Travel With A Purpose - India!

Delhi, India - a city with a population of nearly 12 million people in an area of 1,483 sq km, it is virtually an assault on all of your senses at any given time, not just when you first step off of the airplane.

Whether you come to Delhi for a visit, or to relocate your family for a long-term assignment, it has much to offer. Because of the rich history and beautiful temples, forts and gardens, it has so much in the way of education, learning, historical significance and exploration opportunities. I even have to admit that there are several sites that I found more beautiful located right in Delhi, more beautiful than the Taj Mahal in Agra!

On the social side of things, Delhi is a city that boasts a very large group of expatriates. It has small subgroups and organizations for nearly each major country that has sent individuals/families to live in India as their host country. There is a large network of people from all facets and walks of life, and one is never at a loss for things to do, people to meet and places to see. The food industry is booming here and with the exception of Mexican, almost any cuisine can be located and enjoyed. Movies are played within 1-2 weeks of their release dates in the United States, foreign films are available for viewing at various locations and the cultural arts opportunities are limitless.

Having touched upon the greatness of Delhi, there is also the flip side of the coin. Delhi is often said to be one of the most difficult cities to acclimate to (and this said by people who have lived all over the world!) as it is noisy, polluted, crowded and just plain dirty. Many things strike you as uncomfortable, whether it is the oppressive heat for the majority of the year, the poor and beggars that are often literally in your face, or the lack of cleanliness and waste in the streets and walkways.

India has a way of imprinting itself on an individual and nearly all that come for a visit … or to live … say that India has changed them and will always keep a part of them. Recently when I was asked by my husband about continuing our stay in Delhi, I honestly and quickly responded that I wasn’t ready to “go home.” Amidst the struggles of day-to-day life here as an expat from overseas, Delhi does engrain itself in your bloodstream and begin to provide a sense of satisfaction in not only survival, but in thriving in this environment.

What to Expect In India

• Learning the local language is amazingly not necessary as most locals that you will encounter understand enough English to get by. Hindi is not an easy language to learn, however the typical greetings and requests can be memorized simply.
• The food here is NOT like the Indian restaurants you are used to from home! Be aware of the spices (HOT!) and always ask for bottled water. Do not purchase bottled water unless you are sure it has never been opened before and be careful when eating street food and drinks like lassi, etc.
• Delhi’s climate is very hot. Always stay hydrated and know that you will sweat, a lot and often!
• Please do be sure to dress conservatively – especially if you are female – and be respectful to always choose your clothing conservatively.

Opportunities Abound for Teaching, Volunteering and Studying


Varanasi, India

Teaching English is available on a volunteer basis, as well as paid via the many schools in the city. Whether it is a slum crèche that has been set up for the children whose families otherwise could not afford school, or a beautifully landscaped local Indian school, English speaking teachers are always sought after.

Giving of your time in other areas is also an easy thing to do, as the charitable spirit is alive and well in Delhi. Several organizations have gathered a list of NGOs that accept volunteers from all different walks of life, to serve in all different varieties of positions. Dance, music and art are often the most enjoyable ways to spend a volunteer’s afternoon. Working with groups to instill clean water, providing sanitary toilets or providing job skills to the unemployed , while a bit more rugged, are also readily available and easy to find.

One thing that is to be learned, however, is that many NGOs are not properly organized and ready to immediately take on new volunteers. Often they are used to receiving help from visitors on a short-term basis, or people that lose their motivation to continue in their volunteerism. Because of this, they often do not have the processes in place to simplify the volunteer process. Make sure that you do your homework on an organization first to make sure that they are best utilizing your time, and that they will receive the best you have to offer at the same time.

Map of India

Volunteer in India


Volunteer in India with Kaya Volunteer

We Recommend: Kaya Volunteering for Educational Projects in India
Where: Mysore, India
The Lowdown: Kaya provides many English teaching placements but we also provide alternative education programs such as working with blind, deaf and children with Down syndrome. Education for these minority groups is poor and they are in great need of outside help. Be ready for minimal teaching aids and know now that you will be the main teaching resource. It is a great opportunity for the children to learn from a native speaker and hear the correct pronunciation, and all you need is a good level of English to participate in many of the placements.

Teach in India


Teach in India with Projects Abroad

We Recommend: Teach English in India with Projects Abroad
Where: Madurai, Trivandrum, Trivandrum districts, Sivakasi, and Trichy, India<
The Lowdown: India is a truly amazing place - spectacular scenery, quaint villages, fascinating and magnificent temples, sandy beaches and lots of sun. It has all this and an ancient culture. For the vast majority of visitors, it is a place they long to return to again and again. All accommodation is organized, paid for and monitored by Projects Abroad. All project placements are regularly visited and checked. We require high standards of supervision and accommodation, and these are verified just before you arrive in India. In addition, this project offers the opportunity to become fully immersed in the culture in a manner which even the most hardened of backpackers could never hope to do.

Study in India


Study in India with CIEE

We Recommend: Arts and Sciences Program in Hyderabad - CIEE
Where: Hyderabad, India<
The Lowdown: The goal of the Arts and Sciences program is to enhance students' knowledge of India from interdisciplinary perspectives. The orientation in Hyderabad, combined with specialized courses throughout the semester, enables participants to grasp the historic and cultural density of the largest democracy in the world. Situated at the gateway between northern and southern India, Hyderabad's location ensures that students gain insight into the linguistic, religious, and cultural diversity of the region - in a city undergoing massive physical and cultural transformation due to India's rapid ascension in the global economy.