Menu
Thumbnail

iSpiice

4.89 Rating
110 reviews
Leave a Review
Visit Site
About Us
Visit Site

Why choose iSpiice ?

iSpiice (Integrated Social Programs in Indian Child Education) is a voluntary social organization that builds partnerships between International volunteers and rural Indian communities. With 80% of India’s population living in rural areas an iSpiice volunteer programs takes you to the very heart of India, giving you the opportunity to put your hands and heart to use and help those less fortunate. At iSpiice (Integrated Social Programs in Indian Child Education,) we offer many exciting opportunities for you to give something back through teaching programs, childcare, renovations, health services, and more. Safety is a prime concern. iSpiice offers a range of optional add-on tours that you can add to your volunteering to ensure you get the best experience possible in India like trip to the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Trekking in the Himalayas, Varanasi, Haridwar, Hrishikesh pilgrimage trips, Famous Golden Triangle trips.

Website
www.volunteerindiaispiice.com
Founded
2008

Community Photos

Community class
Volunteer
Taj Mahal tour with iSpiice
Volunteer
Teaching English with young children
The Taj Mahal
Last day with the kids!
At school
teaching
Teaching in Sidhwari, School
Taj Mahal
Slums
Sight seeing

View All Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

BIPOC Support

iSpiice firmly committed to providing full support and inclusivity for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals. Through our programs and initiatives, we strive to create a safe and empowering space that acknowledges, values, and uplifts the unique perspectives and contributions of BIPOC communities. Our organization stands united in the fight against discrimination and is dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone can thrive, irrespective of their background.

LGBTQIA+ Support

We are dedicated to providing our full support for individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, we strive to create a safe and welcoming space for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Our commitment extends to promoting equal rights, dignity, and respect for every individual, regardless of their LGBTQIA+ status. We aim to create a world where diversity is embraced and everyone can thrive to their full potential.

Neurodivergent Support

We are committed to fostering inclusivity, we provide steadfast support to neurodivergent individuals. Our programs create a safe and embracing environment, where diverse neurocognitive perspectives are valued. Upholding equal rights and respect, we aim to eliminate obstacles and empower all members of the neurodivergent community to thrive through our dedicated initiatives.

Accessibility Support

With a strong commitment to inclusivity, We offer support for individuals requiring accessibility accommodations. Our initiatives are designed to create an environment where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can fully participate and contribute. Whilst some programs may be more suitable than others, we strive to empower all individuals to engage and excel in our programs and activities.

Impact

Sustainability

We are dedicated to promoting sustainability in all aspects of our work. By embracing sustainable practices, we envision a future where communities thrive, natural resources are preserved, and the Earth's ecosystems are nurtured for generations to come. We are committed to keeping our projects focused on positively benefitting the local communities and environment.

Ethical Impact

iSpiice is committed to providing ethical volunteer opportunities that truly benefit the local communities. We support a small network of Volunteer Programs in India that we have specifically chosen due to their efforts being sustainable for our volunteers and the local communities alike. We work closely with each of our local teams to ensure we are assessing and adapting to ensure quality experiences for all involved.
iSpiice does not provide volunteer opportunities in orphanages in any of our locations. Our aim is to provide the best facilities to our volunteers and also to nurture the host communities in the most effective manner.
We focus on offering alternative childcare volunteer opportunities whereby children come to and from the placement setting each day. In other words, our local teams collaborate with childcare projects which do not offer any form of residential care. These are safe and responsible projects, where participants continue to provide valued assistance supporting local staff. Volunteers, who wish to get associated with our projects, need to follow certain guidelines according to the company policies.
Learn More

Reviews

Default avatar
Emily
30
Female
United Kingdom
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Volunteer Programs in India by iSpiice

Amazing!

Apr 1, 2024

Volunteering at a community center in Dharamsala was one of the most enriching experiences I have ever had. The kids were great and so enthusiastic and fun! It was truly a most gratifying experiences. Since the first day in India the adventure was amazing, the places I went, the people I met, the food, everything was just incredible. I would recommend anyone who is looking for a pleasing, satisfying as well as a real experience of volunteering abroad to go with iSPIICE. The staffs are very warm, friendly and funny and they make feel at home. The project itself was very safe and organized. The time spent with the children will definitely stay in my memories forever. Additionally, the trip to Agra and Jaipur was a blast with the other volunteers in the group. The tours were incredibly informative, and we had a great time seeing the cities. The accommodation at volunteer house was lovely and clean and the food was delicious. I would highly recommend iSPIICE to all my friends considering volunteering in future! Saying goodbye to our students was one of the hardest parts of the trip. I can honestly give positive volunteer in India reviews and recommend iSPIICE for anyone who wants to volunteer in India.

Community class
Default avatar
Anita
Female
United Kingdom
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Volunteer Programs in India by iSpiice

Keep an open mind and go!

Jan 31, 2024

Keep an open mind and GO! The guidance and preparation resources I received pre-departure were spot on target and the in-country volunteer coordinator was absolutely fabulous! Very passionate and dedicated. I had an absolutely amazing experience in India with the iSpiice Volunteer program. This experience truly made me a better person, taught me new things and has allowed me to see the world differently. I took part in the community development program where it was amazing to see the things you were able to teach them and see how they progressed so much over such little time. The teaching experience was a bit challenging, yet it was worth it.

Volunteer
Default avatar
Aimee
32
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Volunteer to Teach English in India

Life changing experience!

Dec 19, 2023

“iSpiice (Integrated Social Programs In Indian Child Education) is awesome! “My experience with iSpiice changed my life. It opened my eyes and my heart to a world that was so similar to mine, yet so different. It was also such an honor to be part of a global community of volunteers who were there for the same reason - to be of service and to have fun. It was well worth all that it took to get there.” The iSpiice team is so dedicated to their jobs and everyone in the community is thankful for your hard work. The volunteer organisation was safe, clean, good atmosphere, friendly. I totally recommend this organisation!

Taj Mahal tour with iSpiice
Response from iSpiice

Thank you Aimee ji, We are glad that you enjoyed your time with us.

By Varun Verma on December 19, 2023
Default avatar
Harriet
39
Female
British Virgin Islands
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Volunteer Programs in India by iSpiice

Excellent Experience!

Dec 19, 2023

“Working with iSpiice has been a phenomenal experience. From its mission, to the people who run it, to the Programs we volunteer at. I’ve loved working with all the people behind iSpiice because they’re all nice, funny, accommodating and such joys to have around. Varun is so passionate about the Programs that we work at and that passion is contagious – I wanted to work harder to make his Programs a success. I’ve loved it all and am so glad to have had this experience. ”My time volunteering with iSpiice has been 10 out of 10 – great hospitality, Programs and structure.”

Volunteer
Response from iSpiice

Thank you Harriet, We are glad that you enjoyed your time with us.

By Varun Verma on December 19, 2023
Default avatar
Romane
18
Female
France
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Volunteer Programs in India by iSpiice

An enriching experience available for all ages and nationalities

Aug 26, 2023

Doing for the first time a volunteer abroad as a seventeen years old French girl. I am still learning how to speak English well. Indeed it is really open to every age and different level of English.
Because without knowing exactly how this trip would look like it could be easy to worry about so many things. For example, would communication be complicated ? Would it be hard to be around people that are much older ? or else How to be sure to behave well without knowing precisely the codes of Indian culture ?
And at the end everything was just perfect. Indeed the language doesn’t matter so much because you always find a way to communicate with at least one person who understands English. Also all the people are very present for you if you need anything. Everyone is kind and open-minded. Local people are very friendly and interested in learning and sharing their culture.
So if you might need to take one thing from this review is just to be confident about this program and that will just bring you so much enriching and improving skills.
Ps : In addition to all of that, I really want to mention how enlightening this experience is ! Spending time with Indian people during 4 weeks and being really immersed in their daily life made this trip more memorable because you truly discovered Indian culture. Another thing that is excellent is the different trips we have the possibility to do because they can teach you so much. So I really recommend you to try the trek in the Himalaya and also the visit to the Taj Mahal :)

Teaching English with young children
Response from iSpiice

Thank you Romaine ji for the review. It has been such a great time with you in the program. We hope to see you soon in Dharamsala.

By Varun Verma on August 27, 2023
View All Reviews

Programs

Displaying 1 - 5 of 5

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Michael Wilder

Program
Volunteer Programs in India by iSpiice
Thumbnail

Why did you choose this program?

There were two reasons I decided on the ISPIICE program. The first is my love for the Indian Culture and the Indian People. I had traveled to India previously and wanted to give back to a community in need of critical services.

The second reason was that ISPIICE has many project areas to choose from and two that I felt would compliment my professional skills were that of working with homeless/street youth and early childhood education in the local daycare settings in the villages.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The ISPIICE Director arranged initial contact in Delhi with an ISPIICE Team member who then coordinated bus transportation and escorted me to the ISPIICE Team Camp/House. This was a 9 hour bus ride to a village near Dharamsala.

The provider arranged for all meals daily as well as transportation to the project sites. The entire ISPIICE Team was also beneficial in assisting me with transportation and information about local places I wanted to visit in my free time.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

FLEXIBILITY! Regardless of which program you choose our which project you may choose, the reality is that the needs of the community and or provider may change before you arrive, or on a daily basis after you arrive. Being flexible may allow you really tap into your hidden resources.

One of my examples from my ISPIICE experience was not only the opportunity to work with the homeless/street youth, but I was asked one day if I could teach a IT class to them. I am by no means an IT wizard but I figured it out and helped further an IT class that today has youth emailing and Facebooking volunteers who have visited. Being flexible allows you to grow more when working on these critical projects.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

The ISPIICE team has a well coordinated system between all their projects. A typical week is working in the various projects Monday through Friday and the weekends were free for each team member. Each day usually began about 7am with many team members organizing lesson and action planning for the morning projects.

The morning projects were approximately three hours in length, then a break for lunch back at the team house and then back to planning for the afternoon projects that ranged from two to three hours as well.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it and/or how did your views on the issue change?

I have done four projects across four countries so I am at ease with the experience. On my first project my fear was always about getting lost and there being a language barrier.

What I have found in all my travels is that I know enjoy getting lost, as you will find a new adventure.

There is always someone who will assist, point, or even walk you in the direction you need to go towards to get back on your path to your eventual destination. When I get lost, I explore first then find my way!

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Kristyn Brisnehan

Program
Gap Year in India - Volunteer & Travel Program in India
Job Title
Social Media Coordinator
Kristyn helps manage iSPiiCE social media accounts remotely from her home in the US.
Kristyn

What is your favorite travel memory?

I will always remember my time in India. I met the most incredible people, and felt like I really experienced “authentic India” and not just the tourist attractions. I especially loved teaching classes and learning about the local culture. It was fun to cook with the iSPiiCE staff and share meals together.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

My time in India really helped shape my worldview. I remember witnessing extreme poverty, but also some of the happiest people I’ve ever met. Upon returning to the USA, I had some pretty strong culture shock! I often reflect on my time in India and want to help more people get there and experience what I did, because I think it will help people grow their perspective.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

When I visited iSPiiCE, I went with a group of fellow students. Every night, we would have a group reflection to discuss what had happened during the day, and what we were thinking about. It was amazing to hear from all different walks of life, but also hear common themes. We were so struck by the upbeat, positive people we were meeting and their bright spirits!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

The excursions that iSPiiCE offers are incredible. The Taj Mahal excursion was awesome, and many people want to see that while in India. The Himalayan excursion offers such an amazing opportunity to spend time in nature and take in the beauty of the Himalayans. I would love to experience the Golden Temple excursion to see the Pakistan border ceremony.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

ISPiiCE is unique because the staff is local and gives all of their energy to the program. I’ve traveled to many countries, but this experience was so unique, and I built friendships that have lasted for years. I am so proud of the work iSPiiCE does for the local community. They are well known as an organization that helps the community and have made a positive impact.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I believe a successful company must be aware of the local needs of a community. ISPiiCE does a fantastic job of this. Their staff lives and works in the community, so they know the current needs and work to meet them. I think this makes the company sustainable and impactful. ISPiiCE is a grassroots movement that has a powerful influence.