Program Reviews

My volunteering experience with Sankalp was amazing and definitely a highlight of mine during my trip throughout S&E Asia. I got every bit of experience I had expected to out of it and this was my first trip to India.

They were very accommodating and as we were planning our visit to Jaipur with their Orphanage work and project for Street Kids. We first heard of Sankalp Volunteer via their facebook page and made contact with them through email. We had flight issues and their flexibility allowed for us to rearrange our dates to stay as well as pick up from the Jaipur airport. The couple who run Sankalp Volunteer that picked us up was shy at first, but of course by the end of the trip they were just like a family member.

The volunteer house simple and authentic, you have rooms with 2 bunk beds which are comfortable for four people. Most of the rooms are located on first & second floor and can be accessed by stairs, they accommodate old age volunteer on ground floor. There a lounge area in the center on every floor. Each room has their own private western toilet/shower room as well as lights and power outlets.

We were fortunate to split our program duration between their Project for Street Kids and Orphanage work. The school for street kids was a 15 minutes rickshaw ride from volunteer house and orphanage situated in city center on 40 minutes rickshaw ride, the good thing is this; the program fees cover all daily transport to project!

Teaching and working in the schools and orphanage gave me so much joy, and taught me to consider a new normal from a child’s perspective. Dressing in a different way, eating different food and even walking down different streets: everything that was completely opposite to the life I knew suddenly presented itself to me, and I had no choice but to accept it. And I loved every second of it.

Approximately $26 USD/day; you get accommodation (sharing rooms) and shower, transportation from the airport, meals, daily transport to projects, 24 hour wi-fi internet access, staff that turn into family, and a beautiful, relaxing place to chill at roof-top.

I highly recommend making Sankalp a part of your Indian adventure!. You won't regret it!!

I've read about many volunteer programs featured in my university newsletters and they all sounded amazing. However, after spending quite a bit of time researching, I decided that Sankalp Volunteer suited me best in terms of my budget, program, dates and location. I was a little bit nervous travelling to India on my own so the Summer Program sounded perfect ! I did the street kids teaching program and I would highly recommend it if you're great with kids. If I had stayed for longer I think I would have asked to try the Women's Empowerment program, as we were told by previous volunteer that it was a very rewarding experience. Ti was a wonderful experience and we had a very informative briefing session upon our arrival. I would definitely recommend Sankalp Volunteer for the comforts, the location, the owork itself and most importantly, the selfless people behind it all, thank to Sankalp Team for an incredible three weeks. I will never forget my first trip to India.

I and my friend volunteered with Sankalp through their street children program in Jaipur. The program professionally organized and managed because it is running directly by the people you will stay with, you can see exactly where money is spent. Many other companies/organization charges a lot but here program cost considerably lower than what is available in your home country. When we arrived I didn't know what to expect and I have only been pleasantly surprised. The volunteer house is fantastic, it is not glamorous but it is cozy and welcoming and it really feels like home. The Team is so helpful and really gives you a sense of comfort and security while you are here. We took a few of their organized excursions during our volunteer time. It is very nice to have everything planned for you; we didn't have to worry about a thing. We saw some great things here and the chance to really live in another city. Working with the street kids is something I will never forget. they are so eager and bright they are a blast to teach. Also seeing the spirit and generosity they have towards one another is really something to be inspired by. I recommend this program to everyone as Sankalp provides great volunteer opportunities in India :)

I have been in summer volunteer program with Sankalp. I would recommend this program if you are looking to help with some great social project combined with some travel to best part of amazing India !

I went on a month long trip with Sankalp to Jaipur while on spring break from studying in England. The program was fantastic. I was picked up at the airport and driven to the house where the volunteers stay. The house is great (by Indian standards... don't expect suburban America) and the staff was lovely.

Day to day life included getting up early to go to work at the orphanage, then ending the day at noon and going straight home for lunch (amazing food cooked by the house mother). In the afternoon we had free time to explore the markets, museums, parks, etc. You need to be back at the house by sundown for safety reasons. Dinner is cooked for you and getting to know the other volunteers was a highlight of the trip. I never felt trapped inside or anything after dark. There's a TV / living room upstairs so most of the volunteers and the house mother congregated there in the evening.

On the weekend there are trips to other parts of the region. I went to Agra one weekend, and Ranthambore another. There is a private driver (commonplace in India) who drove us around, and the hotels you stay in are great. The activities were well planned and very fun.

The best part about this program is that 1) it's sustainable travel. The money you spend will stay with the locals. And 2) you get to experience Indian culture first hand. The staff are ALL locals. You will be a tourist, but you will engage and learn from true Indian culture. You will almost surely have culture shock. But you'll come away changed. I adored my experience with Sankalp.