12 Meaningful Ways to Volunteer in India

This was my 4th trip with IVHQ, I have had the most fun and learned so much by volunteering with IVHQ. This year was different for me as I traveled to India instead of Africa, so the culture was completely strange to me. The living conditions for our students was the worst I have ever encounter. But when the children came to school, they all had beautiful smiles and were truly happy to see us. Expand your horizon, take the plunge and contact IVHQ, you will be in good hands. You will not regret your decision to join IVHQ programs.

IVHQ was extremely helpful with figuring out any difficulties I may have had with the application process. The local team was very open to explaining any cultural differences that may have been questioned while at the location. I thoroughly enjoyed staying in the volunteer house! The local team were more than willing to be inclusive and to share their culture!!! The food was absolutely delicious, and there was always enough for everyone, including extra. This program has inspired me to continue working towards my goal of becoming a doctor, especially as I realized how privileged I was to have the opportunity to experience another culture. I am determined to become a doctor, especially as I had been considering changing career paths. Being able to see just how much you can help people when you have knowledge of medicine and the ability to offer it to underserved communities is really encouraging to continue forward. Just go for it! It's not scary, and there are people there to help you and to figure things out every step of the way!

It was great to show my kids a whole different world and prove to them they can do hard things. The local team were great and welcoming hosts. I really felt they cared and were doing everything they could to make our stay pleasant. They get a 10 out of 10 from me! Just do it! There are so many unexpected things to learn and experience. Of my four international volunteering experiences, my favorite part has always been the other volunteers I’ve met and shared the experience with. I have multiple lifelong friendships that began this way. It’s a special self-selecting group of people that sign up for this kind of thing - you should be one of these people, you won’t regret it!

Volunteering with our kids was a really special bonding experience. We had to work together, be creative and really be present for the students. It really brought us together as a family and gave us so much perspective and compassion. One of my favorite moments was at the end of our second week we made crowns with the kids and all of them were so excited to wear them and decorate them. It was a special moment where we were all just having fun together! Volunteering internationally is an amazing way to give back while developing yourself. You'll build up someone/somewhere else, while building understanding, compassion, and determination in yourself.

I had an absolutely incredible time teaching English with the IVHQ program in New Delhi, India. Before even leaving for India, IVHQ provided an informative and useful pre-departure guide, furthermore IVHQ staff readily made themselves available should I have any questions or concerns. Upon arriving in India, I was immediately greeted by staff and fellow volunteers. The initial culture shock of India was somewhat overwhelming, but my host family and IVHQ staff did a superb job of trying to make me feel at home, while providing me with useful information regarding the cultural difference between the US and India. As mentioned above, I taught for 3 weeks at a school in the slums. Previous volunteers had left notes and materials for activities that were successful in their classroom, which helped make my first few days drastically easier. IVHQ staff also routinely checked in at the school to ensure that I was doing alright. Throughout those 3 weeks I fell in love with my compassionate, caring students; and my only regret is that I didn't volunteer for longer. Additionally, the food IVHQ provided was AMAZING! I would catch myself consistently going back for seconds and thirds. Traveling to a foreign country is always a little unsettling, but IVHQ does a tremendous job of preparing volunteers before departure and then providing continued support throughout the program. I'd highly recommend volunteering with IVHQ for anyone that wants to travel throughout the world at an affordable rate.

Two weeks doing the slum teaching project in India led to an unforgettable experience teaching unprivileged children in the slum. The locals were all truly hospitable, inviting you to their homes and helping you as much as possible with whatever questions, requests and problems you may have. The children at the Morning Star school were really eager to learn and were some of the happiest children I have met, despite the poor conditions they were presented with. It was an emotional goodbye but feeling extremely thankful for the opportunity to contribute and meet countless of heartwarming, joyful and wonderful people. I am thankful for all the volunteers, staff and children who made this trip forever memorable.

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I can not recommend this experience enough. I will be using this company again when I get the chance to travel in the future. The people were so kind and I have met some life long friends. I felt looked after the minute I stepped off the plane and each step of the trip was clearly explained. I have the most incredible memories that will last a life time.