Volunteering With India

I’ve taught in Southeast Asia many times in the past, but this was my first experience teaching in India. I was traveling on my own and arrived in Jaipur not knowing quite what to expect, but the entire experience was thoughtfully curated from beginning to end by the volunteer coordinator, Rohit, and the rest of the team. Rohit in particular — along with our driver — was incredibly attentive, kind, and welcoming, and truly made the experience feel one of a kind. The organization itself was also very well run, while still giving me the freedom to bring creativity into the way I taught English and math. The children and classrooms were an absolute joy to teach in — the students were curious, energetic, and full of personality, which made every day genuinely fun and memorable. By the end of the program, it was honestly difficult to leave and say goodbye to them. The homestay was another highlight: it was run by a wonderful mother and daughter-in-law who made me feel completely at home and even helped me with errands around Jaipur. Overall, it was an incredibly meaningful experience, and I would highly recommend it.

This was a truly wonderful and meaningful experience. I was fortunate enough to meet some truly inspiring people in India who wanted to make my time there so special. I include all the staff from Volunteer with India who went above and beyond to help me and to introduce me to their culture. I very much look forward to returning.

I joined the theater programm at the child care center in jaipur. From the beginning of my volunteer work i felt very well and good supported. My coordinator und driver picked me every day up from the guest house and brought me in the afternoon to the center. In the morning i prepared different activities for the children. My coordinator supported me in all my ideas and translated it in hindu. The work matched perfect between us. We prepared pantomime games, circle games, dance activities and other funny games, where the children could express themselves. The team in the center was so nice and helpful and welcomed me in such a kind and nice way. It was such an amazing, deeply touching experience with the children. I can absolutely recommend this programm for volunteers. " volunteeringwithindia" is the perfect organisation. I really appreciated the work of the team from " volunteeringwithindia". I will never ever forget this beautiful experience. India became my second home. I really loved to experienced this amazing culture.

We spent two weeks in December 2025 volunteering with VWI as part of the Family Volunteer Program. It was a life changing experience for my family, which consisted of my husband and I and 3 children aged 7, 9 and 11 years. We were volunteering at a boys shelter and teaching English and Mathematics to children aged 6-17. The program was well organised and we couldn't have survived without Pradeep (Program Director) and Shekar (our driver). Pradeep and Shekar were so accommodating and made us feel so welcome. Over the two weeks we developed beautiful relationships with the boys and felt that we were doing something that made a difference in the world. The purpose of our trip was to provide our children with greater insight into the lives of others and to make a meaningful contribution. It was the most authentic rewarding experience of our lives where we lived in Jaipur for two weeks and we are able to explore the city, while also participating in the volunteer program. I would highly recommend the program to other travellers who are looking for a different experience while travelling.

I spent 3 wonderful weeks with Ramesh and the boys at Bal Basera.The work being done here day to day is life changing for these vulnerable children. I travelled extensively in my free time and embraced the wonderful Indian culture with the host family.My time in India was everything I wanted it to be and more.I will continue to fundraise going forward in order to keep supporting the inspirational work being done at the Bal Basera project.

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I‘ve been volunteering with children in a boys school in Jaipur for 2 weeks. It was simply a wonderful experience. The boys appreciated the volunteers very much and they were very friendly. I’ve been teaching Math and English. Usually there were kids from age 7 to 17 but the amount changed daily. Lessons start at 9 and finish around 1 p.m. Sometimes two or more volunteers are there at the same time. Its not like I knew school from home. But that’s why you travel and volunteer - to make new experiences and broaden your horizons. Don’t expect every detail to be organised perfectly. But everyone involved in the program is very kind and helpful. I was even invited to their homes and could join family festivities, which was very unique and authentical. I can recommend staying in a homestay while you volunteer. Another possibility to get an insight into authentic Indian lifestyle and culture. The city Jaipur offers a lot to do on the weekends and in your freetime. I loved the program! By volunteering you support that those boys are able to stay there, get food and lessons. And you will get back so much from this place ♥️

I stayed in Jaipur doing the educating children program for three weeks. It was an amazing experience. Well organised. The staff always keept me informed before arrival. While in India, I enjoyed every minute of it. We taught English and Maths to a maximum group of around 48 boys although numbers might vary depending on the days. I enjoyed singing while learning English and exercising while learning Maths. The staff over there are very friendly and always happy to help. Great experience and amazing memories. I will definitely come back.

My friend and I were doing the woman empowerment program for ten days and we had a great time staying with Manu and her family. We were taken care of and had a nice place to stay. We were picked up by Sukret who told us a lot about our stay and showed us where we could go in our free time. Our guide Pradeep was so welcoming and funny and he knew a lot about Jaipur and Rajasthan in general. The volunteering was not exactly what we thought it would be, as we found out that they had their own beauty class and we were there as support and motivation, and not as teachers. They taught us more about henna. But overall the experience was amazing. We were welcomed by everyone and felt very safe with everyone. It will be something we never forget.

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Volunteering with this program has been one of the most meaningful and unforgettable experiences of my life. Working with the children was not only heartwarming but also deeply inspiring : their energy, resilience, and joy reminded me of the simple beauty of human connection. The program was well-organized, with an incredible team who truly care about the impact they’re making. From day one, I felt welcomed, supported, and part of something bigger. The activities were both fun and educational, allowing us to contribute in creative ways — whether through games, learning sessions, or just being present with the kids. Each child left a mark on my heart, and I’ve come away with memories that I’ll cherish forever. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to give their time with love and receive so much more in return. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this beautiful journey. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I had a great experience working with Volunteering with India. The kid’s program was very great! The staff are kind, attentive, generous, and willing to offer you help or answer any questions you may have. This program is great for families and solo travelers who want to give something back to the community who has hosted you. If you want the full experience, then you should be prepared to learn as much as you teach. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to have a life changing experience in India!

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I had the most amazing 2 weeks volunteering at a women's centre in Jaipur. Stayed at a guest house close to the city centre. Volunteering was from 12-4pm each day and Rohit the coordinator would come with me each day. I felt incredibly safe and supported. Often after volunteering we would stop for chai or other indian treats on the way back to the guest house. The women at the centre were welcoming and as a volunteer you can incorporate your own skills. I work in a school in Australia so I ran some different art/self identity activities. On arrival to the centre the women would be practicing Mehendi (henna). The guest house rooftop spot was my favourite, Jaipur is a special place. Hope I can return one day soon!

I was volunteering in Jaipur, in medical program. Had amazing time, the staff in the clinic is awesome and they’re doing amazing job with helping people. The accomodation is nice, location is good. Rooms were clean.

Everyone was super helpful, the program was so much fun. We went to some amazing places, and interacted with a lot of amazing animals. The elephants were probably the best part, you can pet them and just kinda chill with them, it's a surreal experience. Very much would recommend.

We participated in the program for two weeks and the experience was unique and unforgettable. We felt super welcomed and comfortable all the time, both at the workplace and at the guest house where we stayed. We received all the necessary support from the program, both from the people in charge of coordinating and organizing, and from the people who accompanied us during classes, trips and transfers. We felt like family, very cared for and pampered. At the house we ate delicious food every day and we felt very well looked after by the family we shared with. As for the work in the workshop, it was a challenge for us since we had to propose the activities and carry them out with children who do not speak our language, but the result was always super positive. The children were really lovely, super participative and happy. We were never alone, always in the company of staff who helped us with the organization of the group and the translation. Jaipur is an incredible city with a lot to explore and see, full of history, culture, architecture and landscapes that are worth experiencing. I think it's important to clarify that we felt super safe all the time, both on the street and in the work or rest spaces. Visiting India and participating in the volunteer program was something super different and totally new for us, to the point of doubting whether or not we were prepared to do it. But the reality is that everything is set up so that the experience is friendly and we can contribute our grain of sand by helping those who really need it and give a different meaning to our trip. We are super grateful to the entire Volunteering Whit India team.

I chose the women's empowerment programme because I wanted to come into contact with Indian girls and women - especially from the slums of Jaipur - and understand more about their world, their lives, their expectations, their difficulties and their dreams. The two weeks I worked in the programme were very enriching for me. The girls who attend the six-month course at the NGO Veeneta Society are trained to become dress makers and/or beauticians. I attended their practical lessons, helping where needed, and I was their teacher in the English lessons. With a great dedication the girls made me the beauty treatments they had learnt in their course. Despite the language barriers between us (there was always a Hindi-English language mediator with me, to help in case of any misunderstanding) we shared bits and pieces of our lives. I also had the honour of handing diplomas to the girls who had completed the six-month course. The festive moments were unforgettable for me, the girls performed traditional Rajasthan dances. All in all, I highly recommend this experience.

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Spending each day in the womens programm gave me an amazing opportunity to learn about the indian culture as well as the womens needs and situation. Teaching english and math was so much fun thanks to the womens enthusiasm and strong will to study and move forward. We were also able to put together a First aid Box with them and play the guitar. So great to see how strong and open they are and how important this program it is for them.

My volunteer program lasted 4 weeks in Jaipur, India. I spent 2 weeks in the women's support program and 2 weeks in the hospital. Both were very enriching experiences for me. The girls and women were incredibly open-minded and inquisitive. They were interested in and implemented everything that was offered to them. First and foremost, they want to learn English. Any form of teaching is welcome, whether role-playing, singing and translating English songs or face-to-face at the blackboard. It was a lot of fun to see how quickly they learn. In return, I got traditional make-up, beautiful braided hairstyles or henna tattoos on my hands and feet. It was a very warm and unforgettable time. The work in the hospital was very touching, as people came with problems and pain and needed help. The doctor's idealistic commitment means that even the poor population can receive very good treatment. They couldn't afford a normal hospital. So they only pay a small fee and only those who can afford it pay. The doctor works on a voluntary basis. The treatments mostly consisted of infusions, acupuncture with electrotherapy, cupping treatments, stretching and the administration of medication. The doctor also makes his own Ayurvedic medicine. I was very impressed by his efficiency and was able to learn a lot. As a physiotherapist, I was able to alleviate the pain in some patients. All of this left a lasting, deep impression on me. Perhaps it was a start for me to further projects of this kind. I would like to thank the organization again for making this possible for me. Sukret, my local coordinator, responded immediately when there were questions or problems. They were solved immediately. Shekhar, my driver and "bodyguard", drove me everywhere extremely reliably, picked me up again and showed me a bit of the area. Perhaps it is still possible to get a small handout about the work in the projects beforehand so that you can prepare better. However, I was integrated quickly. My accommodation at Boby Mansion Homestay was a blessing because, as a woman travelling alone, I enjoyed family contact with all the care that comes with it. I felt very safe and secure in a foreign world.

My daughter and I spent 2 weeks in Jaipur volunteering with the Mobile Medical Van. The staff was very friendly and the organization is doing commendable work in providing counseling on various health issues and primary health care to children living in underdeveloped areas . We also got a chance to observe few of the other programs run by VWI , including the Women’s empowerment program and the children’s theatre program, which are also run very well. The host family was friendly and warm and the food was fresh and healthy . Overall a great experience !!

We just had a memorable trip in India with VWI. Sukret is very responsive before and during the trip, which is extremely helpful. We didn't pick the best season to visit India, so it's pretty hot. But we didn't get any time spent in Inda wasted. The guides, drivers and the mahout for our giant girl 'Champa' are all very good. We spent decent time with the elephant and also did some sightseeing. Will make another trip during Nov. to Mar when the weather is better.

Working with elephants has always been a dream of mine, something I could never do in the UK. This opportunity has been very special for me. I am a solo female traveler, that means I need to ensure my safety. Sukrets contact with me from the very beginning was really helpful and put my mind at ease. Everyone has been really helpful to me and helped me to have an amazing experience in Jaipur. There is one person who has been absolutely wonderful to me, Pradeep. He has taken me wherever I have asked, he has guided me around many Jaipur attractions and my experience would not have been so special without his support. Thank you so much Pradeep!

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