Social Work Volunteering in Dharamsala, India

All guidance was above and beyond through Scotia at IVHQ. It's a teamwork. We did our share in order to become a successful volunteer. Thank you Scotia. The local team are also great! The best feeling is giving back to the ones who don't have the resources or means and these emotions will make you a better person along life! Give back to the most in need with your time, your money, your love, your compassion, your kindness and knowledge. Give back and be humble. My favorite moment was going to school everyday and see the kids faces eager to learn something new and happy to see us. Also making them lunch that was not provided by the school. Be humble and just do it! You have nothing to lose and so much in return! Kids are the future of the world and we have to guide them for a better life. Innocent souls with their happy faces is so rewarding that no money in life can buy to you.

I greatly appreciated the structure of the program and the requirement to complete relevant trainings and checklists. The local team were amazing hosts, the volunteer accommodation was so comfortable and an enjoyable place to stay. They made sure we felt safe and were very attentive to all students. The food was delicious, and beds very comfortable. Enjoyed the meals and the variety of dishes. As well as the desserts! I really enjoyed the chance to meet and get to know the students at the school. They were great kids that were eager to learn. By sharing my time and energy, I was able to help facilitate them and encourage them on their English studies. Bringing crafts from the US created a lot of excitement as well, and that was another way I felt I was able to make an impact, through the donations of supplies. At the end of every day the students would have recess, and play in the school yard. I greatly enjoyed the chance to talk to students and other teachers during this time. Students would play tag or cricket, perform bollywood dances, and interact with the cows, sheep, and goats grazing nearby. This informal time was an important part of the school day, and serves as some of my favorite memories! During my time volunteering in India, I got to explore teaching, which is different from my college major and job. This was an excellent opportunity to try it out, as it is something I have been curious about. Volunteering with IVHQ gave me the confidence to continue to pursue this, whether it be on the side, as a volunteer, or through a teaching certificate program. If you have the time and freedom to volunteer abroad, do it! You will gain much more than what you give, and come out of the experience with new ideas and inspiration. It will give you so much perspective and momentum, which lasts long after the trip is over.