Volunteering With India

Program Reviews

Teresa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

First time teaching in India - incredible experience!

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!!

Catherine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wonderful experience

It was a wonderful experience being able to share my expertise with students. Although I was initially a stranger to them, they were eager to learn from the very start. They were also very patient with me and helped me to understand some of their culture which was really special to me.

The students were welcoming, polite, and lots of fun. The teachers were also very helpful and supportive. This was an experience I shall never forget and I returned to England with truly wonderful memories. I look forward to visiting again later this year.

Gina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Taking a Leap: My Volunteer Experience in Jaipur

Volunteered with Volunteering with India for one week and one day. At first, I wasn't completely sure if I would be able to do it. but I decided ta take a leap and join the Children Project, helping teach math and English to underprivileged boys aged 12-18.

The experience turned out to be very energetic and engaging. The children were eager to learn and often asked for more exercises and explanations, I explained in English. Their curiosity and motivation were truly impressive and made the teaching experience very rewarding.

VWI arranged transportation for me each day with a driver picking me up and dropping me off from my homestay. Everything was explained early, and the team always made sure that volunteers felt comfortable and safe My teaching assignment was in the mornings which left the afternoons free to explore Jaipur and experience the city at a relaxed pace.

Overall, the VWI team was well organized and very welcoming throughout my stay. I'm grateful for the opportunity and the care they showed during the program.

What was your funniest moment?
Interacting with the students was fun. I tried to help them while explaining in English, and they asked their questions in Hindi. Even though our languages were different, we smiled and laughed together as we figured things out
Pros
  • Good experience
  • Independent travel
  • Social skills in different cultures
Katrin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience with Volunteering with India

My experience with Volunteering with India was absolutely perfect. During my whole journey I felt very good supported by this organization.

From the beginning when I was picked up from the airport I felt very safe and welcomed. My project coordinator Rohit is an absolutely kind and experienced man. He was always there for me whenever i needed something. The guesthouse was also perfect for me. The host family was so nice and gentle and I could get to know the indian culture very well. I felt there, like it was my second home and the indian food was delicious.

The work in the child center was also amazing for me. My coordinator and I prepared games, activities. I was never afraid because of the language. Everything was translated perfectly in Hindu to the children.

The sightseeing tours on Saturdays were also very nice and interesting. Also my driver, Shekar is a very nice person und very supportive.

Whenever I have the chance to do volunteering again I would choose Volunteering with India again.

Everything was just perfect and I am so grateful for that experience, which I will never ever forget.

What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moments wäre definitely in the child care Center. I danced with the boys bollywood and i showed them music from austria. We enjoyed dancing so much and my first bollwood movements looked so funny
Andres
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Teaching

It was heartwarming to work with children in their dire circumstances and their enthusiasm to learn, and their positive energy. I wish students in the US have this enthusiasm to learn. Basically taught simple alphabet and math - addition and subtraction. The levels of the 7-17 year olds varied. Most of the students were very proficient in math and were very quick coming up with the right answer. Some of the kids proactively approached me to get help with help in their writing and math assignments. The teachers also were enthusiastic and had positive energy.

What was your funniest moment?
Not sure
Pros
  • Opportunity to positively impact kids
Usha
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Family Volunteer Program - Jaipur (India) 2025

We spent two weeks in December 2025 volunteering with VWI (Volunteering with India) 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). We developed beautiful relationships with the boys and felt that we were doing something that made a difference in the world.

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.

What was your funniest moment?
Teaching the boys the Macarena.
Lorna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Street Children Rescue Program

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.
Doing this project is a great opportunity to combine volunteer work with travelling and learning new skills.
I filled every minute of free time and have come home with memories to treasure forever.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Do Everything you can while you're here, travel, learn yoga, Indian dance,cooking grab every opportunity, you're not here for a rest...
As a solo traveller I was apprehensive at first doing weekend trips alone but I felt totally safe and comfortable and would say to anyone...do not worry...you are very well looked after.
Pros
  • I saw so much
  • I learned so much
  • I have made new lifelong friends
Cons
  • It is a one off... very long expensive trip
Tina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wonderful!

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 free time.

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 ♥️

Danny
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience

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. Loved the chai at around 10.30 and we enjoyed our singing while learning English and exercise while counting. The staff over there are very friendly and always happy to help. Great experience and amazing memories. I will definitely come back.

What was your funniest moment?
Dancing Bollywood songs with the boys and staff
Pros
  • The children
  • The staff
  • The driver who was picking me up every day
Cons
  • Some activities in the afternoon
  • More opportunities to meet other volunteers doing a different programm
Marine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life time opportunity

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 that truly cares 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.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Nothing ❤️
Pros
  • All meals included
  • World class driver
  • Beautiful city
Cons
  • Program too short
  • Had to come back home
  • Going back to reality