking another cause and making even more of a difference. You’re already there and doing amazing work, so why not add even just an hour or so more doing something else that’s beneficial?
[Related: 8 FAQs (and Answers) About Being a Volunteer in India]
8. Immerse yourself any way you want
People volunteering, studying, or interning abroad often forget that you’re not just abroad to study or accomplish one particular thing. Even though you are in a specific destination for a reason, you don’t stop being yourself when you’re there.
Embrace your hobbies and interests while volunteering in India to make for a truly unique and immersive experience! Join a local cricket club if you’re athletic, or if you prefer the arts, embrace Bollywood culture and check out all the movies you can with your host family.
Get creative and don’t be afraid to experience your interests with an Indian twist...it might even spark an idea for a new volunteer project!
Take the next step! Get matched with 5 volunteer programs in India for FREE
You can make an impact with volunteer opportunities in India!
You’re going to embark on a colorful and intense journey when you volunteer in India. You (and the world) will be much better for it!
Making the most of your time volunteering in India comes down to the right combination of planning ahead and spontaneity! Even if you’re going to be volunteering for a year, you still won’t be able to fit in everything you want to see and do in this great country...there’s just too much!
For anyone who wants to be a truly impactful volunteer, India has so much to offer and regardless of location or project type, it will be a challenging, exciting, and rewarding experience!
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