Planning for a volunteer abroad trip to India, but worried about how it will go? Read and learn from the experiences of our volunteers who have been a part of volunteer programs in India. Do look out for the ‘best places to visit’ recommendations.
“Being with the children was wonderful. The experience made a huge impact on my life and I hope I made an impact on them as well. Everything was very nice. ” This is what Sarah Dufour, who volunteered in the Street Children program in India, felt after the completing her program.
Many volunteers share the similar feeling once they get over with their volunteer stint in India. While, they return with a lifetime of an experience and a vision to take this effort of altruism to new heights, their experiences can be a great advisory for those who are planning for a Volunteer program in India.
Why India?
It is no secret that India is one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Be it the mighty Himalayas, the world heritage sites, or the jubilant crowd; India is full of delightful opportunities to learn, explore, and see different shades of life. By adding volunteering into your travel to India, it makes it much more exciting and worth.
“I really loved volunteering in India because it is just such an amazing country. It is so beautiful and diverse, adventurous and challenging, sometimes even shocking and just completely different from my home. Still I soon felt like home and in a short time I learnt so much about India, its culture and people.” says Karin Kapler who volunteered in India for Mini break program.
Best Part of the Program
There are myriad of opportunities to volunteer in India. Volunteers choose different programs to work in while in India including Childcare, Women Empowerment, Teaching, Healthcare, Dental, and much more. While serving their program, each volunteer has a different set of experience. Some share the best part of their programs;
“The highlight for me was the children and their thirst for knowledge and warmness. They treated me with respect and love and will never forget them.” – Harjeevan Randhawa (Street Children Program)
“My highlight would be going to play with the street kids from the tea garden plantations. As well as the amazing views of the mountains as a backdrop. I had a really great time that afternoon with the kids.” – Noelia Silva Clarkson (Mini break Program)
“The highlight of this trip had to be celebrating Holi with the street kids at placement. That was pretty amazing.” – Angie Vaughn (Street Children Program)
Living Arrangements
It’s a different ball game altogether when you travel abroad for volunteering than taking a leisure trip abroad. While, the latter involves a luxurious sojourn according to your comfort, the former requires a volunteer to be flexible in approach and be ready for whatever is available. However, the placement agencies make sure to provide as comfortable stay as possible at the location.
“Accommodation was good and safe and conveniently located. “– Laura Stewart (Childcare Program)
“The accommodation has been very comfortable and everything that is provided (Water/Air-Conditioner) has been really useful” – Milly Aylott Harvey (Teaching Program)
“The accommodation is very nice and was perfect for my stay. The meals were so nice. Always different and varied and very filling. “ – Zoe Walker (Childcare Program)
“The Harvin family was extremely hospitable and they were helpful. They provided help whenever I needed something and they always made sure that I was comfortable. Everyone in the house was friendly. The food was delicious and I enjoyed the simple, yet tasty meals. I felt right at home! “ – Shwetha Shankar Shetty (Teaching Program)
Things to Do and Places to See
Taj Mahal, that is like the every first place which would strike traveler’s mind autonomously when thinking about places to see in India. But, if to go by the words of the volunteers, there is much more than that to explore in India;
“The trip to Akshardham Temple was probably the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life.” – Erika Nilson (Childcare Program)
“I loved my trip to Varanasi – such a huge culture change and so interesting to see” – Caroline Van Slobbe (Women Empowerment Program)
“The weekend trip to Manali was an amazing experience. A wonderful time spent with fellow volunteers.” – Elisa Emiliani (Childcare Program)
Last Minute Advices
So, you have made your bookings, packed your bag, read the guidelines…. Everything said and done! What haunt now is the last minute worries about how the trip would unfold. This concern hit the most to those who are taking an international volunteer abroad program for the first time. Our experiences volunteers have something to say you on this;
“Allow yourself to go with the flow. Have an open mind. Be humble and focus on giving your time and care to the children you come to help. Do not obsess or be afraid of mosquito bites, bugs, or contracting any maladies. Take the reasonable measures recommended by the WHO and the staff at VolSol. Follow the instructions given by VolSol manual.” – Erika Brunnander (Street Children Program)
“I would advise you also to pack lighter than you think you should. I brought way too much with me. Be flexible, laid back, and ready to meet awesome people. You will return to your country different than when you left.” – Neola Andrews (Childcare Program)
“There really isn’t anything more fulfilling than to see someone smile in appreciation of the time you had rendered to be of service to them. Do also go with an open mind and a good attitude, and be willing to work with just anyone. I’m pretty sure the program will be as amazing as it was for me.” – Beata Lausmaa (Childcare Program)
Volunteering India would like to take this opportunity to appreciate the kind feedbacks of all its volunteers and hope to have them coming in regularly. As an international volunteer organization, VolSol takes complete responsibility of making your volunteer trip a memorable one. Keep Volunteering!
You can also connect with our past volunteers on Facebook Group or Facebook Page
